Donor Personality Test:
What Type of Donor Are You?
How do you give based on your personality?
Using a simple test, we can define how we as donors prefer to give to the causes that matter most.
This is a recommended step, as it helps you when forecasting your future giving commitments and online giving. Remember, giving should feel good. When you give from your heart, supporting a cause that matters to you, you know that your investment is in safe hands.
In this E-Book, we introduce a fun way to find out your Donor Personality Type. It can also be helpful for church leaders if they are aware of the type of giver you are.
They could be in the process of creating particular content for your needs on their digital platform, so knowing a bit more about your personality is helpful for their church and ministry goals.
The Enneagram Personality Test
Do you love taking personality tests online? Doing so can show that you are mindful of improving your self-knowledge. An essential skill for anything in life.
There are many tests that have proven scientifically accurate and can help you define your own personality traits. They also help to breakdown past events and your reaction to those circumstances. These tests show you why you chose to give or not to give in a particular situation.
One of these popular tests is The Enneagram personality test. They base it on nine personality types and is one of the most commonly-used tests today.
It derives its name from a nine-sided star polygon, the symbol used to represent 9 core personality traits.
The Enneagram test is commonly used in the corporate world when hiring staff and managers and in the self-help arena. Because we all know that the best way to reach your goals is to envision them and then find out where you are in relation to your goals.
The “finding out where you are” is often the tricky part. How many times in a day do we have a chance to really sit down and ask ourselves deep questions about our personal journey?
Taking a personality test might seem trivial, but in fact, it can give you a lot of insights into your Self. If you want to grow, meet the challenges that will arise this year, and also be an asset to your church and community, self-reflection is key.
Personality Tests Specific to Churches and Donors
However, we know that church members and donors have specific needs, and a test must take into consideration their spiritual personalities as well. Hence, we have formulated a test similar to the Enneagram, enabling you to define your own personality in relation to your spiritual and emotional senses.
It’s important to know the theory for this test: you are born with a dominant personality type that does not change throughout your life. That said, it does not set this dominant personality type in stone.
On any given time in your life, circumstances could change, and your reaction to them. So don’t be surprised if you notice similar familiar traits of these other ‘wing’ personality types.
Type 01
The Purposeful Donor
Type one personalities are principled and purposeful. They are self-controlled and can be perfectionistic.
Typically, this type is a perfectionist, always looking for reform. If you are this type of donor, you are constantly improving your surroundings. You live to make the world a better place and want to leave this earth with a positive legacy.
You constantly advocate for true change. You get behind churches that do what they say and don’t just speak about their mission. You have had plenty of experience with nonprofits and usually get involved on a very personal level. In fact, you may already be a leader in the church. You might have spearheaded some humanitarian missions in the past. Whenever there is a fundraiser or outreach drive with a mission that means a lot to you, you show up — front and center.
You Are Motivated By
- Your mission to make the world a better place
You Are Passionate About
- Leaving a positive legacy
- Showing up
- Integrity
You Love Serving By
- Advocating for change
- Improving your surroundings
You Are Best Described As
- Principled
- Purposeful
- A True Leader
- Humanitarian
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
Your natural charisma and deep sense of purpose in everything you do becomes your Midas Touch!
Example Character: Think of the Bible character Moses as a Type One. He was a true leader, whether advocating for change in the palace as a Prince of Egypt or leading the children of Israel across the Red Sea. He spent his whole life on his mission and left behind an amazing legacy.
You Are Motivated By
- Churches who Serve and don’t just gather at services
You Are Passionate About
- Serving others
- Selflessness
- Hands-on missions
You Love Serving By
- Helping and giving to anyone in need
- Spearheading volunteer teams
You Are Best Described As
- “Heart of gold”
- Emotionally-driven
- Caring
- Sentimental
- Empathetic
Type 02
The Engaging Donor
Type two personalities are generous and demonstrative. They aim to please others and can be possessive.
This empathetic type is naturally helpful and giving. You were born with a heart of gold. You can’t pass by someone in need without stopping to see if and how you can best help them. At the heart of your mission in life is selflessness. Serving others is your priority. You look for churches that serve, not just gather at services. You are emotionally driven, and the nonprofits who speak to your sentimental side are those who benefit from your strong support.
“Some women choose to follow men, and some women choose to follow their dreams. If you're wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn't love you anymore.”
― Lady Gaga
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
The ability to see and respond to a need at the right time makes you a valuable superhero to anyone in need.
Example Character: Think Lady Gaga, who uses her lyrics and performance art to make a change and raise funds for a good cause. She is not just a performer, but a philanthropist who lives to make the world better for those both in and out of her circles.
Type 03
The Driven Donor
Type three personalities are adaptable and typically excel. They are driven but can be image-conscious.
If you are a high achiever, always on top of your game, known for your energy, stamina, and powerful presence, you might be a Type Three. Sure, you are a workaholic much of the time, but you don’t mind doing overtime if it means you can support your favorite charity with the extra funds. Around others, you are naturally charming, and people are drawn to you because of what drives your passions.
You Are Motivated By
- Other high achievers
- Churches with great statistics in their missions
- People who influence others positively
You Are Passionate About
- Creating a positive, strong image
- Driving change forward
You Love Serving By
- Influencing others to serve
- Championing a good cause
- Showing your unwavering support
You Are Best Described As
- High achiever
- On top of your game
- Powerful speaker
- Great stage presence
- Workaholic
- Naturally charming
- An influencer
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
Your drive inspires others to support those who are in the mission. You have a lot of influence and perhaps have already quite a following of people who admire you and your work.
Example Character: Who can we think of as a Type Three? The first name that comes to mind is Oprah Winfrey. Topping the list of 50 most generous Americans, besides being the only black woman on the list, her list of achievements is endless. Those who have been in her presence are inspired because what drives her is an honest interest in people and humanity.Here is inspiration from the queen of talk herself, on giving back:
You Are Motivated By
- Church or non-profit whose missions resonate with your creative and self-conscious personality
You Are Passionate About
- The arts and communities that create opportunities through emotional avenues
You Love Serving By
- Supporting local artists
- Philanthropic ventures
You Are Best Described As
- Romantic
- Melancholic
- Moody
Type 04
The Decisive Donor
Type four personalities are expressive and dramatic. They can be self-absorbed and temperamental.
Do you have romantic ideas yet consider yourself an individualist? Type Four can be quite the melancholic donor. Although you are very self-aware and have these strengths, the tendency to be moody dictates how, why and to whom you donate. If you find yourself withdrawing during a difficult time, whether in personal or professional life, try to turn those emotions into positive energy.
Look for a church or nonprofit whose missions resonate with your creative and self-conscious personality. You might be inspired to move the world in ways you didn’t know you were capable of. The church you choose may just be the perfect partner to help you reach your philanthropic goals.
“I believe the power to make money is a gift from God...to be developed and used to the best of our ability for the good of mankind.”
―John D. Rockefeller
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
Your ability to make decisions that are not based on short-term goals or changing moods makes you reliable and trusted.
Example Character: Take a tip from John D. Rockefeller, one of the greatest givers the world has ever known. He once said:
Take the Donor Personality Test Now
This Donor Personality test will show you which of the 10 personality types suit you best. See how you score for all nine, and understand where you are in your donor journey.
Type 05
The Wise Donor
Type five personalities are perceptive and innovative. They can be secreted and isolate themselves.
They investigate, observe the world around them, and are true visionaries. Oftentimes, Type Five is extra curious, but this drives them to find better solutions to complex problems. They love a good challenge and can be instrumental in fundraising for the church. Because they are motivated by their intellectual skills, they will only give to a certain cause if it makes “complete sense” to them.
“If at the moment you feel as though you don’t have any talents, go to a time in the past when you felt confident about some aspect of your life. Work on that section, study it, share it, and become more interesting. If you have a profession, a hobby, or a special interest, read about it, and mention it in conversations. Be excited about it, and you’ll be more interesting and more intelligent.”
― Maye Musk
A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure,
You Are Motivated By
- Your own curiosity
- A good challenge
You Are Passionate About
- Causes that are sensible
- Practical service
- Meeting goals and visions
You Love Serving By
- Supporting new innovations
- Working with promising young people, new church members
You Are Best Described As
- Perceptive
- Innovative
- A true visionary
- Insightful
- Observant
- Intellectual
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
Your natural curiosity in the world, and easygoing personality makes people love to be around you and give you their full support in return.
Example Character: Think of Bill and Melinda Gates, who are known for their generosity. They are typical Type Five Doors. Under this category might also fall Elon Musk’s mother, May Musk. Here is a quote she is famous for:
You Are Motivated By
- Solid principles
- Church leaders who serve by example
You Are Passionate About
- Long-term missions
- Family & community
You Love Serving By
- Tithing regularly
- Donating funds to a worthy cause
You Are Best Described As
- Hard-working and responsible
- A family-oriented person
- Never disappointing anyone
Type 06
The Principled Donor
Type six personalities are engaging and responsible. They can be anxious and suspicious.
Loyal yet skeptical might best describe the Type Six, who always stand their ground on principles. They are hard-working and responsible and will never go back on their word — even when it comes to tithing and donating to the church. They also have heavy emotional connections to their giving. These types of donors are invaluable to the church.
“As women, there is a bond we all share. It’s not a bond of geography or culture, but of shared experience. There are struggles that only women face. The worst thing we can do as women is not stand up for each other. [But] if we are united, if we keep up the fight for each other’s rights, there is no limit to what we can do.”
― Amal said:
At the 17th Annual Texas Conference for Women at the Austin Convention Center
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
You know the value of working behind the scenes to make a difference in the world. You are often not seen or heard, but the mission work would not be possible without them.
Example Character: A power couple who set the example for Type Six Donors are George and Amal Clooney. She is the president of the Clooney Foundation for Justice, founded in late 2016 to advance justice in courtrooms, communities, and classrooms worldwide. The Simon Wiesenthal Center recently honored Amal and George Clooney with its Humanitarian Award at its 2020 virtual gala.
Type 07
The Spontaneous Donor
Type seven personalities are spontaneous and versatile. They are acquisitive and can be scattered. But with patience and care, this is the donor that remains faithful.
Enthusiastic and spontaneous, this type is a great donor to have present during public fundraising events and projects. They are simply a joy to be around. However, experienced church leaders know that they are prone to sudden bursts of emotion as well, and their giving is largely based on their feelings that day.
These are donors who must be nurtured. Churches would be wise to build deeper relationships with these types of donors and have a giving attitude toward them as well. They need to be treated with patience and acceptance.
You Are Motivated By
- Big passion projects
- Spiritual leaders who can guide you through the ups and downs
You Are Passionate About
- Giving your time
- Using your natural talents and skills to make a difference
You Love Serving By
- Organizing events for the church
- Volunteering with youth
You Are Best Described As
- Spontaneous
- Emotional
- Life of the Party
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
Your enthusiasm is contagious, as is your giving attitude. Your superpower is the ability to influence others and spark great, lasting change.
Example Character: Robin Williams put a lot of his passion and emotion into his craft. He was known for his amiable personality, and his genuine interest in other human beings. We remember him for his huge heart, the times he laughed and shed tears, and his spirit of giving.
You Are Motivated By
- The bigger picture of a society’s needs
- A strong heritage and foundation of giving
You Are Passionate About
- Meeting great challenges
- Foundations and Non-profits that are influential
You Love Serving By
- Donating to causes
- Improving the lives of those less-fortunate
You Are Best Described As
- Assertive
- A good leader
- Confrontational
- Self-confident
Type 08
The Motivated Donor
Type eight personalities are self-confident and decisive. They are willful and can be confrontational at times.
Do you meet challenges well and consider yourself largely in control of the current situation? If there is a fundraising project, do you assert yourself, feel confident about why you want to give to this cause, and see it as your moral duty to donate?
Type Eights often reflect resourceful and decisive attitudes. (Quite contrary to Type Sevens.)
Roosevelt famously stated:
“The man who holds that every human right is secondary to his profit must now give way to the advocate of human welfare.”
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
You are a natural-born leader with the ability to stay in control, even in the most challenging of situations.
Example Character: A most notable Type Eight is Franklin D. Roosevelt, who suffered from polio but did still founded March of Dimes, a foundation that worked tirelessly to improve the lives of polio victims. His generosity and financial aid allowed the non-profit to build an iron lung so that polio patients could easily breathe.
Type 09
The Cheerful Donor
Type Nine personalities are receptive and reassuring. However, they can be complacent and resigned.
A natural peacemaker and mediator, this type often has a large social circle. They depend on these kinds of connections and often surround themselves with friends and family. Giving comes naturally to them because of their desire to see others safe and stable. If there is a mission project or cause that will help other lives live more peacefully or in greater abundance, you can be sure that the Type Nine cheerful donor will be fully supportive.
“Miracles happen every day, change your perception of what a miracle is and you'll see them all around you.”
― Jon Bon Jovi
You Are Motivated By
- Friends and family
- The greater needs of the world around you
You Are Passionate About
- Creating peaceful environments
- Beauty and comfort
- Solid relationships and connections
You Love Serving By
- Giving in any way possible, to anyone in need
- Sharing your abundance; you believe it comes back to you in greater ways
You Are Best Described As
- A wonderful friend
- A listening ear
- Contented
YOUR DONOR SUPERPOWER
People know you for your love of beauty, and your ability to make their lives feel more beautiful as well. Use your influence to keep being a beacon of hope and light in the world.
Example Character: One of the most generous celebrity donors is Jon Bon Jovi. He is the founder of the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation, which exists to combat issues that force families and individuals into economic despair. But not only this one foundation; to date, Bon Jovi has supported over thirty charities around the world. And—you guess it—he always does so very cheerfully!
Take the Donor Personality Test Now
This Donor Personality test will show you which of the 9 personality types suit you best. See how you score for all nine, and understand where you are in your donor journey.