Donor Personality Test: What Type of Donor Are You?

How do you give based on your personality? Using a simple donor personality test, we can define how any person prefers 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 break down 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 it 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. This makes it ideal for a donor personality test.

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. 

At any given time in your life, circumstances could change, along with your reaction to them. So don’t be surprised if you notice similar familiar traits of these other ‘wing’ subtypes after taking our donor personality test.

Type One: 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.  

Being a constant advocate for true change is important to you. Churches that do what they say and don’t just speak about their mission appeal to you. 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. The following traits are revealed in your donor personality test:

• Your mission to make the world a better place
• Leaving a positive legacy 
• Showing up 
• Integrity
• Advocating for change
• Improving your surroundings 
• Principled
• Purposeful
• A true leader
• Humanitarian

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.

Type Two: 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. 

• Churches who Serve and don’t just gather at services
• Serving others
• Selflessness
• Hands-on missions 
• Helping and giving to anyone in need
• Spearheading volunteer teams
• “Heart of gold”
• emotionally-driven
• Caring
• Sentimental
• Empathetic

Character Example: 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. This quote from the icon shows she’d likely fall into this category on a donor personality test:

“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.”

Type Three: 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. 

• Other high achievers
• Churches with great statistics in their missions
• People who influence others positively
• Creating a positive, strong image
• Driving change forward
• Influencing others to serve
• Championing a good cause
• Showing your unwavering support
• High achiever
• On top of your game
• Powerful speaker
• Great stage presence
• Workaholic
• Naturally charming
• An influencer

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. 

Character Example: 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.  

While she may not have taken a donor personality test on her own, this quote from her shows she’d likely pop up under the “driven” type.

“One of the things that I encourage for anybody who is interested in their own charity or philanthropy is to start from where you are and what has mattered to you.”

Type Four: 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. 

• Church or non-profit whose missions resonate with your creative and self-conscious personality
• The arts and communities that create opportunities through emotional avenues
• Supporting local artists 
• Philanthropic ventures 
• Romantic 
• Melancholic
• Moody

Character Example: Take a tip from John D. Rockefeller, one of the greatest givers the world has ever known. He once said:

“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

Type Five: 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. 

• Your own curiosity 
• A good challenge 
• Causes that are sensible 
• Practical service 
• Meeting goals and visions
• Supporting new innovations
• Working with promising young people, new church members
• Perceptive
• Innovative
• A true visionary
• Insightful
• Observant 
• Intellectual 

Character Example: 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:

“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.”

Type Six: 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. 

• Solid principles
• Church leaders who serve by example
• Long-term missions
• Family & community 
• Tithing regularly
• Donating funds to a worthy cause
• Hard-working and responsible
• A family-oriented person
• Never disappointing anyone

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. 

Character Example: 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.

“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.”

Type Seven: 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. 

• Big passion projects
• Spiritual leaders who can guide you through the ups and downs
• Giving your time
• Using your natural talents and skills to make a difference
• Organizing events for the church
• Volunteering with youth
• Spontaneous
• Emotional 
• Life of the Party

Your enthusiasm is contagious, as is your giving attitude. Your superpower is the ability to influence others and spark great, lasting change. 

Type Eight: 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.) 

• The bigger picture of a society’s needs
• A strong heritage and foundation of giving
• Meeting great challenges 
• Foundations and Non-profits that are influential 
• Donating to causes 
• Improving the lives of those less-fortunate
• Assertive
• A good leader
• Confrontational
• Self-confident

Character Example: 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 Nine: 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. 

• Friends and family
• The greater needs of the world around you
• Creating peaceful environments 
• Beauty and comfort 
• Solid relationships and connections
• Giving in any way possible, to anyone in need
• Sharing your abundance; you believe it comes back to you in greater ways
• A wonderful friend
• A listening ear
• Contented

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! 

Do you remember this famous Jon Bon Jovi quote?

“Miracles happen everyday. Change your perception of what a miracle is and you’ll see them all around you.”

Remember, no matter what your donor type may be, your gifts still count. You can still make a change, and you can still participate in any of your church’s planned fundraisers. As long as you are committed to changing lives for the better and making the world a better place with your donations, your personality will make a positive difference. 

Can you be more than one Donor Type?

Remember that a Donor Personality type is a mix of inner patterns which take into account many of the following: 

• Emotion
• Feeling
• Thinking
• Perceiving
• habits of attention

The truth is that every one of us is a composite of all nine donor types. In other words, you could see any or all of the patterns we listed to a lesser or greater degree. 

What you must look for is the “dominating set”, also referred to as the “core point”. Your personality could also change depending on your age, circumstances, and interactions with those around you. 

Throughout your life, you may experience patterns that cover a wide range of these Donor Personalities. And during any given stage in your life, your desire to give or support the church will vary. 

Look at this as the ebb and flow of life. And think of your own personality in constant flow. Know that as you learn, change, and progress, you will move through various stages of awareness. You will also be at different stages in your financial journey. At times, you may have more to give than other times. 

The patterns we explained above vary according to the circumstances or situations we find ourselves in. So don’t let yourself get bogged down or locked into just one Type. It is important to realize that we can manifest any one or all nine of the Donor personality types. 

Still, you may notice one set of patterns is more dominant throughout your life. This will be your “core point.” 

Why is the Core Point essential? 

It helps know where to start in your donor journey. It gives you a base from which to guide the decisions you will make on giving. And, as we said above, it also gives your church and pastors better insight on you as a donor.

Feel free to share your Donor Type with your church pastors. They will appreciate learning about what makes you unique.

How to Find Out Your Type 

After reading this, we know you are wondering exactly how to know which type you are? Or maybe you sound like a few or a mix of the types above. 

Here is where we dig a bit further to define and discover more about your donor personality.

The Donor Triads

The Donor’s original nine numbers can be grouped into threes, and these are also known as the Donor’s triads. You see, each number in each triad is connected to a specific emotion in relation to a bodily intelligence center. These triads are:

• The Gut Triad – 8, 9, & 1
• The Heart Triad – 2, 3, & 4
• The Mental Triad – 5, 6, & 7

The groupings help to further describe how people absorb, process and react to life.

The Gut Triad

For individuals with predominant 8, 9, or 1 designations, their ruling emotion is anger:

• 8s externalize this emotion – explosive outbursts
• 9s forget about it – moving on without having dealt with the emotion
• 1s internalize it – can become all-consuming, can affect health

All of these numbers react to life from their gut, sometimes acting before thinking. They also tend to be direct and honest in their responses.

The Heart Triad

Those who are predominantly 2, 3, or 4 are feeling people; they tend to wear their hearts on their sleeves. Their ruling emotion is shame:

• 2s tend to focus on others’ feelings
• 3s are nearly unable to understand their own feelings
• 4s focus inwardly on their own feelings

Those in the Heart Triad are the most image-conscious of the entire nine numbers.

The Mental Triad

Those who are a 5, 6, or 7 are most often referred to as “being in their head.” These folks relate to the world around them within their minds. Their ruling emotion is fear:

• 5s externalize fear
• 6s forget their fears
• 7s internalize their fears

These individuals think about their lives in-depth and plan out details before they take action.

Dominant Types: Qualities

The below dominant type descriptions offer insight into each number:

• Superpowers – Refers to the unique gifts and/or abilities of each type. Knowing a type’s superpower allows you to bring out their greatness by encouraging activities that play to their strengths. This helps build trust, boost productivity, and create momentum within the relationship.
• Passions – Contrary to what you might think, each type’s passions are actually the fuel for their self-defeating fire. A type’s passion is the obsession that prevents their life energy from freely flowing. In this respect, a number’s passions can also refer to the temperament presented when a person isn’t healthy or functioning in a manner that’s good for their well-being. Identifying passions offers insight into behavioral drivers.
• Unconscious motivations – Each type in the original Enneagram has distinct patterns in how they think, feel, and act arising from powerful unconscious motivations. These are the unknown, secret desires that actually drive their behavior. Knowing an individual’s unconscious motivations helps determine their dominant Donor type.
• Communication styles – Each type has its own specific method of communicating. Knowing the communication styles of the types offers insights into how they see the world around them and how you can best reach each type.

Bonus! 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.

To take the test, review the 38 questions. Then, select the answer that applies to you. You may skip questions that you feel do not apply. However, try to not avoid questions simply because they are difficult to answer. 

Make sure you are somewhere comfortable, and give yourself an accurate amount of time to reflect and think deeply before answering. This test typically takes 5-10 minutes to complete.

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.

TAKE THE TEST