The Engaging Donor and the Purposeful Donor

What makes some churches experience success and others struggle? Those who understand their givers are able to grow and nurture them.

In this article, we look at Enneagram Ones and Twos, or the Engaging Donor and the Purposeful Donor. These two personality types may complement each other very much, as they share similar qualities.

You, as a pastor, may find these donor types to be professionals who are very engaged in their work. In fact, sometimes their work schedules keep them from attending church services.

Let’s now go over what makes the Engaging Donor and the Purposeful Donor so unique and valuable to the church.

(For a recap of the Donor Personalities, please check out our post on this subject.)

Type Two: The Engaging Donor

We generally see the Engaging Donor as generous, and these types aim to please others. The only downside is that they can be possessive—and this negative trait might pass over to how they handle money. Church pastors must help Engaging Donors focus on church outreach programs that appeal to their social, selfless side.

Most Notable Traits:

• “Heart of gold”
• Emotionally driven
• Caring
• Sentimental
• Empathetic
• Natural around people
• Enjoys hands-on outreach events
• Often busy with social events

Tips for Appealing to the Engaging Donor

When asking Engaging types of donors to give regularly, try to include the following practices. If you are planning leadership workshops, these tips will also give your pastors ideas on dealing with Engaging Donors:

Encourage Their Natural Drive

Ask them if they want to get involved with hands-on help. Encourage their emotionally driven personality to get in touch with others. Invite them to take part in the activities that they might find enjoyable, where they can best serve.

Keep Them Updated and Feeling Like Part of the Church

Send personal greetings to show your care. Always treat them as individuals, not just one of the dozens of donors to the church. For example, send a LinkedIn greeting to congratulate them on their work anniversary.

Invite Them to Speaking Engagements

They could share their insights with other members of the church or community or teach a skill during one of your church leadership workshops.

Value Their Time

A donor’s time is a commodity that cannot be wasted. People invest their time when they attend your outreach events or church services. Sponsors invest in your outreach missions, so show that you appreciate them by being considerate of their time. Don’t assume they will attend all of your fundraising events. Always leave it open to them, or try to work around their schedules.

Never Take Them for Granted

Stay connected to them through visually appealing content and provide ways for them to get involved without sacrificing too much of their time.

Appeal to them through a creative outreach event.

Consider an end-of-the-year dinner gala or an art auction. This will encourage their philanthropic side and display their passionate personality.

Growing church members with wisdom and care is essential. Follow these tips on do’s and don’ts for welcoming church guests at your fellowships.

Type One: The Purposeful Donor

We come back now to the first type of Donor, who represents purpose and principles. They are also generally positive folk and desire to leave a legacy with those they love. What kind of traits can we see in the Purposeful Donor?

Most Notable Traits:

• Self-controlled
• Perfectionist
• Always looking for reform
• Constantly improving their surroundings
• Advocates for change
• Humanitarians
• Known for always showing up

Tips for Appealing to the Purposeful Donor

Every church will benefit from this genuine humanitarian type of donor! Here are some tips for appealing to their philanthropic side.

Be Direct

When asking for funding, don’t be vague. Tell them exactly what you need, when, and which legacy it will support.

Appeal to Their Sense of Urgency

Show an immediate need with a sense of urgency and always update your newsletters!

Be Quick to Adapt

Use digital giving platforms to make donations easy.

Ask for Feedback

Hire a social network manager to communicate with your Purposeful Donors.

Encourage Their Personal Legacy

Include them in your sponsor appreciation program and always show your gratitude.

Want to find out what more you can do for your donors? Read our blog and pastor resources for practical tips and suggestions.

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Good leaders begin by building on shared values. While Type Ones (Purposeful Donors) commit strongly and may become long-term donors, Twos (Engaging Donors) bring warmth, a concern for people, and a willingness to go the extra mile for those in need. For more good ideas for church outreach events to grow your donors, check out our latest blogs.

How DonorWerx Can Help

Remember, the churches of today must know the ways to reach their members and future donors. The old ways may not work anymore, but the future is still promising.

At DonorWerx, we make it our mission to help churches that want to upgrade their outreach strategies with technology. By using our resources created specifically for churches, you will grow your donors and increase giving. What’s more, you can schedule a Discovery Call with us at DonorWerx for an introduction to how we can collaborate.