The Purposeful Donor and the Wise Donor

Are you on the journey to grow your church outreach and ministries step by step? Small progress every day leads to long-term success! If you need more advice for growing donors, our latest blog posts dive deeper into this topic. Follow our social pages and sign up for newsletters to get the latest.

But for today, let’s examine and identify two more donor personality types from the Enneagram example: The Purposeful Donor, and the Wise Donor. Types One and Five are both strong intellectual personalities. They need equally wise leaders who lead with purpose and heart. When reading below, try to note if any of your potential donors fall into these categories.

Type One: The Purposeful Donor

These strong personalities are principled and purposeful. They live to make the world a better place and want to leave this earth with a positive legacy. Here are some ways to recognize the Purposeful Donor:

Most Notable Traits:

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

Example Character: The outstanding leader in the Bible, Moses, can be considered a Type One. He was always on some kind of mission, whether as prince of Egypt, a shepherd, or a leader of the Children of Israel.

Tips for Appealing to the Purposeful Donor

When appealing to the Purposeful Donor, how can you be more effective in fundraising? Here are some suggestions:

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

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

Be Quick to Adapt

Digital giving platforms and easy fundraising options are your best friends.

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 Purposeful Donors? Our blog and pastor resources are full of practical advice for church managers and pastors.

Type 5: The Wise Donor

Now, let’s look closely at another type of donor, common in successful churches. These are very intellectual types who have the tendency to withdraw emotionally. But that doesn’t mean they cannot be valuable supporters of your work.

Wise Donors investigate, observe the world around them, and are true visionaries. Often, they are extra curious, but this is a noble thing! It drives them to find better solutions to complex problems.

Maye Musk, author of A Woman Makes a Plan: Advice for a Lifetime of Adventure and mother of entrepreneur Elon Musk could be considered a Wise Personality Type. Musk often made conscious, cautious decisions when raising her children.

Most Notable Traits of a Wise Donor

What are some of the ways we can recognize a Wise Donor? Here is a good list to keep in mind:

• Curious
• Always up for a good challenge
• Perceptive
• Innovative
• A true visionary
• Academic
• logical
• Insightful
• Observant
• Intellectual
• Worldly
• Curious
• Intelligent
• Rational
• A deep thinker

Tips for Appealing to the Wise Donor

The Wise Donor’s natural curiosity in the world and easygoing personality make people love to be around them. As their pastor, they need your full, unwavering support. Follow these tips for successful relationships with your Wise Donors:

Use Discretion

Wise Donors have keen perception and razor-sharp analytical abilities. Never forget that privacy and personal autonomy are at the top of their priorities. Always discuss their monetary donations in private; don’t announce big gifts unless you have their specific permission to do so. Making their private life public or general knowledge could result in them feeling emotional pressure and withdrawing from the church.

Make Them Feel at Home

If they are the scholarly type, these donors may prefer to spend weekends alone rather than in a church fellowship. Encourage them to pursue their own interests, while having a good balance of connection with others. If they choose to take part in one of your church outreach programs, be attentive and encouraging, making them feel accepted and valued.

Focus on Academic Principles of Giving

Try to instill in them more values of spiritual faith and trust, but don’t be afraid to appeal to their academic sides as well. Show the balance between complete faith and a logical approach to thinking and living. Show them that when it comes to giving, the Bible promises there will always be enough, demonstrating to them the principles of living in flow, non-attachment, or letting go of emotions and things that no longer serve them.

For more insights on leading your donors, see our recent leadership blog posts.

How DonorWerx Can Help

At DonorWerx, we are committed to growing your giving rates and helping you plan for long-term donors. We help you stay relevant, adaptable, and approachable with church technology.

Our resources were created specifically for churches who want to grow their giving but don’t know where to start. We are happy to hop on a Discovery Call with you to introduce you to better donor strategies.