Type Five: The Wise Donor 

In our recent Donor Personality Test, we introduced you to Nine Different Personalities, based on the Enneagram Test. Each of these types have different traits, and learning about them will help you as pastors and church managers to understand, guide, and grow them on their donor journey.

In this article, we look closer at the type five personalities, also known as the Wise Donor. Let’s learn how to identify and appeal to these perceptive and innovative people.

Identifying the Wise Donor

The following descriptions are often used to refer to the Wise Donor. Do you recognize any in your church?

• Perceptive
• Innovative
• A true visionary
• Insightful
• Observant
• Intellectual
• Mindful
• Curious
• Not big on small talk
• Loves a good challenge
• Passionate about sensible causes
• Looks for practical, hands-on ways to serve
• Looks for innovative ways to reach goals

What Should Pastors Know About the Wise Donor?

On the upside, these are the people who are true visionaries. Having them to back and support your fundraising missions feels like a real Godsend.

Because they investigate, observe the world , and have a natural curiosity for what goes on around them, they will find solutions to problems. Perhaps you notice some people who may not be big, regular givers, but are still instrumental in bringing along their friends, networks, and other donors to help your cause.

Their intellectual skills motivate type Fives. They will only give to a certain cause if it makes “complete sense” to them. So when they refer friends, or talk about your church to their friends and colleagues, people know they’ve done their research and are likely to trust their choice of charity. However, Type Fives have the tendency to be secreted and isolate themselves.

The Wise Donor and Their Superpower

Perhaps the most unique thing about the Wise Donor is how they focus on intellectual understanding and accumulating knowledge. In your congregation, they may be scholars or even technical experts.

Their natural curiosity in the world, and easygoing personality makes people love to be around them. As their pastor, they need your full, unwavering support.

Ways to Reach Out to the Wise Donor

Be mindful of the following traits in the Wise donor, and reflect that wisdom in the way you deal with them, or ask for donations. Here are some more tips for leaders:

Use Discretion

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

Make them feel at home

Type Five Wise Donors may be intellectually brilliant, and this makes it easy for them to stay in an isolated situation where they can focus on their mental challenges. If they are the scholarly type, for example, they 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.

When teaching, focus on principles of giving

The Wise Donors may have an emotional habit of hoarding, which can be anything from holding on to information, resources, or finances. Depending on the person, this psychological defense is often based on the fear of scarcity. Try to instill in them more values of spiritual faith and trust. Teach them that the Bible promises there will always be enough, showing them the principles of living in flow, non-attachment, or letting go of emotions and things which no longer serve them.

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Character Examples:

Bill and Melinda Gates, who are known both for their generosity and intelligence, are typical Type Five Doors. Under this category might also fall Elon Musk’s mother, May Musk.

“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,

How DonorWerx Can Help

Guiding these types of Donors is best done with partners who understand your responsibilities as a church leader and can help you reach your giving goals. At DonorWerx, we have the right resources and digital tools to help you on your donor journey.

Contact us today for a Discovery Call, and Get started on reaching your goals effectively.

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In this article, we look at the Type Five or Wise Donors. These are very intellectual types, who do have the tendency to withdraw emotionally. But that doesn’t mean they cannot be valuable supporters of your work. Read on to learn everything you need to know about the Wise Donor.