Always and forever stay true to your organization's mission. Don't compromise the value of what you do and who you are for a funding opportunity. It will show a lack of integrity and credibility in the end if you compromise. Donors will understand and respect your position.

When facing donors whose expectations clash with your mission, effective management involves a balance of clear communication and flexibility 🔄. Start by clearly explaining your organization's mission and how it drives your initiatives 🎯. Offer alternative ways for them to contribute that still align with both your goals and their interests 👥. Finally, set realistic expectations about what their support can achieve within the framework of your mission 📈. This approach not only maintains your integrity but also builds trust and mutual respect with your donors.

Contrasting Approaches to Development and Advancement We want to acknowledge early that there are contrasting approaches to “development” in the world in which we live. Organizations sometimes focus on extracting money from donors to advance an institutional agenda or reach a goal. This approach is highly reliant on methods, experience, and human skills. On the other hand, with a biblical understanding of the working of God, ministering truth to stewards about their practice of stewardship, and sharing institutional needs for consideration, relies on the leading and provision of God. “In God We Trust!” The two philosophies are polar opposites when put to practice. You should be certain what your philosophy is before you begin your work.

It’s so important to remain true to your mission. If a donor is demanding outcomes that clash with mission, sometimes- the answer is that this donor is not the right donor for your organization. While this is terrifying to think about, getting hyper focused and crystallized on mission alignment actually results in the right donors giving more and supporting you in realizing your mission to your fullest extent. Saying no to funds is hard, and sometimes seemingly impossible. But you can rarely go wrong with being tightly connected to your mission!

You absolutely need to stick to your vision, mission & values. They will respect this if you explain objectives, campaigns & projects clearly. Discuss strategies with them openly, and explain the way their support will deliver impact on shared objectives. Transparency is critical. From the outset. They should understand the results that are required for your impact and mission. They just may never have had anyone run them through the detail, and why the results they think they want clash with the ultimate goals.