Exploring the relationship between spiritual motivation and identification in the philanthropic practice, this issue brings scholars and practitioners together to debate, discuss, and examine a variety of findings from different viewpoints. Offering a selected sample of revised papers and presentations from the 14th annual symposium sponsored by the Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University, this issue fosters a deeper understanding of philanthropic action based upon spiritual and religious beliefs. Contributors discuss faith-guided giving, parachurch organizations, the Native American experience of giving, the ethics of wealth, the role of faith-related organizations in community building, and the role faith can play in our professional calling and in our giving.

Fundraising has always been an essential element of the Christian life: churches, schools, and many other organizations rely on it to function. But it is a risky enterprise, fraught with questions and challenges. How can Christians raise funds with integrity? In this book Peter Harris and Rod Wilson, experienced fundraisers themselves, bring fundraising within the scope of normal Christian life and work. They consider fundraising in light of the relationships that lie at its heart--with God, with creation, and with ourselves. After first laying a biblical foundation by discussing 2 Corinthians 8-9, Harris and Wilson develop seven themes central to the giving and receiving of money: integration, people, work, success, need, method, and money. In a final section, the authors offer their own personal experiences, questions, suggestions, and valuable insights that they have gained from their many years of fundraising as Christians.

From gifts of blankets, chickens, and candles to multimillion-dollar gifts and billion-dollar campaigns, voluntary support of American higher education has been part of the American ethos since the founding of the colonial colleges. Peter Dobkin Hall in 1992 noted that "no single force is more responsible for the emergence of the modern university in America than giving by individuals and foundations." Institutions are turning to private giving to meet budgetary demands. This book provides a review of the philanthropy and fundraising literature and addresses the impact of philanthropy on American higher education, the theoretical under-pinnings and motivations for voluntary support, and a comprehensive look at the mechanics of fundraising.

A Publication of INDEPENDENT SECTOR Examines the patterns of charitable activity among members of several major faiths and traces the historical and theological roots of giving traditions.

Strategies for effective and responsible giving

Fundraising is ministry—a transformative ministry that challenges all people to realize their own gifts and how they can be used for the benefit of the church. In Imagining Abundance, Kerry Robinson focuses on reasons why each of us are called to be stewards. We act because we’re excited about what it is that we do for the church and where we’re called by God to be, we want others to be just as excited about what that is, and we want people to be partners with us in that ministry.In Imagining Abundance, Kerry Robinson offers an inspirational and practical guide to effective fundraising that is ideal for anyone invested in a faith community. Bishops, provincials, pastors, ministers, executive and development directors and trustees of faith-based organizations will benefit from this healthy approach to the activity of fundraising that situates successful development in the context of ministry and mission.