Year-End Charitable Giving: 15 Questions Every Good Steward Should Ask

09 Dec Year-End Charitable Giving: 15 Questions Every Good Steward Should Ask

As 2019 draws to a close, it’s time to think about year-end charitable giving. Yes, there’s a tax angle since nonprofit donations are tax-deductible. But more importantly for Christians, clear thinking about generous giving is central to the Biblical call to be good stewards with the resources God has entrusted to us.

And since the heartbeat of faith-driven donors is to honor God with every choice we make—including decisions about which nonprofits to support with our time, talent and treasure—it’s important to do our due diligence and ask some good questions before we support our favorite causes.

So what kinds of questions should you—as a potential donor—ask? And how can the simple act of asking these questions affirm and support the nonprofits we love?

At Mission Triangle, events like Shark Tank provide givers and nonprofits alike the chance to communicate in a way that gives donors confidence that the groups they support are implementing best business practices and incorporating Biblical truth into everything they do.

And with increased donor confidence comes increased generosity, which leads to expanded Kingdom impact throughout the Triangle—a win-win for everyone.

Here are the Top 15 questions raised at Shark Tank 2019 to guide you in your year-end charitable giving:

1. 1. 1. What does your organization do to create a culture of measurement?
      2. What’s your annual budget and are you currently on track?
      3. What’s your donor retention rate?
      4. How do you measure “success”?
      5. What holds you back besides money?
      6. How do you develop board and staff leadership?
      7. Do you have clarity around your vision, mission, niche and core values?
      8. How do you avoid mission creep?
      9. What are your biggest strengths AND weaknesses?
      10. How is the Gospel woven throughout your organization?
      11. Do you accept federal funding—and if so, does it impact your ability to integrate your faith?
      12. Do you collaborate with other organizations in the community?
      13. What is your vision for long-term growth?
      14. Do you have a leadership succession plan?
      15. Are you working with Mission Triangle to hone skills around metrics and outcomes?

At its core, stewardship is using and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation.  Hundreds of nonprofits in our community are doing great work and are “entering into” tough situations in our community.  Let’s join them, ask tough questions, learn from them, and pursue a vibrant community together.