A leader with a comprehensive approach to fundraising understands and appreciates left-brain givers. By “left-brained” I mean analytical, systematic, and results oriented. These are the men and women with a business approach to ministry and who write the larger checks. Their stewardship of God’s resources requires wise management of money from ministries. Left-brain givers expect more and give more.

• Half of the population resembles the profile of left-brain givers, and they control a majority of the world’s assets and fill most of the leadership positions. Learn their language of ROI’s, outcomes, P&L’s, projected cash flow, deliverables, and milestones. As you get to know their world, you will be more comfortable and confident in serving them.
• If we fail to embrace and celebrate this type of donor, we risk missing opportunities for larger gifts and accountability for ministry excellence. Indeed, this disciplined approach to giving is growing in its influence. For example in the early days of Ministry Ventures, we were blessed with 20 givers who gave $20K a year. I learned to communicate with clear, concise, and relevant information to these significant donors. We moved from emotional appeals to cerebral appeals.
• So who in your life can you learn from that has left-brain tendencies? Perhaps you ask your board members to introduce you to friends they have who fit this profile of professionalism. Right-brain people who wisely appreciate those who are left-brain will go a long way in fundraising success. You see more zeros on givers’ checks when your ministry appeals to both sides of God’s creation: the magnificent brain.