For much of my career in nonprofit development, I believed generosity was largely about performance. Success was measured by goals met, dollars raised, and outcomes achieved. Like many leaders, I felt the pressure to continually produce results and secure support for important work.
But through seasons of striving and personal hardship, God began teaching me a different way.
As He deepened my dependence on Him, He also reshaped my understanding of generosity. What I once viewed as a transaction became something much more meaningful, a relationship. I began to see that when ministries and givers truly care for one another, generosity flourishes in ways that benefit everyone involved.
That shift changed not only how I approached fundraising, but how I viewed stewardship, partnership, and God’s provision.
The Vision Behind Inspire Generosity
As I worked with both ministry leaders and generous givers, I noticed a disconnect. Organizations often felt pressure to ask for support, while generous people sometimes felt like they were being treated as sources of funding rather than partners in a shared mission.
I knew there had to be a healthier approach.
That conviction led me to found Inspire Generosity, where I help nonprofits build cultures of giving rooted in trust, clarity, and shared vision. My passion is helping leaders move beyond transactional fundraising and create meaningful partnerships that honor both the mission and the giver.
I’ve learned that generosity isn’t about convincing someone to give. It’s about inviting the right people into the work God is already doing.
As I often say, “Let’s stop asking and instead invite giving partners.”
The Joy of Meaningful Partnership
One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that people want more than an opportunity to make a donation. They want to be part of something bigger than themselves.
When we take time to listen, understand motivations, and build authentic relationships, generosity becomes an act of discipleship rather than obligation.
“This is about looking for someone who wants to participate with their money, along with your time and expertise, to create change in the world.”
The most fruitful partnerships happen when there is trust, alignment, and a shared commitment to Kingdom impact. When someone experiences the joy of meaningful generosity, they’re often eager to become even more engaged.
As I’ve seen time and again, “If someone has a meaningful giving experience, they’re going to say, ‘What else can I do?'”
What I’ve Learned Along the Way
Lead with curiosity. “When you’re really curious, you can’t be focused on your own performance at the same time.”
Look for alignment. “You don’t need more people. You need the right people.”
Create opportunities, not pressure. Generosity grows when people are invited into a vision, not pushed toward an obligation.
Trust God’s provision. “God will never let us down.”
Focus on relationships. Lasting generosity is built on trust, shared purpose, and genuine care for one another.
Generosity was never intended to be transactional. It’s an invitation to participate in God’s work alongside others who share a common vision. When we approach giving through the lens of relationship rather than obligation, we discover greater joy, deeper trust, and a richer understanding of God’s faithfulness.
This blog post was thoughtfully adapted from Joanna Hogan’s interview on the Finish Line podcast. You can hear her complete live interview on the podcast here.
