23 Aug
Science confirms those with less give more
I have always found it strange that those with the least to give are more likely to give when compared with those who have considerably more. While it seems counterintuitive, it’s true. Research from organizations like Giving USA supports an indirect correlation between a person’s estate value and their giving habits. The greater the estate value, the less a person is likely to give.
Here are some thoughts that immediately come to mind on the subject:
1. People with money aren’t bad. I think organizations (churches especially) are better at talking to people who are struggling financially than those who are financially successful. Therefore, the lack of conversation, perspective, and investment in relationships with those with the greatest resources results in a lack of giving from the group most likely to make a significant impact through their gifts.
2. Poor isn’t better than being rich. Money as an object is not bad. Having money or not having money is not indicative of sin or virtue. We must see ourselves as catalysts for change and find ways to increase the margin in our lives (time, talent, and treasure) so we can share more with others to multiply ministry opportunity and increase Kingdom impact. Everyone can do, give, and lead something. We must determine what we have the capacity to do and then do it.
3. People don’t have a giving problem. Some of the wealthiest people in the world are making some significant commitments. I hope others follow suit. The preservation of money should never outweighs a person’s desire to leverage their margin for greater social impact. What people struggle with the most is reasoning why they should give to you. With so many options available to the individual today, it’s important that we provide a compelling reason why your cause or organization is the best investment they could make.
4. Giving must be cultivated. The idea that people will just give to anything or anyone is not an assumption a church or organizational leader should never feel comfortable making. All gifts — even the smallest — must be cultivated through relationships and consistent interaction and participation with organizations and causes that connect with the giver. If you’re waiting for Mr. and Mrs. Wealthy to find you and save the day, then you’re in trouble.
How you talk about and approach the subject of money matters. Are you prepared? Your funding depends upon it.
You give us much to think about and respond to, Ben.
My own take on why those with less money give more: they are closer to the cause and, in many instances, have been beneficiaries prior to becoming benefactors. Perhaps they even alternate between the two roles.
No need to tell someone who has been homeless about the needs of the homeless – they know the needs and probably better than we do. Those with less money know the good that various organizations can do and have benefited from that good directly. Those with more money, well, don’t. At least not in the same way. For them, contemplating the need is optional, not visceral. They haven’t been hungry enough to have to visit the soup kitchen for a meal.
That’s why direct involvement in the cause is key to unleashing greater generosity in people: they experience it first-hand…and that is life-changing.
Eric, Thanks for your thoughts and for connecting on Twitter. I really appreciate your commitment to this conversation about Kingdom funding. Direct involvement is key. I agree completely.
Blessings, Ben.
P.S. Love that fact you used the word “visceral.”