Prospecting & Developing Relationships
for ShareWord Global
The Brainstorming Phase

Connecting Generosity with God’s Mission

Building a Major Donor Pipeline

1. Donor Segmentation Framework

To ensure effective cultivation and stewardship, potential donors are categorized into three tiers based on giving capacity, engagement potential, and mission alignment.

Tier 1 – Major & Transformational Donors ($100,000+)

High-net-worth individuals, foundations, or corporations with a history of supporting faith-based, humanitarian, or educational causes globally.

Potential Donor Profiles

Donor Type

Examples

Strategic Approach

Faith-Based Foundations

Maclellan Foundation, Green Family Foundation (Hobby Lobby), Murdoch Trust, Templeton Foundation

Align project proposals with evangelism, Scripture access, and community transformation initiatives. Provide impact metrics, field stories, and legacy opportunities.

Christian Business Leaders / Philanthropists

David Green (Hobby Lobby), Norm Miller (Interstate Batteries), Bubba Cathy (Chick-fil-A)

Build relationships through mission briefings, annual donor vision trips, and personal updates from field missionaries.

Corporate Partners

ChristianBook.com, Dayspring, Zondervan

Offer co-branded initiatives such as Bible distribution campaigns, disaster-response partnerships, or literacy-focused outreach.

Family Foundations

Mustard Seed Foundation, Stewardship Foundation, Crowell Trust

Develop tailored proposals linking their giving priorities (faith, education, humanitarian aid) to ShareWord Global programs.

Tier 2 – Mid-Level Major Donors ($10,000–$99,999)

Committed believers and families interested in supporting specific projects, such as mission trips, Scripture printing, or community development.

Potential Donor Profiles

Donor Type

Examples

Strategic Approach

Churches / Ministries

Strong Tower Church, Calvary Chapel Network, Hillsong Foundation, Assemblies of God Missions

Present opportunities for congregation-wide giving (e.g., “Adopt a Country” or “1,000 Bibles for Africa”). Recognize support through impact stories and thank-you videos.

Christian Entrepreneurs

Small business owners with global outreach interests

Offer matching-gift challenges and highlight their support on donor spotlights or mission newsletters.

Faith-Based Universities

Liberty University, Wheaton College, Oral Roberts University

Build partnerships through student mission trips or internships tied to ShareWord’s global outreach.

Tier 3 – Emerging Partners ($1,000–$9,999)

Dedicated individuals, small churches, and community organizations beginning to engage with global missions.

Potential Donor Profiles

Donor Type

Examples

Strategic Approach

Faith Communities

Local churches, small groups, and Bible study networks

Encourage monthly partnerships (“Scripture Partner Program”). Share testimonies of changed lives through newsletters and field reports.

Grassroots Donors

Individual believers, retirees, and missionaries’ supporters

Build loyalty through personal letters, virtual mission updates, and donor appreciation events.

Community-Based Organizations

Rotary Clubs, Christian business networks, local schools

Engage them in service projects and Scripture campaigns with clear local/global impact.

2. Stewardship & Cultivation Strategy

Stage

Action

Goal

Identification

Use donor prospecting tools, church networks, and foundation directories to find mission-aligned supporters.

Build a database of 200+ prospective donors.

Cultivation

Personalized outreach via mission stories, digital campaigns, and one-on-one meetings.

Build trust and emotional connection to ShareWord’s mission.

Solicitation

Present clear, impact-focused proposals (Scripture access, evangelism initiatives, translation projects).

Secure new or increased major gifts.

Stewardship

Provide quarterly updates, donor trips, annual impact reports, and heartfelt recognition.

Strengthen long-term partnerships and legacy giving.

3. Projects for Donor Engagement

Initiative

Description

Donor Fit

“Scripture in Every Hand” Campaign

Fund global Bible printing and distribution in local languages.

Tier 1–2 Foundations & Churches

Digital Evangelism Expansion

Support creation of multimedia gospel content and global digital outreach.

Tier 1–3 Corporate & Tech Partners

Missionary Empowerment Fund

Provide financial and training support to missionaries in under-resourced regions.

Tier 1–2 Individual Major Donors

Disaster Response with Scripture Hope Kits

Provide relief materials with Scripture portions and discipleship tools.

Tier 2–3 Churches & Community Partners

Braille Bible & Accessibility Initiative

Expand access to Scripture for the visually impaired.

Tier 1–3 Foundations & Accessibility Advocates

4. Portfolio Management

Annual Donor Goals (First 12 Months)

Tier 1: 10 prospects, goal $1M+ combined
Tier 2: 25 prospects, goal $350K combined
Tier 3: 50 prospects, goal $100K combined

Total Portfolio Goal: $1.45 Million

5. Core Strengths Supporting Portfolio Success

Deep passion for global missions and proven fundraising leadership.
Over a decade of experience coordinating high-impact campaigns.
Skilled storyteller who connects donors’ faith with tangible global outcomes.
Strategic and relational approach to major gifts, focusing on partnership and long-term impact.

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1. Lilly Endowment Inc.

Focus & mission: The Endowment supports grants in three main program areas: community development, education & youth, and religion. (Lilly Endowment)
Geographic priority: Primarily Indianapolis/Indiana for community development and education; for religion it's national in scope. (Lilly Endowment)
Giving priorities: Accepts proposals in religion nationally, though “invitation‐only” may apply for non-Indiana based projects. (Lilly Endowment)
Suggested first ask for ShareWord Global: A national initiative for Scripture distribution tied to church‐planting or evangelism training that aligns with the “religion” area. Possibly a multi-year grant.
Key take-away: Position the proposal to emphasize national evangelistic impact, measurable outcomes, partnership with local churches/missionaries, and clarify how the project aligns with their “religion” program area.

2. National Christian Foundation (NCF)

Focus & mission: A Christian donor-advised fund provider that helps donors give wisely and faithfully. (National Christian Foundation)
Capabilities: Accepts non-cash gifts (stocks, business interests, real estate) and channels them to charities. (National Christian Foundation)
Suggested first ask for ShareWord Global: A stewardship partnership where ShareWord becomes one of the recommended organizations for NCF fundholders; or a specific fundholder/family grants collaboration for a Bible distribution or missionary‐support project.
Key take-away: Emphasize how giving through NCF facilitates donor tax planning, ease of giving, and impact. Your ask should show a clear donor‐friendly framework (reporting, recognition, impact) and how ShareWord fits into that structure.

3. David Green & Family / Hobby Lobby Family Philanthropy

Focus & mission: David Green, founder of Hobby Lobby, and his family have strong commitments to Christian ministry, Scripture distribution, and legacy giving. (dwoj.org)
Preferred giving types: Large transformational gifts, Bible‐oriented ministry, ministry infrastructure, perhaps naming opportunities.
Suggested first ask for ShareWord Global: A major gift (e.g., $250k–$1M+) for a flagship Scripture translation/distribution project, or a “named” missionary empowerment fund under ShareWord’s umbrella.
Key take-away: Present a high-vision, high-impact project with clear alignment to Scripture access/evangelism — and a naming or legacy component. Make sure to show alignment with their values (Bible impact, global mission) and offer stewardship/recognition accordingly.

4. Dick DeVos & Family / DeVos Family Foundation

Focus & mission: The DeVos Family Foundation invests in community youth, families, education, capacity building, and thriving communities. (DeVos Family Foundation)
Recent giving example: $50 million gift toward children’s health care in West Michigan & related youth programs. (wgvunews.org)
Suggested first ask for ShareWord Global: A mid-to-major gift partnership (e.g., $100k–$500k) for a youth‐oriented Scripture/mission project (e.g., after-school Scripture & discipleship program, global youth mission link).
Key take-away: Craft the project to reflect youth, leadership, global reach, and capacity-building — not just distribution of Scripture but equipping young leaders and missionaries. Emphasize multipliers and long-term impact.

5. John Templeton Foundation

Focus & mission: Supports research, big questions in philosophy, religion, science & society; also international scope. (John Templeton Foundation)
Suggested first ask for ShareWord Global: While not purely a Scripture‐distribution funder, you could propose a project linking Scripture access, cultural change, evangelism research, or digital ministry innovation. For example: “How digital Scripture tools transform evangelism in underserved regions”.
Key take-away: Position the project as innovative and data-driven, mixing evangelism and research/innovation. Show measurable outcomes and potential learnings for the broader field of missions.

Summary of Key Strategy for All

Tailor each ask: Each prospect has a different focus and giving style; ensure your project aligns with their priorities.
Clear impact metrics: Show how many Scriptures distributed, how many missionaries empowered, how many lives impacted.
Legacy/naming & recognition: Many high-capacity donors value naming opportunities or legacy impact.
Demonstrate alignment with donor values: Faith-based, Scripture-focused, global mission—all align with ShareWord Global’s core mission.
Offer stewardship plan: Reporting, site visits, donor stories, long-term partnership rather than one-off gift.
Diversify ask levels: Even within major gift asks, prepare varying levels/tiers for each prospect (pilot, scale-up, flagship).
Develop donor briefs: One‐page briefs for each prospect summarizing the ask, impact, recognition, and timeline.

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Mission-Driven Strategy

I develop strategic, tailored proposals that align ShareWord Global initiatives with donor priorities. My goal is to build meaningful, long-term partnerships that maximize Scripture distribution, evangelism, and missionary impact globally.

Target Donor Approaches

1. Lilly Endowment Inc.

Focus: National evangelism, Scripture distribution, church-planting.
Approach: Multi-year grant emphasizing measurable outcomes, national reach, and partnership with local churches/missionaries.

2. National Christian Foundation (NCF)

Focus: Donor-advised funds, tax-efficient giving.
Approach: Position ShareWord Global as a recommended organization; emphasize donor-friendly reporting, recognition, and measurable impact.

3. David Green & Family / Hobby Lobby Philanthropy

Focus: Transformational Scripture ministry, legacy giving.
Approach: Flagship Scripture distribution or “named” missionary empowerment fund; highlight alignment with Scripture access and global mission.

4. Dick & Betsy DeVos / DeVos Family Foundation

Focus: Youth, leadership, global community development.
Approach: Mid-to-major gift proposals ($100k–$500k) for youth Scripture/mission programs; emphasize leadership and long-term global impact.

5. John Templeton Foundation

Focus: Faith, innovation, research.
Approach: Innovative, data-driven projects linking Scripture access with evangelism research or digital ministry tools; measurable outcomes and broader learnings.

Core Strategy Principles

Tailored Asks: Each donor receives proposals aligned with priorities and giving style.
Impact Metrics: Track Scriptures distributed, missionaries empowered, lives impacted.
Legacy & Recognition: Include naming opportunities and stewardship for high-capacity donors.
Alignment with Values: Faith-based, Scripture-focused, global mission.
Stewardship Plans: Reporting, site visits, donor storytelling for sustainable relationships.
Diversified Gift Levels: Pilot, scale-up, and flagship options for each donor.
Donor Briefs: One-page summaries to guide engagement and decision-making.

Objective

To proactively build a robust major donor pipeline, connecting philanthropic partners to high-impact Scripture distribution, evangelism, and missionary initiatives, strengthening ShareWord Global’s mission worldwide.

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Prospective Donor

Key Focus / Notes

Fit for ShareWord Global

Lilly Endowment Inc.

Religion + education + youth; grants nationally under “religion” program. (Wikipedia)

Very high—scripture distribution & evangelism align strongly.

National Christian Foundation (NCF)

Large Christian donor‐advised fund network. (MinistryWatch)

Strong—creates donor pipeline and major gift opportunities.

Edgar & Elsa Prince Foundation (aka Prince Foundation)

Conservative Christian focus in Michigan/national faith initiatives. (Wikipedia)

Good—fits faith‐based global mission if approach tailored.

John Templeton Foundation

Faith + innovation + global scope. (MinistryWatch)

Good—especially for digital evangelism/innovation projects.

Bolick Foundation

Mission partner list includes global evangelism & Scripture‐related ministries. (bolickfoundation.org)

Good—fits global scripture/mission distribution model.

Global Christian Relief (Donor Stories page)

Faith‐based relief & mission work. (plannedgiving.globalchristianrelief.org)

Moderate—opportunity for Scripture + missionary support angle.

Leading The Way

Faith/mission gifting structure for strategic giving. (Leading The Way)

Good—fits donor engagement for scripture/mission partnerships.

Christian Charities USA

Large umbrella of faith‐based charities. (Christian Charities USA)

Moderate—could tap networks via this.

Global Disciples

Global missions funding with foundation partners. (Global Disciples International)

Good—aligns with training & mission support work.

GFA World

Scripture & missions distribution model. (GFA World)

Strong—very relevant to scripture distribution.

Cross International

Major gift donor site for global faith‐based relief. (Cross International)

Good—fits relief + evangelism angle.

Living Water International

Global faith‐based missions presence. (Wikipedia)

Moderate—could connect through mission outreach.

Arcus Foundation

Not directly faith/scripture focused (LGBT/social justice). (Wikipedia)

Low—less aligned but worth knowing for diversification.

American Baptist Foreign Mission Society (via International Ministries)

Global mission funding. (International Ministries)

Good—fits global mission support.

Foundations Church (Global Mission section)

Church / congregation missions partnerships. (Foundations Church)

Moderate—church network rather than foundation.

Mustard Seed Foundation

(Mentioned in earlier strategy)—faith‑based global giving.

Good—target for major gift.

Faith & Learning International

Education + global missions give list. (bolickfoundation.org)

Good—scripture + education alignment.

Every Home for Christ

Global scripture distribution partner. (bolickfoundation.org)

Strong—direct scripture distribution synergy.

Exodus Homes

Part of mission partner listings. (bolickfoundation.org)

Moderate—could connect via community development.

EMF International (Evangelism Explosion)

Evangelistic global outreach. (bolickfoundation.org)

Good—fits evangelism + scripture mission.

Birtcher Family Foundation

Grants to U.S.‑based Christian organizations for physical assets and sustainable mission work abroad. (birtcherfamilyfoundation.org)

Strong for scripture/mission infrastructure abroad.

H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation

Grants to Christian organizations; accepts one‑time start‑up programs. (H. C. Gemmer Family Christian Foundation)

Good for pilot or new missionary training efforts.

The Christian Foundation (Colorado)

Supports Christian values, social betterment and underserved populations. (The Christian Foundation)

Moderate fit—can be pitched for Scripture+community programs.

Christian Foundation of America

Grants to Christian ministries for church growth/disciple making, including overseas.

Good for evangelism and missionary training initiatives.

The Christ Foundation

Supports faith‑based nonprofits in community outreach/social impact. (The Christ Foundation)

Fit for Scripture distribution tied to social/community uplift.

WinShape Foundation

Christian foundation linked to major business philanthropy; track record of large grants. (Wikipedia)

High potential for major gift for flagship mission project.

Crowell Trust

Evangelical Christianity‑focused foundation established in 1927. (Wikipedia)

Good for globally oriented Scripture/Evangelism projects.

Adolph Coors Foundation

While not purely faith‑based, supports Judeo‑Christian values and national projects. (Wikipedia)

Lower fit but useful for diversification of funding streams.

Assisi Foundation

Faith‑based foundation with clear grantseekers guide for Christian nonprofits.

Good for mission support; may require fit with their regional priorities.

The Christian Foundation (Colorado) (alternate listing)

Focus on Christian values and social betterment for underserved. (The Christian Foundation)

Repeat listing—worth alternate engagement angle.

The Grant Portal Foundation (faith‑based grant entity)

Supports Christian missions, faith‑based nonprofits in U.S. & Canada. (The Grant Portal)

Fit for scripture/mission projects, especially smaller scale.

The Christian Heritage USA Foundation

Faith‑based support, smaller scale but international activity. (Cause IQ)

Good to cultivate for mid‑level gifts.

The Birtcher Family Foundation (repeat)

Christian missions & sustainable infrastructure abroad. (birtcherfamilyfoundation.org)

Strengthen for infrastructure + global mission.

Edgar & Elsa Prince Foundation

Faith‑based foundation with national grants to Christian ministries. (Wikipedia)

Good fit for Scripture/evangelism initiatives.

Louisville Institute

Supports faith and ministry research; Christian scholarship funding. (Louisville Institute)

Niche fit—useful for innovation/research arm of mission.

Prospecting & Developing Relationships for ShareWord Global The Brainstorming Phase

Connecting Generosity with God’s Mission

Building a Major Donor Pipeline

​

1. Donor Segmentation Framework

Tier 1 – Major & Transformational Donors ($100,000+)

Tier 2 – Mid-Level Major Donors ($10,000–$99,999)

Tier 3 – Emerging Partners ($1,000–$9,999)

2. Stewardship & Cultivation Strategy

3. Projects for Donor Engagement

4. Portfolio Management

5. Core Strengths Supporting Portfolio Success

1. Lilly Endowment Inc.

2. National Christian Foundation (NCF)

3. David Green & Family / Hobby Lobby Family Philanthropy

4. Dick DeVos & Family / DeVos Family Foundation

5. John Templeton Foundation

Summary of Key Strategy for All

Mission-Driven Strategy

Target Donor Approaches

Core Strategy Principles

Objective

Prospecting & Developing Relationships
for ShareWord Global
The Brainstorming Phase