Bill Scott “The World Is Changing..”

The World Is Changing… Even Fundraising

Let’s start with a comforting truth:
Fundraising isn’t broken.
It’s just wearing different clothes now.

If you’ve been in Christian radio for more than five minutes, you’ve noticed it. The way people listen has changed. The way people give has changed. The way people decide to give has definitely changed.

What hasn’t changed?
The power of the Gospel.
The faithfulness of God.
And the heart of your listeners.

So let’s talk about five fresh, very doable fundraising ideas that work with today’s world—not against it—while still honoring the mission, the message, and the ministry.

1. Move From “Help Us Pay the Bills” to “Come Be Part of This Story”

Let’s be honest.
No one wakes up thinking, “I hope someone asks me to pay their electric bill today.”

But people love stories. They love impact. They love knowing they matter.

Instead of leading with needs, lead with transformation.

• “Because of you, someone heard hope at 2 a.m.”
• “Because of you, a marriage stayed together.”
• “Because of you, a listener didn’t feel alone.”

Here’s the shift:
Donors don’t fund budgets. They fund meaning.

Tell one story really well instead of ten stories quickly. Let listeners see themselves in the mission. When people feel like insiders, giving becomes joy—not obligation.

2. Micro-Giving: Small Gifts, Big Faith, Zero Guilt

The days of “everyone can give $100” are… well… let’s just say they’re resting in peace.

Today’s listeners are juggling groceries, gas, kids, pets, streaming services, and that one subscription they forgot to cancel in 2021.

So invite people into small, sustainable generosity.

• “Could you give $10 this month?”
• “Would you sponsor one hour for the price of coffee?” This might be your dollar a day level.
• “Join our $7-a-month Hope Team.”

Here’s the beauty:
Small gifts feel doable. Doable gifts get repeated. Repeated gifts change ministries.

And nobody feels guilty.
Which is always a win in Christian radio.

With that said, I would still hang my hat on $30 a month—the dollar-a-day level. I would also continue to encourage $1,000 single gifts. However, keep in mind that smaller gifts can bring more people in the door, so don’t count those out.

Be sure to have a plan in place to:

• Convert single givers into monthly givers
• Encourage all donors to increase their giving over time

Growth doesn’t happen by accident—it happens with intention.

3. Go Behind the Scenes

Your listeners hear the finished product every day—but they’re deeply curious about how it all happens.

Invite them behind the curtain:

• Short videos from the studio
• A host sharing a quick prayer request
• A picture of the engineer at 5 a.m. with coffee and faith

When people see the humans behind the microphones, giving becomes personal.

Think of it this way:
If they feel like family, they’ll support you like family.

And family doesn’t need perfect polish.
They just need authenticity… and maybe snacks.

4. Replace the Big Ask With Many Gentle Invitations

Fundraising doesn’t always have to sound like… well… fundraising.

Try:

• A simple on-air moment: “If this station matters to you, would you stand with us today?”
• Year-round branding that reminds listeners you are community-supported
• Short text reminders during powerful song moments
• A thank-you before the ask (that one changes everything)

Not everyone listens during a fundraiser. Gentle, consistent invitations throughout the year help listeners understand that their support truly matters.

This approach feels less like pressure and more like partnership.

It whispers:
“You belong here.”

And people respond beautifully when they feel invited—not pushed.

5. Celebrate Giving Like It’s Worship (Because It Is)

What if generosity felt more like praise than pressure?

Celebrate donors openly.
Thank them often.
Pray for them on the air.
Remind them their giving is sacred.

Because it is.

When listeners understand that giving isn’t just supporting a station—but participating in God’s work—something shifts.

Giving stops feeling transactional…
and starts feeling eternal.

A Final Encouraging Word

Yes, the world is changing.
Yes, fundraising looks different.
Yes, sometimes it feels harder than it used to.

But here’s the quiet, steady truth:

God is still moving hearts.
People still want to give.
And Christian radio still matters deeply.

The methods may change…
but the mission never does.

And if all else fails—
pray, tell a great story, love your listeners well…
and maybe keep the coffee strong.

You’ve got this.
You’re not alone.

Let’s crush fundraising in 2026!

Bill Scott is Chief Content Officer with Vidare Creative / www.VidareCreative.com. Contact Bill at bill@vidarecreative.com