Book review of Madam C.J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving: Black women’s philanthropy during Jim Crow by Tyrone McKinley Freeman.

This book explodes the narrow definition of philanthropy as something only rich white people do.

“I am unlike your white friends who have waited until they were rich and then help but have in proportion to my success, I have reached out and am helping others.” Madam C.J. Walker.[1] So begins this excellent book on Madam C.J. Walker’s life of generosity.

Walker and other black female philanthropists didn’t help only when they had free time or extra money; they always helped. Consistency. Walker was consistent in her giving, from when she had little to when she was wealthy.

Walker provides an excellent role model for generosity. I’m grateful to Tyrone McKinley Freeman for telling her story so well.

The Apostle Paul describes a generosity road show in 2 Cor 8, where preachers and accountants both participate in ministry.

Writing a thank-you letter with annual receipts: a joyful guide for church and charity

A practical workshop on joyful generosity

What are you grateful for? Do you have difficulty feeling grateful? That seems normal. The lyricist doesn’t tell us to tough it out or march onwards regardless of our pain. He suggests hitting pause…. I wonder if gratitude requires listening for God’s whispers of hope and listening means slowing down. Slow gratitude.

There is no need to send a thank-you letter if you don’t care whether or not the donor gives again. That’s the fundraising angle, but to me this is a theological question. If you’re not grateful to God for the person’s contribution to your church, why is that? Each donation tells a story. Someone cares enough about your organization to send money. Your ministry is that important to them.

For many charities and churches, it’s time to prepare charitable tax receipts. This blog continues a series on turning the chore of annual receipts into a blessing.

People *actually open* the receipt letter, or the email. They are paying attention! Please, please, please seize this opportunity to include a thank-you letter! The only exception I can think of would be if your church or charity doesn’t care whether this donor gives again or not. This blog begins a three-part series on turning the chore of annual receipts into a blessing. The goal is both accurate and grateful communication.

Here is a bit of encouragement for those who are working so hard at year-end to make sure their ministries, churches, organizations, and causes have the resources they need to continue making a difference. Thank you.