Are We Stewards of the Declaration of Independence?
Should you and I be thinking of ourselves as stewards of the Declaration of Independence and all it represents? And if so, what does that really mean?
Reflecting on the ideals in the Declaration of Independence, we see a radical experiment in self-government, human dignity, and freedom. Stewardship, in this sense, means actively protecting and nurturing these values, ensuring they resonate for generations to come.
But what exactly is stewardship? And how does it connect to the core principles of donor engagement?
Stewardship in Action: Beyond Just Maintaining
Stewardship is about more than maintenance—it’s about honoring and advancing an asset entrusted to us. In our work, this means being good stewards of our donors’ gifts, responsibly using their contributions to create the impact they envisioned. It’s a deep responsibility and a crucial part of our role.
Consider the powerful impact stewardship can have:
- When Mr. and Mrs. Smith contribute $250 to a college scholarship fund, did it reach a deserving student? Did it make a difference in that student’s journey?
- When Alex donates $50 to a local campaign, what results came from that support? Did it help bring more visibility to an issue, or win a vote that Alex cares about?
- When Evelyn generously donates $1 million to construct a new sanctuary for her community, is she seeing progress? How is the construction advancing, and what kind of impact is it projected to have on the families that will gather there?
Each of these stories illustrates how stewardship is more than just tracking donations. It’s about showing supporters the genuine impact of their contributions, inviting them to see their role in the story.
Engaging Donors Through Stewardship
Stewardship, as it applies to donor engagement, can take many forms:
- Communicate Progress: Regular updates let donors know their gifts are having an impact. Too often, donors feel disconnected after giving, left wondering if their support really made a difference. Proactively sharing progress closes that gap.
- Create a Dialogue: Beyond progress reports, consider the impact of a simple phone call. Let supporters ask questions, share their own stories, or offer ideas. It personalizes their connection to the mission and lets them see that their voice matters.
- Invite True Involvement: For those especially engaged, an invitation to see the work firsthand—whether it’s a construction site, a classroom, or a food pantry—can transform their understanding of the impact they’re making. Further, asking key supporters to serve in volunteer or advisory roles gives them a meaningful place in the organization’s journey.
In many ways, this echoes the stewardship of the Declaration of Independence itself. Just as each generation has a duty to uphold and advance these freedoms, so do we have a responsibility to engage and honor our donors’ intentions.
The Transformative Power of True Engagement
It’s no wonder that the most engaged supporters often become the most generous. As their connection to the cause deepens, so does their commitment. Engagement isn’t just a box to check off—it has the power to transform the scope and effectiveness of our work.
The ideals in the Declaration of Independence remind us of what’s possible when people come together to pursue a vision. Our work, too, is built on shared vision, partnership, and the willingness to engage people in something bigger than themselves.
What Does Stewardship Look Like in Our Work?
Being good stewards means more than taking care of donations. It means celebrating and nurturing the ideals behind each gift, making sure every supporter understands that their contribution is essential. Stewardship in fundraising isn’t just a task; it’s an opportunity to create a meaningful connection, one that could last a lifetime.
Are you ready to be a steward, not just of gifts, but of the values and vision your supporters hold dear? Because in doing so, we honor both our mission and the trust our supporters place in us.
