If you think that your religion is not in favor of asking for money, think again. Almost all major religions have a positive view of fundraising. Although this list is not inclusive of all religions, here are a few examples:

Buddhism 

It has long been the case that Buddhist laypeople have been encouraged to give alms to monks, nuns, and temples, with the promise that such giving will merit the giver. The Buddha spoke of such merit in terms of spiritual maturity. Developing the selfless intention of doing good for others brings one closer to enlightenment. Still, "making merit" does sound like a reward, and it is common to think that such merit will bring good fortune to the giver. To get around such expectation of reward, it is common for Buddhists to dedicate the merit of a charitable act to someone else, or even to all beings.

Christianity—Catholicism 

Catholicism and Christian churches of all denominations draws richly on Scripture as do many other faith-based ministries. 

“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the word of the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” Acts 20:35

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10

The great Catholic theologian, Henri Nouwen, wrote a magnificent little book called The Spirituality of Fundraising. In his book he refers to fundraising as a ministry, and indeed it is a ministry to raise the money needed to fulfill your mission and enable your vision to become a reality.  Nouwen says that fundraising is not begging for money, but rather that we must declare, “We have a vision that is amazing and exciting. We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God had given you—your energy, your prayers, and your money—in this work which God has called us.” 

Christianity—Protestantism 

Protestants, likewise, believe that God will reward us plentifully, both spiritually and here on earth, for giving charitably as He has commanded.

In his book, Generous Saints: Congregations Rethinking Ethics and Money, James Hudnut-Beumler, Dean of Faculty and Professor of Religion at the Episcopalian Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia, says “Being faithful to God is one’s ultimate value means reducing the importance of money and other forms of materials wealth in our lives. It also means increasing the importance of values like generosity, compassion, and love that come from placing our ultimate reliance on God alone.”

The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod takes fundraising seriously, and lists on its website its Twelve Principles of Stewardship, which include to seek to serve Christ faithfully and hold His name supreme (2 Thess. 1:11–12; Eph. 4:15–16), to work for the best interest of the donor (Matt 22:37–39; 1 Cor. 10:24), and to strive to model and promote the concept of Christian stewardship in the church and among donors, Synod co-workers and other advancement professionals (1 Tim. 6:17–19; Prov. 11:3).

Hinduism 

Hindus, as well, hold charity, or dana, in high regard. They believe helping others is helping Brahman as all living things have an atman, or a piece of Brahman within themselves. Daba is giving cash or other assets, while sewa is volunteerism. As with several other religious philosophies, Hindus believe giving while receiving nothing in return is the right thing to do. They also believe in ahimsa, not harming or killing any living thing, so protecting the environment is very important to Hindus. Maintaining the forests is especially important to Hindus because Krishna, the eighth incarnation of Vishnu, lived in the forest.

Islam

Islam calls upon its followers to reach out with open hands and charity is a way of life for Muslims. The Quran talks about obligatory charity—giving on an ongoing and consistent basis, not just a now and then impulsive giving. Rather, charity is part of the fiber of a good Muslim. Muslims are familiar with the five pillars of Islam, which include Zakat, or charity. You can see that in Islam, charity is given a high priority.

“Those who in charity spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public, have their reward with their Lord: in them shall be no fear, nor shall they grieve.” Quran 2:274

 “Kind words and the covering of faults are better than charity followed by injury. Allah is free of all wants, and he is most forbearing.” Quran 2:263

The Quran mentions Zakat at least thirty times. Its literal meaning can be interpreted as increased, growth, betterment, righteousness, praise, blessings, purification, and commendation. 

“Any good you send forth on behalf of your soul, you will find it in Allah. Allah is the seer of everything you do.” Quran 2:110  

Judaism 

Part of the Shema Prayer: “Hear O’ Israel, the Lord is our God, the Lord is one; And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength.” (Deuteronomy 6:4-5) You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord. (Leviticus 19:18)

Judaism, likewise, practices philanthropy based on the Shema Prayer (which Christians might also be familiar with, as it was quoted by Jesus, and the Leviticus command to love your neighbor as yourself.  In addition to supporting local synagogues, the Chabad, as sect of Hassidic Jews, have 5000 charities globally that support the people who need help regardless of their faith beliefs. 

Native American Spirituality

In Giving in America, published by Indiana University, the authors look at philanthropy among Native Americans. “In Native American culture, giving is not only understood to be reciprocal, but is also an honor; as much as it is an honor to give, it is equally an honor to receive. This concept—the circle of giving—reflects the spiritual belief of interconnectedness and serves to strengthen existing relationships and develop new ones. This idea of reciprocal giving in Native communities illustrates an intrinsic, spiritual investment in the protection and interest of future generations. When one gift is given to another, but the recipient then gifts to a third person with interest, the cycle of giving continues but with an ever-increasing spirit of sharing and generosity.” 

Through collective sharing, everyone has a responsibility and part ownership of—the group. In the poem, “Indian Giver” by Rebecca Adamson, she claims “Giving is not a matter of pure altruism and benevolence, but a mutual responsibility to make the world a better place.” Native American giving practices are seen as both cultural traditions, but also an obligation for all members of the community regardless of their economic or social status. This concept is in opposition to the typical American concept of “noblesse oblige,” the notion that the wealthy and powerful have a responsibility and moral obligation to give back to others who are less fortunate.

This is certainly not meant to be a complete list of how philanthropy, giving, and fundraising is viewed in every religion. It does, however, make it clear that all major religions have charity as a key point in their beliefs. It is meant to show you, that regardless of your faith system, “fundraising is not a dirty word,” but rather part of your faith’s core beliefs. So, we hope as you delve into the practical side of fundraising in your ministry, you will feel less tainted by discussions of money and realize that you need the oxygen of money to keep your ministry healthy.

You can learn more about philanthropy and religion in my book, The Pastor’s Guide of Stewardship and Philanthropy.