Fund raising has become a highly organized and highly profitable business that employs the latest motivational techniques and Madison Avenue advertising. Even many otherwise sound Christian ministries have turned to secular advertising and fund-raising companies to meet their growing demand for funds. Often they will pay up to 40 percent of all donations just to raise the money. Some promoters actually will be working on fund-raising campaigns for anti-Christian and Christian groups simultaneously.

All of this is to say that each individual Christian must be responsible for how God’s money is used, even in the most worthy of causes. Before supporting any fund appeal, a Christian should ask some basic questions.

Who-What-How?

1. Who is the group asking for the funds? Get a list of references from the organization that can be verified easily through other well-known groups.
2. For what are they going to use the funds? At least one good way to determine this is to ask for a projected budget. The lack of a budget is one reason why many organizations continually send out crisis-appeal letters.
3. How do they raise funds and how do they manage them? It is wise to ask if a fund-raising group is involved and what percentage of the funds go to it.

Which group to support?

God does not intend for every Christian to give to every need. Therefore, as Christians we must be able to sort out those we are to help from those we are not. This does not necessarily mean that the cause or the organization is not worthy--only that the need is meant for someone else to satisfy. There are some simple biblical principles to follow when you are considering giving to any cause.

1. God’s Work. There are many worthy social organizations serving the needs of the poor, the sick, and the elderly. The vast majority make no claim of going in the name of the Lord. This does not exclude them from support from Christians, but it does exclude them from receiving the portion set apart for God.
2. Deserving. It is important to determine that the funds actually will be used for the purpose for which they were given. Be certain about the doctrinal stand of the ministry. Many committed believers have been shocked to discover that they were contributing to an organization that was anti-Christian.
3. Personal Benefit. Those organizations that have met needs in your life should be high on the support list. If that organization is not a highly visible one (does not advertise or regularly appeal), then the support of those they minister to is essential. "Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with him who teaches" (Galatians 6:6).
4. Good Stewards. The organization that manages its funds the best should be considered first. If you have a desire to support a particular type of ministry, locate the most efficient and productive one available.
5. God’s Leading. The most important principle of all is to allow God to direct your giving. We are told to lean upon God’s wisdom and not our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5), and this also applies to giving.

In Conclusion
It is impossible to lay down absolute guidelines for funding God’s work, because God did not do so in His Word. However, there are some good guidelines available for both the askers and the givers. Any giver would be well advised to use biblical guidelines whenever possible to select organizations that do or do not qualify. Then rely on God’s inner direction to decide which groups to support.