A Lesson in Donor-Centered Fundraising from Pakistan
"People don't give because organizations need money. They give because they believe in people and the mission those people are carrying."
One of the greatest privileges of my work is getting to walk alongside ministries that are changing lives.
Over the past several months, I've had the opportunity to partner with St. Albert's High School and Our Lady of Fatima Orphanage in Pakistan. Recently, I sat down with Fr. Waqar Amer, who leads the mission, and Trevor Rothfus, one of its longtime supporters, for a special episode of The Donor Centric Approach.
The conversation reminded me why I love fundraising.
Not because of the money.
Because of the people.
Education That Changes Generations
Fr. Waqar serves in a part of the world where Christians face significant discrimination, and many families live below the poverty line. For countless children, education isn't simply an opportunity—it's the difference between a lifetime of poverty and a future filled with possibility.
Many children are expected to work instead of attending school. Parents often depend on the income their children bring home, making education seem like a luxury they simply cannot afford.
Fr. Waqar sees something different.
He believes education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty and modern-day slavery that has affected Christian families for generations.
That conviction has become the heartbeat of St. Albert's.
A Donor's Perspective
One of my favorite moments during our conversation came when Trevor explained why he continues supporting the mission.
He didn't begin by talking about budgets.
He talked about trust.
He knows Fr. Waqar personally. He has seen the children. He has watched gifts become books, meals, electricity, uniforms, and hope.
As he shared, even relatively small gifts can transform a child's future because the resources go directly to meeting real needs.
That's donor-centered fundraising.
Not convincing someone to give.
Helping someone see the difference their generosity can make.
The Fruit of Generosity
During our conversation, Fr. Waqar shared something that stopped me in my tracks.
Two students, whose education had been supported by generous donors, recently completed their first level of education and are now entering the seminary.
Think about that.
Someone gave to educate a child.
That child is now discerning a vocation to serve the Church.
That's how generosity works.
The impact almost always extends further than we imagine.
This Is Why Fundraising Matters
People often ask me why I'm so passionate about fundraising.
This conversation is my answer.
Fundraising isn't about chasing budgets.
It's not about closing gifts.
It's not even primarily about raising money.
It's about introducing generous people to meaningful opportunities to change lives.
When we keep our donors at the center of everything we do, we're not simply funding programs.
We're inviting people into God's work.
We're helping children receive an education.
We're strengthening communities.
We're building the Kingdom.
That's donor-centered development.
Listen to the Conversation
If you'd like to hear the full conversation with Fr. Waqar Amer and Trevor Rothfus, you can listen to this special episode of The Donor Centric Approach.
I hope it encourages you as much as it encouraged me.
Join the Mission
If this story moved you, I encourage you to prayerfully consider supporting St. Albert's High School.
Your gift helps provide:
Education
Food
School uniforms
Books and supplies
Electricity
A future filled with hope
Support St. Albert's High School here:
Give through Xavier Mission Fund
Let's Talk
If you're leading a nonprofit or ministry and you're looking to build stronger donor relationships, create a culture of development, or strengthen your fundraising strategy, I'd love to connect.
You can schedule a complimentary conversation with me here:
Schedule a 45-minute conversation
Because at the end of the day, I believe what this conversation demonstrates so beautifully:
When we invite people into a meaningful mission, generosity follows.
