Preparing Your Heart to Ask
Resources for the St. Mary’s Sewanee Capital Campaign
Welcome—and Thank You.
We are grateful that you’re considering stepping in as a solicitor and donor. Your leadership helps bring the next chapter of St. Mary’s Sewanee to life.
This campaign enhances our capacity to provide spiritual hospitality to all who seek rest, renewal, and reconnection on the mountain. Your willingness to invite others into this sacred work — personally, relationally, and from the heart — is what makes it possible.
On this page, you’ll find all the tools you need to prepare, practice, and extend the invitation to give.
Downloadable E‑book (PDF) — Preparing Your Heart to Ask
A written companion to the films with teaching, stories, and step‑by‑step guidance for preparation, visits, and follow‑up. Download the pdf or view online.
Appendices (Google Doc)
Editable tools that you can copy and paste, including sample outreach emails and texts, visit outlines, response forms, follow-up scripts, and simple checklists to simplify your work. View appendices online or download as a Word document.
Live Campaign Resources
Case for Support – The core message you’ll share. (Live link—always current.)
How to Use These Resources
Start with Film #1. Let the vision and the “why” land.
Skim the e‑book. Mark the sections you want at your fingertips.
Open the Appendices. Make a copy; personalize the email/visit scripts for your circle.
Make your own gift or pledge. “Speed of the leader, speed of the team.”
Invite 3–5 people you know. Schedule brief, human conversations virtually or in person.
Follow up with care. A clear next step, a sincere thank‑you, and a timely recap note go a long way.
Recommended Resources
Henri Nouwen – The Spirituality of Fundraising
This powerful book offers a heart-centered, vision-centered way of fundraising. Nouwen reminds us that inviting others into generosity is not begging—it’s ministry, a sacred opportunity to share our vision and call others into it.
We encourage every solicitor to keep a copy close at hand. It’s a quick read, but its wisdom will steady your heart, give you courage, and deepen your joy as you prepare to ask.
“Fundraising is first and foremost a form of ministry. It is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission.” —Henri Nouwen
We’re Here for You
Questions? Want a quick coaching call before a visit?
Contact: Markku Kostamo
📧 markku@kaci.io
📞 604‑617‑1492
Book a Zoom Meeting with me here.
Thank you again for lending your voice, presence, and courage. Every conversation you hold helps St. Mary’s Sewanee continue this life‑changing work—and invites others into the joy of generosity.