Challenging the Status Quo: In Generosity, Your Presence Changes Everything

“The thing that I’ve gotten the most joy out of… is not just writing the check, but actually getting to sow into people, into organizations, into situations where I’m giving something more than just dollars and cents.”

Using your God-given skills to build a successful company or career can be highly fulfilling.

Are you, like Travis Joyner, ready to apply those same skills to your generosity journey?

Travis and his wife, Bridget, have discovered the multiplying impact of sowing their time, talents, and relationships—not just their money—into the causes they care about most.

Sometimes that means helping to launch new charitable initiatives or weighing in on the business side of the nonprofits they support. Sometimes it means getting involved with alternative investment opportunities through The Signatry’s donor advised funds (DAFs). By using alternative investments through a DAF, the Joyners have united their charitable giving with their business and investing experience to pursue strategic kingdom impact in the private and nonprofit sectors.

Consider taking Travis up on his challenge to question the status quo: Are you fulfilled by writing a check? Or are you looking for new ways to transform your experiences and relationships into eternal impact?

If you’re wondering how to get started, consider a few of the nonprofits and ministries you already support:

1. Do I know the people doing the work at this nonprofit?

If yes, reach out in the next week to see how you can pray for them. What’s something that’s brought them joy in this work lately? What’s been a pain point? Show them they are not alone on this mission.

If not, reach out to a contact you see online to ask if you can meet for coffee (in-person or virtually!). Get to know them, their heart for the mission, and how else you can help carry this mission forward, beyond finances.

2. Have I seen an impact report lately?

If yes, re-read it. It may inspire you in a new way.

If not, look online or reach out and ask for one so you can dig deeper and ensure your dollars are making a difference. Check out our blog on impact reporting and other ways you can evaluate charities.

3. Is this a cause I’m truly passionate about?

If yes, investigate how you can help beyond finances. Choose to champion this cause with different types of resources in your life: time, skills, spiritual gifts, personal and professional networks, nonliquid assets, etc.

If yes, reflect on whether you need to say “no” to other, less fulfilling spending or giving, so that you can keep saying “yes” to making a bigger difference here.

If not, is there another cause that resonates more deeply? Do any of the causes on this list stir something in your heart?

Maybe it’s time to start questioning the status quo of giving and begin moving the needle for the cause you care about—like ending hunger, providing clean water, or, like the Joyners, empowering creatives gifted by God with the resources they need to make the impact he has called them to.