Just Ask: Building a Culture of Generosity at Your School with Larry Chinn

What if fundraising was less about asking for money and more about inviting people into meaningful partnership?In this episode of Collaborative Conversations, Amanda Kopischke and Joanna talk with Larry Chinn, Development Director at New Life Academy, about what it takes to build a lasting culture of generosity in a Christian school.Drawing on 20 years of fundraising experience, Larry shares why generosity is ultimately about relationships, impact, and discipleship. He offers practical ways development leaders can bring boards, school leaders, teachers, families, and even students into the work, from sharing stories of impact to introducing generosity during the admissions process. He also explains why an annual fund can be a powerful starting point for schools that are just beginning to develop a culture of giving.

Along the way, Larry challenges the idea that fundraising is simply "asking for money." Instead, he encourages leaders to give people opportunities to participate in work they care about, show them the difference their generosity makes, and trust them to decide how they want to respond.And for leaders who still feel hesitant about making the ask? Larry shares the advice that has stayed with him throughout his career: Just ask.

Resources & References Mentioned:

• New Life Academy
• New Life Academy Annual Fund
• Dalat International School
• Biblica
• Jerold "Jerry" Panas, fundraising leader and author Larry credits with the advice to "just ask"
• The Moves Management Manual, coauthored by Jerry Panas
• Sunshine Coffee Co. in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, Larry's local coffee recommendation
• Theodore Roosevelt National Park, another Larry recommendation