Joining Dialogic Stewardship with Relational Engagement: Advancing Donor Relations Theorizing with Faith-Based Nonprofit Organizations

Despite their significant presence in social services and international aid, faith-based nonprofit organizations have been overlooked in public relations scholarship. To bridge this gap, this study integrates dialogic stewardship and the devotional-promotional relational engagement model to examine donor engagement within faith-based nonprofit organizations. Through interviews with communication professionals from faith-based nonprofits, findings confirm dialogic stewardship practices and introduces faith-centered stewardship. This study also identifies a broader relational ecosystem shaping donor engagement, including a relationship with a deity. This study advances public relations theorizing on donor relations and provides practical guidance for nonprofits seeking to foster mutual and ethical donor relationships.