We are often asked a version of the same question whenever we send out an opportunity for readers to partner with the mission of First15 financially. The question is:

“Why do you ask for money?”

Or sometimes it’s a form of, “Why do you ask for money so often?” Or, “Why does it take so much to fund a daily devotional?”

We love getting this question from readers and donors for two reasons.

The question is so valid. What we primarily do is send out a devotional a day to readers on a number of platforms. And it’s easy to recognize some of the obvious costs, like the time to write the devotionals, the technology cost to build a website or an app, or maybe some additional staff to market it and manage all that technology.

Number two, we know it’s so critical for believers to discern where God is directing their generosity. There are unfortunately a lot of ministries that have lost the trust of believers because of poor financial stewardship. And asking questions like these is a crucial part of discernment before giving.

So sincerely, thank you for asking.

Our simple answer to your great question is this:

Our goal here is not just to create a resource, but to create a movement. Our calling isn’t just to create the content and get it out the door.

Our calling is to make spending time alone with God a regular and foundational practice among believers everywhere.

And we believe this content should be free to everyone.

First15 is a 501c3 nonprofit providing free resources in the form of written email and online devotionals, worship and podcasts. First15 is 100% donor-funded. We don’t charge subscriptions, we aren’t beholden to advertisers, we don’t require memberships, and we don’t place any of our content behind paywalls because we believe the truth that shapes culture should always remain free and accessible to everyone. Every online devotional you read, every podcast you hear, and every video that points someone to Jesus exists because of the generosity of our donors.

And thanks to our amazing donors, the amazing thing is that our mission is being accomplished and more people are coming to experience God daily through free content. It’s working! working.

In the last 12 months alone, First15 content has been consumed over 35 million times through daily devotionals, guided prayers, worship songs, podcasts, and our app. That’s 35 million encounters with God.

And it grows more every day.

So every month, we provide readers and donors a different opportunity to invest in the acceleration of our mission accomplishment. And every year it’s possible that the amount needed to accomplish the mission will grow as the opportunity grows.

Rest assured, your donations aren’t lining anyone’s pockets. Our team receives fair, industry-standard pay, verified by a third-party research firm. We’re committed to stewarding every donor dollar wisely as we carry out this Kingdom-focused work. We take the trust of our donors seriously. Every gift fuels real experiences with God. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of financial integrity to ensure transparency and fairness.

We are beyond grateful for the opportunity afforded us by the generosity of our readers and donors to help change lives through the power of God’s presence.

So thanks for asking. Thanks for reading. And thanks for everything you do to make this space for God’s presence possible. The dream of seeing believers start their day in God’s presence is becoming a reality more every day. And it takes all of us to make it happen.

If you have any additional questions feel free to reach out at [email protected].

Sincerely,

The First15 Team