Our Legacy of Giving

You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

--2 Corinthians 9:11

Generosity has the power to transform lives—both for the giver and the recipient. At John Moore Associates, we’ve seen firsthand how acts of generosity ripple outward, creating blessings far beyond what we can imagine. It’s been a core value of our firm since the beginning, and something we encourage in our clients and strive to embody ourselves.

In 2012, we began tracking the donations we’ve helped clients transfer from their JMA-managed accounts into national and local causes that matter to them. This year, we are proud and humbled to announce that our clients have collectively donated $50 million.

To celebrate, we asked some of our clients for their personal stories about giving: how they got started, why it matters to them, and what they’re doing to pass their values along to the next generation. The response has been amazing and inspiring.

We’ve collected some of their experiences and wisdom below. The answers are anonymous, because the focus has never been on any one person’s gifts—but rather the tremendous power of a generous spirit.

How Were You Called to Practice Greater Generosity?

Many of our clients shared that their journey toward greater generosity began with a deep sense of faith and obedience to God’s calling. For some, this meant taking a leap of faith: giving beyond what seemed possible and trusting God to provide.

One couple recalled a time when they made a substantial donation to their church’s building fund: “There was one incident where our church was in the middle of a building program and their financial goals were daunting. We prayed and the Lord gave us the green light for a substantial gift, a gift we initially didn’t think possible. We gave the gift, and we never felt the financial ‘pinch’ at all. The Lord was faithful to meet all of our needs.”

Several clients pointed to transformational experiences, such as attending a Generous Giving conference, that opened their eyes to new ways of giving. One person shared, “We were wanting to give more than our tithe, but not quite sure how to go about it. We learned SO much at that conference—it really opened our eyes to so many possibilities.”

Many also discovered creative strategies, such as donor-advised funds or giving through retirement accounts, which allowed them to give more effectively.

For others, generosity has been a lifelong journey—one they are eager to pass down. Some started tithing as children, while others set intentional goals to increase their giving over time. One family even involved their children in charitable decisions, saying, “We let the girls give opinions on what they thought they would give to. It was a great experience!”

Through faith, wisdom, and a willingness to trust God’s provision, these stories remind us of the lasting impact of a generous spirit.

Is There a Specific Cause, Project, or Organization You Are Proud to Support?

Our clients’ generosity is deeply intentional, often driven by a desire to support organizations that provide both humanitarian aid and spiritual guidance. As one donor put it, “We try to keep an eternal perspective, not just making life more comfortable for the needy on a road to hell.”

Many have chosen to give to ministries that serve the most vulnerable, including crisis pregnancy centers, an indigenous Kenyan ministry that supports street children, and organizations like Gospel for Asia, which has helped plant churches and provide clean water for millions. One client summarized it simply: “Helping the church helps the neighborhood children, which helps the parent(s). The gospel is always the best news.”

For many, giving is personal. Some support causes that align with their values, like Focus on the Family’s work to strengthen marriages and support expectant mothers. Others have seen their donations change lives firsthand, like a family that funded a hospital’s therapy dog program or a couple who provided advanced avionics for a missionary aviation ministry. As one family described, “For several years we have paid for the kids at the Galveston hospital to go to Camp for Love. This is a camp set up for handicapped kids. To see these kids on a zip line or a horse for the first time is an incredible experience.”

Beyond financial contributions, many donors are investing in the next generation—both through the ministries they support and within their own families. One couple began sponsoring children through World Vision after a concert and invited their daughters to choose the child they would support: “It really opened the girls’ eyes to children needing food and education—not just toys.”

Their stories remind us that generosity is more than a donation; it’s an opportunity to shape lives and create lasting change.

How Does Your Faith Influence Your Approach to Giving?

For many of our clients, giving is rooted in the belief that everything belongs to God and that generosity is an act of stewardship. “God is the most generous as it's all His and He gives to us,” one donor shared. This perspective shifts the focus from ownership to trusting that God will provide and that resources should be used to advance His Kingdom.

As another put it, “God has entrusted financial assets to us as stewards; these assets are to be used to accomplish His will according to His instructions.”

Faith also shapes how our clients approach money, generosity, and contentment. Many were raised in homes where giving was modeled as a way of life. “I began tithing by age 5, and the training stuck, as with all of us 6 kids,” one person recalled. Others have made generosity a central part of their family’s legacy, striving to pass down these values to their children and grandchildren. “We seek to honor Him by embracing a generous lifestyle.”

Ultimately, generosity is seen as a lifelong journey—one that requires practice, trust, and an open heart. “Just start (at virtually any level) and then keep going—without stopping,” one client advised.

How Are You Teaching Your Children and Loved Ones About Generosity?

For many of our clients, generosity is a value intentionally passed down through generations. Parents and grandparents teach their children to give from an early age, often using structured approaches like the 10-10-80 rule—giving 10%, saving 10%, and living on the rest. “We taught our children, as we were taught, to give the first 10% of every dollar,” one family shared.

Others make generosity a hands-on experience, like giving each child money at Christmas to bless someone in need and then sharing their stories. “What a blessing it was to hear what everyone did and how much fun they had doing it—it will definitely be a new family tradition.”

As these stories remind us, generosity isn’t just about financial gifts—it’s about shaping lives, strengthening faith, and leaving a lasting legacy.

Every day, we are inspired by the generosity of our clients. Their stories remind us that generosity is more than an act—it’s a calling, a reflection of faith, and a legacy we pass on. As we look toward the future and our next giving milestone, we invite you to reflect: How is God calling you to give? What legacy of generosity will you leave behind?