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The
faith-based funding of Christian organizations and institutions requires
planned and persistent efforts in order to offer individuals, businesses, and
foundations the opportunity to share financially in their success. For that
reason, fund-raising commitment and know-how needs to be a part of the work of
most Christian leaders.
The purpose
of this page is to point leaders in the direction of resources that will be
helpful to them as they increase their organization’s fund raising capacity.
Every
organization needs to create a firm foundation for their efforts to raise
funds, including:
- A philosophy of funding development.
- A set of principles that undergird all fund raising practices.
- A case for
support that presents the reasons someone should support a ministry and
their mission.
- A comprehensive
plan that includes an integrated set of fund raising strategies and
objectives.
- A board of
directors whose members are personally committed to supporting the
organization financially, and who play a role in fund raising strategies.
- A staff whose
members play an important role in the organization’s fund raising strategies.
- An
understanding that an organization’s best prospects are their current
donors.
These are some of the potential strategies that may be included in an organization’s fund
raising program:
- A communication
plan that tells the organization’s story and relates to key stakeholders
and the public (brochures, website, newsletters, video, speakers bureau, etc.).
- A method of communicating with and appreciating donors (mail, thank you notes, personal
thank-you contacts, etc.)
- A direct
mail program to gain new prospective donors.
- A referral
plan to gain new prospective donors.
- An entry
point program that offers prospects an opportunity to see and learn more about the
organization’s mission and ministry.
- An annual
campaign to maintain and increase committed donor support.
- An annual
banquet or dessert that gathers the community to learn more about an
organization’s work, and integrates into an annual fund-raising campaign.
- A integrated
usage of fund raising events such as golf tournaments, jog-a-thons,
auctions, etc. that involves volunteers, provides visibility, connects to new
potential donors, and raises money.
- A major
donor strategy that builds relationships with an organization’s best donors
and prospects, including individuals, businesses, and foundations.
- A capital
campaign for new projects, programs, and the purchase or construction of
facilities that serve the organization’s ministry.
- A planned
giving program that helps donors creatively utilize a part of their estate
to leave legacy gifts that will have a long-term impact.
Christian
Management Association offers connections to a variety of resources for fund-raising.
Contact them at www.cmaonline.org
Raising
More Money: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Lifelong Donors by Terry Axelrod (Published by
Raising More Money, 2001). In this book, Seattle fund-raising consultant Terry
Axelrod carefully outlines her model for “raising more money.” At the heart of
her methods is a “point-of-entry” meeting that introduces prospects to the
organization’s programs.
Three
Dimensions of Leadership: Practical Insight on Management, Finance and Boards
for Churches and Christian Organizations by Olan Hendrix (Published by ChurchSmart, 2000).
Two lengthy chapters in this book are devoted to fund raising; offering a
serious introduction to the way development integrates into the life of the
organization and leader. Included is an introduction to the Integrated
Financial Development System and its many components.
Donors
Are People Too: Managing Relationships with your Ministries Major Contributors by Timothy Smith (Published by
Berkey, Brendel, Sheline, 2003). Devoted to Christian ministries, this book
develops a solid strategy for building relationships with major donors.
Proven
Principles for Finding Funds: A Guide for Church and Nonprofit Leaders by Chester L. Tolson (Published by
Baker Books, 2003). This book offers a theology of giving, foundational ideas
for fund raising and relating to donors, and strategies for raising annual
budgets, capital campaigns, and planned giving.
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“Remember
this – a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one
who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must make up your own mind
as to how much you should give. Don’t give reluctantly or in response to
pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. And God will
generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need
and plenty left over to share with others.”
- 2 Corinthians 9:6-83 |
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