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In this issue...
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By Maria Morgan
When I was considering implementing wellness programs for companies in Dayton, Ohio, I shared my business plan with the Executive Director of the Miami Valley Women's Center (MVWC), Linda Schindler. When she found out that I felt comfortable presenting my proposal to complete strangers and enjoyed working with people, she invited me to apply for the position of Director of Development at the Center. She briefly outlined the position—fundraising through development of donor relationships, presenting the ministry via public speaking and the media, and coordinating fundraising events. The center needed someone who enjoyed meeting people and presenting them with an opportunity to benefit a worthwhile organization. I was intrigued.
I applied and got the job. I tabled marketing wellness programs to companies in favor of promoting a non-profit organization with eternal dividends—helping those in crisis situations and seeing many of them receive Jesus Christ as Savior. Fundraising was not part of my background, so at first I focused on raising money via teaching aerobics classes and selling Christmas cards. Don't misunderstand, charity banquets and two-mile walks can be very effective and necessary to a center's overall budget. However, I discovered how God Himself would supply what was needed. Here's what I learned:
PRAY. Ask the Lord for wisdom and clear direction as you compile your list of potential contacts. Proverbs 3:5-6 is very specific about including the Lord in this planning process: "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." God's Word encourages us to seek wisdom from Him. James 1:5 says, "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him." Once you've prayed and sought direction from the Lord, look at your potential donors: area churches, individuals, and businesses that may have a heart for your ministry.
CULTIVATE RELATIONSHIPS. As you contact area churches, be sure to schedule a meeting with the right person/people. This may be the pastor himself, an associate, or even a mission board. You need to gather useful information, such as when the church's mission board takes on new missionaries and whether a speaker from your organization can present your center's work to the congregation. Present your center as a mission work; after all, you share the gospel with your clients. Building relationships is often a slow process. Don't be discouraged! We found that it took a solid four years to see the real benefits of cultivating these relationships. Think positively. Every contact you make is a potential donor. Some churches have baby showers for the center and will donate these items to your ministry. Other churches may supply faithful volunteers. Still other churches become your prayer warriors. Never underestimate the way the Lord will choose to use the churches He brings to your ministry.
Many individuals from your supporting churches and others who have a heart for your ministry will also become faithful donors as you share your center's vision and how God has used your ministry to touch the lives of your clients. It is also wise to invest time identifying businesses that may be sympathetic to your cause. Not only can they provide significant financial resources, but they can also donate products and services that will greatly benefit your ministry (computers, printing materials, and labor for center renovation/updating). Local grocery store chains and super centers often donate material items such as diapers that have been slightly damaged in the unpacking process and baby formula that is safe for immediate use, but nearing its expiration date.
Remember that your ministry is impacting lives in the present and for eternity. Don't feel guilty about asking for funding. As Director of Development, I often felt labeled as "Chief Money-Beggar." However, when I thought about the ministry from a biblical standpoint, I realized that our organization was offering individuals, churches, and businesses an opportunity to be faithful stewards of the resources that God had entrusted to them.
DONOR APPRECIATION. Showing genuine appreciation for your donors' support of your ministry is just as important as the initial donor contact. When your donors give, volunteer, and/or pray, your organization is able to reach clients with the gospel of Jesus Christ. Depending on your center's budget, donor appreciation can be shown in a number of ways. If you take a donor out to lunch and share how they've blessed your ministry, you often gain a donor for life. It's much more compelling for donors to link their giving with a familiar face at your center than for them merely to be giving to an organization. If your budget doesn't permit this level of appreciation, a simple visit to the donor with some home-baked goodies will let them know how much their donations truly are appreciated. This is an excellent time to share current center statistics with them. By doing so, they can see tangible ways their donations are having an impact both in this life and for eternity. Keep in mind that this is a time to simply appreciate your donor. Do not mention additional donations unless they broach the subject.
Over the course of four years, Linda and I learned that relationships are worth pursuing; multiple fundraisers are not. Be a wise steward of your time. Pray, cultivate relationships, and appreciate those individuals, churches, and companies who become faithful donors. By doing so, you will put your center in a position where the Lord can bless your work and those you serve. As Ephesians 3:20-21 so aptly puts it, "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen." Ultimately your staff will realize that it is the Lord who provides. All we have to do is ask.
| Maria Morgan is a former Director of Development and currently focuses on abstinence education. She can be reached at morgan.maria.i@gmail.com. |
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