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Fundraising in this economy - 7/8/2009 11:11:04 AM
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linarette
Posts: 105
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We want to start a local chapter of an international relief organization in the city where I live…I have accepted to be the advocate in my area. The spokesperson for the organization came to my church a few weeks ago. They work in Mozambique/Kenya and some parts of India and mainly focus on the “poorest of the poorest”, i.e people living under $1/day (official poverty line is $1.25/day)…Our goal is to raise money to pay for a truckload of food (nutritious powder-based meals that can be easily cooked, and in some areas without medication, are the sole source of energy for children, women suffering from AIDS and other immune diseases)…The cost of a truckload is $8000…We want to raise as much money as possible.
In this economy, people are reticent to give to organizations such as that one, fund missionaries, etc…how do you approach people without it feeling like bullying?
I am not good at this fundraising stuff, as I feel reluctant to go after friends for money. I understand some people already have causes they support, and can’t afford to be further stretched financially, but it usually frustrates me when someone says “good initiative”, and then hides under a rock or seals his/her pocket…ANYTHING is better than nothing…
So how would you go about raising such a huge amount of money? Any fundraising tips or suggestions?
Thanks
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/8/2009 11:38:13 AM
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APZR
Posts: 1053
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From: GA
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Hook up with local civic clubs like Rotary. They will often sponsor worthy missions, and may even pass the hat at the lunch meeting.
However, do understand that most people are stretched to the max right now, and many have had to cancel their tithe pledges due to loss of income. Some of these folks may be sitting in that very meeting, despite the fact that they are dressed in a suit and are attending a club meeting... they are networking and looking for any shot at job opportunities.
One thing that just crossed my mind... in our state, candidates for Governor, Congressmen and the Senate are cranking up their fundraising. In this time, with an all time high disapproval rating, people will be supporting their candidate of choice. So make sure your appearances and scheduled meetings do not come back to back with any political appearance. You will loose support as people will be more concerned with contributing to the candidate than you and your mission across the seas.
< Message edited by APZR -- 7/8/2009 11:45:07 AM >
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Ya can't keep trouble from visitin, but you don't have to offer it a chair.
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/8/2009 3:27:25 PM
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writerchick
Posts: 368
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This may seem like a totally random fundraising idea, but you might have the most success if you go corporate.
By that I mean find companies who pay for you to send items to them. Off the top of my head, there is an organization who recycles cell phones. They send you the boxes and pay postage so all you have to do is collect old cell phones and send them in. They send you a check or whatever other reward you choose.
There's another company who recycles things like Capri Sun pouches and turns them into clothes and other items. They pay you per pouch sent in. You should be able to google both of these organizations.
Something else you can look into is selling health and beauty aids like toothpaste and deodorant. I know this sounds totally weird, but it is extremely easy to get these products for free from stores like CVS and Walgreens. Then all you'd have to do is hold a yard sale and sell them for a $1 each to turn a nice profit. This way, you won't feel guilty about asking friends and neighbors to donate because they're getting items that they can use at a bargain basement price, but you're still raising money like crazy. The more people you get involved in this, the faster you'll be able to earn the money. It will be time consuming to get the sale set up, but it'll be worth it. If you'll check the CVS ads, back to school supplies are starting to be offered for free. Those can be some really good sellers for you in the upcoming months.
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/8/2009 6:56:13 PM
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writerchick
Posts: 368
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Glad I could help.
One more thought.... If you have a day job you could set cookies out on a filing cabinet with a jar for the money beside them. I've been doing this for the last year and half. It doesn't raise a ton of money, but it's nice pocket change to buy my Sunday papers for the coupon inserts.
It started out to help pay for a trip to Australia last April. When I got back, I tried to quietly make the cookies go away, but got complaints! I had to bring them back. I buy jumbo cookies from a grocery store's bakery in bulk, put them in Ziplock bags and ask a dollar each.
If you try this, I suggest you put the money earned here towards the tax on the toothpaste, etc. In some States, you won't have to worry about sales tax, but here in CA the rate is about 10% of the pre coupon purchase price which can eat away at profits fairly quickly.
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/8/2009 7:42:22 PM
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GroupW
Posts: 2530
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From: Up in the hills of Colorado (very BIG hills...)
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A friend of mine has to raise a fair amount of money every year to cover expenses for a fairly large residence facility for troubled youth. He's noted a couple of things:
1) If he can get in front of a church on a Sunday morning for 5-15 minutes, he can convince a few people to become regular, sizable contributors to his organization. These people tend to be fairly consistent in their support over the years. Don't expect sizable contributions from the churches themselves though. Most are already fairly stretched. It's the individual members that become givers.
2) Churches are becoming increasingly stingy with their time - it's getting harder and harder to get in front of local congregations. Not sure why that is, but it's something he's noticed. He used to speak at 20-25 churches a year, but now has trouble getting in front of 5.
3) As a result, like a prior poster mentioned, he's drifted toward corporate givers.
Don't know if that helps, but it's the only wisdom I've got on the issue.
So, one of the more effective avenues of fund raising is also one of the more difficult to manage. It's still worth a try.
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/8/2009 10:42:40 PM
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APZR
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quote:
ORIGINAL: GroupW
2) Churches are becoming increasingly stingy with their time - it's getting harder and harder to get in front of local congregations. Not sure why that is, but it's something he's noticed. He used to speak at 20-25 churches a year, but now has trouble getting in front of 5.
I can see that, churches are hurting too. So, they will be less friendly to giving up their "air time" on stage for a competing non-profit organization wanting contributions $$$.
_____________________________
Ya can't keep trouble from visitin, but you don't have to offer it a chair.
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/9/2009 8:56:48 AM
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GroupW
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From: Up in the hills of Colorado (very BIG hills...)
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I think that's true. He also told us that it's a trend that's been happening for a long time. Somewhat perplexed on the exact reasons, though clearly you're right in that the current recession sure doesn't help.
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/9/2009 11:20:39 PM
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GroupW
Posts: 2530
Joined: 11/16/2007
From: Up in the hills of Colorado (very BIG hills...)
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That's a great way of handling it. I think that's the best way. It also seems to be pretty effective.
The decrease in pulpit time for missions is a big deal. Glad your church is doing it right. Some Christian non profits have abandoned going to churches altogether in favor of going to the business community. Sad to think that the LAST place Christians go to raise money for Christian purposes is their local church.
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/10/2009 8:20:57 AM
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Pamsy
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Last year, when the senior pastor of our church left, the church was still in the middle of trying to get reconstruction, a new temprary sancuary paid. A much larger one, which is still being paid. And that is only temporary so they can build another one. And the membership has been growing much. Back a few years a go, the pastor was always concerned about it, then said one day he realized he needed to trust God aobut it and finally gave up pushing people to invite people to church(hence, more money). (of course, inviting peoploe to church is a good thing)
Now the new pastor keeps talking aobut it all the time) IF I was new at a chruch, and not previously 'churched', how what would I think aobut that? I'm not sure, and I'm dubious about him relentlessly talking aobut it. IT's mainly becuase of peoples lack fo a jobs. Maybe he and some otheres needs to go into more prayer about it and less pushing to issue, i dont know.
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1 Chorinthians 13 vs. 4-8. Love is patient, love is kind.......Love never fails."
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/10/2009 2:46:40 PM
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linarette
Posts: 105
Joined: 5/2/2007
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quote:
That's a great way of handling it. I think that's the best way. It also seems to be pretty effective.
People may give whatever they have in their pockets on that given Sunday out of guilt/shame/obligation etc...What this lady did was set a table outside the sanctuary and wait for people to approach her after the service; She obtained contact info of those that stopped by, then re-flamed interest a few days later by sending emails. I agreed to meet with her thinking I'd give a one-time contribution and apologize for not being able to sponsor a child or commit to monthly support. I was surprised when she took the "Let's spread the word" approach instead...The Lord's been great and has stirred up more interest for the project since then... 
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/10/2009 2:49:07 PM
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linarette
Posts: 105
Joined: 5/2/2007
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Pamsy
Last year, when the senior pastor of our church left, the church was still in the middle of trying to get reconstruction, a new temprary sancuary paid. A much larger one, which is still being paid. And that is only temporary so they can build another one. And the membership has been growing much. Back a few years a go, the pastor was always concerned about it, then said one day he realized he needed to trust God aobut it and finally gave up pushing people to invite people to church(hence, more money). (of course, inviting peoploe to church is a good thing)
Now the new pastor keeps talking aobut it all the time) IF I was new at a chruch, and not previously 'churched', how what would I think aobut that? I'm not sure, and I'm dubious about him relentlessly talking aobut it. IT's mainly becuase of peoples lack fo a jobs. Maybe he and some otheres needs to go into more prayer about it and less pushing to issue, i dont know.
Without question, It's a tight spot for pastors... I like that in most churches, newcomers/guests aren't required to give on their first visit.
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RE: Fundraising in this economy - 7/10/2009 7:51:03 PM
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GroupW
Posts: 2530
Joined: 11/16/2007
From: Up in the hills of Colorado (very BIG hills...)
Status: offline
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quote:
ORIGINAL: linarette
quote:
That's a great way of handling it. I think that's the best way. It also seems to be pretty effective.
People may give whatever they have in their pockets on that given Sunday out of guilt/shame/obligation etc...What this lady did was set a table outside the sanctuary and wait for people to approach her after the service; She obtained contact info of those that stopped by, then re-flamed interest a few days later by sending emails. I agreed to meet with her thinking I'd give a one-time contribution and apologize for not being able to sponsor a child or commit to monthly support. I was surprised when she took the "Let's spread the word" approach instead...The Lord's been great and has stirred up more interest for the project since then...
I really think that's the best way to do it. If you pass the offering plate, you'll get a little bit of money for one week. If you can talk to people and convince them of the benefits of your ministry, you can get dedicated givers that are involved in your ministry and give for years.
_____________________________
“For every problem, there is a solution that is simple, elegant and wrong.” -H.L. Mencken
"Most people would rather die than think; in fact, they do so." -Bertrand Russell
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That's why asking for money is even tougher now...It's difficult to know what people are dealing with and one cannot "assume" that everything is OK just from appearance. 
. I never insist, but I have to confess I feel a little twinge of resentment when that happens (I know, I know, judgeth not... 
) 
I don't know how to explain it, but it's like making people aware of the need without asking for money...People are free to ask questions, meet one/one with the presenters later on....
