Fundraising in Uncertain Times

I got a message today from a supporter who needs to stop her monthly donations. I'm thinking of my friends in ministry who raise support–missionary support or raising funds for the ministry as a whole–and you’re on the field, you’re doing the work, and you get a message like this.

The temptation is to shrink back. The temptation is to say, "Well, people are hurting (they are) and so I feel bad asking for money to support the ministry." But I want to encourage you that this is not the time to pull back. 

The money belongs to God. 
It’s not yours. 
It’s not your donor’s money. 
It’s God’s. 

The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord,
Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.
Proverbs 21:1

Things are being moved around, yes. Some donors will leave you. But some will also come to you. Coming or going, we’re still called to relationship. We’re in this together. The resources belong to God, and He will move them around from time to time. 

You still have to do your part. 
You still have to be ready to receive.
You have to make it easy for people to give.
You need to ask.
Not only ask–more than ever, you need to tell stories. 

Fundraising is part of discipling and leading and ministering to the people God has given you for this season. You pray together, weep together, celebrate together.

If you feel bad about asking for money, ask yourself a few questions:

1. Do I only talk to my people when I need something? 
2. Am I sharing the ministry with them without asking for money? (stories)
3. Do they ever get to see the smiles I get to see? 
4. Do they ever experience the joy and fulfillment I feel on a day when I absolutely know that God is with me, and that God loves without reserve the people He’s called me to serve? 

If you haven’t been telling stories, sharing the work, sharing the joy, then start now.  We grow closer by sharing stories. 

We are fundraisers, but it’s not the only thing we are. We are brothers and sisters in Christ. We bear one another's burdens. We share one another’s joys. We celebrate all that God is doing and look to Him with eager expectation.

We find solid ground to stand on when we remind each other of God’s faithfulness. Don’t just say He’s faithful, share the story of how you know he’s faithful. This is the word of your testimony. We are always called to glorify the name of the Lord.  Stories help us to see how He is moving and working in the world today.

We need that. 

There is a time to ask - and yes, you can ask in tough economic times. But at any time, you must tell stories. And you must tell stories before earning the right to ask. 

Share the stories. Share them with boldness and confidence in the Lord, as you trust Him to turn hearts and resources where He wishes. 

If you struggle to tell stories, you’ll struggle to raise funds. 
In the Mission Writers course:

• Learn the exact stories that every ministry, missionary, and nonprofit needs to tell.
• Master the fundraising story calendar.
• Develop and practice essential storytelling skills to increase funding for your mission.
• Build your story library and your confidence.

Details at MissionWriters.org
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Mission Writers is an online course and group coaching experience where you’ll develop and practice essential storytelling skills to help increase funding for your mission. Get started now, for a year of coaching at over 60% off the regular price.