Leadership Challenges, Skills & Tips
The Constitution & Bylaws You Need!
Get Them Organizing & Functioning
Leadership in The Lord's Churches
By Dr. Lester Hutson
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Organizing & Functioning: Fundraising Without Being Obnoxious No matter what your personal theology is, you need money in order to carry it out. We need money for a place to meet, we need money for electric, phone, heat and air conditioning. We need money for materials and supplies. _ Raise money to sustain and expand church projects and activities._ Ensure broad participation by church members in fundraising activities._ Carefully manage the finances associated with fundraising activities._Understand church fundraising guidelines. _ Learn the characteristics of a successful fundraising project._ Understand the importance of continuity in ongoing fundraising activities._ Select team members who will enable the church to pursue fundraising goalseffectively. What makes a fundraising activity successful? Key Elements of Fundraising Activities _ Planning_ Volunteer coordination_ Responsible financial management_ Promotion_ The Blessing of the Lord_ EvaluationWhat steps are important for planning a fundraising activity? Planning a Fundraising Activity _ Assess the church’s financial needs with respect to its current projects and its service-oriented goals._ Determine the purpose of the possible fundraising activity._ Set a fundraising goal._ Assess current volunteer resources and determine how many more volunteers may be needed._ Apply lessons learned from past fundraising activities.What logistical factors should the church consider when planning a fundraising event? _ Venue (where to hold the event or activity)_ Resources (people and materials)_ Timing (when to hold the event or activity)What factors should the church determine when setting a date for the fundraising activity? _ Ample time for planning and promoting the event_ Best time period for maximum volunteer participation_ Date conflicts with other events, including:– Planned community events – Major sporting events – National or religious holidays _ Possible links to holiday activities_ Alternate arrangements for inclement weather, if applicableHow can we coordinate fundraising volunteers? _ Form working committees to help organize, plan, and carry out the event._ Encourage chairs of each committee responsible for the fundraising activity to meet regularly with the event coordinator._ Ensure that volunteer participants have clearly defined tasks and follow up with them as the event or activity nears._ Solicit feedback from volunteers on how fundraising efforts might be improvedHow can you motivate fundraising volunteers? _ Thank all volunteers at every meeting._ Show appreciation after the event by giving volunteers thank-you notes, photos, plaques, or even small gifts, if appropriate.Besides church members, who else can help with church fundraising efforts? _ Family members and friends_ Former members will often help on Saturdays_ Youth Group Members_ High School and university students who need community service credits_ Cooperation with community members and other organizations can increase awareness of the church and help identify potential members.How can the church promote a fundraising activity? — Advertise the event in the church’s bulletin and newsletter. — Distribute fliers throughout the community. — Post signs in prominent locations. — Print T-shirts to be worn by volunteers. — Consider paid advertising to reach a larger audience. — Seek media coverage from local newspapers, radio stations, and/or television stations. _ Be sure to work with the church’s public relations committee to coordinate publicity efforts for any fundraising event.Managing Funds Responsibly
_ Handle finances in a business-like way, such as requiring a counter signature on disbursement checks and an annual audit._ Determine a fundraising budget including anticipated expenses and revenue._ Establish a separate account for moneys associated with the fundraising activity to aid bookkeeping and preserve the church’s financial propriety._ Carefully account for all expense payments made and donations collected._ The church treasurer should consider issuing reports on the distribution of money collected from the community to assist in projects._ Consult an accountant to determine any tax or other liabilities._ Depending on the type of event or activity planned, it may be prudent to purchase insurance to cover the unlikely event of property damage, accident, orinjury. How does fundraising benefit our church? _ Demonstrates how the efforts of the church members and other volunteers can make a real difference in other peoples’ lives_ Encourages fellowship among church members as they work together to reach a common goal_ Provides an opportunity for community members to learn more about the church and its value in peoples’ lives as a means of worship, personal and spiritual growing and of service_ Allows the church to work with other community organizations, providing an opportunity to share resources and expenses, build goodwill, and strengthen ties within the communityWhat characteristics should we consider when selecting church fundraising team members? Team Member Characteristics _ Professional or volunteer fundraising experience a plus_ Professional experience in– Sales – Accounting – Law – Insurance – Logistical planning _ Strong connections to a cross section of the community– Business relationships – Professional associations – Local civic groups – Members of the media – Local government agencies -- Other nonprofit organizations
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