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4 Keys to Increased Funding

By Dan Mirgon, CFRE, CLU, ChFC

In our work with ministries over the years, I’ve noticed something.  Most small and medium sized ministries are asking questions like, “what do I need to do in order to get more funding?” and “how do I find the right donors?”

These are important questions, but fundamentally they miss the point.  You see, it really isn’t a question of “what you need to do” as much as “what has already happened” that you need to focus on.

Thinking this through, I found that there are four elements that always stand out before we can help a ministry engage more donors.

First is that the leadership must have a clear “Call from God.”  We’ve all encountered people who are passionate – to the point of obsession – with a social or spiritual problem that must be solved.  If you don’t have a burning need to fix something, you may need to check whether you are called to lead this ministry, or is your job a stop-over on the career path to something else.

Second, is that the ministry must have a history of impact.  Can you clearly see the fingerprints of God on the lives that you serve?  If you haven’t been recording His work, start now.  In a few months you will be amazed at how involved He is.

Third, is a commitment to growth – doing quality ministry for more people than you can right now.  Now before you miss my point, this commitment is an offshoot of your call, and has nothing to do with “monument building,” or “ego satisfaction.”  No, this commitment must lead the organization into a realization that there are more people to serve if only there were more servants and resources.

And finally, there must be a realistic vision.  Something that is attainable and focuses potential donors on God at work through your ministry.  The vision has to excite them to join in the solution.

So why is this so important?  Because the world has changed while we were busy.  Again, a list of ideas to remember:

§    Donors are already hearing from everyone else.  Your message needs to stand out.

§    We are 80% of the way through the first decade of the 21^st century.  You need to stay connected with the world (as it is today) – without losing your offer of Truth and Transformation through Christ.

§    Don’t forget that the Busters and Mosaics (kids from 16 to 41) have grown up in a post-Christian culture.  You may have to accept some of their differences to get them to hear your message.

§    Remember to focus on changed lives.  People give to impact more than to problems.

§    Cast a vision of a brighter future.  You might get others to join the journey.

§    Celebrate your staff and volunteers in all your communications.  Donors not only want to be connected with God, but with his people.