8 Important Do’s and Don’ts in Fundraising
“We’ve tried but no one responds,” they said to me. I saw his sad face and heard the disappointment in his voice. My heart went out to him. His ministry was important. It was worth investing in. Unfortunately, there were several key things necessary in fundraising that he had failed to do. He was also making some classic mistakes.
Like everything in life, we want missions fundraising to be easier. In some ways, it used to be. Raising ministry partners requires effort and time. It is hard work. There are a few key things you can do that will help. There are also some things you should try to avoid.
8 Fundraising Do’s and Don’ts
Let’s list these in a do and don’t format. The contrast should make it clear.
1. BE COMPETENT
– Don’t send random, poorly written newsletters.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are a turn off to many people and don’t reflect who you are very well. You don’t need to be professional or super fancy, you do need to look like you are a capable person. Use a tool like Grammarly to help you.
– Do have someone proofread your letters, videos or PowerPoints before you send them out.
You may be in a hurry, but take time to do a good job in this. The quality of your communication speaks to potential partners of the quality of your ministry.
2. BE CLEAR
– Don’t “ask” by mentioning at the bottom of your letter, “Please pray for our finances.”
This is not clear. If you are raising support, ask them to consider doing that. Let them know how to give. Fuzzy communication of needs does not get good results.
– Do share your vision, and then clearly ask them to think about joining your ministry partner team.
Be specific, clear, and straight-forward without being pushy.
3. BE PERSONAL
– Don’t be an annoying salesperson.
Avoid looking like one. People can tell when you have sent them something that looks like you sent it to a hundred people.
Personalize your messages and emails as much as possible. Better yet, make a phone call that is specific to them. Make personal appointments with potential partners and share “in person” as a follow up to your email or message. In these days that may mean a video call.
– Do be relational.
Show interest in their lives and work as well. Invest in the relationship, not only to get their money. Invest in it because you sincerely care about them. Share about your life and family, as well as your vision.
4. BE CONSISTENT
– Don’t only communicate when you are in desperate need.
Many people only think about sending out letters or communications when they run out of money. Or when their spouse is frustrated about their lack of finances. Don’t be random in how and when you communicate.
– Do be consistent in your communications with prayer partners and potential donors.
Many people do not open emails. PDFs attached are even worse. When you send out a letter, send a follow-up message, or give a call to see if people received it. Schedule time in your life and calendar to regularly communicate with prayer and ministry partners. I recommend you send them something each month and make a phone call every three months.
5. BE RESPONSIBLE
– Don’t expect your leader, mentors or friends to do your job for you.
We tend to look at others with more connections or experience in fundraising and wish they would help us.
– Do take responsibility for your own fundraising efforts.
God will certainly help you. From your side, be willing to put in a consistent effort. Be faithful in communications and sharing your vision with others. Your Father knows your needs and will work as you do this.
Lazy hands make for poverty, but diligent hands bring wealth.
Proverbs 10:4 NIV.
6. BE DILIGENT
– Don’t only look to rich or foreign friends for support.
They may help, but many of the best ministry partners are your closest friends and relatives who don’t have much money. Never think that someone is too poor to invest in God’s Kingdom. Even a “widow’s mite” has great value in God’s sight.
– Do be willing to work hard in raising ministry partners.
Set aside a few hours a week for this, or if you need to raise a larger amount, make it your full-time job for a few months. Making phone calls, having appointments, and preparing a vision speech takes time.
7. BELIEVE IN MIRACLES
– Don’t expect a miracle if you haven’t been faithful in doing your part to raise up partners.
God rewards those who are diligent and do their part.
He will bring you divine appointments with people who want to give to His Kingdom work. Are your eyes open for this? Are you listening to His Spirit’s direction about who to share with?
8. PRAY MUCH
– Don’t rely only on your abilities to communicate or present your ministry.
Are you leaning on your own skills or leaning into God for the release of your budget?
– Do show you reliance on God by praying often about this area of your life.
God desires to bless you. When you pray for this, you pray according to His will. Pray for the people on your potential donor list. Pray and bless them whether they give or not! Pray before each phone appointment where you share about your vision. Pray afterwards as well.
In 2021 YWAM FM ONLINE will be launching a BRAND NEW online training related to ministry partner development. Click here to be notified when this becomes available.
It is not God’s plan for you to live in poverty or great lack continually. We all go through seasons when budgets are tight. Covid-19 and the economic impact of this does not help.
If you are facing a financial crisis, ask God to show you what to do. He loves you. Allow Him to gently correct or mature you in this season. Seek Him for wisdom in what to do to apply what has been shared above. Choose one or two things from the list above to work on changing this coming month.
Which of these 8 important keys will you begin working on this week?
Let me know in the comments below or join the Missionary Life Facebook group and comment there.