| Money - you hate having to raise it, but you can't live or operate without it!
In today's world, a program like Sidewalk Sunday School costs a lot of money to
operate. Not only are there the big outlays for vehicles and equipment, but
the actual costs of running the program itself. We have found that an
"average" site of 100 kids will cost about $100 a week - and that's not counting
various other regular expenses for those necessary items such as insurance, gas, equipment
etc. There is a plethora of information, methods and ideas on fund-raising. How
you go about it will largely depend on your philosophy, theology and personality.
A really good little book is THE RAISING OF MONEY,
by James Gregory Lord, published by The Third Sector Press, PO Box 18044, Cleveland, OH
44118.
Here are a few things we have learned over the years that help us:
- Poverty Mentality. Don't have one!
Penny pinching and our stinginess communicates that the Gospel we present is a
stingy, or second-hand Gospel.
- People. People give to people
or for people before they give to projects. Before you can "sell" the
program you have to "sell" yourself. They give because they believe in you
rather than what you are doing!
- Give. You must be willing to give yourself
- you cannot ask other people to put money into the project unless you are willing to be
it's biggest donor. The amount you give reflects how much you believe in what you
are doing. When people ask me where we get our funds from, the first place I
point to is my pocket!
- Communication. Good and frequent
communication through newsletters, updates etc. with your support base is essential.
It should be informative, visionary, challenging.
- Opportunity. Provide people
opportunities to give. Different people give to different things, therefore provide
a wide range of projects. Different projects trigger different results from people.
We have one person that likes to help buy sound-systems for teams around the world!
Find out what motivates people.
- Ask. Do not be afraid to ask.
After all "you have not because you ask not" Jesus said. The worst
response you can get is a "no!"
- Expectations. Don't underestimate or
under value anyone. Money comes from the most unexpected places and people.
Likewise, high expectations are soon shattered by having an over estimate or expectations
of certain people.
Legalities.
In most States, the raising of funds is governed by specific laws. For
additional information on fund-raising, regulations and registration, please
email us.
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