I just released my new book entitled Finding the Fun in Fundraising and I pray it will be a blessing to those of you who read it. It may be hard for some of you to believe, but asking for money and fundraising was not an area where I felt confident in my early years of Teen Challenge leadership. In fact, when God called me to work full-time with Teen Challenge, Libby, my wife, said to me, "Jerry, you know you are going to have to raise money if you say 'yes' to this position." I remember saying to her, "If God is calling me to this work He will have to help me learn how to do it."
There are many sayings that Christians have said to me over the years, i.e. "If God guides, He provides", "Just trust God and He will make it all work out", or "Just write a grant, there's lots of money out there, just go get it." Well, if you have been a Teen Challenge leader for very long you know that it isn't always that easy. Usually people who say these kinds of things have not done much fundraising and or have never led a not-for-profit ministry. Raising funds is hard work and it takes the favor of the Lord and lots of grace.
My early years of fundraising were spent in trial and error, learning one principle after another. It has taken 20 plus years for me to understand how to genuinely find the fun in fundraising. I have learned that in the good times and the challenging times there is fun in raising funds.
One of the greatest challenges is dealing with the space between your two ears. Your philosophy of fundraising will truly empower you or hinder you from finding fun in your role as a leader. You have to have the right attitude or you will hinder your ability to succeed.
In my book I speak about how important it is to build relationships with your donors. One statement that I believe to be true is that there has never been a lack of money, there is simply a lack of relationships. You see, the money is here, we just have to work at building relationships with those who have it and who can invest in our dream or vision. This does take work and it takes the favor of God, but it can be done.
I also believe it is critical to stay mission driven. In my experience working with all types of donors over the years, our greatest success has come from developing a clear vision and casting that vision. When people get the opportunity to hear your vision and it is laid out in a clear plan, they give. At least that is our experience. Now, I understand that for some of you, your reality is different than mine. You may not be in a nation that is philanthropic. Your country may not be one where giving to a Christian charity like Teen Challenge is normal. That still doesn't keep you from getting to know people who might have an ability to give. You may have to think differently about how you will fund your ministry. You may need to develop micro businesses to fund your vision.
Again, it is about your attitude and how you look at this challenge and how creative you are in thinking about solving your challenge. I know that sounds simplistic for some of you with the challenges you face, but optimism and innovation always wins, where pessimism and a negative attitude never wins. God can help you! You can seek His guidance and seek help from your peers in the Teen Challenge family.
I have offered many principles, suggestions and ideas in my book that might be of help to you, but know that I believe you can find a way to move your vision forward.
If you are interested in purchasing my book it is available in two versions, an electronic version on Amazon.com, or order a hard copy on line at fundraising.teenchallenge.cc.
(See links below.)
I pray that some of the principles you read may help you as you endeavor to do what God has called you to do. Be blessed and have some fun fundraising.
Putting Hope Within Reach,
Jerry Nance
Top of Page
Travis Moran and Lewis Johnson joined with Sustained Hope's Bob Bachman and GTC's Rick Souza in May, to develop a sustainability project, which will help to bring stability and long-term growth to TC in Kyrgyzstan.
