What’s your problem?
Most churches and religious organizations think they need more money when in reality, many ministries lack mission focus and alignment with a strategic vision.
People buy into, and support causes that are greater than themselves. They want to contribute to and be a part of projects that allow them to achieve more than they could accomplish on their own. You may not be getting the support you need because you aren’t dreaming big enough.
If you believe your ministry needs more money, consider first what you are asking for the money to fund. If you have a specific project that you are working on, what is your proof of concept? What have you accomplished that would make someone want to invest in your work?
Asking for ministry donations is like pitching a business idea. We want to believe that everyone will love our idea, but the reality is that people want to know what the Return on Investment (ROI) is. In business, the return is typically financial, but in ministry, the return is a social good. How will their investment help the community or make the world a better place?
If your organization struggles to raise money, stop and ask what you are asking people to give to. What is the big idea? The big idea should formulate your vision. From there, you can develop your mission or how you will accomplish the big idea. Developing a mission statement will clarify to your supporters what work you plan to engage in. People should not have to wonder what you do. You should describe in one or two sentences what sets your ministry apart.
Once you can clearly communicate your identity, you must start doing it! Dream big and work small. Create milestones to help you reach the big vision. You can’t save the world overnight, but you can increase the literacy rate of children in your community by providing an after-school program that leads to a summer program and engages children in reading.
Too often, we think we need a lot of money to do a big thing. If we start small, our supporters will grow with us and support the journey toward achieving the vision.
Your organization may not have a money problem; you may just need clarity about your vision and mission to compel supporters to invest in you!
