Forecasting Your Fundraising
by G. C. Brown with Karen Moderow
April 1, 1999
I'm often asked, "When is a good time to raise funds?" For church leaders considering expansion projects, the obvious answer is, "Whenever you need them." But that's not necessarily true.
The old saying, "Timing is everything," definitely applies to churches and major fundraising. For success, the right climate is essential.
By accurately forecasting the atmosphere and the congregation's commitment to a project before making irreversible decisions, you can avoid severe turbulence.
Pea-soup fog
I recently worked with a church that wanted to raise capital dollars for a building on their current site and for a piece of land they would need for future relocation.
They had not selected a site nor did they know when land might become available. They had no idea of the actual costs involved—just estimates of what they thought would be within their budget.
The fundraising climate was foggy. The people could not see anything tangible. To raise funds, people must have a target! Before they are asked to give, the congregation must be able to visualize what they're giving to and understand how it will benefit them.
The target must also be achievable within a reasonable period of time, usually two to three years.
Hazy days
Each Sunday one church in Maryland scrambled to cram their growing congregation into their quaint but too-small facility. During the week, their building also housed an elementary school.
In desperate need of classroom space for the day school as well as Sunday school, the planning committee solicited an architect who came up with a dream plan that included not only an educational building, but a new worship center. The staff and committee members were thrilled. There was just one problem: they couldn't afford it.
The church ...
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