The right time to start raising money is never – so let’s start now!
We firmly believe ministries and organizations must know where they want to go before planning how they will get there. It is our firm belief NOW is the time to take massive action. You can and will do all things through Christ who strengthens you!
Americans are at a pivotal point in our history. In turn, this is directly leading investors, YOUR potential donors, to feel a sense of urgency in finding and giving to deserving, impactful organizations. Will they choose your ministry or organization? Get intentional! Get moving!
Despite the perceived massive build-up of wealth, we see that many leaders in faith-based organizations continue to struggle with feeling overwhelmed, short on resources, and concerned about the potential giving in their community.
But, lack of resources are simply not the problem at this time. There are literally billions of dollars currently sitting in donor advised funds due to the perceived lack of inspiring recipients.
According to the Wall Street Journal in 2017:
“…Assets held by such funds have exploded. Nearly 270,000 individual DAF accounts (including 10% of our firm’s clients) now hold close to $80 billion in assets with the average account at about $235,000, according to data for 2015 from the National Philanthropic Trust. But of the $22 billion added to DAFs in 2015, less than $15 billion was paid out to charities. So this stash-in-waiting for America’s charities will soon top $100 billion.”
Did you catch that? $100 billion that has been set aside for giving. And this data is from 2015! Keep in mind that donors have already taken a deduction on these dollars, in a sense, they have been “given.” But, they have yet to be directed by donors to organizations that can make the most of it.
Another perspective we would share is that more than half of ALL money donated in 2016 came from individuals for religious or educational causes. Individuals have money to give, but they are lacking an awareness of what impactful ministries and organizations need and deserve their funds.
It is vital to act now, for even though we are feeling the current boom in market trends, like all surges, a downturn will inevitably come. I can promise you, it’s coming. It might be helpful for you to ask yourself: Do I want to figure out how to allocate a 30% increase in revenue due to a growth in giving or do I want to wait until the next downturn and problem solve and troubleshoot for a 30% loss?
Imagine a 30% loss of giving, involvement, volunteerism, staff, and your total budget! How would you react? How would you use your time in that sort of crisis? Why not apply that level of diligence, focus, and energy NOW while the resources are available?
God knows the plans He has for you – and they are plans for good! So, it’s time to stop being overwhelmed with the busy-ness and the feeling of scarce resources and to move forward.
Moving forward boldly requires you to ask yourself two simple questions:
- Do I have a vision? Am I called?
- Does God promise to provide what is needed to fuel the work going forward?
- What is truly holding you back or causing you to delay in leading people to give significantly?
Let’s get started!