In his book, A Spirituality of Fundraising, Dutch Catholic priest and theologian Henri J. M. Nouwen talks about the importance of generosity and he has a word for those who gather funds for ministry as Jesus did:
“Fundraising is, first and foremost, a form of ministry. It is a way of announcing our vision and inviting other people into our mission…
“Vision and mission are so central to the life of God’s people that without vision we perish and without mission we lose our way (Prov. 29:18; 2 Kings 21:1-9). Vision brings together needs and resources to meet those needs (Acts 9:1-19)…
“Fundraising is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission…
“When we seek to raise funds we are not saying, ‘Please, could you help us out because lately it’s been hard.’ Rather, we are declaring, ‘We have a vision that is amazing and exciting. We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you—your energy, your prayers, and your money—in this work to which God has called us.’
“Fundraising is also always a call to conversion. And this call comes to both those who seek funds and those who have funds. Whether we are asking for money or giving money, we are drawn together by God who is about to do a new thing through our collaboration (see Isa. 43:19).”
Much of our work at GSB Fundraising is, well, raising funds for ministry. We work with congregations of many traditions, with synodical/diocesan/conference/district leaders, and with non-profits. GSB has served most of the camps in the ELCA. Raising funds for ministry is joyful work that often deepens commitment and the spiritual life of givers and askers alike.
Givers usually fund a congregation’s or organization’s operations from their income cash flow. They don’t fund operations from savings assets. Capital fund appeals allow people to give from accumulated assets, providing resources for big projects beyond the regular budget.
Our process is well-tested and fruitful. We are happy to share the many testimonies. The process includes feasibility studies, messaging, cultivating large gifts, capacity-building, and producing professionally designed graphics. We organize your team and take a lot of the work off your shoulders. People have more fun than they expected and are often surprised by the results.
Give us a call or an email to learn more.
