Fundraising for Churches
12 Keys to Success Every Church Leader Should Know
Fundraising for Churches: 12 Keys to Success Every Church Leader Should Know was created because your church or faith-based organization needs to raise money, annual operating support, as well as capital and endowment funds for building and maintenance.
Of the $358 billion that was donated in the United States last year, one-third, or nearly $115 billion, went to religious causes. While this is clearly a huge sum, that percentage has been declining for years, from over half of the money given away.
Why the decline? It could be that we as a nation are less faithful than our ancestors. Perhaps there are just more choices for giving. No matter the cause, what can be done about this decline in giving to churches?
The authors, Linda Wise McNay, PhD and Sarah B. Matthews, CFRE, believe that churches and other faith-based organizations need to become more adept at raising funds, just like any other type of nonprofit. McNay and Matthews explain that no longer can we be idle bystanders and passively wait to see what comes in the collection plate or depend on people to embrace tithing. In this powerful course, they show us step-by-step, that there are things we can do today to help the process along.
Fundraising for Churches: 12 Keys to Success Every Church Leader Should Know was created with church leaders in mind—whether they are clergy or other staff members, or lay leaders and volunteers. By the time you have finished the course, you will have a clear understanding of how to raise meaningful dollars. More to the point, you will have the confidence to launch a highly ambitious and successful fundraising campaign.
Your Instructor
Linda Wise McNay, PhD is an independent fundraising consultant with Our Fundraising Search in Atlanta, GA. She has spent over 30 years in the nonprofit sector serving hundreds of clients and raising over $250 million dollars. Linda's background includes work with higher and secondary education, faith-based organizations, the arts, and human services. Her work has involved capital campaigns, annual fund, planned giving, membership, and development search.
Sarah B. Matthews, CFRE has served as a financial resources consultant for more than 11 years, and she currently serves as the Senior Associate Director for Major Gifts at The Carter Center in Atlanta, GA. She has been involved in church ministry since 1989, and she has worked with churches in most mainline denominations from Rhode Island to Florida. Married to an Episcopal rector, Sarah is keenly aware of the challenges involved in church fundraising.