3 Ways to Avoid Fundraising Disasters in Your Nonprofit
Carrie Reichartz 
3 Ways to Avoid Fundraising Disasters in Your Nonprofit3 Fundraising Tips for Your Nonprofit
Funding was scary. To stay ahead of the fear or responsibility and the stress of funding I hosted as many as twelve event fundraisers a year or more.
After years and years of striving I realized I had the wrong focus all along. And fundraising was not the most difficult part of my job. Fundraising was actually fun if I did it right. It was just a more tangible way to connect with God. That’s what we teach you here at Christian Rocketeers!
Pillar #3 of our nonprofit strategy plan for startups is EVENTS.
For those of you who know me, you know that I am a natural organizer. It comes from being born in January. I love hosting events and have hosted many successful ones. But I have had my share of fundraising disasters as well.
Our Breakfast with Santa was going to be perfect. I had co-hosted the event before, so I knew all involved and I had hosted another event at this venue.
Well after investing money for an amazing flier and receiving a $250 bill for printing to work on our marketing to local schools and daycares, the venue called and backed out of our agreement.
I was in Kenya at the time and the person facilitating the fundraiser was devastated to call me to tell me about the issue.
But it was a sign. God was telling me to do less and make our events bigger and only do 1-2 events. This one sounded so good, and I thought let’s try it. But God was clear that we were not supposed to be doing the smaller fundraiser events.
Because I didn’t pray before, we wasted time, money and emotional heartache and distraction.
As I read 2 Chronicles 20 the other day it amazed me at how detailed the plan was from God for Jehoshaphat to defeat the three enemies that were joining together to attack Israel.
He spoke through a little-known person and revealed detailed plans of how they were to defeat their enemies. They added some praise to the journey and God defeated the enemy before they arrived. Then they spent three days taking away the plunder of the battle and they didn’t do ANYTHING but pray and seek God.
What are our 3 steps to avoid fundraising disasters?
PRAY.
2. BE PATIENT FOR HIS PLAN.
3. PRAISE WHILE YOU WAIT.
I pray for us to be patient and wait for His plan and then work His plan and only His plan. As we wait, we praise and remember Who is in charge.
Events are an amazing avenue to get the word out about what you are doing. They are amazing ways to find volunteers. And they are a great way to make some money!
There are super simple events and super complicated events.
We can't wait to talk more about this at our live on Wednesday. Check it out at Facebook.com/Christianrocketeers