It is often difficult to maintain a relationship with a friend while maintaining a donor-friendship. Sometimes, a donor relationship can become too friendly that more significant requests becomes uncomfortable and difficult. In other instances, a relationship is formed with a relationship, but also an realization that the person you are with is likely to become a major contributor to the church. As with good friendships the donor-donor relationship is built through trust, respect honesty, honesty, truthfulness as well as joy, sympathy, affection, and an belief in Jesus as the only hope for the world. There isn’t a greater shared desire than the Lord and Savior who are shared. Donor Management Software
The goal is to create this wonderful acquaintance, apart from your personal relationships to be a friend in the work. Develop this relationship with the ministry in the same way you develop personal relationships. By having an unwavering love for Christ as the basis, developing trust, respect and confidence will blossom.
Below are some strategies to build a friendship with the ministry that stems from a previous relationship or friendship. This can be done in three steps: prior to any gift, converting small gifts to bigger giving and maintaining a relationship with a friendship with the ministry.
Prior to any GiftIntroducing someone you know to your ministry can be the initial step in assessing the possibilities for the relationship to develop and prosper. If there is a good level of compatibility between the two, the partner of the ministry should to be educated on the organization. Start by inviting them visit the ministry as well as take part in special events, meetings , or events that relate for the organization. Offer them promotional material and mail your newsletter in a personalised envelope include a personal note. send them copies of the confidential information about the future, future campaigns and strategic planning. Ask them to contribute suggestions and input.
Once they’ve been enlisted, ask the important leaders of the organization (Board Chair and Founder, President, etc.)) to host the person who is a friend of the ministry at their home. Give them free tickets to the launch or other special events for the person who is a friend of the ministry.
The growth of smaller gifts to greater givingIt is essential to do those things that made the relationship grow right from the beginning. Develop this relationship by making this ministry friend one who is a trusted mentor and confidant for the organization. Inform them of any future plans and ask for their advice and guidance during the beginning of the process. Make sure they are the first to receive details about this Pre-Campaign Study. Increase their involvement by seeking advice in their areas of expertise . Ask for their support as members of committees for major projects. Receive feedback on plans when they are they are still in the conceptual stage and present strategies in drafts and get their feedback. If the person who is a friend of the ministry is located in a different location, speak to them about the possibility of being an executive for a particular region or state.
Exclusive premiums, such as join the ministry through the person who is a friend of the ministry. Link them to other significant patrons of the church, and ask them to promote the ministry to their friends. It might be beneficial to request them to host an event for business leaders specifically for their particular industry and/or region or area of influence.
Recognize the donor’s friend by naming him or her in the organization through newsletters, websites, or other social media platforms. First, make sure you are happy with being recognized, since certain donors prefer to remain more private. If it is appropriate, try to get the donor noticed by other journalists or in industry publications. Finally, provide the press clippings once the donor is mentioned in the media.
Continue to engage your friends of the ministry with the vision and mission of the organization by making them aware of the positive impact of the work. Send photos of people who are that are served by the organization and ask those who profit from your organization to share their personal experiences. Invite a patron of the ministry to be a prayer partner , and ask you to ask for prayers for particular projects, needs and individuals or projects. It should not be general “please pray for our ministry” however, it should be a specific one like “please ask God to pray for the manager of our ministry who is in Jacksonville who is suffering from an illness.”
Also, let the ministry to become an advocate for the person. Feel empathy for the member from the church and pray for them as well as their requirements. Ask them if they have something you can pray for them. You can also ask them to pray for them. Send sympathy or get well cards and also celebratory cards to celebrate birthdays, milestones and achievements. Meet with the minister’s friend frequently and ensure that your visits occur at good times as well as bad. It is important that the ministry becomes acquainted with the friend who is part of their ministry. Know the family members of their friends, know the hobbies and interests they have and know what matters to them and what their passion is.
Being a Friend of Ministry Ministry –Again Continue to follow the suggestions for friends of the ministry previously mentioned, but think about adding other activities.
Give thanks to the donor of the ministry and request that others who are important in the mission to acknowledge them, such as the founder of the ministry, president or any other reputable donors. Show your appreciation both in private and public and try to have other people outside the ministry show appreciation to the friend and ministry’s partner for their kindness and dedication.
Send them special gifts to thank them for their contribution and give them the recipient with a certificate of appreciation or an engraved plaque. If you are considering these options ensure you note of whether your friend also has other certificates, plaques of appreciation or newspaper clippings in their office or home. If it seems unlikely that they would be displaying their personal gesture of appreciation rather, consider putting the name of their friend on a donation tree or donor plaques on your entryway.
Be part of the circle of influence of friends and get to know other people related to the friend that might also be interested in the work. Ask them to be the host at an annual dinner or special event , or request for them to host a party at their home, inviting people who the ministry might otherwise not be able to contact. This way, you are asking them to assist in helping you to raise funds. As your relationship develops the ministry might want to ask them to be a part of on your trustee’s board, or an advisory board.