Technically, it’s still summer.

Last month I wrote about how to make the most of your summer “down time” by preparing for your fall and yearend fundraising.  This month, I’d like to continue in that vein.  Let’s discuss how to get ready for your 2015 Form 990.

I realize it’s not due for another 9 months.  I also realize that if you filed an extension for 2014, you might be running to the post office today to get last year filed.  I also realize that there are a couple of things you can do now to make your 2015 look even better to those who might read it.

If you look at Page 6, Part VI, Section B, you will see the following questions:

12a  Did the organization have a written conflict of interest policy?

13    Did the organization have a written whistleblower policy?

14    Did the organization have a written documentation and destruction policy?

You will note that none of these are “required by the Internal Revenue Code”, so why do they ask?  Don’t forget, your organization’s form 990 provides a wealth of information to many stakeholders, including potential donors and grant makers.  Even the smallest ministry can benefit from having these policies in place as a matter of operations.  You can also benefit from conveying to your stakeholders that you are on top of things.

The best part is that none of these policies need be complicated nor difficult to enforce.  If you would like to take a simple step to better position your ministry, please contact me about developing these policies for your organization.  It’s affordable and I would love to help.

To God be the glory,

Jack

Those Lazy, Hazy, Crazy Days of Summer

I love summer.  Cookouts, fireworks, swimming pools, kids out of school, family vacations.  The list goes on, but one item you don’t usually find on it is fundraising.  If your ministry sees a decline in fundraising, either through reduced contributions or increased difficulty in accessing donors, you are not alone.  Summer is traditionally a low point in the donor development process.

So what is a ministry to do?  My advice is to use this “down time” to prepare for your fall or year-end fundraising campaign.  Specifically, here are some things you can do now to set the stage for future success.

First and foremost, use this time to get your contact list in order.  If your thoughts just turned to a drawer full of business cards and post-it notes, or even worse a shoe box, then your first step should be to create a digital file that captures all of this info.  There are many tools available to help you, but even a simple spreadsheet is better than what you have.  Capture all of the relevant info (i.e. names, address, phone numbers, email addresses, etc.) in one record for each contact.

Next, review whatever file you have (or have just created) for accuracy and completeness.  Are the mailing addresses complete?  Have any of the email addresses recently come back to you as undeliverable? Look at the use of capitalization and spelling.  Cleaning this up as much as possible now will help ensure a quality campaign in the future.

Have you considered employing a donor management system?  Some are very expensive and some are free.  Even the free ones can provide many functions that can help you.  Find one that allows you to upload all of the info captured above and then add information that you think would help you.  When was the last gift received from each donor?  How much was it? No gift history?  Identify how likely each of your prospects is to give.  A good system will allow you to track as many items as you think will help you.

Lastly, use this time to remind your donors and potential donors why your ministry exists and what your needs are.  Write a newsletter and get it out.  Update you web-site with current accomplishments.  Make sure you have an on-line giving option that is intuitive and efficient.  Update your social media sites as well.

If you would you like someone to assist you with your specific needs, Armor Bearer Ministry Services is here to help.  Whether you are looking for an affordable way to capture your contact list, employ a donor management system or even put some structure around your donor development process, please contact me to discuss your options.  I would love to hear from you.

I hope you enjoy your summer, but I also hope it is a productive time for your ministry.

To God be the glory,

Jack

Welcome to my blog!

In 2010 I returned to the United States after almost five years of serving as a missionary in Guatemala.  That time resulted in many blessings, the two most notable being my adopted daughter and a confirmation that my gifts of administration could no longer be ignored as I sought God's will for my future.  In short, that is how Armor Bearer Ministry Services came to be.

 

Effective administration is a gift that, while crucial to the success of any organization, is rarely the thing that brings most small ministries into existence.  In fact, most ministry entrepreneurs are overwhelmed, if not outright petrified, by the thought of how to keep track of all of the things that their various stakeholders need them to monitor.  Armor Bearer Ministry Services exists to come alongside such ministries with affordable business and administrative services.   This allows key functions to be addressed with excellence while freeing them to focus on their unique call to serve the Lord.

 

This blog is being launched as an extension of my desire (and calling) to serve those who serve the Lord.  Each week I plan to share at least one resource that I believe could benefit small ministries.  However, I want your input.  Please use this tool to let me know what areas you might be struggling with so I can best focus on addressing the concerns of you, my audience.

 

Thank you for reading this far.  I look forward to sharing with you as we continue down this path of honoring our Lord and Savior.  To Him be all of the glory!