What Does an Annual Funding and Communication Plan Look Like?
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Having survived the Christmas holidays many mission-workers are overwhelmed as they face a new year with still more funding to raise and newsletters to write. I get it—I’ve been there.
But let’s simplify your next 12 months. Here’s a general template I use to stay fully funded.
Start with 12 blocks—12 months of the new year—arranged in quarters. Customize these suggestions to reflect your situation. Time spent in donor ministry is never a waste.
Okay, here we go! Note: For those “down under,” reverse the words “summer, fall,” etc.
January Commentary:
Write personal thank you notes to “one-time” or periodic givers from previous year. Merely saying thank you in your general letters is not enough. Personalize your thanks.
Up-Till-Now Report. Before you launch new funding plans, educate yourself on your donor base. Identify lapsed donors over the last five years. (Download Worksheet)
Prayerfully ask: “Who needs to hear my story—my Dazzling Vision—in the next 12 months?” List names on the Top 25 or Top 50. Pray over each name. (Download Worksheet)
February Commentary:
Newsletter: Say thank you for end of year giving. Describe a couple projects for prayer in the next 11 months.
Fundraising Sprint! Don’t do it alone! Find 2-3 others who will join you for 30-60 days to set appointments with your Top 25 or 50. Now is the time to get your funding in order for the rest of the year. 2-3 appointments per week is do-able.
June Commentary:
Depending on how your income is growing, invite a few non-donors, lapsed or current donors to give a special gift to help you catch up on your funding.
August Commentary:
If not fully funded, set 10 face-to-face or phone appeals to launch fall ministry fully funded.
October Commentary:
Include specific prayer request(s) for those who have been told about Christ. People are moved to pray by your stories (successful or not) of gospel encounters.
November Commentary:
Mail by November 25 in North America. Later in other countries.
Outside North America since there is no financial reward for giving by December 31, say, “To help us launch the new year fully funded so we can do all God is calling us to do in the next 12 months.”
Do not merely “add an ask” to a general newsletter.
December Commentary:
Phoning: Catch up on news with 10-20 future partners. Minister to them! Enjoy them! Leave a vox if they don’t pick the phone.
December 29: Remind your readers there is still time to send a gift by the December 31 deadline. It is amazing how many people will respond to this “deadline.” In some countries 40-60% of all giving comes in December and early January.
This template is to get you started. Customize it, of course. But please do not overlook the importance of “Nocemuary”—November, December and January. Crucial work is necessary during these 90 days.
One thing more that cannot be fit into a template. If I wake up in the morning with a person on my mind who is on my mailing list, I phone or text them that morning just to say thank you. I tell them I was thinking of them and prayed for them. This is our mindset! May gratefulness rather than entitledness be our hallmark!
“For if the bugle produces an indistinct sound, who will prepare himself for the battle?”
