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I don’t want to shock you, so take a deep breath. I still read the newspaper. And by newspaper, I mean one that I can hold in my hot little hands. The kind that has Zits and Baby Blues. Where I can (still) get life advice from Ann Landers (RIP). Where I can play Jumble. And read obituaries. You know, all the important stuff that’s in a newspaper. And there’s nothing like reading it over breakfast.
So, I was reading the newspaper the other day. It’s the local paper and to be truthful, it’s a shadow of its former self. I’ll try not to rant about the sad demise of local journalism and its effect on democracy (rant over).
There was an article on the front page that caught my attention.
It was about a small nonprofit that needed funding to help them finish building a storage unit to house clothing and other necessary-to-survive items. It sounded like it was doing important work.
The article took up a lot of column space – which is pretty valuable real estate in a newspaper.
But then I started shaking my head and nearly let out an audible, “What the what?”
When asked how much money was needed to finish the project (one that is so clearly wanted by the community), it was reported:
“The Executive Director said the group doesn’t know how much money it needs to raise to build the store out.” (Obviously, I added the emphasis for dramatic effect.)
My heart broke.
Do you know why?
I was taken in by the story and the need. I’m guessing that there were others who were moved too. And maybe, The Big Donor was out there as well. The Executive Director missed an important opportunity because they don’t know how much money needs to be raised.
How much does this organization need to finish the project? $1,500? Maybe $25,000? Perhaps $125,000? Who knows? If the Executive Director doesn’t know…who will?
This is all to say, you should have in your back pocket an idea of critical projects or programs that need funding and how much they cost.
You never know who you will run into who might be primed to say “yes” to your ministry project or program. And they might be willing to say “of course” if you’re able to tell the story of the need and how much it will cost to make it happen.
Don’t miss getting a donation.
Your giving angel might just be around the corner. Be prepared when he or she bumps into you.
Photo credit: No-longer-here @ pixabay.com
Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations. Since she admitted to reading a hard copy newspaper, she’s going all in and owning that she loves Perry Como and his song, Catch a Falling Star (put that in your pocket).
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered!
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