Essentials of Fundraising Workshop Series

What's Covered

• –The role and importance of fundraising in faith-based organizations
• –Key principles of ethical fundraising
• –Understanding donor motivations and building relationships
• –Basic fundraising methods (annual giving, events, grants, major gifts)
• –Setting fundraising goals and measuring success
• –Communicating impact to donors

Takeaways

• –A clear understanding of what fundraising is and why it matters
• –Practical tools for engaging donors and cultivating support
• –Confidence in applying fundraising principles to their own organization or ministry
• –Awareness of common challenges and strategies to overcome them
• –Next steps for continued growth in fundraising

What's Covered

• –Understanding donor motivations
• –Building authentic relationships with donors
• –Effective stewardship practices (gratitude, reporting impact, ongoing engagement)
• –Mapping the donor journey from first-time gift to long-term support

Takeaways

• –Practical tools for engaging and retaining donors
• –Clarity on how to move donors from giving once to sustained support
• –Confidence in expressing impact in ways that strengthen trust
• –A framework for embedding stewardship into organizational culture

Items Covered

• –Vision and mission of the Department of Planned Giving & Trust Services (DPGTS)
• –History and impact of the department
• –Creating planned giving advocates within local churches
• –"How to Give Twice" and supporting both family and ministry
• –Charitable Gift Annuities (CGAs) and other planned giving tools
• –Common misconceptions and fears about estate planning
• –Resources available to help members protect their families and leave a legacy
• –How Florida Conference serves as a trusted stewardship resource for churches and schools

Key Takeaways

• –Planned giving allows members to provide for loved ones while supporting God's mission
• –Estate planning is for everyone, not just the wealthy
• –Florida Conference offers resources that can simplify the estate planning process and help members avoid common mistakes
• –Churches can play an important role in encouraging stewardship and legacy giving conversations
• –Proper planning helps protect families, preserve assets, and create a lasting impact for ministry

What's Covered

• –The role of grants within a broader fundraising strategy
• –Aligning grants with individual and corporate giving
• –Building relationships with funders and donors simultaneously
• –How data, impact stories, and donor engagement strengthen grant proposals
• –Best practices for creating a sustainable funding mix

Takeaways

• –Awareness that grants are one part of fundraising, not the whole
• –Practical strategies for blending grant efforts with donor cultivation
• –Tools for communicating organizational impact across audiences
• –A more holistic view of funding sustainability