Dusty Rhodes “Navigate 2025 Fundraising..”

Navigate 2025 Fundraising Uncertainty with Philosophical Confidence

The social, economic and political turmoil of 2020 has had legs. Americans continue to feel and reel from the increasing effects of the cost of living, while also feeling uncertain about how our country’s political and cultural landscape will take shape in 2025 and beyond. I know many in leadership are aware of these and other factors of uncertainty and how they affect their staff and their listeners.

When things seem in a constant state of flux, it is good to remind ourselves and others we serve with, especially in Christian ministry, of some ‘big rocks’ in place which remain steady and reliable:

1. Jesus is the same yesterday, today and forever – Heb 13:8 – He is the ultimate Source of all our needs to continue serving our listeners and communities!
2. Our Mission remains the same – we will still head in the same direction together and toward the same goals. In fact, our Mission may be needed more now than ever before!
3. Our Core Values remain the standard by which we will conduct ourselves – we may be as concerned about our country’s direction as everyone else, but we will not act like everyone else.

I recommend a 4th ‘big rock’ to provide steady internal guidance for staff for all things related to fundraising – a philosophy of fundraising! With so many moving parts internally and externally affecting donation income results, there can be temptation to execute too many things in an honest attempt to hit budget, thereby weakening overall results and, worse, leaving donors feeling neglected. This fundamental tool can help guide decisions being made which affect donors while also contribute to building trust with your donors.

I learned of a similar tool after getting my first gig as Program Director in Christian radio. I was fresh out of mainstream Top-40 radio. Being new to Christian ministry radio, I felt I needed a filter to help guide key decisions I would be making specific to Christian radio vs. mainstream radio. For example, biblical criteria for which songs to consider for airplay, what kind of promotions to commit to, and what to do if an artist we play experiences a moral failure. Thinking certain things through strategically and deciding in advance how they will be handled allowed me to work more efficiently, effectively and in alignment with our mission.

A philosophy is not the same as a policy. Policies are more public and specific such as a gift acceptance policy or a gift refund policy. A Philosophy of Fundraising guides the creation of policies plus everything else related to fundraising and donors, keeping it all in alignment with your Mission and Core Values. Though the philosophical statement is perhaps not as public as a policy would be, it can be posted publicly, and I have quoted from it occasionally in donor letters, emails, on-air during fundraising events, and in conversations with major gift donors when appropriate. I found it can increase their trust in the ministry because they see our voluntary demonstration of intentionality around stewardship issues important to them.

Some organizations call theirs a Development Philosophy or a Philosophy of Philanthropy. Here is the philosophical statement I created which has served me well over the years as a decision filter, followed by a narrative explanation for how it helped guide my daily decisions

Philosophy of Fundraising

Our fundraising practices are based on biblical principles and ethics, in compliance with accredited standards, relevant to the needs of our stakeholders, informed by best practices, will uphold the dignity of our beneficiaries, be intentional to meet and exceed budget goals, and guide all fundraising in alignment with Mission & Core Values.

Based on Biblical Principles…

1. God owns everything and needs nothing – Psalm 24:1; Acts 17:24-25
2. We own nothing and need everything – John 3:27; 1 Tim 6:7
3. God is the Provider of all resources – 2 Cor 9:8; 1 Tim 6:17; Phil 4:19
4. We help others connect with God to enhance their stewardship of His resources by getting to know them, their preferences, and discovering their personal heart-felt mission. We help them grow in their generosity and experience joy from it. It is more about what we want for them vs. what we want from them. In our approaches we want to reflect what Paul describes in 2 Cor 9:7 “each person decides in their own heart what to give and without reluctance or in response to pressure…to give cheerfully” because God wants people who want to give, as seen in Ex 35:22.
5. God uses stewards who manage His resources well – 1 Cor 4:2

…and Ethics

Membership in the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) includes agreeing to their official Code of Ethics. We adhere to their Code requiring individuals and organizations to practice fundraising at the highest standards of integrity, honesty, and respect.

In Compliance with Accredited Standards

Donors are more savvy and discerning today, and giving to fewer organizations overall. Many conduct their own research at watchdog websites to learn about a charity they want to give to before they give to it.

We voluntarily demonstrate our willingness to be transparent with our information and accountable to the public by posting our financial and missional information on 3^rd party websites such as Guidestar, Charity Navigator and the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA).

Relevant to the Needs of our Stakeholders

Respecting our donors and their preferences, we customize our communications with them, create content that matters to them and deliver it in a timely manner.

Informed by Best Practices

We will conduct primary research with our donors, be informed by secondary research and provide Training & Development for our staff and board to learn new ways to serve our donors.

Will Uphold the Dignity of our Beneficiaries

When illustrating the needs of those we impact for our mission, we ensure they are represented respectfully and with integrity.

Be Intentional to Meet or Exceed Budget Goals

We conduct our work so it results in intended financial board-approved outcomes.

In Alignment with Mission

We choose initiatives which fit the essence of who we are and what we’re trying to accomplish so that, in the end, all our fundraising practices serve to fulfill the Mission.

If January was a good time to review your previous year’s fundraising results, perhaps February can be a good time of year to revisit some fundraising fundamentals. A Philosophy of Fundraising can serve as an effective tool to help ensure all the many fundraising practices, nuances and decisions will be intentionally in place for the greater good of your donors and in alignment with your Mission.

Dusty Rhodes is a strategic executive leader helping Christian radio and other nonprofits grow revenues to fulfill their missions for wider and deeper impact! He works alongside leadership creating visionary strategic plans and the revenue strategies to fund them for sustainable growth. His accomplishments span 30+ years serving in Christian media and ministry as an award-winning radio morning show host, Program Director, Operations Manager, General Manager, Chief Operating Officer, Chief Development Officer and Senior Vice President.

Contact Dusty: DustyRhodes777@Outlook.com and at www.LinkedIn.com/in/DustyRhodes777