In recent discussions with my S4Us colleagues, and with our client organizations, there are new questions based on our current political upheaval: These are uncertain times; won’t people guard their resources and cut back on their charitable giving? Won’t people favor organizations like the ACLU and Planned Parenthood, so we will lose support? How can […]
Political Upheaval as a Call to Stewardship Read More »
I’m delighted to report that Unitarian Universalism is alive and well – in fact, by some measures, we are thriving. Over the past year, we stewardship consultants have seen an uptick in capital campaigns, including some large and ambitious ones. Stewardship for Us assisted 14 congregations with financial feasibility studies or capital campaigns (or both)
Unitarian Universalism and Stewardship for 2017 and Beyond Read More »
A recent large survey tells us what is working, what is changing, and what is passing from the stewardship scene. There are definite patterns to capitalize upon. by Bill Clontz, Stewardship Consultant While looking through the site Church Tech Today, I recently came across the latest iteration of a periodic survey of churches and church
How Goes Stewardship in the USA? Read More »
Part of stewardship is the use of human resources. How many times have I worked with congregations that have an annual financial support drive every year, that includes contacting everyone, asking everyone to give, has a big celebration at the wrap up, and thank you messages to each giver? Yes that would be all. How
Volunteer Recognition: Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em Read More »
I am happy to announce that I have earned certification as a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® (CAP®) from The American College of Financial Services. What is a CAP®? The Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy® is professional designation from the Richard D. Irwin Graduate School of The American College of Financial Services, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. The CAP®
Mark Ewert Earns his CAP® Read More »
An Idea for a Pass It Forward Sunday It seems simplistic, but remembering to say “thank you” can turn your day, your month, or even your year around. There’s only so much you can control in this world, but expressing gratitude has been proven to make a positive difference. The science is conclusive and undeniable. I
Post-Thanksgiving Thoughts About The Science of Gratitude Read More »
As a congregation planning an annual drive, you may want to change it up and try something different. We hear regularly from congregations who feel that their annual drive does not perform well. It is too arduous, burns out volunteers, distracts from the “real work” of the congregation (that is another blog post!), members don’t
What is Your Annual Drive Strategy? Read More »
The End of the Calendar Year Provides Two Excellent Opportunities to Do Good, and to Help Ourselves as Well by Bill Clontz, Stewardship Consultant As we approach the holiday season, this is an excellent time for all of us to take some extra opportunities for generosity in supporting our congregation and the UUA. Two vehicles for
I Have Good News and…. I Have Good News Read More »
Since the late 1980s, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have exploded on the philanthropy landscape. They have rapidly grown to hold billions of dollars in assets, and grants from them have also increased in double-digit percentage amounts. Yet they are NOT just for the financial elite; they are accessible to almost any giver – you do
New Webinar on Donor Advised Funds: The Giving Tool Every Congregation Should Know About Read More »
Financial stewardship in congregations and other closely involved organizations is quite different from nonprofit fundraising. We are not trying to reach people “out there” to contribute to helping a disadvantaged population or environment “over there.” We are working together to support an organization that belongs to us, and where we benefit from the mission. It
Why Should I Give You Money? Making the Case Read More »
