|
3 Parts of the Process...
There are three parts to the process we teach BUT the paradigm shift is imperative to begin:
The paradigm shift involves:
1. Leveraging your resources.
2. Being aware of giving patterns and philanthropic behavior and thought processes.
3. Learning to build coalitions and worlk together in your community.
4. An engagement into the "Learning Process."
5. Working with others in the community and involving letters of endorsement,
support, and relationship into your repertoir.
The process we teach:
1. The written document (sharing your vision in a convincing, compelling, and concise manner).
2. The research (stewarding the relationships around you--volunteers, Board Members, corporations involved in your community, foundations in your city, state, region, and more.
3. Engaging in the relationships whether through rejection, approval, large gift, or widow's mite,
First, the written document in a compelling, convincing, and concise format. The written document must be focused on meeting the needs of people and it must reflect your vision (Habakkuk 2:2-3). Two thirds of the effectiveness of the written document is content. What you say matters. However, a full one-third is format--not only does WHAT you say matter--but how you say it does as well. The written document accounts for 25% of the success of the overall process. Our goal is to help you create a written piece that will enhance your chances of being considered and minimize an immediate rejection. In general, you must know what you know and be able to express it in writing without telling everything! Your written document only gets an average look of 18 seconds! They don't want to know all that you know but they want to know that you know it. Your proposal will work with individuals, corporations, foundations, churches, and even the government's faith-based initiative.
Second, the research (who to lay it in front of, when, what to ask for, etc). You probably have many contacts with funders BUT don't know what you don't know. There is more than enough money within a 50-mile radius of you, your Board members, and primary service area to do what God has called you to do. We show you where to go at the public library and on the internet to find the research. The research accounts for 25% of the success of the overall process. We believe and teach that we already have enough contacts with first- or second-generation relationships to fund everything that God has called us to do. We must allow Him to change our hearts and move us to where He is working. We must yield, so that He can accomplish through us what we cannot even dream of.
Third, 50% of the success of the overall process is developing the Biblical relationship with a funder through either an approval OR rejection: Ten lepers got what they wanted from Jesus but only one returned to show sufficient appreciation-and they got what they wanted! Now don't show appreciation if God has not changed your heart to be appreciative-that is simply manipulation. But when you get money, be appreciative and expressive! Appreciate the $50 dollar gift AND appreciate the $100,000 dollar gift. But what about when you don't get what you want? Building the relationship this way is 50% of the success of the overall process. I walk you through some of the key considerations of building this relationship and help you understand how to develop healthier habits and practices to do this God's way.
Further, several large publishers and denominations have done studies on our materials and have agreed that 75% to 85% of the people who purchase, read, and utilize the printed Artful Askers Workbook and a Samples Manual on CD can do this process without any additional help--our Workshops and Video Series enhances your opportunities even more! These concepts are ALL rooted in the Scriptures and are principles that are very simple to incorporate into various relationships-and we should do that with funders (and wife, husband, children, parents, pastor, neighbors, friends, etc!!!).
Also, here's a great tip: Don't over analyze-just do it. . . Go to Wal-Mart or a sporting goods store and buy a pair of knee pads. Take a permanent marker and write "I can't. You can't. But He Can! Phil. 4:13 and Phil. 4:19" on them and begin to use them daily! Put them to work. Stay on your knees! Seek God even if it means rug burns on your forehead. Then buy a pair for each member of your staff and Board of Directors and challenge them to join you in asking God's provision for the ministry. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever--we must allow Him to change our hearts so that we can join Him where He wants us! He will NEVER change to join us-we MUST change and join Him where He is! There are many funders, but only ONE provider!
Remember, there is no human need that lacks divine provision! And to know that our Daddy owns it all--WOW! God is doing a tremendous work throughout the United States-and the world, and it is through faithful, humble, obedient servants. He needs our hearts, our yielded spirits, and our desire to love Him and serve Him His way! Are you willing to do that? May God bless you with His wisdom as you seek to learn this process. May He open the eyes of your heart to see an application of the concepts to every type of relationship you have-especially with funders. Thank you for allowing us an opportunity to share your journey!
Interested in knowing more? Here are a few sections of information that are explained further in the Artful Askers Workbook:
From Section 1:
Over the next 20 years, one generation will transfer over 20 trillion dollars of wealth!!!
$10,000,000,000,000 is estimated from intergenerational transfer of wealth.
It is estimated that another $10,000,000,000,000 will transfer without a “next generation!”
According to the research, Churches and Christian organizations are the least prepared to receive this blessing. The Artful Askers Workshop is designed and taught to help you be "ready to receive," engage with people God has placed around you to accomplish what He wants to do, and teach you how to engage in an appropriate relationship with a funder.
Who do they give their money to?
• Organizations they know or that they know someone who knows. . .
• Organizations who are confident (but NOT arrogant).
• Organizations that are doing something important and can express it (compared to themselves NOT others!).
• Organizations who are looking for it. Seek and you will find.
• Organizations who can make a compelling and convincing argument for it.
• Organizations who can communicate their vision in writing.
• Organizations who ask!
What determines who receives the money? Research from the foundation’s perspective suggests that mmore than 72% of all funding decisions are as a result of three statistically-significant variables:
1. If they have a relationship or a tie to you. Either a first- or second-generational tie.
2. If they have a geographic connection or tie with you.
3. If you meet their guidelines and share their area of interest.
72% ? That’s all that is statistically significant from the foundation’s perspective!
Remember, once you have attended the Artful Askers Workshop and/or have purchased/watched the DVD, we don't charge anything to help you and coach you through the process!
Bob Vickers and Artful Askers
P.O. Box 1225 • Warrensburg, MO 64093 • (660) 747-6390
|