General Fundraising
- Fundraising should be “soul raising.” It should teach people about Reconstructionism and make people more knowledgeable Jewishly, as well as raise money.
- Make small givers feel as comfortable as big givers.
- Focus congregation’s vision on the case statement of what you want to do, what is important and why it’s important.
- Avoid the need for financial crisis management by having fundraisers in the earliest part of your fiscal year.
- Solicit donations in pairs; call it a dialogue, not a solicitation.
- Solicit in person, not on the phone; don’t leave your meeting with a “no” or a closed door; always leave the possibility of another meeting.
- Don’t argue with people – find out what’s bothering them.
- Be yourself.
- Listen. If there are objections, hear them.
- Go in with an amount in mind, and be quiet after you ask for it.
Continuing Support
- Set a goal in terms of needs.
- Use multi-faceted fundraising approaches in case one or more does not work.
- Approach the local Federation as a source for community grants and technical assistance for grant writing.
- Recognize givers with a thank you note; those who give time and money should receive public recognition.
- Ask everybody to give; everyone should stretch to make the gift.
The Capital Campaign
- Can be for a building, for a major project, for refurbishing, for a rabbi.
- Requirements:
- A case statement
- Rabbi and president working together
- Building consensus within the congregation
- Basing the campaign on reason-based values
- Must be a part of the long range plan
The Feasibility Study
- Bring in an outside consultant.
- A study helps to identify weaknesses and strengths.
Giving to the Movement
- Call for help from movement or organizational experts.
- Use available movement resources, including:
- Jewish Values, Money and Your Community: A Curriculum for Congregations and the Torah of Money Workbook
- Use students as resources; encourage your rabbi to talk about the movement.
- Educate about the importance of giving to the movement.
