With all of the spiritual gifts that the church has to offer, sometimes the church has to be the one to receive! The financial dynamics of religious institutions can be complex but longtime leaders and members understand the need to make ends meet.
The pipe organ is often the second largest physical asset of the church after the building and a comparable major investment. Many times, church leaders and members wish for the restoration of their organ, but are easily intimidated by the struggle of increasing funds.
Fundraising for a pipe organ can be a daunting task, but with the right team, and strategies, it can be a successful endeavor. A successful fundraising campaign can bring the dream of a beautiful pipe organ to fruition.
We have helped churches power up fundraising for a pipe organ by partnering with leaders to build a clear and persuasive visuals to case for the restoration of their organ. We also help with presentations to decision-makers and donors to demonstrate long-term value. Lastly, we address objections to build consensus.
Ten Tips to Growing Your Organ Fund!
1. Create an “Organ Fundraising Committee.” Make a diverse group of influential church members, of various ages, backgrounds, etc., to offer an array of connections. Choose a chairperson; someone acquainted with and appreciative of the organ. You can even enlist a professional fundraiser. Nonetheless, all members should demonstrate a firm commitment.
2. What Will Your Minister’s role be? Even outside of the committee, ministers have been most useful because of their function in the church, its activities, and their relationships to members in both the congregation and community. They show support from the pulpit, guide the committee in choosing who to approach for gifts, and ask for the gifts.
3. The Goal Agreement. Lead with the approximate amount needed for the new organ, not a guesstimate of what could be raised. This means choosing the best instrument for the church’s needs, then crunching that number. Try implementing these divisions:
- One or two gifts will equal approximately twenty percent of the goal.
- The top thirty gifts will equal approximately sixty percent of the goal.
- Another seventy-five gifts will equal approximately fifteen percent of the goal.
- The final five percent of the goal will come from many smaller gifts.)
Note: the amount of either the gifts or the donors can be changed to correlate with your church’s intended goal or potential donors.
4. Inquire About Prospects. Include everyone as a potential donor, then identify at least three prospects for each gift needed.
5. Prepare a Plan for Each Prospect. Now, implement the steps to solicit the gift from each prospect. Some should be approached individually while others may be solicited by a group.
Bookmark this page and return to our blog Getting the Gift Part II to learn the remaining tips to guide you and your faith family to confidently increase the funds for your pipe organ dream!
