This week I’ve spoken with two church pastors who are struggling to raise the funds they need for their church building projects. Both are relatively small projects (sub-£500k). Both have planning permission and are keen to get spades in the ground. Both have raised funds from their congregation and grant-making Trusts.
In any personal scenario, the amounts they have raised would be staggering – tens of thousands of pounds. Grounds for celebration, in fact. But it’s funny how a fundraising target can so quickly draw focus from success to a perception of failure.
The remaining target is always the thing that we focus on. Not that I’m sure these churches didn’t pause to celebrate and give thanks for the contributions already offered – who wouldn’t? – but in both scenarios I was left consoling two pastors who would rather be focussing their time and efforts on serving their congregations and communities than being concerned about where and when the rest of the money will be found.
Four positive actions
So what can be done if your deadline is looming and the money is not forthcoming?
Sometimes external support can help to move things forward. Action Planning works with churches across every aspect and stage of capital appeals fundraising. If a free, half-hour consultation might be helpful, contact me for a conversation at [email protected].
)Access all our articles and search the provider directory for free.