Sometimes I have to roll up my sleeves and get very tactical in raising money. A relational strategy points me in the direction of fundraising, but tactics are the steps to getting results. For example, I sometimes write an email outlining a need and then mention in the body of the note that I will follow up with a phone call within 7-10 days. People appreciate having the need defined and then having time to pray about their participation. If you like this idea, I recommend you send only 12 emails at a time so you can follow up well. In baseball terms we “manufacture runs” when we resort to old-fashioned contacting and communicating with those who have a heart for us or for the ministry!

• Another idea for the tactical raising of dollars is the use of a giving triangle. You can breakdown the need for funding a $100,000 budget with gifts at various levels. A simple gift calculator can define these levels for you.
• Last, look to tactical fundraising with the use of a strategic event like a golf tournament. Each foursome is responsible for $1,000 or $250. You organize around 50 foursomes, or 200 people, and by God’s grace raise $50,000. One organization we like a lot is Golf for Goodness Sake. Founder and president, John White, will talk about planning golf events in MV’s July 27 webinar, “Golf Friendraising: Potential for Success.”
• Tactical means practical, so set your relational strategy and then define the steps to get there. Who have you asked to pray about being a financial partner today?