MD523: Funding Ministry Projects (4 units)

Viggo Søgaard, Professor of Communication
Spring 2004 Pasadena

DESCRIPTION:

This course will provide basic information and understanding on how to develop funding for ministry projects. It will deal with analysis of funding sources, development of communication strategy, writing fundraising letters, and preparation of funding proposals. The course will also study fundraising strategies for missionaries, Christian organizations, and mission agencies. Fund-raising case studies will be provided by well-known Christian organizations, and funding agencies will highlight what they are looking for in funding proposals.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:

The student will acquire a biblical and missiological understanding of fundraising and stewardship. It will provide basic insights and skills for developing fund-raising strategies, preparation of material, and writing funding proposals.

COURSE FORMAT:

The course is a two-week intensive, and it meets daily for a three-hour period. Part of the time will be lecture, but significant input will be provided by guest lectures from fundraising staff and foundation representatives. Critique of strategy design and funding proposals will be a regular part of the course.

REQUIRED READING:

Barna, George. How to Increase Giving in the Church. Ventura: Regal Books. 1997.
Kotler, Philip and Alan R. Andreasen. Strategic Marketing for Nonprofit Organizations. Fourth edition. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall Publishers, 1995.
Cuthbert, David L. Money that Matter: An Introduction to Fundraising in South Africa. New revised edition. J.P. van der Walt, Pretoria, South Africa, 1992.

RECOMMENDED READING:

Biehl, Bobb & Ted W. Engstrom. Increasing Your Boardroom Confidence. Questar Publishers, Incl. Sisters, Oregon. 1988.
Bonk, Jonathan, J. Missions and Money. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. 1991.
Carlson, Martin E. Why People Give. Council Press, New York. 1968.
Clinton, J Robert. The Bible and Leadership Values. Altadena: Barnabas Publishers. 1993.
Handy, Charles. The Age of Paradox. Harvard Business School Press, Boston, MA. 1994.
Kiiru, Macmillan. Developing Resources for Christian Ministries in Africa with Special Reference to Daystar University. D.Miss. Dissertation, Fuller Theological Seminary, 2002.
Maddalena, Lucille A. A Communication Manual for Nonprofit Organizations. Amacom, NY. 1981.
Smith, Donald K. Creating Understanding. A Handbook for Christian Communication across Cultural Landscapes. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House. 1992.
Søgaard, Viggo. Media in Church and Mission. Wm. Carey Library, 1993.
Warwick, Mal. The Five Strategies for Fundraising Success. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. 2000.
Willmer, Wesley K. Money for Ministries. Victor Books, Scripture Press Publications, USA. 1989.

ASSIGNMENTS:

The student must read at least 1200 pages drawn from the required reading list, and supplemented by the recommended reading list. Three one-page reading responses required. As a final project or term paper, each student will prepare an actual funding proposal, which will be submitted to a foundation, a church board, or other funding source.

PREREQUISITES: None.

RELATIONSHIP TO CURRICULUM: Elective.

FINAL EXAM: None.

Last Date Edited: December 4, 2003