An International Workshop on Fundraising
SPbCU hosted an international workshop on fundraising.
The seminar was held in a series of open seminars of SPbCU's Graduate School of Leadership.
The seminar was opened by the Rector SPbCU, Alexander Negrov. The first part of the seminar was dedicated to reflection on the theological aspect of fundraising or financial support of missionary and church projects.
The main idea was aimed at a shift in the paradigm of people's minds. In particularly, the attitude towards offerings. "The ability to sacrifice - this is an expression of gratitude to God, an act of reverence and obedience." From this perspective, the call for the offerings of the donor gives an additional opportunity to express my gratitude to the Lord.
Next, Alexander emphasized the fact that any sacrifice on our part to produce benefits not only those in whose address it is, but in ourselves, it transforms our hearts and minds and wallets. A person who becomes a co-worker in the field of God, in trying to find funds for projects of God, begins to change, becoming a better berson and more sacrificial.
One of the most profound thoughts in the speech of the rector was the attitude of the fundraiser to everyone who participates in the process of raising funds. "Often, in searching for funds, we love only the poor, to whom these funds are, but do not like the rich, but only want their money," said Alexander Ivanovich. However, letting someone do good, we give them the opportunity to thank God, to change, that is too render assistance and this should be done out of great love for people.
Next, the seminar continued with James Mininger - Ph.D., vice president of Hartsook Companies, Inc. (Www.hartsookcompanies.com).
Dr. Mininger has extensive theoretical and practical knowledge about the development of financial resources. Prior to joining Hartsook, he served for 13 years as president of the International University LCC. During this time he launched a major campaign to support the faculty, which was raised 52 million dollars. As a result of this, 6.8 hectares of land for construction of 3 new buildings on campus was purchased. James also was the head of the Committee on Strategic Planning at College Hesston. As interim leader, in the same institution, thanks to long-term strategic planning for the development of the college 12 million dollars was raised. As an expert on fundraising, Dr. Mininger , is among other things like a coach and consultant on fundraising, research assistant, publicist and lecturer.
James Mininger talked about what are the roots of fundraising which rise out of philanthropy.
Separately, Dr. Mininger voiced the ethics of fundraising, the practical aspects associated with this process and gave a description of the gradual process of fundraising.
Most interesting were the living examples of his personal experience that allowed students in relation to our realities understand the accessibility of this work.
Interestingly, in terms of surprise, was the observation made by James: "People are not offended when they asked a large sum, often even revere it for flattery."
Practical advice and full-phased plan of fundraising, as part of the workshop, by one of the most successful consultants made a huge impression on the participants.
The day after the seminar, Mr. Mininger held consultations on strategic planning and fundraising with staff SPbCU.
