Royal Family Kids Fundraising Manual 21 March 2016

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction
Vision For this Manual
Missions & History of RFK
Building a Fundraising Team
The Power of Prayer
Spirit of Generosity
Fundraising Testmonials
ROE = Return on Effort
Henri Moreaus Powerful Must-Watch DVD
RFK Four Principles For Fundraising (An Intro)
About YOU the Asker!

Biblical Foundation For Asking
Is There Enough Money Out There
Who Are You Asking For?
Speaking In Public
Telling Good Stories
About the DONOR

Relationship With Ministry Partners
Thanking Your Ministry Partners
Donor Care
Fundraising Ideas
RFK Four Principles For Fundraising (A Reminder)
Personal ASK
Group ASK
Civic Clubs
Social Capital
Community Events
ROE Return On Effort (Community Events)
Grants & Foundations
10 Things Every Volunteer Can Do To Help Raise Money
Resources
RFK Hope Index
Boys and Girls Club longitudinal study on Mentoring
Glossary of Terms
Acknowledgments
Various contributors to RFKs
fundraising programs have been:
Dale Berkey
Doug Brendel
Tim Smith
Henri Moreau
Directors, past and present:
Dave Bowers, the real Brentwood CA
Larry Farr, Bellingham WA
Margaret Polizo, Santa Barbara CA
Bill Richardson, Costa Mesa CA
Rick Roberts, Norman OK
Carol Weber, Geneva IL
Jan Wysong, Modesto CA
Joel Miller, Erie PA
And many others
RFK Fundraising Committee:
Jasmine Kasad
Danielle Williams
Mitch McConkey
Rick and Jennifer Fuller
Jeff Juhala
Joseph Schmalenbach
John & Sherry Coates
ROYAL FAMILY KIDS

FUNDRAISING
AN INTRODUCTION
THE VISION FOR THIS RFK FUNDRAISING MANUAL

Raise more money with less time and effort.
Dear Fundraising Committee Member,
How would you like to raise more money with less time and effort?
This Fundraising Manual was designed with you in mind, your Camp / Club Director has been trained to
start a Camp or Club for children of abuse in YOUR local community. They have asked you to be a part
of this Fundraising Committee to help raise the funds necessary to help make life-changing moments
in the lives of children of abuse.
You will not just be raising dollars, you will literally be changing the lives of kids for eternity, you will be
caring for what Matthew 25 refers to as, the least of these. Your efforts as a committee will allow your
Camp or Club Director to lead with a lighter burden because of your help in this vital area.
The goal of this manual is for new, or current Camp or Club Directors to recruit a Fundraising Committee
or Team to help raise the funds for their local Camp and Club.
Many people believe the Mission of Royal Family KIDS is a worthy endeavor that should be a part of
every community. But when asked to be part of a Fundraising Team for such a camp or club, many people
will say, Its a great purpose, but I just dont have the time for that kind of effort right now.
So, lets reduce the time and the effort and get more people involved by providing all the resources
and inspiration they need to say, YES, Ill be a part of YOUR fundraising team!
May God bless your efforts and may you have great success raising funds and raising futures.
ROYAL FAMILY INTRODUCTION

An Introduction to Royal Family KIDS! If you are going to ask for money on behalf of your local RFK,
you need to have a solid foundational knowledge of Royal Family KIDS.
MISSION STATEMENT
Vision
Every foster childage 6-12experiences a life changing camp, club, and mentor.
Mission
Create life-changing moments for children of abuse.
Purpose
Mobilize the faith community to confront child abuse.
Strategy
Launch and sustain camps, clubs and mentors.
Values
Treat People Royally
Keep Moving Forward
Make Moments Matter
STATEMENT OF FAITH
Royal Family KIDS FAITH STATEMENT

We affirm faith in God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, the trustworthiness and authority of the
Bible and the value and dignity of all people as well as our human alienation from God by sin and our
need for salvation and grace through Christ.
Children of all faiths or no faith are welcome at Royal Family KIDS Camps and Clubs.
Volunteers are not required to be church members (of the sponsoring church) but for reasons
of accountability, the lead volunteer Directors must be members of the sponsoring church and
accountable to the sponsoring pastoral team and RFK Inc.
Royal Family KIDS actively works with an ecumenical and multi-denominational camp and club
sponsoring church network that varies widely in traditions or denomination but is unified in affirming
standard Christian faith as outlined in the RFK Faith statement.
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OPERATIONAL MODELS
Every organization has an approach to its operations. RFK has a mixture of three distinct operations
that guide the focus to get things done. At times these models support each other, and at times they
contradict each other leaving some volunteers confused or simply wondering, Why does RFK do it
this way? This page should give some explanations and expectations.
Church Model

Informal
Integrity
Relational
Trust based
Unqualified Gideons become qualified
Grace & Forgiveness
Government Model

Skeptical
Structured
Bureaucratic
Proof in Paperwork
Qualifications Matter
Unappreciated
Business Model

Branding
Restrictions
Recognitions
Group benefits
Proven success
Supervision & Support
Compliance & Checklists
THE PURPLE CORD

In order for an RFK Camp to be launched, four entities must come together and work in a collaborative
effort for the sake of abused & neglected children of the local community. Each of these provides a
vital link in a chain of support to accomplish the goal of establishing local camps to make life-changing
moments.
Business/Civic Community
Local Church
Kids
Social Services
Camp Facility
ROYAL FAMILY KIDS, INC.

The Four Entities
What They Provide
Royal Family Provides
The Local Church
People Power/Volunteers and Finances
Training
Department of Social Services The Children
Resources
Business/Civic Community
Funds, Resources, and Gifts In Kind
Support
A Camp Facility
The Location for Camp
Accountability
Royal Family is the Purple Cord that ties them all together.
We recruit Local Churches by educating them on the issues of child abuse and the great need that exists
in our society to reach out to this people group children in need of wholesome adult role models
and positive childhood memories. We then encourage them to establish a camp and send 3 5 adults
through Directors Training to learn administratively how to set up and manage a week-long camp.
Social Services are enlisted by the local church to provide for the children. The local church may
already be doing supportive activities to provide help for victims of abuse in the local community, or
this may be the churchs first effort to extend a helping hand. Without children, there will be no RFK
camp. Therefore, the cooperation of Social Services is necessary for the camp to be able to provide its
compassionate services to the children of its community.
Business and Civic Groups are contacted to provide camper sponsorships, resources, and gifts in
kind that will allow for a memorable week for the campers. This is also an opportunity for community
minded businesses and groups to be a part of this noble cause assisting the Foster children of their
community. Many of them have community funds and programs such as the United Way, employee
matching funds and employee involvement programs that allow for easy partnering in this endeavor.
A Camp Facility is rented to accommodate the activities of a week of camp. A camp facility must be
contracted with to provide an adequate place to hold the week of camp. The facility is, ideally, located
within an hours radius of the church preferably in an out-of-city environment, giving the children a
week of inspiration in an out-of-doors setting. Due to the shortage of adequate camp facilities in some
areas, college campuses that are vacant in the summer months are being utilized to provide housing,
food, and activity areas in lieu of an adequate camp nearby.
All four of these entities must work in harmony to finally yield a week of a lifetime for the children of
abuse served by Royal Family KIDS Camps.
HISTORY
SOUNDING THE CALL ON BEHALF OF ABUSED CHILDREN IN ORANGE COUNTY
By Wayne Tesch
It was Thursday, December 13; a luncheon appointment was set with Reverend Fred Cottriel, Assistant
Superintendent, and Reverend Leonard Nipper, Secretary/Treasurer, of the Southern California District
of the Assemblies of God. During the meeting, they shared with me the dream of Camp Pinecrest.
Camp Pinecrest is nestled in the San Bernardino mountains at the 5,000-foot level. The camp is 160 acres,
consisting of 16 newly built condominiums, with an additional 20 on the drawing board. There are 3
chateaux that will house 300 campers. There is a small lake that the Forest Service will stock with trout.
During our luncheon conversation, they posed this question, Would you be interested in being a Camp
Director for one week with a theme camp of your choice? What an opportunity! I went back to my office
to seek guidance and direction from the Lord for a camp. As I walked into the office, I shared with Jill
Anderson the opportunity that was presented to me. She suggested a camp for abused children. It was as
though God spoke directly. I knew in my heart at that moment God was opening a door for the abused
and abandoned children of Orange County.
Details were formulated to set down a time line of accomplishments to form a camp. First, a meeting
was called with individuals who are trained in the specific needs of abandoned and foster children. The
objective was to determine if we could: (l) secure 60 children and (2) secure 20 counselors.
Their excitement and prayer were encouraging and uplifting; their involvement a MUST. The date of July
7-11 was targeted to launch the first week of camp. Research was begun on abused children in Orange
County.
Statistics of abused children in the county were shocking. In 1983, there were 7,811 mandated reports of
child abuse. Mandateda doctor, teacher, or psychologist calls or reports to the authorities the finding of
the abused child. In 1984, 10,592 mandated calls were projected. I was shocked and, at the same time,
stirred as I realized that we, the people of God, could impact those statistics in our community.
In addition, in 50% of the 3,905 cases, the victim was under five years of age. Thirty-four percent
of that group, or 1,328, were under two years of age. To compound the problem, there were only
650 foster homes in the county to harbor these children if, and when they are discovered, and this
number was decreasing at 9% per year. I cried out, Dear Lord, these are kids who are wounded and
need Your love.
Sunday morning, January 6, Reverend Bob Rogers, Director of Teen Challenge for Southern California,
ministered in the morning services. He spoke on the topic of Anointed to Minister to the Poor. As I
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listened, my mind drifted to Camp Pinecrest with 60 children running, playing, and singing through
the mountain terrain. I saw kids in rooms with a trained counselor sharing Biblical principles of life. I
envisioned counselors hugging children, allowing them to realize hands not only abuse, but also can love.
I prayed silently that morning that the people of NMCC would provide healing hands to ease the hurt
of these children. In addition to providing healing, loving hands to these children, I saw people on their
knees praying for the ministry of the camp. Prayer support is critical and vital in this type of ministry.
I also saw homes of love being opened to ease the pain of children. So it is, that the early beginnings of
Royal Family KIDS Camps, Inc. were birthed out of ministry of one church congregation; and today, is
an independent, non-profit organization reaching nationwide.
I find that the benefits of being involved in helping the abused and neglected are at the very core of
Christs ministry. Luke 4:18,19 states clearly why Royal Family KIDS Camps was established. Christ says:
The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to
release the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lords favor. (Emphasizing: proclaiming
freedom for the prisonerscaptives to be releasedreleasing of the oppressed).
Our desire is to heal the brokenhearted, release the oppressed, and liberate the downtrodden.
The camping environment is an excellent model to allow the Spirit of Christ and His Word to make a
lasting impression on the children. The children are blessed; but as a former pastor, I am aware of how
many of the adults who give up a week of their vacation are blessed, also. Henrietta Mears stated, That
one week of camp is equivalent to a year of time spent in Sunday School. What a great opportunity for
the church to provide a ministry model to reach its own community with the Good News.
Camping also gives you an opportunity to challenge, motivate and reach adults to make a difference in
their world.
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STATISTICS
Each year RFK produces a Camp and Club Facts sheet, which details various statistics for the year. This
is a great source for sharing the size and scope of RFK to CG. Get an updated list each year from the
National office for the latest numbers.
People
Places
Number of Campers
7,748
Number of Camps
209
Number of Adult Volunteers (US)
11,728
United States
184
Number of Teen Volunteers (US)
1,032
International
25
Number of Volunteer Hours (US)
1,792,321
Equivalent # of full-time volunteer workers*
896
Dollars
Total raised by US Camps
Average Raised per US Camp
Average # of Campers per US Camp
42
Number of States Represented
25
Number of International Countries
40
Number of Church Denominations
$6,417,804
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$34,879
Big Picture
Social Capital **
$40,416,838
Returning Campers as Volunteers
176
Adoptions Because of Camp and/or Club
38
Foster Parenting Because of Camp and/or Club
101
College Students Who Changed Their Course of Study Because of Service with RFK
90
Total Campers Since 1985
102,251
Clubs & Mentors Data 2014-2015 School Year

Club KIDS
Adult Staff & Mentors
1-Year Successful Mentor Match
Number of Clubs
691
1,258
92%
42
United States
41
International (Australia)
Outcomes & Benefits

Campers/Club KIDS
Provides life-changing moments where kids can just be kids.
Shows a picture of family life for those who havent experienced it.
Replaces missing elements in their lives. (i.e. attention, affirmation, happiness, positive memories, basics such as food,
clothing, and emotional connectedness)
Community
Brings the church and state together for a noble cause.
* Total number of volunteer hours divided
Community sees the church in a new light; as a giver and a servant.
by 2000 which represents the approximate
Church
Gets people involved = out of the pew and involved with a purpose number of full-time non-paid yearly workers.
** Social Capital is the number of volunteer
Builds faith in the members involved.
hours multiplied by the IRS volunteer services
Expands the church into the community.
in 2013 at the rate of $22.55 per hour.
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INTRODUCTION TO FUNDRAISING FOR RFK

Dear Fundraising Team,
Thank you for taking on this incredible endeavor for the opportunity to change the lives of children of
abuse for eternity.
Imagine one day walking through Heaven and a child comes up to you and says, Thank you for helping
send me to camp. It changed my life and was part of my journey that brought me here right now!
You may think, Ive never seen this child before, or, how do I know you? And the child responds, you
raised camp or club scholarships for a RFK in my area and I was able to go, it changed the direction of my
life forever and it would not have happened with you!
Can you imagine? Gods incredible kingdom works in ways we cant always see, He can line up people
and dollars and multiple our efforts to make eternal changes and alter the course of a persons life far
beyond our expectations.
You can be one of the instrumental people that God uses from a far to do amazing things simply by
raising money on behalf of the children we serve.
As you read through this manual please remember of few critical things:
1. RFK camps and clubs have raised millions of dollars before this manual was ever produced. In fact,
over the last 30 years, camps alone have raised over 64 million dollars! Our brand new camps, with no
experience or history have, over the last 3 years raised an average of $28,000 each with just an hour or
two of training and a lot of inspiration and hard work. The ideas in this manual will be very helpful,
but what is more important than this manual, is truly understanding who really has all the money in
the first place. If you put your faith in this manual, you will be disappointed. If you put your faith in
the God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills, then youll discover that He is the real donor, and
we are just participants in His big plan to do a great work in the lives of the children, in our lives and
in the lives of the donor.
2. If you are going to raise money for an RFK camp or club you need to know some basic information
to represent the organization properly. This introduction section contains the organization mission,
values, Statement of Faith, and other items to give you a foundation of knowledge. The website will
also contain vital information and several inspiring videos of changed lives. We encourage you to get
one or more of the books available to read about the history, miracles, and stories of changed lives so
that you can ask for funds with knowledge and passion for what this ministry can do the change lives.
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3. You may be tempted to skip right to the ideas sections, we encourage you to wade through the entire
manual to get a solid base of understanding, the Biblical frame work for asking and the other elements
that will make your fundraising more successful for the long term.
4. All of the actual fundraising ideas have worked somewhere within our organization, but that doesnt
mean they will always work for your community. Find the ones that will work within your community,
within your teams skill sets and that fits your passions. Sometimes you will need to simply take parts
of one ideas and mix it with parts of another idea. Sometimes you will need to scrap the actual idea,
but use the concept and adapt it to your areas unique community.
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BUILDING A FUNDRAISING TEAM

Who can be members of the Fundraising Team?
Pray and ask God to prepare the hearts of people to be on this team. Ask Him for specific names; ask Him
to help your team find these people, to have them cross your path.
Then start asking other people if they know qualified friends who may be a good fit for this team. They
may be in your church or just in the community.
Then start asking people to join the team and show them this manual as a starting tool. Super qualified
people wont even need this manual because theyll already have so many ideas, methods and contacts.
The team can be made up of people who currently go to camp or club, have previously gone to a camp or
club or who have never gone. Its a great spot for people who are passionate about the ministry but do not
have the time or the patience for actually being with the children.
The team should be made up of people with 1 or all 5 of these traits:
1. Willing to pray for funds
2. Dedicated to helping kids
3. Hard working
4. Well-connected
5. Has special skills in the area you need
All team members should be people with high financial integrity who can be trusted with the Royal
Family KIDS message and trusted with money!
1. People who already have a passion for helping children may be very excited about this ministry and
want to join this team
2. People will have to work hard. It will be a lot of work with lots of hours spent on preparing documents,
driving to various locations to ask for money and run events, and meet as a team.
3. People who are well-connected in the business world or in the community are vital resources.
4. People with special skills such as public speaking, fundraising experience, event planning, financial
expertise, sales experience, grant writing, no fear of asking, administrative skills, creative, and others.
You may want to look for people who are financial planners, tax accountants, business owners, community
organizers. Youll also need people who can simply put in the time.
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BRAINSTORM // Building Your Fundraising Team
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PLANNING WITH YOUR TEAM

Plan your fundraising events by first meeting with your Camp ministry team. Also, regular meetings in
order to update your team (training meetings) are important for keeping them current and for praying
together for the ministry and to encourage and inspire each other.
Ministry team members include the Director and any assistants, counselors and other Camp staff,
administrative support, people in your church who cannot go but want to be involved behind the scenes,
representation from your pastoral staff, etc.
TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING:

Pray
You cant do this effectively on your own.
Start Early
Many of the larger companies have allocated their funds by January. Some companies applications six to
eight weeks prior to your event. When you make your original call, ask when the best time is to submit
donation request letters.
Personalize
When you contact the companies for donations find out the correct contact person and the correct
spelling of their name. This will help your information getting to the correct person rather than getting
lost.
Send adequate additional information

In the letters you send the companies you should enclose brochures and informational sheets so they
have information about Royal Family KIDS.
Pray
Ask God to direct your letters, pray over the letters, and pray that God will touch the hearts of those
reading the information. And pray that through these people the needs will be met.
Follow-up
About a month after you sent out the letters, call those companies that you have not heard from. Introduce
yourself, explain who you are, mention the information you sent to them, and ask them if this is a good
time for their company to make a donation. Whatever their answer is thank them for their time.
Pray
Thank God for the miracles He will perform on behalf of the KIDS.
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NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER

OF PRAYER FOR FUNDRAISING!
Each camp, club and fundraising team must be people of prayer.
All the hard work of hundreds of volunteers will mean nothing without first putting the power of prayer
into effect. Start every meeting with prayer, close every meeting with prayer, call upon the God of the
universe to open the windows of heaven and pour out His blessings upon your efforts. You can raise
money without God, but He can raise and deliver dollars that you could never find or have access to.
Many camps and clubs have been desperately behind on their budgets and have nowhere else to ask, so
they have gotten down on their knees and prayed. And God has delivered so many times. None of us
want to be desperate, but when we are desperate and we call upon God and He delivers, its an amazing
faith builder in us and in the lives of every volunteer.
A Fundraisers Prayer from Yale University

http://stm.yale.edu/uploads/development.pdf
May it be part of your ministry to the children you serve.
A Prayer for Fundraisers

Good and gracious God, we recognize all life is a gift and a blessing.
We thank you for your most generous love.
Encourage us to be persons of honesty and integrity, worthy of proclaiming the Gospel, in this sacred
ministry of fundraising.
Help us to always reverence the sacred space where our donors and our missions meet.
Give us openness to listen to the needs of our donors.
Give us joyful spirits, and an eagerness to engage others.
Give us hopeful imagination and creative vision, recognizing generosity in even the smallest gift.
Give us strong, steadfast hearts in times of discouragement.
Give us trusting hearts, knowing that the fruits of labors will be realized long after we are gone.
Give us faithful hearts, deeply committed to Your realm.
Let us feel Your Presence so that we know we are never truly alone.
Remind us always that what we do for the least of our brothers and sisters, we do for you.
We ask this in Jesus name, and in unity of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
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PEOPLERASINING.COM SHARED THESE 9 WAYS TO INTEGRATE

PRAYER IN YOUR FUNDRAISING
Posted on April 30, 2012
Every step in our fundraising planning and execution has to be bathed in prayer. If this is the Lords
ministry, then its important that we consult with Himregarding our need for funds, and to praise him
for the successes we experience.
1. As You Build Your Prospect List: Pray that the Lord will go before you, quickening and preparing
the hearts of your prospects, as we set out to make the connection with those who may become part
of your team.
2. As You Call to Set Up Appointments: You will find it natural to pray as you set out to make calls. Your
nervousness or fear will drive you to seek help from above.
3. As You Conduct the Visit: I love the story of Nehemiah. It must have taken great courage for Nehemiah
to share his vision for the rebuilding of Jerusalem. Like Nehemiah, there will be countless occasions
when you will be plain scared when confronted with an issue or a question. Do like Nehemiah. Stop
and pray, right then and there.
4. As You Speak and Share in Public Meetings: Ask God to help you be discerning about when
and where to present your ministry in public. You will pray before, during, and after these public
presentations of your ministry. Acknowledge that God is the one who will prompt listeners to become
supporters of your work, and trust him for the outcome.
5. As You Experience Disappointment: In a perfect world 100 percent of the people you call would
not only give you an appointment but would also make a financial commitment. That is not going to
happen. At times of discouragement, turn back in prayer, asking for Gods continued direction.
6. As You Celebrate: Every time you conduct a successful donor appointment, every time you receive a
positive response, every time you accept a generous gift, take the time to stop and pray and give God
the glory.
7. As You Minister to Your Donors: Your donors lives are like yours, filled with ups and downs. They
have their own problems and heartaches. Your prayer on their behalf is essential.
8. As You Travel: Your fundraising will involve some travel, whether the distances are short or long. For
some, travel means going thousands of miles by car and by air. So pray for safe passage.
9. As You Drop the Ball: There are going to be times when you find yourself regretting your own
failures. Maybe you will fail to put in the effort in raising funds, or maybe you will neglect to thank
your supporters. These times also call for prayer. Talk to your heavenly Father and confess your
shortcomings.
Prayer is so vital and needs to be part of the DNA of a fundraiser. May the Lord bless your efforts.
http://peopleraising.com/newsletter/9-ways-to-integrate-prayer-in-your-fundraising
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INTERVARSITY POSTED THESE VERSES AND THOUGHTS ABOUT

THE BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE TO ASK FOR MONEY
These Scriptures may be worth praying through as your team begins to ask God for help before you ask
for money.
I Chronicles 28:129:20 As his last act on the throne, David gets a start on his hearts desire to build a
temple for God. He presents this vision to the people and they respond joyously with their time, talents
and money. In response, David prays a moving prayer before all the people, saying, But who am I, and
who are my people, that we should be able to give as generously as this? Everything comes from you, and
we have given you only what comes from your hand. (29:14) After he leads the people in a final worship
time, he passes on his kingship to his son Solomon who carries out his fathers intentions to build the
temple.
Nehemiah 1:12:9 After hearing that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and that the surviving Jews
were in great trouble and disgrace, Nehemiah mourned, fasted, and prayed. He then boldly approached
King Artaxerxes (a non-believer) and asked him to provide the resources needed to rebuild the wall (and
in so doing, rebuild the life of God in the people of God).
Matthew 7:7-12 God wants us to ask him for help. He wants us to come to him with our needs. As our
faithful Father, he is eager and able to meet our needs.
Acts 4:32-37 As a community of Jews who had gathered in Jerusalem from far and wide, the first
followers of Jesus shared all that they had. Though they had been strangers to one another in chapter 2,
they became family in real and practical ways.
Philippians 4:10-20 The relationship Paul had developed with the Philippian church included their
supporting his ministry and helping the Jewish Christians in Jerusalem hard hit by the famine. The
Philippians had their own financial hardships, but despite their poverty, they gave sacrificially and
generously out of what they had. They had compassion on their brethren in Jerusalem who were poorer
than they, and they deeply loved Paul and believed in the calling God had given him to bring the gospel
to other Gentiles like themselves.
2 Corinthians 8:19:15 Unlike the Philippians, the Corinthian church was in a season of plenty. Paul
exhorts them to recognize that their abundance is meant to meet the needs where others are lacking, and
in turn when their day of need presents itself, they will provided for by the abundance that others may
have. He even pours a little shame on them by referencing the Macedonians (Philippi was a major city
in Macedonia) and their generosity in the face of their extreme poverty (and thats saying something
coming from Paul). And as a positive motivator, he explains that generosity also benefits the giver.
intervarsity.org/resources/raising-support/biblical-basis-raising-support
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SPIRIT OF GENEROSITY
Each Camp and Club must develop and express a Spirit of Generosity! Any individual and organization
that is going to ASK for money, must also be generous themselves. It is a Biblical example of the spiritual
laws of Reaping and Sowing.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows
generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6 NIV)
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and
running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured
to you. (Luke 6:38 NIV)
One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to
poverty. (Proverbs 11:24 NIV)
Royal Family KIDS exists today because of the Spirit of Generosity of many people and ministries that
blessed RFK in the infancy of its beginnings. Donors, business people, churches and other ministry
partners gave valuable wisdom, direction, strategy and financial blessings with and without compensation.
The Founders, Wayne and Diane Tesch, recognized this blessing and have strived to return that blessing
to other ministries and individuals as the organization has grown.
RFK has scholarshiped many ministries to attend the RFK Directors training so they can see a model of
how to grow a ministry with a franchise model.
RFK has sponsored other partners through Fundraising training so they can more effectively raise funds
to launch and sustain their ministry.
Wayne has personally shared and consulted with hundreds of individuals and given away literally
hundreds of books to people who needed insight and encouragement. None or few of these have added
more camps or clubs to the RFK operation, but they have been investments in the Kingdom.
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Three Ways that each Camp and Club Can Exhibit the Spirit of Generosity
1. After watching the Henri Moreau video on The Personal ASK, you will hear him clearly say that
if you are asking people to give to your camp or club, then YOU need to give to your camp
or club. Yes, every volunteer will be making significant donations of time, but those who
are asking for dollars need to invest their own dollars as well. The fundraising Team and the
Leadership Team should be made up of people who have the Spirit of Generosity. First, it is an
issue of the spirit, and secondly there will be critical times when a fundraiser may need to say, I
am a financial donor to the program, will you join me in sponsoring one child, or join me in
making a difference in the lives of the children we serve. We dont want to be boastful, but some
audience members, depending on the audience, may need to hear that you have skin in the game.
2. Each Camp and Club should be Kingdom-Orientated. Kingdom orientated means to view fundraising
more like a muscle than a pie. The pie view means there is a limited amount of funds or donors out
there like a pie that has a limited number of pieces, and when all the pieces are gone, there will be
none left. The muscle view means we believe that dollars and donors are unlimited, they can grow
and can be developed in the same way you would develop a muscle. The more you use it, the bigger
and stronger it can become.
Kingdom-Oriented may mean sharing this Fundraising Manual or ideas with other
departments in the church or with other non-profits in the area. Theres no fear of
limited funds; there is rejoicing that the Kingdom is growing by exercising more muscles.
Kingdom-Oriented may mean supporting or launching another camp or club in your
community or sending support to another camp or club around the world! Several
camps have sponsored International camps to help them launch their first year or years.
What a way to rejoice with prayer and financial support for a sister city around the
globe who are equally ministering to children of abuse who speak another language!
3. A Spirit of Generosity means that Camps and Clubs recognize the value and sacrifice that has
come from the National office and is willing to be generous back to RFK, Inc. In the early days some
people suggested to Wayne and Diane that they should charge each camp an annual operating fee of a
high amount or a percentage of their annual budget. The Teschs resisted charging an operational fee
and wanted to live by the generosity of others. RFK Inc. is aware of a similar camp model for Foster
children that charges an initial operating fee of over $10,000.
The training fees that are charged for RFK training events rarely cover the actual expenses of
training and never cover the full costs when factoring in the labor time. RFK, Inc. does have
a compliance fee of $450.00 for camp and there is some income from the sale of merchandise.
21
Rather than charge these operational fees, RFK Inc. has decided to ASK its own camps and clubs to
reinvest into the national operation to help launch more camps and clubs. Some camps and clubs literally
tithe 10 percent of their budget back to RFK, Inc. Others send in an annual or a monthly donation. Some
camps or clubs support one of the Ambassadors or Office Staff members who raise their own support as
Missionaries to Foster children within RFK.
Several camps have been extremely generous and have given back to RFK, Inc. multi-thousands of
dollars for specific projects. This very Fundraising Manual you hold in your hands is a collection of the
generosity of other camps and clubs sharing their ideas and a generous grant from a camp in Oklahoma
who paid for the project manager to turn it from ideas on scraps of paper, into a fluid manual with
organization and purpose.
If this Fundraising Manual helps local camps and clubs raise more money with more efficiency and more
effectiveness, show your spirit of generosity by reinvesting back into RFK and help launch more camps
and clubs.
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PERSONAL
FUNDRAISING
TESTMONIES
23
PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 1

Climbing the Fundraising Mountain
A lot of boys grow up thinking they want to be a police officer, or a fireman or a carpenter. Almost nobody
grows up thinking they want to be a professional fundraiser. When I was a Royal Ranger Commander,
our Senior Commander wanted to buy a trailer for all the camping equipment, and he needed to raise
$6,000 for the trailer. I thought to myself, $6,000, how many candy bars do we need to sell to raise $6,000?
I remember having a conversation with God: God, Ill do anything for ministry, Ill dig ditches, Ill clean
toilets, I just dont ever want to ask people for money.
Several years later, my wife, Janet, and I sat through a week of training to be Royal Family KIDS Camp
Directors in 2000. They said we would have to raise $15,000$20,000 for one year of camp! By the last day
of training I told the Lord, I have no idea how to raise that much money for camp. Then I said, Lord
Ill do the asking, but youll have to make them say yes. And so we asked. Our first year, we raised about
$20,000 and by our sixth year, we raised $44,000, all with Gods help. We asked, but He convinced them
to say yes.
As Janet and I felt the call of God on our lives, we attended training to raise our own funds as missionaries.
We could never have had the faith to raise our salary and expenses as missionaries if we had not already
seen Gods faithfulness in raising $20,000$44,000 a year for camp.
I can truly say that I have made a transformation in my fundraising journey. From telling God
that I never want to ask people for money as a Ranger Commander, to making fundraising a
significant part of my current job, and continuing to see Gods hand in the provision.
Fundraising is like climbing a mountain. Its a lot of work and takes so much effort to go such a short
distance. It takes extra tools and training, and sometimes its not pleasant. So why climb a mountain?
Because the view from the top is completely different than the view from the bottom! Why become
a fundraiser? Because some doors can only be opened when asking for money, some people can only
participate through donating money, and some commitments can only be strengthened by asking people
for their money!
In my journey, most of the relationships I have with my donors have been made stronger because I told
them our personal story, what Royal Family is doing, and I asked them to give. Asking for money has
placed me into many conversations with people who have told me how much we have meant to their
lives and how much Royal Family is allowing them to make a difference in the lives of kids. Extra work
and effort? Yes! Extra blessings and surprises? Yes! Asking for money has given many people a chance to
help the Foster children of our communities, where they would have never known how to help before.
Climbing the fundraising mountain is not easy, but the journey is life-changing, the effects are eternal,
and the view is unbelievable. You can see all the way to Heaven!
Jeff & Janet Juhala | Camp 93, Concord, CA, Directors 2001-2006
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Farmer to Fundraiser
Its interesting how life prepares you for Gods calling. Did we think we would spend approximately 1000
hours each year working a job that doesnt pay the bills? Certainly not! But when God grabs ahold of
you, the prudent action is to respond. For Angee and I, life has taken interesting twists and turns that
when experienced at the time, didnt seem to add up to any specific direction. But, as is usually the case,
hindsight reveals the Masters plan.
Tracys Story: Growing up on a farm in central Nebraska, life was primarily based around hard work. Rain,
snow, or shine, healthy or sick, it didnt matter, there was work to be done regardless. I can remember
driving the pickup for pipe laying at 5 years old. I remember being left to drive a tractor in a field by
myself for the first time at age 7. When other kids would go home or hang out together after school, I
would ride whichever bus would go by the field where the tractor was waiting, and I would work the field
until dad picked me up at dark for supper. While this may not seem like a direct link to any fundraising
prep, what it did was immerse me in the people who were running businesses, farms, banks, and religious
institutions in the area. I learned that hard work was expected, but the results were a gift. It wasnt what
you knew, but the relationships you formed and the support you gave to other people. These are the
lessons that have driven my approach to Royal Family Fundraising.
After College, I worked as a Boy Scout Executive in Council Bluffs, IA. I had three main responsibilities,
the three Ms. Membership-recruiting boys to be part of the scouting program, Manpower-recruiting
adult leaders to run the scouting programs, and Money-fundraising around $50,000 each year to support
Scouting. Sound familiar? When I returned to Kearney, NE in 2004, I was part of the initial staff for
camp 134 in Kearney. What interested me was spending a week at camp. I had worked two summers at a
Christian camp, and loved the experience. But this week rocked my perceptions of what camp can do. By
the end, I was broken. Camp was now more than just a gathering together of kids to have a great week, it
was an opportunity to make a life changing impact to those who have been forgotten and rejected. I was
hooked. It came naturally to me to promote camp wherever I went. I recruited my friends for camp staff.
I got my family on board behind me. I started setting up opportunities to speak within the circles I ran
in about Royal Family, and how they needed to help. Fast forward 10 years, and my wife and I were asked
to take over as Directors. The transition and progressions seemed only natural.
I guess the main thing that I see when I look back and forward with Royal Family, is there is a great plan
in place that most anyone can follow. But if you dont make it your own, and work to your strengths, there
is no LIFE in it. Asking for support is not an issue anymore. God convicts the hearts of the donors. You
just have to be willing to make the ask. Rejection? Who cares? (I was rejected enough in my dating life to
get over that!) When God is in control, and you are faithfully following, it will happen!
Tracy and Angee Hock, Kearney, NE Camp 134
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Mustard Seed Faith
It was our 4th camp. We were fast approaching June and we hadnt raised all the money yet. There were
no additional fundraisers on the horizon and we were in the heat of confirming campers and finalizing
details! Joe & I kept asking the Lord if we should pull the plug and not do camp as we were $2500 short!
We had no means by which to cover it ourselves, and we just kept hearing God say go ahead as planned!
Talk about growing in your faith to trust Jehovah Jireh! The Friday before we left for camp I prepared our
usual prayer request email to send to family and friends, but this time I included that we were still in need
financially. We asked that if anyone felt led to support us in that way, they could just drop a check in the
mail, and we left for camp! The whole week, we kept pushing that need to the back of our mind, after all
God told us to go...so therefore He would provide right? We returned home...it was an amazing week as
always! God showed up in wonderfully delightful ways, but there were no checks! A week went by and
one day after work guess what showed up in our mail box...3 checks totally $5000!!!!! That was double
what we needed...our God provided!
Needless to say, we were more than ecstatic! That mustard seed of faith in trusting God when He said go,
was just one more example of how good our God is! To God be the glory! This is His camp, His kids and
His team and He knows just exactly what we need!
Joe & Cathy Fiebig Camp #223 Polar Grove, IL
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Its All About the Kids
Like all Royal Family directors and volunteers, my wife and I were inspired to answer Gods call to serve
his wounded children. We were prepared to recruit and train volunteers. We were confident in our ability
to reach out to Child Protective Services and share our ministry. We were excited about presenting our
ministry to our church staff and congregation. We trusted God would provide a beautiful setting to host
our campers. We were DEVASTATED at the thought of raising money to support our camp!!
But, reality set in and we had to begin raising money. Fresh from training, we were telling everyone we
came into contact with about our experience. Our conversations with everyone were stories about a
child, some filled with pain and others filled with laughter. Some of our stories were hard to share and
came with tears and emotion about a wounded child of God. We were awed by the responsibility, yet
blessed by our calling from God. We told everyone about our mission and the details involved. We eased
our way into the funding requirements for our camp. Each conversation became a bit easier, until it
became natural. Our enthusiasm and confidence were both evident. The stories from our training camp
were common conversation.
Our first donation came from my employer. Our second donation came from an attorney firm affiliated
with our company. WOW both loyal contributors over our early years. Our church offered 1/3 of our
budget, but supported our ministry with face time and a table at our church ministry fair. We received
personal checks from $25 to $2,500 and all in between.
But it was Prayer, Confidence, and a Passion to respond to our Lords Faith in us that funded our camp.
Each year we found new avenues to raise money. From golf tournaments, to single significant donations
to sources we never knew existed, the story was the same: Prayer, Confidence and Obedience. Ask, and
you shall receive.
Tell your stories, every day. God will put those with hearts for your campers in front of you. Trust in him
as he trusts in you.
Rob and Sharon Macioce / Camp 74 / Camp Directors 2001 - 2013
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28
29
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R.O.E CHART FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS

Any communty event can rasie high dollars if they are pushed really well or somehow go off the charts.
However, these types of events will typically fall into these quadrants. The goals would be for your team
to hit quadrant 4 as much as psooible and too avoid quadrant one as much as possible. If outside gourps
want to do things that fall into quadrants 1 or 2, let them. If the high school football team wants to run a
carwash and give you the money, great. If the local Fire Department wants to do a Pancake Feed and give
you the money, take it. But items in these quadrants will usually not be worth the efforts of your team or
your volunteers.
Return On Effort (R.O.E.)
Dollars Raised
HIGH
Any high-level Community Event
run by other groups.
Could be any event in quandrant
3 that is run by you but done so
efficiently that the hours invested
are minimal. Usually, the efficiency
comes after several years of growth
and aggressive efforts.
Personal ASK
Group ASK
Letter Campaign
Bake Sale
Music Concert
Walk-A-Thon
Golf Tournament
Car Show
Ski Show
Banquet
Auction
Grants/Foundations
Car Wash
Candy Bars
Popcorn Sales
Pancake Feed
Garage Sales
LOW
LOW
Effort (Volunteeer Hours)
HIGH
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INTRODUCTION TO ASKING FOR MONEY

Information provided by Henri Moreau
Youre not simply looking for donors, but for people who will be ministry partners with you.
Your situation

You are very busy!

For most of you this is not your full-time job!
You are not in this for the money!
In all honesty, you really dont like fundraising but you raise the funds for just one reasonto help kids!
Our concerns for you

Becoming overwhelmed over raising support each and every year
Anxietyeven when you finish a successful campfrom knowing that next year youre going to have
to raise all those funds all over again
Time and energy to focus on the children and on training your team through hundreds of hours
spent fundraising
Finding better ways to raise supporta model to follow to ease the weariness of raising funds
What is our critical path?

Think biblically (2 Corinthians 9:515)

Give God the thanks and praise due Him
Focus on the Kids
The receiver gets their needs met by Gods people
The giver receives also! Grace abounds in every good work, increasing store of seed, enlarging a
harvest of righteousness made rich in every way.
Excellence in organization
Ask
Minister to your team
Our goals

Share Gods passion and our Fathers heart for kids

Invite others to fulfill Gods call to take care of orphans (James 1:27)
Develop a ministry teamwe are not called to do ministry alone (reference)
Build a base of yearly scholarship support to supplement or replace less productive fundraising
activities
I give all the glory to God. Its kind of a win-win situation. The glory goes up to Him and
the blessings fall down on me.
Gabrielle Gabby Douglas, US Olympic Gymnast Gold Medal Winner 2012
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BRAINSTORM // Your Vision and Calling

Writing out your message
See the RFK Sample ASK for Scholarships in the forms section.
This section is very important. It helps you identify your vision and calling and prepares you to share
your heart for your mission field with your team. This will also enable you to effectively share your
vision with churches, pastors, friends, business people, etc.
Before you begin asking, prayerfully and thoughtfully plan your script. Here are some steps to help you
begin:
Volunteers are needed at Royal Family KIDS

If we did not serve through Royal Family KIDS, what {overwhelming} problems would occur?
Problem 1 _________________________________________________________________________
Problem 2 _________________________________________________________________________
Problem 3 _________________________________________________________________________
Tell one story that illustrates one of the above problems
First Line (gets their attention) _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Specific details to include _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Last Line (recap what would happen if we did not serve the kids) ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Make sure to show itdont just tell it. What will you use to illustrate this story? Picture, newspaper
article, video clip, an actual person changed by God through your ministry
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Keep it under two minutes.

Tell your testimony of how God called you to Royal Family KIDS
Make sure to show it! Dont just tell it. What will you use to illustrate the problem? An illustrationa
picture, newspaper article, video clipan actual person changed by God through your ministry
What will you be doing at Royal Family KIDS Camp?
When you meet with individuals and churches people will begin asking you, So what exactly will
you be doing at Camp? Begin now to explain your plans to reach Kids for Christ.
Our ministry is about changed lives

One of the most powerful ways to communicate your vision is with a testimony of a changed life. Use
a story from your ministry about someone who God has transformed on your mission field. If you
are new to this ministry and do not have any stories of your own then borrow one from a friend on a
similar mission field.
Tell a story of a changed life; a Story of the One (SOTO)

First Line (gets their attention) _________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Specific details to include _____________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Last Line (recap what would happen if we did not serve the kids) ______________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________
Keep it under two minutes. Write down word for word what you are going to say.
What or who are resources you can do to find statistics, problems that would
occur, and SOTOs?
34
RAISING FUNDS FOR YOUR KIDS
Henri Moreau Video Handout // Raising a TEAM to Change the Lives of Kids!
I. Introduction:
II. What is our critical path?
1.
T_____________ Biblically.
2.
E_____________ in Organization.
3. A_________________.
4.
M ___________________ to your Team.
III. What are our goals?
Blessed are the

money raisers, for in
heaven they
shall stand at the
right hand
of the martyrs.
J.R. Mott
1. To share _________ passion and __________ heart for kids.

2. To invite others to fulfill Gods ___________ to take care of orphans. James 1:27.
3. To develop a ministry ____________________. We are never called to do ministry _________.
4. To build a base of yearly scholarship support to supplement or replace ______ _________ fundraising
activities.
Our strategy will require more time ________________, but over the long term it will result in far
less energy and resources spent in fundraising events and activities.
With less fundraising, your Camp Team can concentrate more on recruiting kids to camp, developing
excellent activities and training your leaders.
Reduced perpetual fundraising produces greater _____________ for each camp year.
T = THINKING AND THEOLOGY
Establishing a Biblical Foundation of Giving

2 Corinthians 9:5-15
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the
arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous
gift, not as one grudgingly given.
generously will also reap generously. 7 Each man should give what he has decided in his
heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God
is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you
need, you will abound in every good work.
6
35
As it is written: He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures
forever. 10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and
increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. 11 You will be
made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your
generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
9
This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of Gods people but is also
overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you
have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your
confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with
everyone else. 14 And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the
surpassing grace God has given you. 15 Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
12
WHO GETS WHAT? (From Scott Morton, Navigators 4:10 Training School)
God
9:11-12 ________________________________________________

9:13 ___________________________________________________
The Receiver
9:12 ___________________________________________________
The Giver
9:8 (a) _________________________________________________
9:8 (b) _________________________________________________
9:10 (a)_________________________________________________
9:10 (b)_________________________________________________
9:11 ___________________________________________________

9:14 ___________________________________________________
MAIN PRINCIPLE ONE

People ____________ to give.
36
Do not ask, Who

has money? Instead ask,
Who might be
interested in hearing
how they can help
change a kids life?
10 REASONS WHY PEOPLE NEED TO GIVE

1. Created in the image of God we were ______________ to give.
2. You provide an opportunity for others to _______________________ in the Great commission.
3. You provide an opportunity for people to ___________________ with you and Royal Familys vision
for kids.
4. When your ministry partners give, it helps break the ______________ of money in their lives.
No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else
he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money. (Luke
16:13)
Either we control our money, or it controls us.
5. The sowing and reaping principle.
generously will also reap generously. (2 Corinthians 9:6)
6. When people give, it increases their ___________ account.
Paul says it this way, Not that I seek or am eager for your gift, but I do seek and am eager
for the fruit which increases to your credit-the harvest of blessing that is accumulating in
your account. (Philippians 4:17)
7. People give to meet a _____________________.
8. People give for the ____________________ of God in their lives.
It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:25)
9. It feels _____________________ to give.
10. Its a natural response when they are __________________!
If God designed
us as givers,
were happier
when were giving.
Doug Brendel
MAIN PRINCIPLE TWO

People need to be _______.
37
E = EXCELLENCE IN ORGANIZATION
Getting Started
1. Before you begin make sure your main strategy is _____________ to _____________ meetings.
2. Organize all your materials. Royal Family will gladly supply you with a variety of great resources and
_________________ treats.
3. Set-up a ____________________.
TNT-MPD helps do all this for you (http://www.tntmpd.com)
TntMPD is a free program for managing your relationships with your ministry partners.
4. Ask everyone on your Camp Team to conduct a personal Name Storming session on their own.
Make it a goal for everyone to come up with at least 100 friends and contacts that could be invited to
help change the lives of kids.
Ask each person to strive to include as many people as possible that are _____________ your
church community.
5. AFTER every person on your team has completed their list of at least 100 names then come together
with all the people on your Camp Team. If your team consists of three people you should have about
300 names.
Compare lists and narrow your focus to around 100 people for your entire team.
6. Strategically and prayerfully consider who each person should contact. If you have three people on
your team, then each person could contact about 33 people.
7. If 100 people are asked in a face-to-face meeting to sponsor a kid to camp, then an average of 50
people will say YES! 50 people providing scholarships of $500 equals $25,000 each year for your
camp.
8. Before you start this process, write a _________ check to your camp for the cost of one full
scholarship. If you are asking others to provide a full scholarship then you need to set the example
and be the first one that models this commitment.
9. Remember your goal!
My goal is:
38
NAME STORMING // Who Might Want to Change a Kids Life?

Begin a list of potential people you can talk to about this exciting Royal Family KIDS adventure on
which you have embarked. List of three to five people whom you know or do business withbarber,
hairdresser, dry cleaner, banker, co-worker, boss, associate, customer, Facebook friends, etc. Who may
be excited to partner with RFK?
Co-Workers
Contact Info
Community Members
Contact Info
Customers
Contact Info
Acquaintences
Contact Info
Family
Contact Info
Business People
Contact Info
Friends
Contact Info
Other
Contact Info
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A = ASKING
God, I dont know what you are doing in this persons life, but I know they are created to
give whether its to Royal Family or someone else, help me be a blessing!
-Henris Prayer
Researchers at the Missions Increase Foundation say there are three kinds of
asks:
1. The __________________________________________ ask.
2. The __________________________________________ ask.
3. The __________________________________________ ask.
THE PHONE CALL

1.
People dont give

to needs;
they give to dreams.
Steve Shadrach
Build Rapport with casual conversation.

Hi Steve, its Henri. Do you have a moment to talk? How is your day?
2.
Transition to the reason for your call.

Steve, one of the main reasons I called you today is to ask you for something, but I dont
want it to be uncomfortable or cause any weirdness in our friendship. So will you promise
to let me know if it does? Thanks.
Im not sure if Ive mentioned this to you, but Im working with a great organization called
Royal Family KIDS. We are inviting abused and neglected kids to an incredible week at a
summer camp. These are the kinds of kids that no one ever invites to any camp. Our goal
is to love them unconditionally and treat them like kings and queens. For many, this week
will literally change their lives.
I am financially sponsoring one kid and want to talk with you about sponsoring one, too.
If it would be OK with you, Id love to meet you in person to share some pictures and other
materials with you. Plus it would be great to see you. Is there a time in the next couple of
weeks that I could stop by for about 30 minutes and fill you in on all the details? Silence
(If they hesitate): Again, theres really no obligation and it would be great to catch up.
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3.
Affirm and Close.

Thats great. I will meet you at your house next Thursday night at 7:00 PM. Can I bring
anything?
4.
After the phone call...
___________________ write the appointment in your calendar!
Call, email, or text a message to confirm the appointment the day before you meet.
THE FACE-TO-FACE APPOINTMENT

Please turn to the document entitled:
RFK Sample Ask for Scholarships

Statistics
Scripture
SOTO
Ask
The solution to
fear is conviction
about the cause.
Barry McLeish
(Quoted in Getting
Sent by Pete Sommer)
A few notes to remember about the Face-to-Face Appointment:
41
M = MINISTERING TO YOUR TEAM!

1. After you meet with your prospective ministry partners face-to-face, make sure to send a thank you
note.
2. Leading up to camp, send everyone a one-page letter or email updating them on the plans for camp.
SOTO. In your update, share a story of the one from one of the kids that will be attending camp. Try
to communicate the excitement from the perspective of one of the kids.
3. After camp, celebrate what God did through a letter.
4. If you want to honor your team with excellence, invite them over to someones house for a dessert.
Tell the stories that made you laugh and cry. Display whatever pictures you can. Remind them of
the eternal difference they have made in the lives of kids. These kids were impacted because YOU
provided a scholarship! Say something like, Its important for you to know how much your support
meant to these kids
5. About six months after camp, send your ministry partners a hand-written personal note thanking
them again for the difference they made.
6. For all those that committed to sponsoring one kid PER year, make sure you follow up with them for
next years scholarship.
Great Resources
Coach Your Champions: The Transformational Giving Approach to Major Donor Fundraising Eric
Foley
The Treasure Principle: Discovering the Secret of Joyful Giving Randy Alcorn
The Ministry of Development John R. Frank
The Eternity Portfolio Alan Gotthardt
The Ultimate Gift Jim Stovall
Growing Givers Hearts : Treating Fundraising As A Ministry Thomas H. Jeavons
The Third Conversion (A Novelette) by R. Scott Rodin
The Mentor Leader Tony Dungy
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PRINCIPLES OF FUNDRAISING
RFK Fundraising Triangle
Few camps refunded by a single source. In fact, its rather dangerous when a camp or club is funded by
a single source. If that one source goes away as they often do, there goes the entire funding program.
It is better for the longevity of the program that funds come in form a variety of sources. It is a strong
recommendation from the National RFK office that camps and clubs should seek to have funds come in
from all for sources in the Fundraising Triangle below.
Raising money for camp with just car washes, candy bars, and pancake feeds is a formula
for burnout and ultimately for failure.
LEVEL 4:
Grants &
Foundations
LEVEL 3: Community Events:
Walk-a-Thon, Golf Tournament, etc.
LEVEL 2: Group Ask

Church, Business, Civic Clubs
LEVEL 1: Personal Ask
This triangle represents four levels of fundraising opportunities for an RFK camp.
LEVEL 1 // PERSONAL ASK

Royal Family KIDS, believes the foundation of fundraising should be a Personal Ask for a camp / club
Scholarship. This is the core foundation that all other fundraising should be built upon. Scholarships have
the biggest and most long lasting effect on fundraising. If 50 100 people give a $250 or $500 Scholarship
each year, this equates to $12,500 - $50,000 each year. It takes time and courage to ask people to sponsor
one or more scholarships. But this should be the foundation of your fundraising. This should be where
most of your time and resources are spent. Every staff person can ask their contacts for scholarships.
Scholarships will ultimately give the biggest return for the least amount of effort and this is the best
opportunity for sustainability. It takes less time but more courage.
So the big question is, can you and your staff summon the courage to ask on behalf of the children
of abuse in your community?
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LEVEL 2 // GROUP ASK

The next level of asking may be the Group Ask. This would be the Mens or Womens ministry, the Sunday
School class, the general congregation, other churches in town, Civic Clubs, businesses, etc. Those groups
can give Scholarships or donate individual amounts toward your fundraising goal. They may also be able
to contribute material items that you wouldnt have to pay for. A typical camp or club might have 5-10
opportunities for a Group Ask each year.
A Royal Family KIDS is an outreach that your church can operate where you can ask for funds outside
the church. Businesses, Civic groups and individuals outside your church will be willing to give to funds
to because its not a church camp for church kids, its a community camp for community kids, but they
must be asked. Some of our camps and clubs raise their entire camp budget, outside the church.
LEVEL 3 // COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community events can be anything from, walk-a-thons, bike rides, golf tournaments, hunting / fishing
tournaments, banquets, dessert theater, karate tournaments, ski show, drive-by-giving, etc.
Community Events are great ways to grow awareness and raise funds, but they take a tremendous amount
of labor hours. They do generate money, but they can also be difficult to sustain. Events can be a part of
your fundraising formula and a typical camp or club might have 1-3 events a year. The BEST Community
events are those events that are operated by a local group and they are simply looking for great
organizations to give the money too! These groups are out there. Seek them out! Pray to find them! A
community car wash is difficult way to fund the camp or club. But, if the local football team wants to
wash cars and give you the money, show up, shake hands, say thanks and take the money.
44
LEVEL 4 // GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS

The tip of the triangle is Grants and Foundations. These are funding opportunities but they require a lot
of preparation to complete the necessary forms and applications. There is a lot of competition for the
dollars and they often have requirements attached to the funds. Many Grants and Foundations prefer
awarding money for start-up programs and special projects, not necessarily for ongoing operations.
These can be a part of your fundraising formula, but realistically, a typical camp or club might only apply
for 1-3 grants a year.
Of these four options, which one is the one most people are willing to try first?
Community Events.
Which one is the one most people are willing to try last?
The Personal Ask.
The foundation of fundraising should be asking individuals to change the life of a local Foster Child by
sending them to a life changing week at camp, the Personal Ask. But its the one thing people want to do
the least.
Raising money with sustainable events that take a lot of work and setup with little return
for your investment of time and resources is a recipe for burnout and failure. You must ASK
for money!!!
To ask for this cause is the easiest ASK in the worldCHILDREN of ABUSE!
Glenn Garvin, RFK Vice President of Camps, says, When it comes to fundraising, we cant take the fear
out, and we cant put the faith in. But God can.
We are talking about more than just Fundraising, we are talking about FAITHraising.
Support that comes from un-expected sources and beyond your abilities to produce. God does just
enough of these to let you know this is His work and you cant take any of the credit for it. God simply
does a miracle.
In 2015, RFK camps in the United States raised $6 million. Thats an average of $36,000 per
camp!
Much of that was raised on FAITH. They asked for the moneythey raised the moneyand YOU can,
too!
45
ABOUT YOU THE

ASKER
46
BIBLICAL FOUNDATION FOR ASKING

1. Fundraising is Ministrygiving is how Gods economy works (2 Corinthians is a fundraising letter).
2. Fundraising is based on a partnershipthose who give are rewarded just as those who go.
3. Gods economy is radically different from the worlds economythe world says keep it youve earned
it; God says if you give it He will multiply it (Luke 6:38).
4. Giving is sowing (2 Corinthians 9:6; Proverbs 11:2425).
5. Fundraising is not selling a product, it is a value exchangepeople will continue to give as you
give them value: as they understand what takes place, they receive the satisfaction that they make a
difference.
6. Fundraising exposes the heart (Matthew 6:21; 2 Corinthians 8:8). Before you raise money you should
give yourself.
7. Fundraising is 10% inspiration and 90% perspiration (run the race). I Cor. 9:24
8. Fundraising is Askingbut not apologetically.
9. Fundraising demands integrity. You can tell them if youre not comfortable asking for money but if
they want the joy of participating theyll give even if youre already reached your goal.
10. Fundraising is not a science.
The Lord really blesses people and ventures that are out to meet needs. John 6:9 (feeding of the five
thousand) shows how Jesus spiritually feeds the world.
Look at the size of the task (it could be immobilizing, discouraging, faith-threatening). It will be
bigger at the beginning than your ability to get your hands around it. What difference can I make?
The task is too big. If you dont think you can do it, then youll rely on God for His provisionthe
job is yours!
Look at the little bit that you have (great challenge, small resources).
Leave the Lord out of the picture. He has the power and ability to multiply the resources through you.
Disobey the laws of failure. Dont be intimidated by the size of the task nor be frightened by the small
resources you have but put the Lord in the picture and watch him multiply the resources that you put in
His hands.
The goal is not simply to raise fund, but to share Gods heart, concern, and hope for kids
with passion and clarity and to ask others to join you in sponsoring one kid each year.
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IS THERE ENOUGH MONEY OUT THERE?

If you believe there are limited funds out there, youll ask in limited ways. You must believe that there
are UNLIMITED funds available because literally, God is unlimited!!!
To get a little more specific, check the annual report from The Giving Institute showing how much
money has recently been donated, where it came from and where it was went. Go to their website to get
the latest up-to-date numbers. www.givinginstitute.org
For example, in 2014 US contributions to charities were $358.38 billion. BILLION dollars. There is a
lot of money being donated every year! You can see that the majority72 percentof the money given
was from individuals. Which means that when asking for funds, one of the best sources is to simply ask
individuals.
Where did the money go?

For 2014, 32% of the money went to Religion and 12% went to Human services, which means that
a RFK Camp or Club could be considered either one of these groups and have access to 45% of the
$358.38 billion dollars
donated every year.
45% of $358.38 billion
= $161.27 billion
Remember, for over 30
years, RFK camps have
raised $64 million.
In 2015, our average camp
raised $36,000 and our
average Club raises $4,000.
We have had some camps
raise well over $100,000
per year!
The money is out there.
Pray for it!
Ask for it!
Go get it!
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DOLLARS RAISED BY FIRST-YEAR CAMPS

Camp
Money
Raised in
2013
Camp
Money
Raised in
2014
Camp
Money
Raised in
2015
282
$19,940
300
$33,100
313
$16,854
283
$28,000
301
$17,700
315
$12,161
284
$20,649
302
$10,000
316
$30,000
285
$46,200
303
$42,000
317
$36,672
286
$46,000
304
$48,000
319
$15,000
287
$37,500
305
$23,500
320
$15,000
288
$16,865
310
$29,000
324
$75,131
289
$18,000
$29,500
325
$10,000
290
$23,000
327
$37,719
291
$28,000
328
$17,000
Average by
Year
$28,415
Overall
Average
$28,023
3 Lowest
$10,000
$10,000
$12,000
3 Highest
$46,000
$48,000
$75,000
$29,100
$26,554
Data retrieved from Camp Compliance records.
49
WHO ARE YOU ASKING FOR?

You are not asking for yourselves.

You are not asking for the adult volunteers.
You are not asking for the Camp or Club leadership.
You are not asking for your church.
You are asking for money for the abused, abandoned and neglected children who live, right there in
your community.
You are asking for money for Foster children who go to school with your kids or your grandkids.
You are asking for money for the least of these. (Matthew 25:40),
You are asking on behalf of children who desperately need to go to a camp or a club, but who have no
idea that it even exists.
You are asking on behalf of children who cannot ask for themselves.
Know the Kids (and understand their demographic)

In order to ask on behalf of these children, you need to know some of them. You need to read their stories
or watch their videos. You cannot effectively and prayerfully ask on their behalf unless you know them.
How do you find the stories you need?
The best stories are personal stories from your interactions with kids at a camp or club. There is nothing
better than saying, When I sat next to little Joey and he looked at me . . . Or when I handed the birthday
present to Suzy, she cried. Volunteer at some point and get your own stories.
Until then you can get some stories from the following places:
Ask your team that went to training for their best stories.
Read one of the many RFK books available. They include lots of stories.
Watch the short video clips on the RFK National website at RoyalFamilyKIDS.org
View the RFK Facebook site at www.facebook.com/royalfamilykidscamp
View the RFK Blog at http://royalfamilykids.org/2015/
Stories are the creative conversion of life itself into a more powerful, clearer, more
meaningful experience. They are the currency of human contact.
Robert McKee
50
SPEAKING IN PUBLIC
In some cases you may need to appeal to a group of supporters. Feeling nervous before giving a speech
is natural and even beneficial, but too much nervousness can be detrimental. Here are some tips on
how to control your butterflies and give a better presentation:
1. Know your material. Know more about your specific topic than you include in your speech. Use
humor, personal stories and conversational language that way you wont easily forget what to say.
Prepare an opening three good middle points; a summary (conclusion). Dont try to speak on too
many issues. In addition, dont wander off the topic.
2. Invest in visual aids. PowerPoint slides and impressive handouts will divert eyes so you can speak
to the audience that isnt continuously watching you. When they look at you, you just change your
focus to someone else. Giving a speech to people who are not looking at you is always easier. Imagine
yourself speaking, your voice loud, clear and confident. Visualize the audience clapping it will boost
your confidence.
3. Rehearse. Revise. Relax!
Rehearse out loud with the equipment you plan on using and any visual aids. Practice speaking
with friends and family. Speak to the room as if the audience were in front of you. You wouldnt
stop half way through and ask to start again in front of an audience, right? Under pressure, how you
practice is how youll perform. Avoid the temptation to speak in front of a mirror or a video camera
(its distracting).
Revise as necessary. Work to control filler wordsums and uhs. Practice with a timer and allow
time for the unexpected.
Relax by focusing on how it feels to present in the moment. The more you practice it, the more
it will take on a life of its own and youll feel more comfortable in your delivery. Pause, smile and
count to three before saying anything. (One one-thousand, two one-thousand, three one-thousand.
Pause. Begin.) Transform nervous energy into enthusiasm. If you make a mistake, go with it. The idea
is to relax. If you can make them laugh, your presentation will be more memorable.
4. Arrive early. Walk around the speaking area greeting some of the audience members as they arrive.
5. Know the audience. Think carefully before you talk. Use silence; it can be a great ally and cause
the audience to hang off your next words, wondering what you are about to say. Instead of seeing
them as strangers who are evaluating you, view the audience as colleagues who will be presenting
after you. Admit nervousness but dont apologize for it. All you have to do is admit that you are a
bit nervous speaking to your audience. When you do this, the audience will be more forgiving if
your nervousness shows up later on. More importantly you will feel more relaxed now that they
are not expecting a world-class presentation. Imagine their surprise when you gave them the best
presentation ever despite your nervousness.
6. Concentrate on the message. Tell the story of the one and ask for help to provide a Camp experience
for another child like that. The message is more important than the method.
51
7. Be impressive with personal opinion. When you speak or give a presentation, have prepared a few
of your personal thoughts that you share as if the ideas just came to you. When you see the interested
look on the faces of your audience, it will elevate your presentation to another level.
8. People want you to succeed. Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating, informative and
entertaining. Theyre rooting for you. Use feelings and gestures to intensify a point but a little goes
a long way. Dont look directly into peoples eyes but speak to one ministry partner at a time.
9. The Response. Just because an audience is not smiling or nodding in agreement does not mean they
arent listening or feeling positive about your talk. People often do not display encouragement on
their faces in an audience situation, so dont seek it. Youll know from the applause level at the end
how well you did.
10. Have fun experimenting. It is important to enjoy the crowd. Perhaps try walking around the room
instead of remaining on the stage. Remember that there are no failures, only different results. Have
fun!
52
YOU NEED TO BE ABLE TO TELL GOOD STORIES.

How do you tell a good story?
You may have to start off with a generic story you have learned from someone else, a book, or a video.
Once you have been to Camp or Club, you can tell your own story from your own experiences. Use the
enclosed handout to help you crate YOUR story in a way that it can be brief but powerful and it can
include all the necessary elements for success. Scott Murrish has created, Telling YOUR Royal Family
KIDS Story that he personally used as a Royal Family KIDS Ambassador.
Overcoming Five Major Fears:
1. Sacrificing time
2. Speaking in public
3. Recruiting a team
4. Working with at-risk children
5. Asking for money
Seven Elements to Make Your Stories that Sparkle
1. Transport your audience.
2. Tell us about the child.
3. Describe the momentm
4. Weave the signature ingredients RFKm
5. Share Scripture and statistics.
6. Share RFK process.
7. Share the Moment that Mattered.
Why is storytelling important?

Robert McKee calls stories the creative conversation of life. They are what allow people to make sense
of their lives and share that meaning with others. Were all looking to see ourselves in others, to find
nuggets of wisdom, inspiration, and connection to others through stories. As human beings we are also
hard wired to remember them. Remember Cinderella, Robin Hood, Bambi, the hilarious tale from your
buddys barbecue back in 2005? Chances are yes! As Maya Angelou so eloquently sums up, People will
forget what you tell them, but never forget how you make them feel. Stories have the unique power to
inspire feeling, connection and action.
www.causevox.com/blog/how-to-get-started-in-storytelling-for-fundraising-cara-jones-interview
53
What would be your top three tips for non-profit storytelling?

1. Aim for the heart: Again, people remember what they feel. When youre trying to figure out which of
your stories accomplish this, think about the ones that give your heart that little zingy feeling, bring a
tear to your eye, or make you laugh. Humor evokes some of the most powerful of all emotions. Dan
Greenberg sums this up well in his take on what makes videos go viral: Sharing feelings is a basic
human need. If your videos capture an emotion that resonates with its audience, users will share it,
because they are not just sharing your content they are sharing the feeling your video has created.
2. Find a compelling character to wrap the story around: As mentioned in our favorite examples, if
youre telling a story about a broad issue, find someone to personalize it. As Mother Theresa says, If I
look at the masses, I will never act. If I look at one, I will. Give your audience someone to care about.
Ideally your central characters should be what Al Tompkins of the Poynter Institute calls COOL:
colorful, outgoing, opinionated and lively.
3. Remember structure and length: Tell a story with a clear beginning, middle and end. Remember
to structure your story in a way that feels like it comes to resolution/completion. If you can, build a
surprise in for added impact. Also, in video, remember length. 1-2 minutes is ideal for online, 3-5
minutes for events. Modern attention spans dont support much beyond that. A quote we keep in
mind for every video we create: Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but
when there is nothing left to take away. Antoine de Saint-Exupery
www.causevox.com/blog/how-to-get-started-in-storytelling-for-fundraising-cara-jones-interview
54
ABOUT THE DONOR
55
BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH YOUR MINISTRY PARTNERS

Giving is not the end product but the byproduct
Dont see yourself as a solicitor or salesperson but as a friend. See them as partners in ministry rather
than targets of marketing. Share the wonderful ministry opportunity in giving to RFK and the blessings of
generous giving. Then trust God to provide the funding through real relationships. Become a centerpiece
of friendship and opportunity in their lives.
Change your focus

If it is viewed as ministry and opportunity there is really no limit to what God will accomplish through
you. True ministry-based fundraising involves a relationship with a ministry partner so dont think of it
as marketing or selling or positioning or branding the donor.
People need community

We need to be around like-minded individuals. And it should be mutually beneficial. What kind of
ministry can you have in their lives and what kind of involvement can they have in your ministry? Here
are some thoughts:
1. Building blocks of friendshipwhen we stop seeing people as donors and see them as friends,
we begin to develop the friendship which is a building block of ministry-partner relations. We are
motivated to raise money when we realize God will provide funding through authentic relationships.
The relationship earns me the ability to say, is there any reason you would not want to participate in
Royal Family KIDS?
2. Passion is keydo your friends/contacts have a passion for touching the lives of children? If they
bring that passion, then there is a point of commonality of purpose and direction.
3. Informationgiving facts that will help them make decisions. (Jesus never relied on emotions to
generate a response from His audience.) Talk about how many lives are impacted by their giving.
4. Colloquialismsfriends dont use big words. Communicating from your heart will give them
something that will reach theirs.
5. Truthfulnessbe honest about your Camp needs (neither cry wolf nor wait until your situation is
dire. Dont hold out on someone and then expect them to act like a friend.
6. Consistencybeat the drum relentlessly about the values and product of ministry; how have children
been impacted by RFK. Tell them what Royal Family is about. Then tell them again.
7. Frequencystay in contact with your friends. What value do you bring to relationships? What
impacts their decision to give /not give? Providing regularly the little inside stories that tug at the
heartstrings and help the ministry partner understand how their giving can impact the life of one
child.
8. Qualityyour ministry is better because of the involvement of people. Let them know the value of
their support.
56
9. Familytell the story of a family touched and transformed through Camp. Only you can tell how
your heart broke as you witnessed the crying need of a kid and how your heart soared as you saw that
life restoredby the grace of God, through the generous giving to Royal Family KIDS. [inside stories
(SOTOs) that you can share that would never be published].
10. Relevancemake the relationship about the friendabout how they can make a difference. Make
it count forthe donor.
11. Entertainmentenjoy being together.
12. Feedbackletting you know if you succeeded or not.
13. Transparencydo they know the real you who aches over these children? Be real.
14. Vulnerabilityshow them what really stirs you.
15. Passionexcited about RFK that cannot be taught but can only be gifted; eager to get on the
bandwagon for this ministry.
Express gratitude to the ministry partner for being the vehicle to help children.
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THANKING YOUR MINISTRY PARTNERS / DONOR CARE

Follow up and follow through. Most importantly, respond as quickly as possible to a donation.
Be extremely considerate of the ministry partners time. Return all calls that you receive. If they are
making a donation or planning a meeting with you, be on time. Always use the same contact person for
continuity and relationship building with the ministry partners. When you pick up the donations use the
same contact person and thank them. Bring them a copy of the 501(c)(3) form just incase they need. Also
let them know if they need anything else from you that you are glad to help. In a few days send them a
thank you letter.
Every Gift Should be Acknowledged

1. Thank every ministry partnerin writingwithin 72 hours of receiving a gift!!
2. Over $100 donations should be given a phone call within 72 hours.
3. People often forget the importance of thanking. A simple thank you goes such a long way and is one
of the most important steps in receiving positive results from your fundraising letter.
4. In thanking your previous donor and then thanking them for taking the time to read your fundraiser
letter you can also thank them in advance for helping out and donating again.
5. Doug Brendel, in his great book 7 Deadly Diseases of Ministry Marketing, tells us that one of the
diseases in donor development is Hardening of the Arteries or failure to thank your donors.
6. Donors are the life giving arteries of your success. To forget to thank them is like the bodys arteries
hardening, clamping down and restricting a free flow of life giving blood.
7. When you get a gift, send a quick thank youwithin 72 hours is what is taught by successful ministry
development experts.
8. Have a stack of pre-written thank you notes ready to go. When a gift comes in, you can grab a note,
address it and write a quick PS to make it personal. You can have a volunteer prepare the thank you
notes or even have them located at the church.
9. If the donation is over $100, you should call right away and just say, thanks. Thank before you bank!
People want to know:

1. You received their gift.
2. Their gift made a difference.
3. That you care about them as a person, more than just their loot.
By the way, make sure you personally sign the thank-you letter and write a PS. Its a proven fact: People
love to read PSs on letters. If they dont have time to read the whole note, they read the P.S. at the bottom.
Put your best and most succinct line in that PS. Let it drip with the heart of RFK!
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Call or Visit Major Donors to Thank Them Personally

Call, meet with, or even send a small gift to some of your significant donors on a regular basis to just say
thanks. These gifts are available from RFK, Inc. for nominal amounts or you can buy attractive items
locally.
There is nothing quite like the personal touch. While all donors are appreciated and important, major
donors are where you should spend your time. All donors are important; but we must recognize that as
stewards of our own time, we must invest in those who really have caught the vision and are big helpers.
A person who gives a smaller amount doesnt expect me to call to set up an appointment and show up at
his or her doorin fact they might think you a bit strange and a bit disorganized to show up and thank
them for their $5 gift. Not that their gift is not important or appreciated, but they know how this works.
Those who give a large amount expect a response.
They are a stakeholder, an investor in your efforts and they need a report and information.
You refer to these donors as ministry partners. They want partnership in serving abused and neglected
children. God bless us all with ministry partners!
P.S. We want to get our own P.S. in here before we leave this point.
Along the way, you will begin to learn that you will have two developing contingencies in your donor
universe that you must understand.
1. Church/Christian donors: They may give through your church offering and you may not even know
what they give, but you must thank your church, i.e., in general, in the bulletin or from the platform
at every possible opportunity. With church donors comes the obligation to thank them, to encourage
their own spiritual growth in giving. Your pastor will probably hold this very dear.
2. Secular community, including businesses, civic clubs, private individuals, etc.
You will want to address this group with some sensitivity. This is not the audience to use Christian jargon,
especially in your letters and public appeals.
Two different versions usually work best.
59
SHOULD YOU THANK YOUR DONORS WITH A GIFT?

by Katya Andresen
As you know, I believe giving is best approached through social rather than market norms. What do I
mean by that? Social norms are governed by values of community selflessness and altruism. When we
are primed to give based on social norms, we donate because we want to make a difference and help
others. Market norms are governed by calculated self-interest. When we are primed to give based on
social norms, we donate to get a tote bag. While that premium may result in a gift, it tends to train donors
to think of donations in a transactional way and can erode giving over time, as well as diminish the
emotional strength of the relationship with the cause.
Researchers Lalin Anik, Lara Aknin, Michael Norton and Elizabeth Dunn have shown that giving makes
you happy in the social norms context. Their research shows people who committed random acts of
kindness were significantly happier than those who didnt, and spending money on others makes you
happier than spending money on yourself. They also discovered happier people help others more, and
they give more. A positive mood makes you nicer! This makes a circle: giving makes you happy, and
when youre happy you give more, which makes you happier, which makes you give more.
Interestingly, if you highlight the payback of giving, it can help or hurt. Incentive-based appeals and gifts
to donors seem to crowd out the inherent, altruistic motivation of those donors. Sending out something
like a tote bag might actually detract from the warm-fuzzy a donor felt when they gave - and make
them less altruistic in the future. In other words, if you train people to react to a market norm, they lose
the social norm. For example, a matching gift campaign they studied elevated giving short term - but
depressed giving over time. That said, reminding people of the happiness that giving provides them
DOES have a good effect on generosity.
Okay, so back to tote bags and coffee mugs. Neuromarketing guru Roger Dooley has a new post at Forbes
that underlines the importance of social norms thinking. Here is what he says:
As most NPR listeners know, their periodic fundraisers tend to employ modest rewards for
their donors contribute $50 and get a Car Talk mug, $100 for an All Things Considered
tote bag, etc. I always thought these benefits were a nice touchcertainly not a reason to
make a contribution in and of themselves, but perhaps enough to get a contributor to bump
up to the next donation level. Surprisingly, new research shows that this type of thankyou gift can actually reduce contributions. A paper in the Journal of Economic Psychology,
The counterintuitive effects of thank-you gifts on charitable giving, describes a series of
experiments that show that, contrary to expectations, rewarding contributors cuts donations
in most circumstances. The Yale researchers who conducted the study, George Newman and
Jeremy Shen, found that the most likely reason for the negative effect on contributions was
crowding out. In essence, the prospect of receiving a gift activated a feeling of selfishness
which, in turn, reduced altruism and hence cut the average donation.
60
So whats a nonprofit to do? Can you offer gifts without hurting results? Roger
advises the following:
1. Talk about the gifts you offer as a way of advancing your mission rather than rewarding the donor.
Says Dooley: In research, if a tote bag was said to have our charitys logo printed on the side, and
when other people see the logo, it will raise awareness for our cause, accepting the gift seemed like a
means of helping the charity, and the gifts negative effect on donations was neutralized. He says, If
you feel your gift strategy is working, this might be a way of boosting results. For example, a script
might read, When you put this Car Talk mug on your desk, your co-workers will be so jealous theyll
want to support our station too! So, help us reach the people around you by donating at least $75, and
then put your mug where everyone will see it!
2. Consider offering special, social events as gifts - they have positive effects. For example, an invitation
to an exclusive dinner or lecture, or membership in an elite group.
3. Give the gift before the donation or as a surprise after the donation, rather than in exchange for the
donation.
Dooley says:
What about those free address labels, greeting cards, and other items that show up in
your mailbox, accompanied by a request for a donation? You may find them annoying and
wasteful, but the reason you get them is that these gimmicks work. Many of these nonprofits are sophisticated direct marketers who have tested and re-tested their offers, and
know that those small gifts yield far more in donations than they cost.
The psychological principle involved is reciprocitywhen you get those mailing labels,
you feel a subtle urge to reciprocate by making a donation. If you opt for the reciprocity
strategy by giving the donor something in advance of a contribution, be sure to test different
gifts.
Ideally, your gift will maximize donations without being so expensive that it reduces the net
revenue from the solicitation. And while mass mailings will generally use inexpensive items
like labels and cards, dont overlook the possibility of more targeted gifts to potential major
donors. A package will have a much bigger impact than an envelope, and even a modest gift
may be enough of a reciprocity trigger for the donor to agree to an in-person meeting, for
example, or make an immediate contribution.
The bottom line? In my opinion, the greatest gift you can give a donor is to make them feel they made a
difference that mattered. Thank them with that and you stand the best chance of success as a fundraiser.
61
THE 10 VITAL RULES OF THANKING, PLEASING, AND KEEPING

DONORS
by Katya Andresen
1. KNOW YOUR DONOR: Capture information on how your donors gave and what appeal they are
supporting. Did they give in response to a special appeal or at an event? Were they asked to donate by
one of your donor champions who was running a race to raise money for your cause? You need these
details to properly thank and cultivate them.
2. ALWAYS THANK YOUR DONORS: Always. No exceptions.
3. THANK THEM EARLY: You should thank your donors within a few days of their gift.
4. THANK THEM OFTEN: Thank your donors several times, over time, and keep reporting back on the
difference they have made.
5. THANK THEM ACCURATELY: Make sure you have correctly spelled the donors name, stated the
amount and date of the donation, included appropriate language for tax deductions and carefully
note if the gift was made in honor of someone else.
6. EXPRESS GRATITUDE: Say how pleased and thankful you were to get the donation.
7. FOCUS ON EMOTION: Tell a short, wonderful story or use a specific example that shows what the
donor is making possible. This is important so all donors feel great and donors new to your cause
grasp what it really means. You want to tug at the heartstrings and bring your mission to life. Some
fun ideas: Take photos of your work and slip one of those into a mailed card. Have a beneficiary write
the thank-you email.
8. GIVE THE DONOR CREDIT: Your communications to your donors should use the word you a lot
more than the word we. Give your donors credit for what you do in every piece of outreach. Be
constantly on the lookout for ways to recognize your donors in your annual report, on your website
and at your events.
9. BE SPECIFIC ABOUT IMPACT: Make very clear how you will use the money and tie that impact back
to the solicitation that was sent. If you sent an appeal to save puppies, talk about how many puppies
you will save!
10. MAKE IT PERSONAL: In addition to addressing the donor by name, you want to sign the appeal
from a real person. No dear friend or dear supporter salutations and no nameless signatories! We
recommend you get creative with who signs your electronic and mailed lettersa board member,
a volunteer, or a beneficiary can add significance to your acknowledgement.
Used by permission from Katya Andresen | www.nonprofitmarketingblog.com
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FUNDRAISING IDEAS
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PRINCIPLES OF FUNDRAISING
RFK Fundraising Triangle
Few camps refunded by a single source. In fact, its rather dangerous when a camp or club is funded by
a single source. If that one source goes away as they often do, there goes the entire funding program.
It is better for the longevity of the program that funds come in form a variety of sources. It is a strong
recommendation from the National RFK office that camps and clubs should seek to have funds come in
from all for sources in the Fundraising Triangle below.
Raising money for camp with just car washes, candy bars, and pancake feeds is a formula
for burnout and ultimately for failure.
LEVEL 4:
Grants &
Foundations
LEVEL 3: Community Events:
Walk-a-Thon, Golf Tournament, etc.
LEVEL 2: Group Ask

Church, Business, Civic Clubs
LEVEL 1: Personal Ask
This triangle represents four levels of fundraising opportunities for an RFK camp.
LEVEL 1 // PERSONAL ASK

Royal Family KIDS, believes the foundation of fundraising should be a Personal Ask for a camp / club
Scholarship. This is the core foundation that all other fundraising should be built upon. Scholarships have
the biggest and most long lasting effect on fundraising. If 50 100 people give a $250 or $500 Scholarship
each year, this equates to $12,500 - $50,000 each year. It takes time and courage to ask people to sponsor
one or more scholarships. But this should be the foundation of your fundraising. This should be where
most of your time and resources are spent. Every staff person can ask their contacts for scholarships.
Scholarships will ultimately give the biggest return for the least amount of effort and this is the best
opportunity for sustainability. It takes less time but more courage.
So the big question is, can you and your staff summon the courage to ask on behalf of the children
of abuse in your community?
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LEVEL 2 // GROUP ASK

The next level of asking may be the Group Ask. This would be the Mens or Womens ministry, the Sunday
School class, the general congregation, other churches in town, Civic Clubs, businesses, etc. Those groups
can give Scholarships or donate individual amounts toward your fundraising goal. They may also be able
to contribute material items that you wouldnt have to pay for. A typical camp or club might have 5-10
opportunities for a Group Ask each year.
A Royal Family KIDS is an outreach that your church can operate where you can ask for funds outside
the church. Businesses, Civic groups and individuals outside your church will be willing to give to funds
to because its not a church camp for church kids, its a community camp for community kids, but they
must be asked. Some of our camps and clubs raise their entire camp budget, outside the church.
LEVEL 3 // COMMUNITY EVENTS

Community events can be anything from, walk-a-thons, bike rides, golf tournaments, hunting / fishing
tournaments, banquets, dessert theater, karate tournaments, ski show, drive-by-giving, etc.
Community Events are great ways to grow awareness and raise funds, but they take a tremendous amount
of labor hours. They do generate money, but they can also be difficult to sustain. Events can be a part of
your fundraising formula and a typical camp or club might have 1-3 events a year. The BEST Community
events are those events that are operated by a local group and they are simply looking for great
organizations to give the money too! These groups are out there. Seek them out! Pray to find them! A
community car wash is difficult way to fund the camp or club. But, if the local football team wants to
wash cars and give you the money, show up, shake hands, say thanks and take the money.
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LEVEL 4 // GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS

The tip of the triangle is Grants and Foundations. These are funding opportunities but they require a lot
of preparation to complete the necessary forms and applications. There is a lot of competition for the
dollars and they often have requirements attached to the funds. Many Grants and Foundations prefer
awarding money for start-up programs and special projects, not necessarily for ongoing operations.
These can be a part of your fundraising formula, but realistically, a typical camp or club might only apply
for 1-3 grants a year.
Of these four options, which one is the one most people are willing to try first?
Community Events.
Which one is the one most people are willing to try last?
The Personal Ask.
The foundation of fundraising should be asking individuals to change the life of a local Foster Child by
sending them to a life changing week at camp, the Personal Ask. But its the one thing people want to do
the least.
Raising money with sustainable events that take a lot of work and setup with little return
for your investment of time and resources is a recipe for burnout and failure. You must ASK
for money!!!
To ask for this cause is the easiest ASK in the worldCHILDREN of ABUSE!
Glenn Garvin, RFK Vice President of Camps, says, When it comes to fundraising, we cant take the fear
out, and we cant put the faith in. But God can.
We are talking about more than just Fundraising, we are talking about FAITHraising.
Support that comes from un-expected sources and beyond your abilities to produce. God does just
enough of these to let you know this is His work and you cant take any of the credit for it. God simply
does a miracle.
In 2015, RFK camps in the United States raised $6 million. Thats an average of $36,000 per
camp!
Much of that was raised on FAITH. They asked for the moneythey raised the moneyand YOU can,
too!
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PERSONAL ASK
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RFK SAMPLE ASK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

This sample is written as if asking someone from a Christian background. You may want to omit the
Scripture references when speaking to a non-church audience.
Statistics
One out of every three woman and one out of every six men is molested, beaten, abused or neglected.
(Ghosts in the Bedroom By Ken Graber). In Orange County CA. 2,500 children are in foster care.
(REPLACE with local information from your county/city). This means many people we interact with
everyday have experienced this kind of pain and abuse. Other people have been blessed with a wonderful
childhood and have wondered how they can help children of abuse and neglect. People want to help, they
just dont know how.
Scripture
All throughout Scripture God instructs us to care for the orphans. For example, James 1:27 says, Religion
that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress
and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. In our society our orphans are the kids in the
foster care system. This camp gives all of us the opportunity to honor Gods word and help the orphan.
SOTO (Story of the One)

We recently reconnected with a young man named Ryan who went to camp in the late 80s. Before Ryan
came to RFK he was taken from his home and bounced around from relatives and foster homes. As a
child, Ryan never felt safe or secure. Now in his mid-30s, we asked him what he remembers about camp.
He said, It was the safest week of my life. Like Ryan, our campers are often just trying to survive. When
they arrive at a camp / club like RFK and find adults who care, their world is turned upside down. They
find three meals a day, encouragement and hope. For the first time in their lives they are immersed in an
environment where they dont have to just survive, but they can thrive! Ryan went on to say it was the first
time he had heard anything about religion or God. It was his first exposure to spirituality. Ryan is now in
church serving God with his wife and children. His journey to God and the start of a new life began with
Royal Family KIDS.
ASK!!!
Our campers are the kids that nobody else takes to camp. The heart of RFK is to take kids who have
been treated like trash and treat them like royalty. We believe there is nothing more life changing than
experiencing unconditional acceptance. These camps (clubs & mentors) are the gateway to a whole new
life, and we would love for you to join us. We are not looking for people to change the life of every kid in
the world JUST ONE KID PER YEAR. KIDS JUST LIKE RYAN. It costs $500 to sponsor each camper.
Would you invest in one camper per year?
(PAUSE and WAIT. If they say no or thats too much, then follow up with could you provide a half
scholarship at $250, or just cover one day for $100?)
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RFK SAMPLE ASK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS

Statistics: of children of abuse in your area
Scripture: of the Fatherless, (if audience appropriate)
SOTO: Story of the onea story that has touched you or would deeply touch the person youre telling.
ASK: Would you help send one kid to camp? (Or whatever your ask will be.) Then, wait for a response.
Statistics
Scripture
SOTO
ASK!
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BRAINSTORM // Royal Family Sample Asks for Scholarships

YOUR ASK FOR SCHOLARSHIPS
You may want to omit the Scripture references when speaking to a non-church audience.
RFK Sample Ask for Scholarships

1. Statistics of children of abuse in your area
2. Scripture of the Fatherless, (if audience appropriate)
3. SOTO - Story of the one, a story that has touched you deeply or would touch the person deeply.
4. ASK!!! Would you help send one kid to camp? Then wait for a response.
Statistics
One out of every three woman and one out of every six men is molested, beaten, abused or neglected.
(Ghosts in the Bedroom By Ken Graber).
Here in _______________________________ there are _____________ children in foster care. In our
state, there are ___________________ kids in foster care. This year, we plan to take _________ kids to
camp.
This means many people we interact with everyday have experienced this kind of pain and abuse. Other
people have been blessed with a wonderful childhood and have wondered how they can help children of
abuse and neglect. People want to help, they just dont know how.
Ideas for stats to share
74% of prisoners are former foster kids.
80% of death row inmates were former foster care children.
50% of girls in foster care are pregnant by 19.
50% of young adults are incarcerated within two years of aging out of foster care.
408,425 kids in foster care on a given day in the United States.
1/2 of kids who age out of foster care are homeless within 18 months.
Additional Statistics
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Scripture
All throughout Scripture God instructs us to care for the orphans. For example, James 1:27 says, Religion
that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress
and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. In our society our orphans are the kids in the
foster care system. This camp gives all of us the opportunity to honor Gods word and help the orphan.
Other Scripture to share:
SOTO (Story of the One)
ASK!!!
Our campers are the kids that nobody else takes to camp. The heart of RFK is to take kids who have
been treated like trash and treat them like royalty. We believe there is nothing more life changing than
experiencing unconditional acceptance. These camps (clubs & mentors) are the gateway to a whole new
life, and we would love for you to join us. We are not looking for people to change the life of every kid
in the world JUST ONE KID PER YEAR. KIDS JUST LIKE ________. It costs $500 to sponsor each
camper. Would you invest in one camper per year?
PAUSE and WAIT. If they say no or thats too much, then follow up with, Could you provide a half
scholarship at $250, or, . . . just cover one day for $100?
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HOW DO YOU GET YOUR HANDS ON THIS MONEY?

ASK! ASK! ASK!
Scripture teaches us to: ASK, SEEK, and KNOCKNOT HINT, HOPE & WAIT! (Matthew 7:7-12)
You are asking for a worthy causeto give abused children a week of hope in the cathedral of the outdoors.
Its the easiest ask in the world!
Statistics
Show them our abused, abandoned, neglected brochure and also find out what the numbers are in your
county to bring it closer to home.
There are various reasons for raising funds. Use percentages from the local county for a greater impact
in your presentation.
Scripture
The Abused Childs PsalmPsalm 40:13 says it this way (use for a Christian audience):
I waited patiently for the Lord; He inclined to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy
pit, out of the mud and mire and set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put
a new song in my moutha hymn of praise to our God.
ASK for Scholarships

Break down your camp budget to smallest $ unit per child and ASK for scholarships or partial scholarships.
Thank them in Advance

DONT be afraid to ASK. If its too much, they will tell you; but they will probably add, I cant do that
much, but I can do $_______. At least youve received something.
Bottom Line
Thank before you bank!
Our Challenge to You

Begin a list of potential people you can talk to about this exciting adventure you have embarked on. List
of three to five people whom you know or do business withbarber, hairdresser, dry cleaner, banker, coworker, boss, associate, customer, etc.
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Imagine yourself telling them about what you are about to become involved in planning a camp for
abused, abandoned and neglected children. And as soon as you have a little more information about the
budget for the week of Camp, youd like to talk with them about a donation.
Youll be in touch with them, would that be okay? Then calendar their appointment and information.
Sharing SOTOs, people wont be able to get their checkbooks out fast enough to help a child in need.
People are waiting to help!!
It is amazing to see what happens the minute you mention abused children. People will begin to respond
differently to you. And you can turn those moments into opportunities to allow them to become involved
by supporting the cause to which you are dedicating yourself.
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PERSONAL ASK SECTION // SPONSORSHIP OR SCHOLARSHIP?

One of the best ways to do the personal ask is to ask for a scholarship for one
camper or club kid.
Throughout this document you will find both the words, Sponsorship and Scholarship. They mean the
same thing; a donation amount to send one child to camp or club.
Every RFK needs to have an amount that they can ask for. When someone says, how much does it cost
to send one child to camp or club you need to have an answer.
There are a few ways to figure it out. You need your budget number and your number of kids.
Start with your budget.

If you have an existing camp budget or you are projecting your first years budget start with that number.
Lets say its $25,000. You want to take 30 children to camp.
Divide $25,000 by 30 kids and thats $833 each or one Camper Scholarship of $833.
Some people might find this number rather high if they sent their children to a local camp for only $400!
You then explain that this is not a camp for every kid.
Its a specialized camp to meet the unique needs of children who have been abused, abandoned and
neglected. This camp has 30 adults going for a one-to-one ratio, with Camp Grandparents, a Camp
photographer, Camp Nurse, etc. to meet all the specific needs of these children and to treat them like
Royalty! Each campers gets a photo album at the end of the week and a MP3 player with all the camp
music, Bible Stories, drama, and puppet skits, so they can listen all year long.
You will need to explain and it gives you an excellent opportunity to show how we treat children like
royalty because of their background, and that is why the cost is so high.
Another option to give your camper scholarship cost is to just give the cost of the camp fee.
If the campground that you have rented charges $300 each, you can tell people that they can give a camper
scholarship for $300. You may add that youll be spending much more per child, but the scholarship we
are asking for is $300 per person. This can be a more acceptable number for some people depending on
who is in your audience. Some camps budget $1,000 per camper, ask for it, and get it. Many others are
less.
Club scholarships will be far less, but you still need to know what the numbers are.
In fact, we suggest you add them together and say, For $1,000 you can sponsor a camper for the week
and provide a Mentor for 9 months.
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Adjustments
When asking for scholarships be ready to adjust your numbers so the donor can say, Yes!
For example, if you ask a donor for a scholarship of $500 and they say thats too much, adjust and say,
Can you give a half scholarship of $250?
If that is too much, adjust and say, How about a one day scholarship of $100, that will sponsor one child
for one day.
If that is too much say, Can you sponsor one childs memory bag for $65?
If that is too much say, Can you sponsor one childs MP3 player for $35?
If you are ready, you will probably be able to find a level where they will be willing to help.
If you sense they have nothing to give and they are getting frustrated with you, dont push it. Be sensitive
to the donor.
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BRAINSTORM // PEOPLE YOU KNOW

Begin a list of potential people you can talk to about this exciting Royal Family KIDS adventure on which
you have embarked. List of three to five people whom you know or do business withbarber, hairdresser,
dry cleaner, banker, co-worker, boss, associate, customer, etc. Who may be excited to partner with RFK?
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Co-Workers
Contact Info
Community Members
Contact Info
Customers
Contact Info
Acquaintences
Contact Info
Friends
Contact Info
Business People
Contact Info
Other
Contact Info
Other
Contact Info
BY THE NUMBERS // Sponsorship or Scholarship Amounts

Figure out your Camp, Clubs, and Mentors budget and financial needs. Have that go-to list of numbers
here so you can speak to donors easily and confidently, breaking it down so anyone feels they have an
important contribution to play for Royal Family KIDS this year. Heres a sample list to get you started.
Item / Need
$ Amount
Item / Need
$ Amount
Camp Cost (facility)

Entire Camp Budget
Entire RFK Budget (1 year)
Send 1 Child to Camp
Send 1 Child to Camp, Clubs, Mentors
Camp,Clubs, Mentors (1 child)
Memory Bag (1 child)
Bible (1 child)
Arts/Crafts for One Day (all kids)
Horseback Riding (1 child)
Horseback Riding (all kids)
Chartered Bus Cost
Two T-Shirts (1 child)
Birthday Gift (1 child)
Birthday Party (all kids)
Birthday Cake
Tea Party (1 child)
Tea Party Budget (all kids)
Tea Party Dresses
Superhero Costumes
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SOCIAL CAPITAL BASED ON VOLUNTEER HOURS

When pursuing funds (grants, foundations, business funds or civic group support), it is helpful to
calculate the value of donated volunteer hours:
The Independent Sector (www.independentsector.org) tracks the value of a volunteers hours. They
publish a national average and a state by state calculation (https://www.independentsector.org/
volunteer_time).
By using the formula below you can plug in your camp or club volunteer hours and tell your
community that your camp / club provided x dollars of value to the community.
Formula
Number of volunteers x # of hours volunteered* x $20 = $______ Social Capital

To calculate # of hours volunteered by Counselors/Big Campers/Guides
125 hours {week of camp}
+ 15 hours {training, preparation time, travel, planning}
_________
140 total hrs. purchasing supplies, meetings)**
Example
30 volunteers x 140 hours x $20 = $ 84,000 of Social Capital
You can tell your potential donors that your camp budget of $30,000 will return $84,000 worth of value
to the community!
**Program staff volunteers could be higher for prep time prior to camp.
Camp Director could spend 400600 hours in prep time prior to camp. (This includes 124 hours at
camp and 15 hours in pre-camp training.)
Showing the financial value of all the volunteer hours is a substantial help in receiving funds. This camp
is a tremendous value to the community.
Corporate matching grants
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HOW TO ASK
Knowing that RFK is a good investment, with prayer and preparation you can have confidence when you
ask people to partner in ministry with you.
Organize your materials

Gather the following materials for your meeting:
[brochures] that explain RFK
An action photo of you with a Camper
Any photos you have of you and your family
If possible, a newspaper clipping about RFK that will express to a potential ministry partner why this
is important for your community (the national office has some if you need them)
Any photos and information on the facility you are going for Camp.
[To be created] One informational page about RFK.
The better job you do on the preparation phase the better the results of your efforts and a greater
connection between you and your prospective ministry partners.
Set up a Database
Ask everyone on your Camp Team to conduct a personal name-storming session and come up with at
least 100 contacts, preferably outside your church community.
Prayerfully consider your first scholarship coming from you!
The Three Asks

1. The subtractional askasking someone to give up something for your cause
2. The transactional askasking with reward
3. The transformational askasking by the biblical model with the gift transforming the giver more
than the recipient. It is better to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)
In conversation with a prospective ministry partner, give an opportunity to change the life of a child
forever
What was a safe place for you? [their answer]
These kids dont have that. You can help make a difference in a childs life.
In a phone call, be up front. Tell them that you are going to ask for something but if they are uncomfortable
to let you know. I am financially sponsoring one child and want to talk with you about sponsoring one
too. If its okay Id love to meet with you for thirty minutes and fill you in on the details. If the person
is uncomfortable: There is really no obligation and it would be great to catch up with you. Affirm and
close.
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Call or email to confirm if your appointment is a couple of weeks away. After youve connected be sure
to send a thank you note. After Camp send a note on how the week impacted kids. Follow up six months
later affirming how that gift made a difference. Make sure you follow up again for next years scholarship.
[Excerpt RFK Sample Ask for Scholarships and refer to appendix for details.]
In a face-to-face meeting

Background > Statistics

Relevance > Scripture
Examples > SOTOs
Close the Deal > Ask
[Place a sample Ask here]
Asking by Age demographic

While the majority of fundraising is targeted to the Mature Radio Generation (donors born before
1945), that segment is rapidly shrinking. Younger donorsBaby Boomers (born 1946-1964), Generation
X Busters (1965-1983), Generation Y Millennials (1984-2002) and, soon, the Z Digital Generation
(2003-)must be encouraged to fill the ranks.
The methods that appeal to older donors dont always work with younger donors.
It pays for any charity to appeal to as many kinds of donors as possible.
Giving by mailing a check is the most common method for Matures. Giving by mail is also still
prevalent with Boomers and Gen X, although at a lower rate.
Giving on a website increases with the younger group so that for Gen X it is nearly equal to mail, and
for Gen Y it is greater than mail.
Giving by mobile, text, and social networks are emerging channels for Gen X and Y.
There are multiple channels that appeal to younger donors, with websites and email ranked as most
important.
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media register as lower but significant for Gen X and Y.
Peer solicitation is strong across the generations, especially when donors have a pre-existing relationship
with the you.
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HOW TO MOTIVATE AND INSPIRE

Prayer is the most important motivator that inspires giving. Inspiration is about being called to action.
When youre inspired, you have to hold yourself back from starting right now. Youre called to do this; the
Holy Spirit has laid it on your heart.
How Donors Initially Engage with a Charity

While direct mail may motivate a donation, givers are quite likely to actually donate via your website.
Donors acquired by one channel (for instance, the Internet) may want to continue giving by way of
another channel (such as direct mail).
Websites are crucial, even when a donor sends a check. Most donors now research on the Internet.
Typical markers of quality that donors look for include how many people a charity serves, the number of
and size of grants awarded to the charity from reputable foundations, awards received, and whether the
charity is treating the symptoms of a social need or addressing its root causes.
Most donors would prefer to feed more children than to fund the agencys utilities. Donors also want
to see that a charitys fundraising costs are reasonable. Obviously, if a charity raises $75,000 but spends
$50,000 on fundraising costs, that is not an efficient charity.
The value of the Royal Family system

Our system of operation inherently creates a great value for donor dollars. With that, we helped operate
200 Camps and 42 Clubs across the U.S. taking 7,000 kids and 12,000 adults to Camp and Club. The
local Camps raised their own operating budgets totaling 6 million dollars and contributing 1,700,000
volunteer hours.
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PERSONAL ASK
People tend to be afraid of doing a Personal Ask for money. Remember, you are not asking for yourself,
you are asking on behalf of a child who cannot ask for themselves.
Remember what happened to the Widow with the Olive oil in Elishas day?
Read 2 Kings 4:1-7 (NIV)
The wife of a man from the company of the prophets cried out to Elisha, Your servant my husband is dead,
and you know that he revered the LORD. But now his creditor is coming to take my two boys as his slaves.
Elisha replied to her, How can I help you? Tell me, what do you have in your house? Your servant has
nothing there at all, she said, except a small jar of olive oil. Elisha said, Go around and ask all your
neighbors for empty jars. Dont ask for just a few. 4 Then go inside and shut the door behind you and your
sons. Pour oil into all the jars, and as each is filled, put it to one side. She left him and shut the door behind
her and her sons. They brought the jars to her and she kept pouring. 6 When all the jars were full, she said
to her son, Bring me another one. But he replied, There is not a jar left. Then the oil stopped flowing. She
went and told the man of God, and he said, Go, sell the oil and pay your debts. You and your sons can live
on what is left.
What did Elisha ask her? Verse 2 Tell me, what do you have in your house? She replied, nothing there
at all, except a small jar of olive oil. He then told her in verse 3, ask all your neighbors for empty jars.
Dont ask for just a few!
This is our call to each Camp and each Club. Elisha ask what she had, and told her to get her neighbors
help with what they had and, not just a few. God was going to pour out His blessing, dont limit His
blessing. Ask for all the empty vessels you can find. Then He did pour out his blessing for every collected
vessel.
We say the same thing to you.
Verse 2 What do you have? Passion, desire to help the abused, training, a plan etc
Verse 3 What do your neighbors, friends, family, coworkers have? Abilities and resources such as:
funds, network, products, time etc
Verse 3 Dont ask for just a few! That doesnt mean ask everyone for $10,000. But what is our mentality,
to ask for the least amount of help from the least amount of people? If God wants to pour out His blessing,
have as many containers, (contacts, names, friends, people) as possible.
Dont ask for just a few.
Prior to this event, in 2 Kings 3:9-10 (NIV) reads:
So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven
days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them. What! exclaimed the king
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of Israel. Has the LORD called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?
When fundraising, you may feel like the Lord has called you to do a great and noble task of changing the
lives of Foster children, only to come up short on your fundraising and exclaim, Has the Lord called us
together to help children just to fail because of fundraising? Keep reading.
16-18 This is what the LORD says: I will fill this valley with pools of water. For this is what the LORD says:
You will see neither wind nor rain, yet this valley will be filled with water, and you, your cattle and your
other animals will drink. This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD; he will also deliver Moab into your
hands.
When we are faced with fundraising failure, remember verse 18, This is an easy thing in the eyes of the
LORD.
Call out to God, be diligent to do your part, put your efforts forward and ask, an remember, this is an
easy thing in the eyes of the lord.
This is an easy thing in the eyes of the LORD.
BEFORE YOU DO A PERSONAL ASK, WATCH THE VIDEO!

Henri Moreau has been training Missionaries to raise their own support for years. Henri has lived as a
Missionary on the support of donors for years as well. Several years ago, Henri did a one-hour Personal
Ask training specifically for RFK. It was recorded and it is available for all RFK volunteer teams to watch
and learn how to do a Personal Ask. Sit down with your Fundraising Team and watch this together (1
hour in length.) The video was provided in the Camp / Club startup kit, or on the flash drive provided at
training, and it is available on our RFK Vimeo channel https://vimeo.com/154248637
Password: RoyalPurple
Video: Raising Funds For Your Kids with Henri Moreau
Use the handout that is also provided titled: Raising Funds For Your Kids handout by Henri Moreau
Youll also need the handout RFK Sample Ask for Scholarships.
Henri tells his personal story growing up, which is similar to many of our kids. Listen to his story; dont
skip ahead to the money part. Money flows out of stories. Listen to his story. Then he will lead you
through the Biblical reasons for asking for money. He gives the content and context to ask for money on
behalf of the kids we serve. He is convincing in his own life and practice, and he encourages you to do the
same. His material will be applicable for many situations when you are raising money.
THIS IS A MUST-WATCH FOR EVERYONE WHO WILL EVER ASK FOR MONEY FOR
RFK!
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GROUP ASK
The group ask is very similar to the personal ask. Most speakers will feel more comfortable asking a
group because its not a direct ask to an individual. But, you still need to make it very personal and very
direct. The down side of the group Ask is that you might ask in a very generic fashion and be so vague
that the audience doesnt know what you want.
You dont have to be a professional and you dont have to be perfect, but you must be prepared
and passionate.
When asking a group of any kind, be prepared with options galore!

Have several different lists with you at a back table that the attendees can grab on the way out. Brochures
and lists are a must. Many busy people will here what you have said and may want to help, but they dont
want to stand in a long line at the back of the room after the meeting. Have your lists and paperwork
ready and spread out so people can grab and go.
Volunteers
If you are asking for volunteers, have a list of whats available and the brief job description. It is not
suggested that you have your applications available at that point. Hand out a brief job description, get
their info, and see if they are really interested. If you think they will make a good fit, give them your
volunteer application.
Money
If you are asking for dollars, have information ready so they can pick up a flyer and know where or how
to donate. Your camp / club website would be good to highlight as a donation option.
Material Items
If you are asking for material items such as; sleeping bags, medications, flashlights, duct tape etc, have a
list of things your camp /club could use. Many people and businesses can make material donations and
are happy to do so. Have your list ready so they can discover how easy it would be to help your camp /
club.
Groups can be:
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Mens or Womens groups at any church

Adult or youth Sunday school classes
Other churches
Business groups
Civic clubs in your community
Non-profits or businesses supporting kids, foster care, adoption, or the community
Introducing RFK to Civic Clubs and Community Groups

Each community has a variety of civic clubs, womens clubs, and Community Groups that are interested
in helping make their community better. These groups can make great partners for RFK Camps and
Clubs. Dont limit your thinking to just asking for funds, think broader than that and look for ways to
partner with your Community Groups. Some Community Groups may only be interested in providing
funds, but most will be interested in partnering at some deeper level.
Finding a Community Group

Whenever speaking about RFK, mention that you are interested in connecting with Community Groups
in your community and if anyone in your audience knows of Community Groups or contacts within
them, let you know. Take down every name and contact number and follow up immediately, even if you
cant get to the group right away, just make the contact and get it on your list. Its always better to establish
the contact immediately and then plan for an appointment when appropriate. These personal contacts
are the best way to get into a Community Group because its a personal relationship.
The Internet is another way to find the usual Community Groups such as the Rotary, Lions Clubs,
Kiwanis Clubs, etc. Find the ones located in your community, make the necessary phone calls and ask for
the opportunity to tell the club about this new camp or club for local Foster children right here in their
area. Some Community Groups may already be booked and not have any open slots for speaking, if so,
ask them if you can get on their list for next year. There is a list of common Community Groups and their
websites at the end of this document.
Tracking your speaking opportunities

Keep a detailed list of all the Community Groups you find. Over time, you should be able to develop an
extensive list of groups and it will be important to recall the details so you dont overlap some and fail to
connect with others. It may also be necessarily to coordinate with other RFK camps or clubs in your area
who may also be asking for an opportunity to speak. Dont overlook this important step, keep track of as
much of this information as possible and practical. In order to partner with these groups over time, this
type of information will be necessary. It will also be a valuable tool if and when you need to hand over the
leadership to another Director.
Attached is a common list of detailed items to track. Add other items as necessary or create your own
tracking tool. Just keep accurate and detailed records somewhere.
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Who speaks on behalf of your camp or club?

The people who went to Directors Training may be the most knowledgeable, and therefore, likely the
ones who need to do all the speaking at first. Eventually, additional people can be trained about the RFK
culture and needs to be able to go out and speak on behalf of the ministry. Remember, they need to be
people with financial integrity and personal integrity as they will be representing your camp/club and
your church.
(See speakers training for more info.)
Before the appointment:

It is vital that the person who goes out to represent your church and RFK, plans ahead and makes all
necessary inquires before they speak.
Many Community Groups will have parameters that need to be met such as:
Time limits
Set up, when, where, how much, etc.
What can be asked for? (funds, material items, or just share info)
Appropriate dress
If in a church, is there a Bible version preference? (NIV, NLT, KJV, The Message)
Audio visual capabilities or limitations
Typical numer of attendees
Many others
The point is to ask all the necessary questions BEFORE you arrive and be prepared.
Tie-In
Research your Community Groups FIRST. Look up their webpage or ask a contact person why this
Community Group exists?
What are they already passionate about?
What do they already give to and who do they already give to?
Are they a single community group, or do they have a regional or national focus as well.
For example:
Lions Clubs are known for supporting vision campaigns and collecting eye glasses for people.
Rotary is know for nearly wiping out polio around the world.
Exchange Clubs support ending childhood abuse.
Find out what they are already passionate about and thank them for what they have already done to help
their world and their community. Then, tie in your request with what they already do. For example:
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The Lions clubs have helped thousand of people improve their vision with glasses and RFK is helping to
improve the vision of children of abuse by letting them see for the first time a vision of hope and a future
where they succeed.
The Rotary has reduced polio around the world and helped thousands of children run and play, RFK
is helping many local children right here in our community to have the confidence to stand up for
themselves, to take their first steps on stage at our variety show and to run the race of life believing they
have a purpose.
Any kind of tie-in connects their existing passion with ours.
What to say and what not to say.

Always be Prepared and Passionate. You do NOT have to be a professional and polished public speaker;
you do have to be prepared and passionate about your purpose for speaking. Most people in the audience
will not require you to be professional and polished, they will expect you to be prepared and passionate.
Always stick to the time limits. Always, DO NOT GO OVER!
(Expectations in the United States and other countries view time differently.)
Always write out what you want to say beforehand. Then practice it. You dont have to read it, but
writing it helps to refine your message and helps to reduce the number of words while still having the
same impact. Once you have used your message 5 times or more, youll have it down. If you come up with
a new message, write it out, too!
Never disparage or speak negatively about: Biological Parents, Foster / Adoptive Parents, Social
Workers or the Social Services System. Yes, there are isolated problems and people, but never speak with
a broad brush. Never say things like:
Foster Parents are just ripping off the system.
Parents have messed these kids up and the Government is just as bad.
Speak encouragingly about the many people who are helping children of abuse, we are simply coming
along their side to do our part.
NEVER . . .
Never put down another Community Group.
Never imply that RFK is somehow better than other ministries or non-profits. There are many great
groups doing incredible work on behalf of the community, we are simply doing our part.
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Never beg for money or be desperate. You may be desperate and be in need of $10,000 by next week.
But dont verbalize desperation. People do not want to give to desperation; they want to give to vision,
to passion and to what works. If you need $10,000 by next week, be desperate with God. Get on your
knees and ask God to come through. Tell your team of volunteers to fast and pray for the $10,000 you
need. Then, go to a Community Group and say, we are behind our budget by $10,000, but we are
believing that the money we need is here in our community and we are making the need known to
our community partners who want to invest in the lives of the kids we serve and create life-changing
experiences. Can you help us close the gap?
ALWAYS . . .
Always bring a handout of some kind that people can grab and walk away with to gain more
information about your needs. Some attendees will be interested in what you have to say, but will
have to leave early or wont be able to stand in line after you speak and ask further questions. Having
some form of a handout allows them to grab something and get moving.
Always have a sign-up sheet to gather information about them, to allow them to get more information
from you.
Always dress appropriately for the situation. Generally, dress as well or better than your audience.
Always send a handwritten thank you note afterwards.
Always ask, How did I do? You can call, or better yet, have someone else call or send an evaluation
(paper or electronic) to ask, How did they do? Did they meet your organizations expectations
etc.? Remember, you are not just there to take money, you are there to partner with them and their
passions. If you ask, How did I do? or How can I get better, they will appreciate you and you will
stand out as a partner and youll be invited back!
If you receive any kind of financial donation, Always go back, and tell them, Thank you in person
and give a report of how camp or club went. Tell a story, show a safe picture and help them understand
how they made a difference in the lives of the children you serve. Partners come back and tell stories,
and partners get invited back for more donations!
If the person who asked for the money cannot come back to say thank you in person, have a substitute
do the thank you. Its a great way to break in another speaker who may be able to do the asking next time.
How to ask for funds

Ask if they have any parameters first and then follow the Group Ask section in this manual.
Other ways to partner with Community Groups
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You are trying to connect with both the Community Group and the individuals in the Community
Group. Sometimes the Community Group will write you a check that is from the Community Group i.e
Lions Club. Sometimes the Club will pass or their giving budget may already be empty for this season.
But every Community Group is made up of people, those people may be personally interested in writing
a personal check. Many will be business owners or have access to funds or product from the place where
they work. Maybe they will put you in contact with their business / employer to ask for funds there. Come
prepared with a list of items you need for camp or club such as: snacks, sheets, flash lights, Nurses station
items, basketballs, craft items etc. When you are speaking, mention the list of items and some members
may be able to take the list and donate these items to your camp or club. You can get many donated items
if you have your list ready to go, mention it so they know they can help in this way and follow up with a
thank you so they are appreciated.
What about Volunteers from Community Groups?

Other Churches and Christian groups may be good locations to recruit volunteers. Typically, if you are
asking for funds from a community group, its not your best place to sign up volunteers. Your Counselors,
Staff and Mentors need to be highly selected people whom you know or get to know.
If you are asking for funds, and audience members ask how they can volunteer, you may want to be ready
with an answer or a sign-up sheet that shows alternative volunteer opportunities.
Its always nice to have a place for anybody that wants to help. Your volunteer sign up sheet may indicate
that your Counselors, Staff and Mentors are all selected from your church because of the intensity of the
week and the access to the children.
You may have other entry volunteer positions available such as:

Registration on Monday
Welcome Home Dinner on Friday
Fundraising events throughout the year
One-day volunteer opportunities for the Birthday Party or Tea Party
Prepping materials to go to camp: Activity Centers, Woodworking, Set Design
Club Setup
Snack/Craft at Club
Picking up items before Camp or Club
Administrative paperwork
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Civic Clubs in the United States

Lions Club: aims to meet the needs of communities on a local and global scale. All funds raised by Lions
Clubs from the general public are used for charitable purposes, and administrative costs are kept strictly
separate and paid for by members. Some of the money raised for a clubs charity account goes toward
projects that benefit the local community of an individual club.
www.lionsclubs.org
Jaycees: The Junior Chamber of Commerce offers the unique opportunity to examine challenges holding
communities back on a deep level. National Service Center: (636) 681-1857 or email customerservice@
usjaycees.org to find a local chapter.
www.usjaycees.org
Epsilon Sigma Alpha: major emphasis is service to others: Serving the World Community...Because We
Care with programs and projects that make a positive difference locally, nationally and internationally.
www.epsilonsigmaalpha.org
Kiwanis: review club grants twice a year giving priority to programs serving children.
www.kiwanis.org for an application go to the following link: http://sites.kiwanis.org/Kiwanis/Libraries/
Foundation/Club_Grant_Application.sflb.ashx
Rotary: collaborates with individuals, organizations, and groups based in the community that is being
served or that have expertise in a particular area of service. www.rotary.org
Association of Junior Leagues: women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential
of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
www.ajli.org
Optimists: dedicated to Bringing Out the Best in Kids. www.optimist.org
Moose: takes every opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of others and to be of service to
the community. www.mooseintl.org
Soroptimist: business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls.
www.soroptimist.org
Elks: help children grow up healthy and drug-free by undertaking projects that address unmet need and
by honoring the service and sacrifice of our veterans. www.elks.org
Womens Clubs: dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through
volunteer service. www.gfwc.org
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GFWC Junior Clubs: focus on projects related to children and support child assault prevention and urge
parents to learn about helpful resources in their communities, which can assist them in assuring that
their children live healthy and safe lives.
National Exchange Club Programs of Service
Americanism
Youth Programs
Community Service
Our National Project--The Prevention of Child Abuse
https://www.nationalexchangeclub.org
Specialized clubs in your local area:
There are often many specialized clubs in your local area that are not nationwide and are not necessarily
well advertised. Ask everywhere you go about referrals to other groups where you can speak.
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BRAINSTORM // COMMUNITY GROUPS

Begin a list of potential Community Groups in your area. What groups might be open to hearing about
Royal Family? Do you have have family, friends, co-workers, or acquaintences that could get you an
introduction?
Community Group
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Contact Person
Contact Info
Date of Contact
CIVIC CLUB AND COMMUNITY GROUPS TRACKING LIST

Tracking information will benefit your camp or club for the long-term. Heres a sample:
Name of Community Group
Rotary Club of Downtown Oakland
Name of Initial Contact
Bob Jones, friend of Club President
RFK Staff Who Made Contact
Kim Davis
Phone/Email of Initial Contact
555.123.4567 / bob.jones@abcde.com
Communit Group Official Contact
Frank Smith / Club President
Phone/Email of Official Contact
555.234.5678 / franksmith@rotarycluboakland.com
Location/Address
Oakland at Hilton Hotel on 5th Street
Mailing Address for Followup
742 Maple Hill Drive, Oakland, CA 12345
Who Spoke for RFK?
Grandpa Jim
Date of Talk
March 15, 2016
Story Told
Mindy at the Variety Show singing for the first time
Asked For
$1,000
Received
$500
Thank You Note/Gift Sent
Thank You Note sent March 20, 2016 to Frank Smith
Any Follow Up
End of camp letter, story, and pictures / sent on July 12, 2016
Next Ask
March 2017

Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask
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Tracking information will benefit your camp or club for the long-term.
Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask

Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask
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Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask

Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask
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Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask

Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask
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Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask

Location/Address
Who Spoke for RFK?
Date of Talk
Story Told
Asked For
Received
Any Follow Up
Next Ask
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COMMUNITY EVENTS ASK

Before we mention all the funding ideas for Community Events, we need to discuss some of the things
we have learned over 30 years of doing Community Events (CE).
1. You CAN raise money doing any Community Event!
2. You CAN waste precious time on many Community Events!
Lets find the ways to do well at #1 and avoid #2.

ROE stands for Return on Effort.
1. Our first thought about ROE is: when operating a community event, how much money will you make
for how much effort?
2. Our second thought about ROE is: if its someone elses effort, most any amount of money will be
worth it.
We will be discussing effort in terms of hours of volunteer time, but the volunteer time does not always
have to be from your Camp or Club volunteers.
Existing Community Event Fundraisers

There are many fundraisers where community groups get together, hold a fundraiser and give the money
away to a worth charity. If they do all the work, and hand you the money, usually all you have to do is,
show up at the end, shake hands, give a 3-5 minute thank you speech and tell them you are going to
change lives with the proceeds, tell a short story form camp or club, hand out a few flyers take the check
and go home.
These are usually the BEST fundraisers because they did the work and you collect the funds. Remember,
we are developing ministry partners for the long term. If all you do is Show, grab the Dough and Go, you
wont be invited back. Take the time to thank everyone, tell some good stories, shake hands, hand out
flyers and build RELATIONSHIPS!!! They might invite you back, or someone else involved just might
belong to another community group and invite you to that group too!
How do you find these existing community events? Pray. Then, every where you go, you tell the story of
what you are doing for the children of this community and you constantly ask people if they know of any
community groups that would like to know about what you are doing.
Creating Your Own Community Event Fundraisers

Many sample CE fundraisers are listed at the end of this section. Our camps and clubs have raised money
doing just about anything you can imagine.
Some are clearly better than others.
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Some work well in one location but not well in other locations.
Some people can raise money, when other people doing the same thing fail.
Its a mixture of Art and Science.
If you create your own CE you need to have a good name.
Naming Your Event

You do want a good catchy name. You do want it to describe that it is benefiting Foster Children or
Children from Abuse, or Kids in the Community.
We believe it is BEST to not name your event after Royal Family, i.e. the Royal Family KIDS of
TIMBUCKTOO Golf Tournament. It is better to have a generic name that benefits the local Royal
Family KIDS of TIMBUCKTOO. Or benefiting local Foster Children.
Examples
Happy Camper Run benefiting foster children of Omaha, NE
Brentwood Waterski Show benefiting children from Smith County
StarFish Walk for Kids
Bob White Karate TournamentBenefiting the local Royal Family KIDS of Costa Mesa, CA
This type of name helps reduce some of the liability, helps avoid some of the logo and branding issues and
helps some community members with concerns over church and state issues.
Never try to hide who we are or where the money is going. Its simply a matter of liability,
branding, and awareness.
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LIST OF COMMUNITY EVENTS AND FUNDRAISERS

Heres some things that have been tried (plus many, many more not listed here).
Tournaments

Golf
Karate
Mixed Martial Arts
Skeet Shooting
Bass Fishing
Rides, Walks and Runs

Bike Rides
Motorcycle Rides
Walk-A-Thons
5K Runs of all Kinds
Water Ski Shows
Bowl-a-Thon, Striking out abuse for kids
Distance Motorcycle Rides (across all 50 states)
Sales of Every Kind

High-end Steaks
Christmas Trees
Christmas Wreaths
Music
Coffee
Pies
Candy Bars
Popcorn
Purses
Banquets and Shows

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Dinner Banquets
Dress shows
Dinner Shows
Raffles
Silent Auctions
Live Auctions
Comedy Shows
Movie Nights
Spaghetti Night
Trivia Night
Music Shows
Concerts
Other

Car Washes
Pancake Feeds
Barbeques
Garage Sales
Before you try any of these, please evaluate the event through the ROE chart.
Community Event Transitions

Occasionally, an event will exist in the community that is not a fundraiser, but does gather a lot of people.
When there is a really good relationship between the Camp/Club and the event organizer, it is possible
to Transition that event from what it has always been, into a fundraising event.
Several camps have had private companys hold a company golf tournament just for that companies
employees and clients. After a good relationship had been built with Camp Directors, the company golf
tournament was turned into a Charity Golf Tournament benefiting Royal Family KIDS camps.
This doesnt happen often, but what a great way to have a fundraiser, by transition something that already
exists, and is already run by someone else, into a way to help get kids to camp or club.
As you read through the various Community Events listed remember these two
principles:
1. Many of the fundraisers that raise over $20,000 started small only raising $2,000-$4,000 the first year.
But the team and the base grew. With prayer and hard work those events took on specific leadership
that owned the event and grew it to something significant.
2. You may not be able to do a Waterski Show, or a Karate Tournament because you dont have that
level of expert knowledge or skills. What do you have? Is there someone in your community that
happens to have expert knowledge or skills? Maybe these fundraisers cant be done where you are,
but something can be done where you are and someone in your area does have expert knowledge or
skills for something that people would pay for. Pray about that, tell people you are looking for a big
fundraiser to be led by a specialized team with expert knowledge or skills. Its out there. Pray and Ask.
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FIVE LEVELS OF PARTICIPATION

In the blog article by Kelley Kaufman August 15 2012 titled Wear Your Heart and Your Story on
Your Sleeve, Kelley mentions that fundraising events are most successful if they engage people on five
levels of participation:
1. Organization: Who is the organization? Some people come to a community event and they dont
even know who this event is sponsoring. Make sure they know it is benefiting Royal Family KIDS of
________________ .
2. Cause: What does Royal Family KIDS do???? Make sure everyone knows that this event will send
kids to camp/club. Make sure they know our cause is changing the lives of Foster kids. Tell some
stories of lives that have been changed, if you cant tell the stories because of time or crowd size, have
stories preprinted on a single page or half age and have volunteers hand them out in the crowed or
given to participants when they arrive or leave. If neither of those work find ways to drive them to the
National or your local website to read stories their.
3. Participants: Find ways to connect and connect the participants to the event. Who are the people
participating in the event? You dont have to read each name, but mention in some way or form the
people by group or name, those who are helping raise the money and those who are going to camp
or club. Example, Wed like to thank all the volunteers who are helping at todays event and the bike
riders who have raised sponsorships for todays ride. A special thanks to John Smith who has put in a
lot of hours as the Bike-a-thon Director. Your efforts today are helping send kids to camp/club. Wed
also like to thank all the volunteers who go to camp/club and spend so many hours helping to make
a difference in their lives.
4. Activity: Get people involved in the event. Either as a participant, a volunteer, or as part of the
audience. The more involvement they have the more committed to the organization they become.
5. Third Party: Getting someone else involved. When participants recruit others to get involved then
they get more committed to the cause and they fill more fulfilled.
Most successful community events accomplish two to four of these points, but the most
successful Community Events incorporate all of them to be the MOST successful that they
can be.
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COMMUNITY EVENT IDEAS

Below are a number of Community Events that various camps have done as fundraisers.
COMMUNITY EVENT: WATER SKI SHOW

Concord Camp #93 Interview with Rick Fuller
1. What is the name of your event?
Brentwood Ski Show (water ski)
2. Give a brief description with duration.
A one-day water and air show to benefit the Concord RFK Camp.
3. How many volunteers were needed from your church? From the community?
50 from the church and 50 volunteers from other local churches or from the community. Plus about 50
performers (boat drivers, skiers, pilots, etc.).
4. How many attended the event the 1st year, 5th year, 10th year?
It attracts 1,000-1,400 people.
5. How many years have you put on this event? How much money was raised the 1st, 5th, 10th year?
Five years. Raised $30k the first year; year 5: $45k
6. What were your expenses?
1st year $15k; 5th year $15k
7. Was it an internal church event or an external community event? Was there advertising? How did
you inform people?
An external, community event.
We used newspaper, radio throughout the county, announced within the church, flyers posted throughout
the community at businesses and other organizations.
8. Were permits or other permission required? What were they and how could you help another Camp
or Club streamline the process?
1. County event permit
2. health and safety permit
3. food permit
4. approval from the Sheriff
5. Coast Guard
6. FAA
7. Find out what the County requires and what the Police and Fire Departments want.
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For example, the Sheriff and Coast Guard closed down the waterway to contain the show and to
prevent other boats from entering the ski show area (the Sheriff had escort boats).
The Coast Guard brought a Blackhawk helicopter as well as USCG watercraft to the event. They put
on a Coast Guard dive exhibition which demonstrated what they would do in the event of rescue.
FAA approval was needed for the jet plane fly over in an aerobatic show with L39 fighter jet. Four
skydivers jump twice. After posting a newspaper ad the Patriot Jet Team volunteered their participation.
All the newspaper ads and press releases were donated.
9. Were there any unexpected blessings or add-ons?
All the large items donated including two wave runners that were sold and raised $15k.
10. How did you make it grow from one year to the next?
More advertising, word-of-mouth, and a better-honed message.
11. How do you thank the volunteers and/or participants?
Volunteers are
Invited to the welcome home dinner
[Some are] invited to come to Camp for an afternoon to see what we do
Given a matte-framed photo of the Camp or the ski show. Campers sign the matte thanks for sending
me to camp or whatever they want to write about the photo.
12. What samples can you send us (letters, photos, flyers, etc.)?
Sent a video and sample poster.
13. Who has helped you put this together (staff, committee, outside group, etc.)?
A co-worker who is pro water skier had the idea and wanted to help raise money for kids. His role
was to gather the participants and put on the show.
We also had a Fundraising Coordinator and a Safety Coordinator.
The Camp Director got permits and managed what took place on land (t-shirt sales, food, hats,
signature cards, parking, entrance fee, raffle tickets) and got advertising sponsors to give $1000 to
hang their company bannera volunteer hung banners on the other side of the waterway so they
were visible by the crowd.
14. Did anyone have specialized knowledge or networking connections?
The Director and his co-workers started it, having had relationships with many vendors, advertisers,
sponsors and it mushroomed from that.
15. How far ahead did you begin planning the event?
Nine months ahead the first year and six to nine months after that.
16. Are you still doing this event? If not, why not?
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For family reasons the co-worker was unavailable this year but will do it again next year. It was postponed
because of the specific skills needed that were unavailable when the co-worker couldnt help this year.
17. What kind of publicity did you receive during or after the event (i.e., local media)?
Print coverage publicity local newspapers in the surrounding towns ran front page articles.
18. Were any local celebrities/political figures involved?
Mayor of Brentwood came, two county supervisors wrote about the event and a resolution was issued
where they went before the supervisors and the Camp, Director, and Church were recognized for their
efforts and for RFK in general.
19. What do you look for in choosing an event?
Find people who are passionate about their interest in a particular activity. There are people who are
gifted who just need a cause to exhibit their interests and skills to raise money for RFK.
20. What were some of the mistakes that were made?
Director less involved with details because they have to run the Camp and shouldnt be burned out.
Delegate coordinator positions like arranging applications and permits, security instructions. The
Directors role is to encourage and motivate, be careful about what commitments you make yourself.
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COMMUNITY EVENT: PAPA DOO RUN RUN

Modesto Camp #164 Interview with Jan Wysong

We use the name of the band or group and promote it as a concert for Royal Family KIDS Camp.
Each concert is a 90-minute event which is held in the Gallo Center for the Arts in Modesto.
Joe Swain is the fundraising coordinator and he uses 3 or 4 other volunteers as it get close to concert time.
Joe feels that the more volunteers involved can make the project more complicated and difficult to pull
together.
1st year (Rod Piazza, a blues/jazz group) = sold approx..400 tickets, 2nd year (Beatlemania, a Beatles
group) = sold approx.1200, tickets 3rd year (Papa Do Run Run, a Beach Boys group) = sold approx.1100
tickets, 4th year, Dave Mason, a rock group) = sold approx..1,100.tickets.
We are now preparing for our 5th year concert which will take place on January 18, 2013. Our profit after
expenses were as follows: 1st year = cleared approximately $10,000, 2nd year = cleared approx.. $27,000,
3rd year = cleared approx..$250, and 4th year = cleared approx. $26,000.
Our expenses have been approximately $25,000 each year. For our fifth year concert on January 18, 2013,
Kris Kristopherson will be our entertainer and he has agreed to do the concert for no cost. Consequently,
we will only have to pay for the theater and sound team. This will hopefully cut our expenses in half and
increase our profit.
you inform people?
The event was an external community event. We put up posters in businesses, had newspaper articles
about the event, did radio public serve announcements, and talked up the concert where ever we went.
We frequently announced the concert in church and encouraged the congregation to invite friends and
family. Most of our RFKC volunteers attended and brought their family and friends, and some organized
groups for dinner before the concert. Some people purchased tickets for Christmas presents for family,
friends and/ or employees.
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We werent required to obtain any permits. It was an indoor performance at a local arts center. We just
paid to rent the facility, pay the performer and pay for the sound crew.
We were able to get the word out to the community about RFKC and the needs of abused and neglected
children.
Joe Swain is a great promoter. We were successful in getting the word out and providing a quality
program. Gallo Center for the Arts has two theaters, one with approximately 600 seats and the other with
approximately 1200 seats. Our first concert was in the small theater and move to the larger theater for
subsequent concerts. Most people liked the concerts and were eager to support the concert the next year.
By recognizing and thanking them publically from the stage before the concert, including those who
purchased a large number or block of tickets.
We can send some posters if you want them. We may have a DVD of a concert.
Joe Swain was our coordinator and producer. He has excellent production skills . He would encourage
people to pull groups together before the concert and was able to get the word out through the media.
His brother developed the posters. There were two restaurants in Modesto who offered special deals for
those who wanted dinner before the concert. Some families provided dinner in their home before the
concert. It was really a festive event.
Joe Swain, who is a financial planner, even sold tickets to his customers. He is a good salesman.
As soon as one concert is over, we start planning for the next concert. Just like RFKC, it is really a year
round, continuous s process.
Yes.
Joe arranged for a couple of newspaper articles and radio PSA;s before the concert. There was no publicity
after the concert.
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No
We try to find a wholesome musical group who will attract an audience, help promote RFKC, and be at
a fee we can afford to pay.
There werent really any mistakes. There are always some concerns that someone might not show up on
time, do something from the stage that we dont want, etc. However, so far all has gone well.
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COMMUNITY EVENT: FEETS OF STRENGTH 5K RUN/WALK

Geneva IL Camp #127 Interview with Annie Smith Race director
1.What is the name of your event?
Feets of Strength 5k Run/Walk for Child Abuse Awareness
1 morning running/walking event
from church- 30; from community-20
1st year-189 participants; 2nd year-250 particpants;3rd year-325; 4th year-400
4 years. 1st yr- $2,500; 2nd yr-5,000; 3rd yr-8,500; 4th yr-20,000
The bulk went to: t-shirts, race-timer, and printing costs.
you inform people?
It is a community event. Yes, there is advertising. Newspaper, radio, flyers, brochures were some ways of
how we informed people.
Permission from race location, may be park district, city, etc.
Our event was a community event with many participants and their families. News about Royal Family
KIDS spread to many people in the community.
Each year built on itself. As more people came to the run/walk, more people knew about it. We also made
it a very family friendly event. Something the whole family could attend and have fun.
Typically a verbal thank you in front of the community and handwritten or emailed thank you letters.
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We could send letters, photos, flyers, brochures.

A committee has helped put this together.
Yes, the race director.
8 months to organize a well run event. Can be done in shorter time.
Yes.
None
No.
This event was started by a RFK team member who solely wanted to raise the awareness of child abuse, it
became a RFK fundraiser after it started.
Further organization.
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COMMUNITY EVENT: BIKE-A-THON & KARATE TOURNAMENT

Costa Mesa Camp #01Interview with Bill Richardson
A. Bob White Youth Invitational Karate Tournament (BWI)
B. Tour de OC Bike-A-Thon
A. One-day karate tournament for youth ages 7-17.
B. Two bike rides from Costa Mesa to San Diego Camp out in San Clemente for those riding on to San
Diego the 2nd day.
A. Only three people from our camp work the BWI, but are not required to do so. We help with setup and tear down and supply the PA system. The event is run by the blackbelt students of the karate
studio, which encompasses about 80 volunteers.
B. The Tour de OC is put on by approximately 40 congregants of our church with an additional 10-15
volunteers providing safety and gear support.
4. How many attended the event the 1st year? 5th year? 10th year?
A. The BWI had approximately 100 student participants seven years ago. The attendance a few years ago
was just over 300.
B. The Tour de OC only had 10 riders in year one. At its peak, there were about 100 riders. There was no
ride one year, but following year, there were about 50 riders in a rebuilding year.
A. The BWI has just completed their seventh year. They raised the following:
Year 1 = $12,000 Year 2 = $24,000 Year 3 = $48,000
Year 4= $72,000 Year 5= $50,000 Year 6 = $50,000
Year 7 = $50,000
B. I dont have the stats on the Tour de OCs early years, however they raised just over $30,000 a few
years ago.
Our camp budget the last three years has been approximately $80,000.
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7. Was it an internal church event or an external community event?

A. The BWI is completely an external event.
B. The Tour de OC is basically a church event with outside participation.
Was there advertising?
A. The BWI has its own website and a strong communication base in the Kempo Karate community.
The event draws participation from all over southern Cal, the US and two foreign countries (Ireland
and Chile).
How did you inform people (local newspaper, word of mouth, etc.)?
All of the above, plus Internet and associated professional organizations, i.e. other karate studios, bike
clubs and affiliated stores.
A. The BWI is conducted in a high school gym. A permit and insurance are required.
B. The Tour de OC must have permits for each city thecfiesta pass through and where rest stops are setup. A camping permit is required for the State campground.
Each of these situations are unique and require different processes to obtain permits.
At least two camps were created out of BWI. Our leaf Camp Nurse is Barbara White, the wife of the
Karate Studio owner Bob White.
We didnt. The organizers have done all the work, leaving us to concentrate on operating camp and not
worrying about funding.
Each event holds there own Thank You function. The BWI function is quite large and is held the night
before the tournament, with a follow-up pot luck dinner and check presentation, within three to four
days after the event.
This information is available at their websites:
A. www.bobwhiteinvitational.com
B. www.tourdeoc.org
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A. BWI is totally the Bob White Karate Studio
B. The Tour de OC is a committe of church congregants, some of whom have been to csmp in the past.
Both have people on their committees with experience in fundraising, but they are not professional fund
raisers.
Both have already begun working on next years events.
Yes to both.
Internet, TV, radio and published media all carried stories.
No
Sustainability and self operation.
A. The BWI has grown each year and us highly successful.
B. The leadership changed for one year of the Tour de OC and did not indicate they were in for only one
year until it was too late to get new leaders in place.
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COMMUNITY EVENT: WHAT CAN 10 DO?

Pasco Camp #142Interview with Steve Burnett
What Can 10 Do?
The premise being for people to give $10 or more and try to get 10 others to give $10 dollars as well. And
on and on. I start on the 10th of June and end on the 10th of July.
Me and just word of mouth. We push at training of 100 plus people.
Varies but this year we had just over 50 donors raising the $6370
5 years
20112012201320142015
$3149$6306$1782$4225$6370
First year we did some flash cards (still have many) I think around $300
you inform people (local newspaper, word of mouth, etc.)?
It is not a church fundraiser. It has really turned into a social media campaign, primarily on Facebook.
none
Some great interaction on FB. Doing on FB takes it out of just our community and around the country.
Some thru this have decided to give monthly (an option on our website)
Primarily me being pushy for a month on FB not being apologetic about raising money for children of
abuse.
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If they give online, which most do, they get an automatic email thank you and receipt. And unless they
want to be anonymous I do a BOOM! on FB. And shout out on FB thanking them and promoting it
again as I do.
See www.whatcan10do.com.
Me and my techie son, Seth
My son Seth is the guy!
First year we prepped for a few months before. We did some video spots at church you can view on the
webpage by clicking videos at the top of the page. But we have found our church is mostly non-supportive
in our efforts to raise $$$.
Yes, we start again in June.
None
No. Wish we could get someone.
The biggest return and the least work and volunteer intensive. This one fits the bill for that.
My expectations that everyone would have no issue in giving such a small amount of $10. I fight being
discouraged and disappointed in people every year. Valerie helps me to let it go.
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COMMUNITY EVENT: ENVELOPE PROGRAM

Various camps have used this with success
1.What is the name of your event?
Envelope Program
A single event where you print in a large font on envelops in sequential numbers the numbers 1,2,3,4
199,200,201. You will
1-3. Printing the envelopes, setting them out on display, helping answer questions about the program.
This only works well when used at a large event where they are over 200 people, or several services at
church etc.
Camps have raised between $10,000 and $20,000 dollars.
Less than $100 for envelopes, printing, flyers etc.
Both church or community event where there is a large gathering.
None
Many people will give over the amount on the envelope. Some people will forget or not return the
envelope at all.
More advertising. Better group of people.
Keep track of the donors and write them thank you notes.
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See photos attached and sample explanation.
Small committee.
None
Whatever event you can use, Church service, banqueted, golf tournament etc. just have the materials
ready and your speech.
Many do it on occasion.
None, just the event publicity.
none
Easy of use.
Not reminding people that they can put in more money than the number on the envelope, not getting
them all back, not making sure the participants know when and where to return them.

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You need 201 envelopes with numbers sequentially printed on the front.
IF you get back all the envelopes with the exact amounts listed, you will receive over $20,000!
You need a large event with at least 200 people in attendance.
Have your envelopes preprinted. Make them look good. Do not hand print.
Print a return date and location as a reminder, or have a reminder sheet placed inside each envelope.
Or do at an event where they give right then.
Tell the Story of RFK
Tell how many campers your are taking, etc.
When it comes time for your ask . . .

Ask everyone to take at least one envelope, place that amount of money inside and return it.
Everyone kind find an amount that fits their budget, from Children to Teens to Adults to Senior
Citizens.
Tell the audience how much the camper / club kid scholarship will be.
If its $650, tell the audience that some of you are capable of sponsoring one camper. Take any envelope
and put in a check for the sponsorship amount of $650. You are not limited or restricted by the low
number on the envelope. Dont let it hold you back.
Some of you may want to take 2 or 3 envelopes and add them up and staple one check to all 3
envelopes, hey that could be fun. How many can you grab?
Maybe someone can sponsor a whole cabin of kids for $2,500! Grab any envelope youd like.
The key is to get them back! Drive this point home.
If you take an envelope, there is literally a child waiting on the other end to go to camp. Dont
disappoint them. Bring the envelope back by the time listed or give us a call. (Dont try to make them
feel super guilty, but do emphasis the importance of returning the envelope.
Collect them all and THANK EVERY SINGLE DONOR.
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COMMUNITY EVENT: SEMI-FORMAL BANQUET
Colorado Springs #274Interview with Melissa Tenpas & Brittney Babb

Royal Family KIDS Fundraising Banquet
We have a semi-formal banquet at a wedding and events venue called The Pinery at the Hill. It is a plated
meal with hors douvres during our welcome and arrival. Our event lasts two and a half hours and we
tell guests when we will begin and when we endalways ending a bit early to exceed expectations and
respect their time. We have our leadership speak, show some videos, have a main speaker or musician/
entertainment (one year it was a jazz quartet, one year it was Scott Murrish, another Glenn Garvin,
another Wayne Tesch, and a well-known speaker/musician for Young Life named Jonah Werner. People
love getting dressed up for the event at a gorgeous venue overlooking Colorado Springs and the downtown
area. We do not charge/sell tickets for the event, instead we rely on strategic invitations and ask for a
donation at the end of the night. Guests are aware that it is a fundraising banquet when their table host
invites them.
We organized the banquet as a Royal Family KIDS leadership team (ours is a team of 4) and pulled in
staff to be table hosts, invite people, fill tables, usher, greet, and hang up coats. Our venue is a full service
event center, so that really cuts down on the volunteers we need to run it. They provide the food and the
servers and they even do the table settings. We basically do the programming, invitations, seating charts,
some extra dcor like blown up safe pictures, a slideshow, giving envelopesanything specific to RFK.
The best part of using a full service center is that we get to spend more time entertaining the guests and
focus on making sure they capture the RFK vision.
Year 1 = 165 Year 2 = 170 Year 3 = 178 Year 4 = 175 Year 5 = Hoping for 200
This will be our fifth banquet. Year 1 = $26,000 Year 2 = $28,000 Year 3 = $32,000 Year 4 = $35,000
Year 5 = $39,000
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We pay for Paperless Post invites to go out via email. Its very affordable, but probably ends up being
about $0.15 per invitation. We typically send out about 350 invitations to get a full room of 175. We also
spend around $5-$6,000 for The Pinery,. If we have a speaker or entertainment, we have paid anywhere
from $200 to $1000 plus travel expenses in some cases, and/or buy everyone a very nice gift basket as a
thank you. We use The Pinerys decorations and AV equipment. They have someone running sound and
all tech for us as well as servers, bartenders, and staff so we just need to show up and greet and mingle
with guests.
This is an invitation-only, external to the church, event that is word of mouth. We do not do any
advertising. We want to make sure that each table has an RFK staff member or someone who has been
to camp before so they can answer any questions guests have. We have our staff invite people so we can
continue to expand the reach of donors, supporters, and staff around the city.
8. Were permits or other permission required?
No
After four years of doing a banquet, it feels like a fancy family reunion. Its extremely encouraging and
so much fun to have 200 people come out to support you, send kids to camp, and hear/see/feel what the
heart and mission of Royal Family KIDS is all about. The owner of The Pinery loves Royal Family and
gives us a great deal. A normal event would be closer to $15,000 to $25,000 there.
We invite the people that came the year before and have staff members continue to invite new people to
expand our circle of donors and community supporters.
We send them a Thank You card after the event.
Included after these questions.
Royal Family KIDS Camp leadership and staff
Yes, we are friends with the owner of The Pinery at the Hill as well as the entertainment/speaker this year,
Jonah Werner. This year, we also have a pastor and adoptive parent of two of our campers speaking about
he (and his wifes) involvement in foster care, adoption, and now a non-profit to benefit orphans. He will
be speaking to the positive impact camp has had upon his kids. Both of them have since given their lives to
Jesus!
We start planning in November for the February event.
Yes!
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None
No
We have done smaller events like pancake breakfast and things like that. We find that we need many more
volunteers and just as much planning to make much less profit on some smaller events. Yes, the upfront investment on the banquet is more, but if the invitations are strategic (invite people you know have
the means or the heart to give) we find that we get much more return on the banquet than anything else.
This allows us to focus on one major fundraiser for the year instead of many smaller ones.
Do not underestimate the amount of effort it takes to get people to commit to attending, especially the
first year. We spend much of our time following up with people. We arrange tables ahead of time and it
is a plated meal as opposed to a buffet, so we really need RSVPs. If you were to go the buffet route, you
need to plan for much more guest movement and much more time for everyone to get their food. We like
plated because people are seated and paying attention to your speakers and videos much more!
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GLUE AREA ANYTHING PRINTED IN THIS AREA MAY BE DESTROYED WHEN OPENED.
WAYS TO GIVE // Cash, card, or check (made out to Royal Family KIDS)
NAME
(on card)
ADDRESS
PHONE (
CITY
GIFT
STATE
$50
$100
$250
$500
$750
OTHER
MASTERCARD
AMEX
MAKE THIS GIFT A

MONTHLY DONATION
CARD NUMBER
VISA
ZIP
EXP DATE
SECURITY CODE
SIGNATURE
EMAIL
Printing in this area is not recommended and will be subject to review
Thank you for giving and partnering with us.

We realize that we are now entrusted with a great responsibility.
Royal Family KIDS Camp, Club, and Mentors strives to treat people
royally, keep moving forward, and make moments matter to abused
and neglected foster children in our community. Our mission is to
confront abuse and change lives through a week at camp and oneon-one mentoring to the children we serve with positive, encouraging,
affirming memories.
With love and gratefulness,
Royal Family KIDS Colorado Springs
GLUE OVERLAP ANYTHING PRINTED IN THIS AREA MAY BE DESTROYED WHEN OPENED.
DOTTED
LINE
REPRESE
FLAP OVE
WE LIKE YOU AND WANT TO

KEEP IN TOUCH THE OLD-FASHIONED WAY.
The good old United States Post Office.

Please share your contact information so we can send
updates, reports, gratitude, and future invitations.
FIRST & LAST NAME
MAILING ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP
PHONE NUMBER
EMAIL ADDRESS
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10 THINGS EVERY VOLUNTEER CAN DO TO HELP RAISE FUNDS

Raise it before you require it.
It has been RFK philosophy to not charge or require volunteers to pay to go to Camp or Club. Some
churches have a policy to treat it as missions trip and charge all participants an amount to go. Some
camps or clubs have done a partial charge.
Since the beginning of RFK, Founder, Wayne Tesch said we should go out and raise the money because
this is a great ASK where we can, in fact raise money in the community.
Rotary Clubs wont give money to a church to send kids to Africa on a missions trip, but they will give
money to a RFK.
This is a philosophy, not a policy. We do not tell churches they cannot charge. However, this should not
be the first choice. We encourage all camps and clubs to raise the money in the community first before
charging a missions fee.
Great Ways To Raise Funds From All Volunteers

We do believe that every volunteer going to camp or club can participate in the fundraising efforts. Here
are some great options to get everyone involved.
1. Every volunteer can donate to the camp or club fund. This is a donation, not a mission charge. If you
dont ask them for a donation, few will give. If you ask, many will give. (Many Staff positions will
purchase their necessary items and not turn in receipts. They will consider this part of their donation.
Do not require that a Staff person funds their own resources such as the Nurse or the Activity Centers.
If they choose to make that their donation thats fine. You should always find out how much was spent
so you can track the true costs of running your camp or club.)
2. Many volunteers can do their own asking for donations or sponsorship. Why not! Many volunteers
will be telling their own friends and family what they will be doing, why not mention that all volunteers
are helping to raise the necessary funds and asking everyone to participate. Go to the website or hand
out a donor letter and make a donation.
3. Some volunteers may know of a Community fund or a personal Family Foundation that exists where
your team can make a presentation. Ask them!
4. Some volunteers will know someone in Civic Club or Community Group and they can give your
funding team a person to contact for a presentation.
5. Many volunteers can get donations from their employers.
Large Corporations often have special programs set up for their employees to get Community Funds.
Places like Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Motorola, Wells Fargo and Microsoft have all donated to
employee / RFK volunteers. Options usually exist.
They have funds that they can apply for because they volunteer.
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They have funds based on the actual hours as a volunteer.

They have matching funds, the employee donates $500 and the employer will match that $500.
The volunteer / employee needs to ask their boss or HR dept. what programs are available and how
to access the funds.
Some large employers have funds available and the employees dont even have to volunteer for the
program, they just have to be nominated by an employee.
Medium-sized companies may not have specialized funds set aside, however, they are often very
partial to their own employees. If the employee/volunteer walks in and says, I work here and Im
giving a week of my time for this camp, (or 9 months of my time as a Mentor for Club), would you
(my employer) sponsor one Camper Club kid at $500. Many employers will say yes, but not unless
they ask.
6. Volunteers can participate in any and all Community Events. If you hold a golf / Karate / Bike-a-Thon
you will need many volunteers and if they cannot give cash they can give hours to help you get the
cash.
7. Volunteers can help with a letter campaign or online giving campaign. Some camps require each
volunteer to give them 40 names and addresses, then the funding team sends out a letter asking for
$40 each. Every volunteer can give 40 names and address. If 20 of 40 people send in $40, thats $800
per volunteer.
More here?
There are so many ways that each volunteer can help besides charging a missions fee. Try many ways
before you settle on what is the easiest for you. Remember, there are people out there whose only way to
help and participate is to give. If your team is not out in the community asking, then those people will
never have the chance to bless a child, and be blessed in return.
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GRANTS AND FOUNDATIONS

Before asking for funding, be sure your Camps financial and organizational paperwork is in order.
With the increase in requests, many grant funders quickly winnow out groups based on typos or math
errors and some also decline those who have not followed their own bylaws, filed proper government
paperwork, or whose reputation as productive followers of their own mission has been compromised.
There are a variety of grants available to nonprofit organizations that work with children who have been
victims of abuse. Although some foundations grant money to nonprofits throughout the nation, others
make donations to local organizations.
Find out what kind of grants an organization gives. If they can sponsor one child for Camp, you would
approach them for that or in-kind donations. If they award larger sums you can request that they
underwrite a larger portion of your budget.
Identify your tangible needs such as how much it costs to send one child to Camp, what in-kind needs
you will have: memory bags and other gift items for the Campers, activity center supplies, or other special
support you want for your Camp. Grant funders usually prefer projects that give them the opportunity to
see measurable results from their donation.
Identifying Prospective Financial Resources

Know your target organizations funding objectives. Locate a set of prospective financial sources for a
project. For example, it would not make sense to ask for money for an arts festival from a company that
primarily invests in science competitions. But, asking a company for funding for that same arts event
may make sense if the company has a cultural interest in the community.
State funders can be difficult to determine but collaborating with other local groups may give a non-profit
organizations request an added lift. The arts festival may benefit from combining with a local historical
group to add extra events which gives the event a more diverse appeal. Because of federal guidelines,
states need to share their money with broad-reaching projects so identifying diversity of the children will
aid your grant application. Contact your state about securing federal and state funds for projects that will
appeal to diverse groups or address the needs of the underserved.
Private Companies and Foundations

While the economy plays a major part in how often a company or foundation donates to a cause, research
can aid a grant request. While the internet can be a tremendous asset in researching grant donors, be alert
to scams that will not benefit the organization.
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Check the local library for a guide to relevant private foundations. These show topic preferences which
allow you to focus your attention on the foundations that will most likely consider Royal Family KIDS.
After identifying potential donors, confirm the address and contact information on their website since
that information does sometimes change.
Another helpful resource is to add your name to an email list for sites such as the Foundation Center.
While the Foundation Center offers grant classes and relevant newsletters, it also emails a Request for
Proposals from legitimate foundations and companies looking to donate funds for specific interests. See
the Looking For Grants appendix for more information.
Local Donors Looking for Tax Relief and Good PR

Communities often have manufacturing companies, banks, attorneys or other professional offices and
corporations that sponsor non-profit events in return for good marketing and tax relief.
Supply possible donors with a marketing plan that shows how their name will be used in posters, press
releases, ads, brochures, t-shirts and other marketing materials.
While maintaining corporate ties, keep up with local grant givers such as community foundations and
bank trusts that offer grants on an annual or semi-annual basis. The staff of these organizations usually
offer guidance to non-profits but enforce strict deadlines and rules.
Before Submitting a Grant Application

Attach positive PR for the organizations previous projects to grant requests and always triple-check for
typos, grammatical errors and miscalculations in the budget, because these mistakes can sink a stellar
grant request.
Write a two-page proposal letter that covers these eight points:
1. Ask for a specific contribution at the beginning of the letter. Mention whether or not your nonprofit
has had experience with the funder before.
2. Describe briefly the specific need you wish to address with the funders contribution.
3. Explain what your nonprofit will do if the grant is awarded to you.
4. Inform the funder about RFK (your local Club and national), including its strengths and
accomplishments.
5. Briefly explain your budget. If it runs more than a half-page, make it an attachment.
6. Describe how your Camp will be financed in the future.
7. Describe how you will acknowledge the funders gift publicly, providing visibility to the corporation.
8. Close with a compelling statement that summarizes what you are requesting and what the results will
be.
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Five Mistakes of Proposal Writers

1. Talking more about problems than solutions: A proposal is not a pamphlet that educates and
mobilizes the public. Your proposal must show that you are familiar with RFK and the children we
serve, but focus on what you do about it.
2. Addressing specific problems with general solutions: A successful proposal provides a clear picture
of what you will do to address the issue at hand. Dont just wax eloquent about the problem -- provide
specific details about the actions you will take to address it. It could mean that your committee needs
to go back to your strategic planning before trying to raise funds.
3. Using buzzwords and jargon: Tell a story or paint a picture. Avoid vague claims, trendy language,
and obscure terms; they wont impress the funder and may cause them to dismiss your proposal.
4. Presenting budgets that dont make sense: Proposals sometimes arrive with math errors that
undermine the organizations credibility. The budget should not only balance, it should support the
logic of the proposal.
5. Repeating exact phrases from the funders guidelines: Just pasting phrases from the funders
guidelines into your proposal will not result in funding. Follow the foundations guidelines, telling
how and why your Camp fits with the criteria. Cutting and pasting just says that youve read the
funders website.
Writing a Need Statement

The need statement for funding must be clearly related to RFKs mission and purpose.
It should focus specifically on the children you serve.
It should be well supported with evidence such as statistical facts, expert views, and trends.
It must be directly connected to, and substantiate, your ability to respond to that need.
It must be easily digestible. Use the KISS principle (keep it sweet and simple). Make it easy for the
reader to get what you are saying.
Avoid circular reasoning focusing on the absence of your solution as the actual need. Then your
solution is offered as the way to solve the problem. For example, The problem is that we have no
senior center in our community. Building a senior center will solve the problem.
Here are some tips for your needs statement:

1. Use statistics that are clear, accurate, and that support your argument.
2. Use comparative statistics and research. Citing a community that did something similar to your
proposal and its beneficial results makes a strong case for your proposed actions.
3. Quote authorities on your topic. Include names and the sources so the information can be verified.
4. Document all your data. If you collect data from the Internet, be sure the websites you reference are
reputable and the links are current.
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5. Anchor any stories in the bedrock of hard data. A well-supported need statement that also includes
effective stories is a winner.
6. Provide a sense of urgency. Help the funder understand why the funding is important now.
In the appendix are listed several sources for possible financial or in-kind donations. Check in your City,
County, and State for organizations or other locally-sponsored groups.
Large corporations may have charitable-giving programs. A few examples, listed in the appendix, give to
501(c)(3) organizations and are very specific in terms of the causes they support. If your Camp does not
have its own tax exempt number, youll need to use that of your sponsoring church.
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WRITING TIPS FOR FUNDRAISING LETTERS

To have a successful fundraising campaign then the letters need to be completely personal. You need to
speak to your readers in your very own words. Use the sample church fundraising letters as guidelines
and ideas for your own fundraiser letters. The sample church fundraising letters (see Sample Letters
in the appendix) are exactly what they say they are...Samples! They are examples and not letters to be
copied directly with a few word changes and then used for your own fundraising campaign. Thats not a
copyright disclaimer, its good advice!
These sample church fundraising letters have also been shortened to a more suitable length for use as an
example. You dont need the whole letter, only the gist of it to understand what you need to do to write a
successful fundraiser letter! Names have also been changed, for obvious reasons.
Note: Actual figures were taken out of the first letter as per requested by the original writer but you DO
need to ask for specific amounts of money or supplies. That will clarify the purpose of the letter and will
allow your supporters to act.
Know What You Are Asking For

Your first step is to know exactly what you are asking for, how much you need, and how much you will be
requesting from donors before you ask for it. If you dont say what youre requesting, how is your reader
going to know what youre asking for?
Know Your Reader

The second thing is to know exactly who you are writing to. Is it to parents, individual businessmen,
companies, grants organizations, or previous donors?
Different letters will be more appealing to different types of people. So by knowing your target audience
you will be able to write a more successful fundraiser letter.
If you need different styles of letters then write your initial letter to one audience and then adapt it to be
more suitable for other readers.
Always thank your previous donors right at the beginning of your letters.
Address the Right Person

Do your research and ensure you are addressing your letter to the right department of the company,
and to the right person. The last thing you want is for your letter to be past around from department to
department until it finally reaches the right person (likely once its too late if it makes it at all!). You will
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also come across more professionally and more impressively if you have the right name on your letter. It
will also make the letter more personal which is exactly what you want.
Structure Your Fundraiser Letters

The rule of thumb here is to appeal to your readers hearts first (setting the scene and drawing them in
emotionally), and then appeal to their heads (by giving facts and figures).
Again, open your fundraiser letters by describing a dramatic scene. Then go on to state your need and ask
your reader to participate by donating money, needed supplies, etc.; describe RFK and all the benefits it
provides and the needs we tackle.
Include another couple of scenes that will keep your readers emotionally attached and conclude by once
again asking them to participate. Thank them and include a PS.
Set The Scene

Great fundraiser letters are exciting because they take their readers to the action of the cause.
They place you in the world that they are trying to make a better place, in the lives of people who they are
trying to help! They set the scene!
By setting a scene you are taking your readers to a place that they will probably never go, you make the
read exciting for them and most importantly you pull directly on their emotions.
You make them feel emotionally involved... and someone who is emotional involved will be more likely
to take some form of action about it!
Here is a good example of setting a scene...

We were frozen with shock, amazement, and fear all at the same time...
It had been a long and hard journey through Sudan, and at the end of it we were met by the frail, gaunt
and starving bodies of children, teenagers, and adults all rushing towards us. Protruding rib cages and
depressed stomachs. Legs as frail and thin as match sticks. It was the most shocking sight we had ever
seen.
But with this sight came their smiles, their laughter, their cries of joy, and their warm embraces. Tears
were shed on all our shoulders as we were hugged and thanked by many different people.
And suddenly, we all realized how much what we were doing, meant to all these people!
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Get To The Point

It is really important to get to the point and make your case early.
Briefly explain how Royal Family serves children of abuse, abandonment and neglect and about the
specific needs of your Camp near the beginning of your fundraiser letter.
What problem are you trying to solve? What need are you trying to fulfill, or what are trying to help with?
Make It Long
Most advice that youll read and receive will be to make your fundraising letters long. There are a couple
of reasons for this...
You can completely cover all the information and details about your cause, what needs it covers, and
what its needs are! Readers wont feel uninformed or in the dark about your cause.
Whether your fundraiser letter is long or short most readers wont read every word anyway, but a
longer letter will mean that the passionate readers who do read every word will still feel fulfilled.
Make sure that your letter includes all the necessary information, details, figures and stories to be
conclusive enough to impress every reader.
Make sure your readers will feel completely informed once theyve finished reading. Go no longer than
that. By waffling on unnecessarily you will only be wasting your own time and you may be putting
yourself in danger of losing your passionate readers who do read every word! Waffling unnecessarily will
not impress them!
Be Direct About Asking For Donations

Dont beat around the bush when it comes to asking for money. Its the reason why you have sent the
fundraising letter and all your readers know this already.
If theyre going to help you, they will want to know by how much they can help by. So be direct and give
them a specific amount of money that you would like them to donate... If you could be kind and donate
$50 to our cause you will be making a huge difference to many lives!
Include your total fundraising goal as well.
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You should also consider giving them the option to donate a monthly amount via direct debit (Say $10/
month equals $120 dollars a year). Give them a simple, real-life equivalent of that amount to encourage
them. Its only a few cans of soda a month. Then your donor wont have to give a big upfront lump. You
will also be able to run your budgeting more effectively, as youll have a better idea of how much youll
receive in donations each month.
Provide A Deadline
You should call to your readers sense of urgency by providing a deadline. This is a tactic often used in
sales scripts and can be very affective. A deadline will increase the importance and urgency of the need
and with help your reader come to a positive decision about donating.
Include a P.S.
People never really understand the power of a post script. It is such an amazing tool to boost your
percentage of positive replies!
Heres why...
The majority of your fundraiser letter will go unread by most of your readers (especially the skimmers),
but the PS is almost always read. Its the piece of info that stands out at the end of your letter.
So the point is, use a Postscript--not as its supposed to be (info that was accidently left out of the main
letter body)--rather as a tool to catch the attention and interest of the reader, and call him or her to action.
Provide a Return Envelope

By providing a return envelope you will be doing half the work for your readers, which will encourage
them to donate. All they need to do now is write the check, put it in the envelope, and send it backor
donate on your webpage.
Follow Up
You should always follow up your letter with a simple phone call a few weeks later. People interested
in donating when they read your fundraiser letter may soon forget about it due to their busy lives. By
following up with a phone call you will be reminding them about it and calling them to action. It is also
good manners to simply follow up on a letter.
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WHEN YOUR CHURCH SAYS NO TO FUNDRAISING

There are often opportunities for individuals to raise funds for Camp. Staffer Chasey Pulliam went to
Royal Family KIDS Camp along with the youth group from her churchthey were going to provide the
drama and help entertain the Campers.
Chasey never dreamed the assignment would change her life forever, but it did!
By the end of that week, we were all emotionally attached to each and every one of the kids, says Chasey.
The experience that we had was truly life-changing, it touched every one of us, and we will never forget
it! When we came back, we were so eager to share our experience with our church and just the stories we
told touched everybody!
When Chasey returned to school, the 15-year-old entered the Miss Echo Pageant, in Carnesville, GA.
Her platformthe charity or cause she chose to support through the pageantwas Royal Family KIDS.
During the pageant, the audience would vote for their favorite contestant by donating money to their
charity, Chasey explains. When all the votes were tallied, Chasey and Royal Family KIDS had won!
I had the most donations and won The Peoples Choice Award, which meant that all the money donated
to all the platforms went to my charity, Royal Family KIDS.
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LOOKING FOR GRANTS

The following articles were written by M. Windsor Vest.
WRITING TO A FOUNDATION: WHERE TO BEGIN?

The most difficult and lengthy stage of composing a compelling grant proposal is the preparation. Start
by getting to know your prospective funder. Visit sites like Guidestar or Foundation Center, which make
it easy to look at a funders IRS 990 tax return information. You can learn how to read a 990, thanks to
online articles like this how-to.
Always review tax returns to find the list of grants given during that particular year. Most foundations
are required to list who they funded, at what level, and for what reason. Study how funders invest their
revenue, the average amount of each grant, and whether it was used for program or general operating
expenses. Also search for contact information, web addresses, a board member list, and other useful facts
about the business.
Next, look at past award recipients who resemble what you are doing. Note these funded programs to see
how you compare and differ. Hunt for press releases about funders to learn their priorities and how they
choose to focus effortsall critical to understanding how you complement funders values and efforts.
Then, gather your financial statements, needs assessment results, program measurement and evaluation
results, and other supporting information. Study and sort the materials according to the questions on
the funders proposal form. Then ask yourself if you can clearly answer their questions in a compelling
way. Does your budget support what you are telling the funder about your organization and vice versa?
Does it reflect the amount youre requesting from this funder? Where does your argument lack support,
statistics, or data? And most importantlydo you have more information to work with than you can
possibly use? This stage is a good place to be, since it means youve done your homework and have the
luxury of selecting the information you want to use, and, thus, allowing you to give a funder the most
effective story you can tell.
If youre still stuck, look at the writing resources listed here to learn about other approaches to grantwriting.
Check out a new book, go online and search for grantwriting information, and find local grantwriting
associations where you can tap into the expertise of professionals in the field. Join a network, feel free to
ask questions, and seek a mentor.
My future articles will further help you with grantwriting by exploring such topics as Can I cut and paste?
or boilerplate statements, space-limited forms, the importance of answering the funders questions, needs
statements, the useor preferable lack ofjargon, budgets, editing, and others. If you have questions or
suggestions for articles, please feel free to contact me at mwindsorvest@verzion.net.
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NEED STATEMENTS
Dont forget that funders are investors and you are acting as their money manager. They are investing in
your ability to create change. Therefore, a compelling need statement must connect the funder directly
to those you serve or your communitynot your organizational needs. For example, when talking about
a parenting education class, parents need to understand developmental milestones, apply parenting
techniques that support bonding with their children, act as models for peers, and find effective nonphysical ways of modifying their childs behavior. Simply saying, We need parenting education classes
or There are no parenting education classes in our community, does not tell the funder how or why
their money will have an impact. Parenting education classes are your solution to the problems faced by
struggling, stressed parents who may not have adequate coping skills.
Solid need statements do not have a required length, but keep in mind that the funders grant committee
may have to read many proposals in a limited time and the overuse of data could cause the reader to
prematurely move to another section of the narrative. Data should clearly demonstrate the conditions in
your community and illustrate how your solution will make a difference. Start with national or regional
data to provide context and always reference your sources. Then move to local data to show the exact
nature of the problem in your community. For example, state that x number of parents who have had
a baby at the local hospital within the past year reported feeling unprepared for parenting their child.
Always strive to include quantitative and qualitative data in your narrative. Testimonials are for impact
and do not tell your entire story. If you only have anecdotal support for your proposal, explain to the
funder why you dont formally measure outcomes for that given program.
When creating a need statement, understand that this statement communicates why your program is
essential to a given population. The program description and anticipated outcomes demonstrate that
change will result from the funders investment.
OUTCOMES
Ideas and opinions about outcomes are varied. In general, outcomes reflect the knowledge, skills, and/
or experiences that will be acquired by those participating in your program. Outcome results provide
staff, donors, and funders with information on what is working and what will need to be adjusted in the
future. These results particularly help a funder assess the value of their investment. Outcomes serve as
capacity-building tools that help you look at the influence of many different internal and external factors
affecting the program.
The specific wording and formatting of outcomes may be driven by the funding source. However, if
possible when stating an outcome, show action-oriented solutions you will provide, rather than the needs
of your organization or community. Stating __% of participating parents will report improved skills
after completing a parenting education class does not fully document how parents have changed. You can
more clearly demonstrate your impact by measuring the percent of those participating who replaced
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negative responses to inappropriate behavior with positive behavior modification skills. We tend to
look at outcomes as a measure of our competence in executing a given task when they should show a
constructive, problem-solving ability to create change. The Verizon Foundation has recently revised its
online form to reflect their belief that outcomes demonstrate something to be gained from the activity.
They ask that the result of your program provide a change in condition or behavior that is a good
predictor of that success longer term
JARGON
Jargon is defined as a technical word or language that has meaning to a specific group. Writing is made
easier when using jargon because it provides a level of comfort when telling a story and explaining a
need, especially when dealing with space-limited forms. The narrative flows smoothlyunless you are
the funders grant committee and have to read that narrative with all its jargon.
When writing a grant narrative, never assume that everyone is clear on what is being said or understands
the particular terminology. In fact, write as if the funder has never heard of your organization or the topic
you are discussing. Jargon creates a barrier for those who may truly be interested in an organization, but
are new to the programs and mission. It leaves the reader needing a selective dictionary or glossary of
terms, which disrupts the flow of the narrative and softens the impact of the message.
Use jargon carefully and put in a brief explanation of the term when warranted. Know the funder and
check their guidelines closely. There are those who will provide guidance such as assume we know the
topic. These are usually funders who only support one or two given focus areas and are familiar with
the field. Otherwise, assume that the narrative will be read by members of a board or grant committee
who do not have prior knowledge of your mission. If possible, have a person who is unfamiliar with the
request read the proposal to see if he/she can clearly understand the story. If unsure of the language being
used, check to see if you are empowering parents to become more nurturing and engaged in their childs
growth and development through interactive activities in the natural environment or helping parents
learn how to raise their children in a loving home.
JUST ASK THE QUESTION

It is not uncommon to hear a funder say, Just answer the question!. The person writing a narrative is
obviously connected to the mission and wants a funder to know everything that is deemed important
about the organization. However, before writing about all the talents, past successes, programs, services,
facts, and figures, do check to see if this abundance of information is truly answering the given question.
Meandering answers that are wordy and contain irrelevant information only leave the reader confused
something that is not the writers intent.
Additionally, online forms are space limited and more funders are restricting hard-copy proposal length.
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While the reasons for this are varied and limits are frustrating, they serve the purpose of requiring precise,
impactful answers. Admittedly, this is not always easy to accomplish. A grantwriter must combine careful
editing of content with writing concisely. To help the writing process or to refine the rambling thoughts
that occur when there isnt an excess of things to say, try the following:
Print a hard copy of the guidelines and proposal format or save them to a word processing document.
Under each question, make notes on absolutely everything you would like to include.
Review these notes and decide what information is crucial to the overall proposal or individual question
and why.
See if certain information more effectively supports a different question.
Eliminate everything not directly related to the given question. Its still possible and desirable to have a
lead-in (opening) statement and a sentence that summarizes the answer or draws the reader to the next
section of the proposal, but dont leave the reader wondering why this information is relevant.
Have someone else read the narrative and ask that person if the information provided pertains to the
question.
Edit the final writing to remove repetitive wording.
In an ideal world, each grant request would be a fresh writing experience, but this is not an ideal world
and sections of other narratives are pasted into the new proposal. While this works effectively with
something such as a mission statement, it often results in answers that are almost accurate. Each funder
develops questions that are unique to their form. Writing taken from a mix of documents can only work
well if the information is carefully edited to be responsive. A reader will spot the proposal that has been
done quickly by pasting sections togetherthey just dont quite answer the questions.
EMOTIONAL CONNECTION VS. OUTCOMES

A proposal narrative is a story supported by need assessments, the number of clients served, and measurable
outcomes. By using data, the need statement explains a problem, while the program description tells
of a solution. From that base, the narrative moves to outcomes that are tracked as quantified results.
Somewhere in all the necessary tracking and reporting, theres a risk of losing sight of the real purpose of
the programto change lives. While outputs, numbers served, and/or the number of times a program is
offered, are all valuable tools for assessing the use of a funders investment, they dont allow a funder to
experience the emotional connection and are not the only means of measuring success.
Its especially easy to lose track of the human story when coping with the constraints of a space-limited
form. Funders are moving more readily to forms with predetermined questions and answers that must be
written in a fixed number of words, characters, and spacesleaving the writer with few opportunities to
share pictures or participant feedback. The result is a somewhat clinical tale of need and problem solving.
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Heartfelt feedback from a parent or caregiver ties the reader to the person participating in the program. In
the end, a funder is truly investing in the organizations ability to make something different in a persons
life. While measurables show how many had the opportunity to create change by taking a parenting class,
they dont always show the direct impact of that change.
Including a comment such as Now I set aside time to talk and listen to my son and that makes him feel
so important in my life is a powerful way to tell a funder what is different now. Its not necessary to use
a lengthy story when a single sentence or two can support a section of the narrative.
A grant funder is a donor to your organization and as a donor he/she should be able to make a connection
on a level other than that demonstrated through measured outcomes. Show the donor that they are
helping a real person, with real problems in life, and that the investment is in the persons ability to
change.
THE IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING RECORDS

Receiving a grant award is always a reason to celebrate. After all, now the program can proceed. However,
receiving the grant is only a part of the process. Tracking and record keeping are crucial to a well-run
grant program. When asked if the organization has had a previous relationship with a given funder, the
answer should never be we dont know. Records should tell the story of an organizations grant funding
over a period of years.
A good filing system is necessary to understanding the relationship that has been builtor not built
with a funder. At a glance, this history tells how many times the organization has applied to a funder,
for what program, the award results, the stewardship efforts, and when you might be able to re-apply.
These records create a multi-year timeline for your grant program. Theyre especially important to a new
person taking over the responsibilities of a grant program. It is all too easy to inappropriately re-apply to
a funder who has just given the agency a check or denial. The message sent is negative and not conducive
to good relationships.
Grant record keeping can be as simple as a spreadsheet in Excel or it can be part of a larger donor data
management system.
Your records should include:

1. Funder contact information
2. Date a proposal was submitted
3. Whether it was for general operating expense or a program
4. Date of award or denial and, if an award, the date of the check
5. Dates of thank you letters
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6. Any required reporting information

7. A record of who will submit the reports
8. The appropriate time to reapply
9. Notes about conversations with the funder prior to submitting a proposal
10. Reasons for denial (if known) and feedback
11. Notes on the relationship with the funder
While this seems like a large amount of data to track, its easier to do it on a regular basis than having to
create the files from fragmented pieces of incomplete information.
When schedules are busy and time is limited, this much record keeping presents a challenge, but its
important to understanding the history of grant awardssomething that is important to future planning.
Files should be saved electronically and in hard copy. Keep in mind that funders are asking more and
more now for a history of funds received and are interested in building relationships over a period of
time. This record keeping is part of the knowledge base that helps build a relationship.
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Charitable Foundations
Foundation Center: Connects nonprofits and the grantmakers supporting them providing tools and
information. The Foundation Center the best resource for almost anything related to funding by
foundations. The Center sends out a free email newsletter called Arts Funding Watch as well as its free
RFP Bulletin which gives listings of newly-announced requests for proposals. The Foundation Finder
allows you to look up very basic information on foundations. You can also subscribe to The Foundation
Directory Online. This comprehensive database provides foundation funding priorities and past grants.
There are several subscription levels that will provide access to over 100,000 foundations, corporate
donors, and public charities. The Foundation Directory is truly the gold standard for databases and is
well worth a subscription. However, its a subscription based website ($19.95 per month minimum).
http://foundationcenter.org
GrantSpace: Offers information and resources that are specifically designed to meet the needs of
nonprofits worldwide in need of know-how for securing funding and operating effective organizations.
Grant Space is a service of the Foundation Center. http://grantspace.org/Tools/Knowledge-Base
Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA): Has two sites created by the federal government to
provide transparency and information on grants: www.cfda.gov - and - www.grants.gov
CFDA has several ways to search for grants. Search by beneficiary and select Private Non Profit
Organization and you can find listings of grants available.
Childrens Trust Foundation: Grant writer M. Windsor Vest supplies resources and guidance to grantseekers through the stages of the grant process. www.childrenstrust.org
Americas Got Funding: fee of $29.95 for unlimited access to our members-only website. You either find
funding that suits you or your fee is returned. www.americasgotfunding.com
Prevent Child Abuse America: Many of the state chapters within Prevent Child Abuse America offer
grants to support community-based child abuse and neglect prevention activities. Mini-grants, or onetime small donations, are often the catalysts for assistance. www.preventchildabuse.org
Denomination Grants: Check with your churchs denomination, if you have an affiliation, as they often
have grant funds available on the local (district) level as the Assemblies of God or nationally, as the
United Methodist. UM Women provide grants for ministries addressing abuse and violence prevention
or treatment. They offer direct, comprehensive services to children 5-18 years of age through A Brighter
Future for Children and Youth. Applications are available from the United Methodist Office of Mission
Opportunities. Grants do not exceed $4,000. For more information, 212-870-3738 or email: musherke@
gbgm-umc.org
www.unitedmethodistwomen.org
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Michael & Susan Dell Foundation: for 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and objective is to address the
health and human services, the education, and the technology access for youth. Specifically says that they
do NOT provide grants for individuals so it would need to be for the Camp rather than the Camper.
www.msdf.org
W.K. Kellogg Foundation: focuses on building the capacity of individuals, communities, and institutions
to solve their own problems. www.wkkf.org
Magic Johnson Foundation: supports community-based organizations serving the health, educational
and social needs of children residing in inner city communities.
www.magicjohnson.org
Milagro Foundation: partnering with the nonprofit community to serve the needs of children and youth
in the areas of arts, education, and health.
www.milagrofoundation.org
Kristi Yamaguchi Always Dream Foundation: hosts annual fundraising events for local childrens charities.
www.alwaysdream.org
Laidlaw Foundation: supports programs relating to children and the arts or the environment.
www.laidlawfdn.org
Eisner Foundation: a resource for nonprofit organizations in Southern California that help children in
need.
www.eisnerfoundation.org
David Toms Foundation: provides assistance to abused, abandoned, and underprivileged children.
www.davidtomsfoundation.com
McDonnell Family Foundation: supports programs and organizations who provide services to help
citizens become self sufficient, including children in the foster care system. www.mcdonnellfoundation.
org
WHO Foundation: a nonprofit must have a total organizational budget of less than $3 million, and cannot
have more than 30 percent of its operational budget funded by either the federal government or The
United Way. www.whofoundation.org
Dan Paul Foundation: one of the foundations target areas for funding is nonprofits that work to help
abused children. www.danpaul.org
Annie E. Casey Foundation: supports organizations that provide effective policies, services and programs
that improve the lives of children. The Annie E. Casey Foundation rarely accepts unsolicited grant
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proposals, but funding ideas are encouraged. www.aecf.org/AboutUs/GrantInformation.aspx
Corporate Giving Programs

Barnes and Noble: Considers local and national support requests from non-profit organizations.
For local donation information:
www.barnesandnobleinc.com/our_company/sponsorship/sponsorship_local/donations_local.html
Walmart: Striving to meet the unmet needs of underserved populations and support organizations that
give individuals access to a better life. We believe in operating globally and giving back locally.
KohlsAssociates in Action Program: Through our Associates in Action volunteer program, Kohls
Associates donate their personal time to make a difference in their local communities by volunteering
with youth-serving, nonprofit organizations. With every qualifying event, volunteer efforts are rewarded
with a $500 grant from Kohls to the benefitting organization.
https://www.kohlscorporation.com/corporate-responsibility/associates-in-action
You can also search for Corporate giving programs for youth on Google. Read through the
companies requirements carefully before applying.
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ASSISTANCE IN DEALING WITH CONTRIBUTIONS AND

DISBURSEMENTS
Coordinate Account Procedures with Your Church Financial Person
1993 Tax Reform Act regarding Substantiation Rules for Charitable Contributions. The passage of
President Clintons 1993 tax reform package placed additional burdens on the charitable organization
to substantiate the contributions. In order for the ministry partner to receive full deductibility of the
contribution allowed by law, you or your church must make sure they are being followed. There are some
new rules in this tax reform act that affect the deductibility of some charitable contributions.
Single Cash Contribution of $250 or More

Beginning January 1, 1994, single contributions of $250 or more cannot be substantiated by the ministry
partners canceled check. In order for the ministry partner to receive a deduction of $250 or more, they
will need to receive a written acknowledgment from the church or the charitable organization. The
church or the charitable organization will have to be registered with the Internal Revenue Service as a
501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
The statements need to meet the following requirements:
It must be a written statement
It must identify the ministry partner by name
It must show separately each individual contribution of $250 or more
It must state whether or not the ministry partner received any goods or services in exchange for the
contribution
It must be received by the ministry partner by January 31.
Non-cash contributionsGifts In Kind.

When dealing with non-cash contributions, the burden of proof on value is on the ministry partner. The
only requirement you need is a statement or a thank you letter describing the property. No value should
be stated.
Quid pro Quo

Any check of $75 or more that is partly money gift and partly payment for goods & services received,
i.e. fundraising dinner ticket, a statement must be included in the program as to what amount over and
above price of goods received is an allowable contribution, i.e., ticket price is $75, but the meal cost is
$38. Amount of contribution is only $37, because goods were received in exchange for the $38 portion
of the check.
Get ready to receive contributions. Meet with your chief church financial overseer to discuss how the
funds will be handled.
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Two ways this can be set up. And there are advantages and disadvantages to
both:
Option 1: Come under the churchs 501(c)(3) tax I.D. number-checks made out to church: XYZ
Advantages
A. You do not have to do the banking
B. The account is already established
C. You will not have to handle receipting
D. Church prepares income and expense statements
Disadvantages
A. You will not have direct access to funds
B. You will not have current information regarding account balance
C. You may have secular donors who will NOT write a check to a church or religious entity
D. Slower process to have immediate access for disbursements
Option 2: Set up separate bank account. Set up as Church XYZ doing business as (DBA) Royal Family
KIDS Camp, then checks are made out to Royal Family KIDS.
Advantages
A. You have better control of account
B. You have better accessibility to funds
C. Better exposure to the camp by having/using printed checks
D. Can appeal to outside donors who may have hesitation of writing check to Religious organization/
church
Disadvantages/cautions
A. Church treasurer must agree to open the checking account
B. Church still has ultimate responsibility to produce receipts, if you dont
C. You have to inform church financial person of all activity in the account. You are now camp director
AND camp bookkeeper/treasurer
D. You have to be disciplined in record keeping
RFK recommends that bank reconciliation be done by someone at the church with two signatures on a
check: Camp Director plus a second signer from your church Finance Department
145
ROYAL FAMILY KIDS DONATION RECEIPT

Donor Name
Mailing Address
City
State
Zip Code
Home Phone Cell Phone

Email
Donation Amount $
(check or cash only)
Check
Cash
Check Number
DESIGNATION
Camp
Clubs & Mentors
Description of items donated in-kind (not cash or vehicles)
Your generous contribution provides hope and a lifetime of positive memories for
abused and neglected children right here in our community. Thank you!
Staff Signature Date

Royal Family KIDS is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization and your donations are tax
deductible. No goods or services were received in exchange for your donation. Please refer to IRS
Publications 526 & 561 for additional information regarding tax-deductible contributions.
White Copy Donor
146
Yellow Copy Royal Familiy KIDS Office
Pink Copy Church Office
RESOURCES
BOOKS & WEBSITES
147
APPENDICES
Resources
Berkey Brendel Sheline, www.servantheart.com

Brendel, Doug The Seven Deadly Diseases of Ministry Marketing: Confessions of a Christian Fundraiser.
Berkey Brendel Sheline, 2006.
Moreau, Dr. Henri, www.supportraising.org
Mutz, John and Murray, Katherine Fundraising for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2010.
Smith, Timothy Donors are People Too: Managing Relationships With Your Ministrys Major Contributors.
Berkey Brendel Sheline, 2003.
Giving USA 2010; www.givinginstitute.org
Toastmasters, www.toastmasters.org
Building Relationships with Your Ministry Partners (author Tim Smith, Donors are People Too, 2003,
www.servantheart.com)
Fourteen components of friendship that are needed to come across in communicating with your ministry
partners (from The Seven Deadly Diseases of Ministry Marketing by Doug Brendel, Ch. 5-6, 2006
Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, by Stan Hutton and Frances Phillips
Winning Foundation Grants: A Foundation CEO Reveals The Secrets You Need to Know by Marvin
Teitel (Emerson and Church, 2012)
Winning Grants Step by Step, by Carlson and ONeal-McElrath, Jossey-Bass, 2008, Third Edition
The Communications Network Jargon Finder
TGCI Magazine
Tony Proscio is a freelance writer and consultant to foundations and nonprofits. He has written three
relatively short books on the use of jargon by foundations. While they were written for foundations, they
certainly apply to nonprofits and are funny, intelligent, and informative. These books can be purchased
through Amazon.com or found online as a PDF download.
In Other Words
Bad Words For Good
When Words Fail
www.grantproposal.com
http://grammar.ccc.commnet.edu/GRAMMAR/concise.htm
www.mcf.org/mcf/grant/writing.htm
Better Grant Proposals: How to Craft a Need Statement
Need Statement Sample
How to Write a Great Grant Proposal
The Statement of Need
148
Useful books:
*Be sure to purchase these titles through the Amazon.com shopping tool on the homepage for a portion
of your purchase to benefit Washington families!
Storytelling for Grantseekers by Cheryl A. Clarke
Getting Funded, The Complete Guide to Writing Grant Proposals by Mary Hall, PhD and Susan Howlett
Winning Grants Step By Step, Mim Carlson, The Alliance for Nonprofit Management
The Foundation Centers Guide to Winning Proposals
Urban Institute Series on Outcome Management for Nonprofit Organizations

Center for What Works Outcomes Framework Browser and Impact Measurement Framework
Kellog Foundation evaluation handbook and logic model guide)
Additional Resources:
Rensselaerville Institute, Outcome Frameworks: An Overview for Practitioners. Robert M. Penna &
William J. Phillips. $21
Foundation Center, Outcome Thinking and Management, Shifting Focus from Activities to Results. $195
(online course)
Useful books:
Elements of Style by William Strunk
The Dictionary of Concise Writing by Robert Hartwell Fiske
Web resource:
Tracking Grant Writing Work & Organization, a BlogSpot by Arlene Spencer, The Grant Plant
Web resource:
Tell an Effective Story in a Twitter Grant Proposal, Cheryl Clarke
Useful Book:
Storytelling for Grantseekers: The Guide to Creative Nonprofit Fundraising, Cheryl A. Clarke
Resources Royal Family KIDS Provide
Dr. George Wood DVD, How to be a Failure
Tim Smith DVD, Donor Development: Ministry partners are People Too, 2003
149
RFK Hope Index
150
Boys and Girls Club longitudinal study on mentoring
151
GLOSSARY OF TERMS
152
153

Royal Family Kids Fundraising Manual 21 March 2016

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1

About YOU the Asker!

About the DONOR

ROYAL FAMILY KIDS

THE VISION FOR THIS RFK FUNDRAISING MANUAL

ROYAL FAMILY INTRODUCTION

Royal Family KIDS FAITH STATEMENT

THE PURPLE CORD

ROYAL FAMILY KIDS, INC.

What They Provide

Royal Family Provides

The Local Church

People Power/Volunteers and Finances

Department of Social Services The Children

Funds, Resources, and Gifts In Kind

The Location for Camp

Number of Adult Volunteers (US)

Number of Teen Volunteers (US)

Number of Volunteer Hours (US)

Equivalent # of full-time volunteer workers*

Average # of Campers per US Camp

Number of States Represented

Number of International Countries

Number of Church Denominations

Returning Campers as Volunteers

Adoptions Because of Camp and/or Club

Foster Parenting Because of Camp and/or Club

Total Campers Since 1985

Clubs & Mentors Data 2014-2015 School Year

Outcomes & Benefits

INTRODUCTION TO FUNDRAISING FOR RFK

BUILDING A FUNDRAISING TEAM

BRAINSTORM // Building Your Fundraising Team

PLANNING WITH YOUR TEAM

TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE FUNDRAISING:

Send adequate additional information

NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE POWER

A Fundraisers Prayer from Yale University

May it be part of your ministry to the children you serve.

A Prayer for Fundraisers

PEOPLERASINING.COM SHARED THESE 9 WAYS TO INTEGRATE

INTERVARSITY POSTED THESE VERSES AND THOUGHTS ABOUT

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 1

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 2

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 3

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 4

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 5

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 6

PERSONAL FUNDRAISING TESTIMONY 7

R.O.E CHART FOR COMMUNITY EVENTS

Return On Effort (R.O.E.)

Effort (Volunteeer Hours)

INTRODUCTION TO ASKING FOR MONEY

You are very busy!

Our concerns for you

What is our critical path?

Think biblically (2 Corinthians 9:515)

Share Gods passion and our Fathers heart for kids

BRAINSTORM // Your Vision and Calling

Volunteers are needed at Royal Family KIDS

Keep it under two minutes.

Our ministry is about changed lives

1. To share _ passion and __ heart for kids.