Virginia Episcopalian Magazine Winter 2015 Issue | Page 23

Sacred Fundraising, Secular Tools
This past fall, four members of the Diocese of Virginia attended the
“Sacred Fundraising, Secular Tools” development symposium in New
York City. The event was sponsored by the Episcopal Church Development
Office, and sought to find inspiration and enrichment from outside the
Church world. Session topics focused on how successful and innovative
secular fundraising practices can enhance church fundraising toolkits.

Each member of the team has written a blog post about
key themes that struck home, resonated deeply, ignited
passions, and connected with our Christ-centered ministries
within and beyond the Diocese of Virginia. Below are excerpts
that invite you deeper into the conversation of generosity.

Read. Reflect. Visit the DioDocs blog to learn more.
And let us know what draws you deeper in godly generosity.
Kirk Gibson, Director of Development @
Shrine Mont | Orkney Springs
Thank God for the Millennials

Millennials seem to be a very difficult group to engage.
As they become adults, they tend to be more unaffiliated
with structured denominations such as
the Episcopal Church than generations
before them. But they have the potential
to be a beacon of hope! According to a
2012 Millennial Impact Study, 75 percent of
millennials made a financial contribution to a
nonprofit, and 63 percent volunteered.

Millennials are savvy donors who give
their time and funds to organizations that
are making a difference… So what does that
mean for the Church and for Shrine Mont?
Kathy Guin, Rector @
St. Margaret’s | Woodbridge
Churches Are Communities of Abundance in Our Culture of Fear

As we gather together for worship, prayer, service and
community, God is preparing us for embracing Jesus’ message
of a reversal of the expectations of the world. Abundant
giving is not seen as one segment of our lives, but rather it’s
the holy thread that brings it all together.

So as I reflect on this initial question of using secular tools
for sacred fundraising, I now see the importance of being
open to creative new ways of reaching out to others – offering
opportunities that meet their deep desire to be generous,
which is centered on their love of God.

Stephanie Gurnsey Higgins, Bishop’s
Assistant for Congregational Support @
Mayo House | Richmond
When You Are Ready, You Will Hear What You Need to Hear
And I heard this:
People give to people based on shared values.
One person at a time;
One story at a time;
One thank you at a time.
We all build relationships – both within our congregations
and with others in our community – and it is through these
connections that we tell the story of Christ in our lives.
Julie Simonton,
Congregational Development
and Stewardship Officer @
Mayo House | Richmond
God is Goose-bumpy
Tax breaks are almost the last reason
people give to your church. People give
their work, their wisdom and their wealth
because the church has made an irreplaceable,
enduring impact on their l