Fundraising expert Nathan Brown says churches should remain optimistic about budget bottom lines. Below are tips from Nathan and other experts on raising funds in a recession.

1. Stay optimistic. But plan for tough days ahead

The data suggests that decreasing giving is not the first thing church members do in tough economic times. If this is an extended downturn, in the second year you might begin to see a retraction in church-member giving.

Sylvia Ronsvalle, executive vice president of a US-based fundraiser

The doom and gloom will become a self-fulfilling prophecy if ministers pull back, take their eyes off the vision God has given them and take too much notice of what the 'world' is communicating.

Nathan Brown, General Manager Asia-Pacific - Dunham & Co.

2. Be proactive with education

I am advising my clients to diversify their income streams. for churches this is more difficult but would mean getting new people on board with regular giving. Essentially the bottom line is not a question of finance - but challenging whether our hearts are aligned with God's priorities.

Nathan Brown, General Manager Asia-Pacific - Dunham & Co.

3. Clarify goals

What motivates Christians to give to new ministry schemes? The experts say it's those projects that actually increase the capacity of their own congregation to conduct their ministry. This is especially true in a recession.

In our experience, the need must be very compelling and very self-evident to the majority of the congregation to move forward with a major campaign in a tough economic climate.

Bill Walter, president of US-based Church Growth Services

Certainly there will be greater levels of unemployment and certain areas will be hit harder than others, so this is a season to look at the 'core' of the ministry and bolster those areas so that opportunity for gospel impact is maximised.

Nathan Brown, General Manager Asia-Pacific - Dunham & Co.

4. Pray

We need to raise $600,000… it will be tight and we are worried… we are massively vulnerable at the moment and are praying hard.

The Rev Dominic Steele, Christians in the Media, Annandale

More fundraising tips…
>> Keep an eye on the next three issues of Southern Cross, in which not-for-profit fundraising expert Nathan Brown will provide more tips on how churches can beat the recession.