Robert Rogalski, Executive Director
Joy Community School, Glendale, Arizona

In Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack makes off with a hen that lays golden eggs and a harp that sings the sweetest music at his command. His days of poverty are over. The Annual Fund component of a school development program offers a similar potential for upgrading school income with amazing annual predictability. It raises money that can be used almost immediately to cover operating costs, which grows higher each year. Once

established, it is easily maintained at a level that increases with the school budget.

The Annual Fund is a coordinated plan to gather gifts from various school supporters on a yearly basis in lieu of the continual and inefficient selling of products. (Many schools need to evaluate their fundraisers and select the best revenue producers in relationship to time spent. The Annual Fund would be an additional major source of income.) ITS PURPOSE IS TO RAISE ANNUAL MONEY TO MEET ANNUAL NEEDS.

The goal of every Lutheran School in the country should be the establishment of an Annual Fund to ease the financial burden that everyone shares.

“People giving to people“ is the theory behind annual giving. “Thank you for the opportunity.” along with a $100 check is the outcome of the annual fund appeal as illustrated by a recent donor to our school who would never have considered a gift in the past. There are many, many supporters of our schools who only want to be asked and they will give an annual gift. Why will they give? Because they believe in the mission and ministry of the school.

A good annual giving program produces not only money but also several other beneficial outcomes:

• It enables the school to broaden its base of support. A goal of this fund is to increase participation of donors.
• It creates a greater awareness of the school and its objectives.
• It becomes a major source of raising funds for unrestricted current operation needs. This is money to pay the bills and operate in the black.
• It encourages other donors to give each year, to get into the habit of giving.
• It becomes a mission-oriented approach to generate school support.
• It generates support through alumni, grandparents, and other non-members who received their Christian education in the school.
• 100% of the funds come to the school instead of 50% going to the “product” company or fund raising organization.

Yes, there are some techniques and strategies to guarantee a successful program. Contact the Lutheran School Development Center for more information.

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