Our country's current economic situation is not—contrary to popular belief—in recession. By definition, a recession involves two quarters of negative economic growth.

Still, as a ministry we need to deal with perception and right now many see the "R" word as real. For a board, this means we need to be creative in finding ways for our financial partners to support our work.

A board then, needs to be asking one challenging question: "Are we as a ministry doing all we can to present creative opportunities for our friends to support us?"

The most common avenue of support is the check and it will remain the most popular for the near future, but there are others we need to be presenting regularly. Here are a few:

Electronic Funds Transfer – It's the same as writing a check, but much more consistent. Presenting this option in an appeal letter or as a service to our current support base is important. And we can't stop at one presentation. Often people won't act until they've seen something four or five times.

Stock gifts – With the stock market shaky, many may consider giving stock gifts. We need to be prepared to receive these gifts, and consistently place this option in our publications.

Wills – Why shouldn't our ministry be in the estate plans of our regular supporters? By setting up a gift "society" for those who place us in their plans, we're on the way to opening the door to these gifts; often the largest some will ever make.

Gifts in kind – Frequent flier points (to send staff to conferences), construction materials, top-of-the-line furniture; all of these are gifts in kind that can drive the ministry forward. If a supporter owns a company that provides items the ministry needs, perhaps a gift in kind is a perfect way for this person to realize tax advantages.

Appeal letters – Contrary to popular belief, appeal letters are not out of vogue. While we should not bombard our friends with appeals, two or three letters a year at strategic times is not only reasonable, this approach can be effective. Many of our friends who do not attend our fundraisers are more than happy to give when an appeal letter is honest, transparent and gracious.

Fundraising Events – Tight economic times are the perfect time to look at our fundraising events. If an event is not consistently providing a significant percentage of our revenue (for the $100,000 center, at least $15,000), either upgrade it, fix it or find something else that is more effective. Events take a lot of time from clients and services. They are vital to meeting the needs of clients, but they need to count by providing valuable income.

Reprinted by permission from Boards of Excellence, a LifeTrends publication. If you'd like to know more about the resources provided by LifeTrends that can be used to encourage your volunteers, educate your Board and reach your supporters, or if you're looking for a great speaker for your next banquet, contact Kirk Walden at kirk.walden@comcast.net.