As the economy improves, so, too, does the communal pot of gold for various local, national and international charities. But who’s getting the most bump in this upward trend? Turns out, some of the most traditional nonprofits are seeing the best returns. Total donations to Christian ministries were up five percent though they still haven’t topped pre-recession levels.
How to Make $15 Billion
Even though they have some ground to recover, the news is good for nonprofit religious charities. Breaking down the numbers, the news is even better for Christian groups. Of the $15 billion reported, nearly all of it - $12 billion – came in the form of unstipulated cash donations, meaning those funds could be used for just about anything the ministry desired. In-kind or noncash donations made up $2.9 or the remaining $3 billion.That $12 billion marks the highest ministries have seen, collectively, since 2008, right before the bubble burst. While it’s not surprising that giving to Christian groups is up – political season brings out the wallets as well as good economic news – but it may be interesting for some to see where all that money is going. Donations to Christian private schools (primary and secondary) were up 14 percent. Donations to Christian medical organizations were up 13.6 percent. Leadership training initiatives received 12.5 percent more, and adoption services received 11.2 percent more. Community development donations jumped 9.3 percent.
Maintain Transparency to Retain Donors
So, while the cash could go to just about any ministry need, it’s clear donors are careful with where their money goes. In other words, the vision – the story – of what would be done, was more important than the specifics of what money goes toward.That’s a lesson for nonprofits to consider. Instead of boring prospective donors with lengthy lists of specific needs, inspire them with big plans and grand ideas about what you will accomplish together.
Roman Temkin is a real estate developer from NYC.
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