A couple of years ago, I was contacted by a local FCA leader with an interesting opportunity.  A car dealer in who was a big supporter of the FCA chapter had recently purchased a Frazolis' Restaurant building that had closed.  Needing to clear all of the restaurant equipment out in order to expand his dealership, the owner offered all of the equipment to the local FCA for their ministry but they had only 2 weeks to remove the items.  When we received the call about this opportunity, I contacted a group that were experts in liquidating warehouses and grocery stores and asked if they could bring a crew to this town and have a quick 5 day sale.  They were able to come to town, advertise locally and sell all of the tables, ovens and equipment in the restaurant; they were even able to sell the 15' walk in freezer that was attached to the building.  After all of the cost, over $3000 was given to the local FCA chapter to further their ministry.  What I love about inventory donations that are donated for God's work is that everyone wins!  The donor wins because he is able to help his favorite charity and get the items removed so he can remodel, the liquidator company wins because they are able to make a profit for their work while at the same time help benifit a local ministry and the charity wins because they are able to receive funding and not have to become liquidators.  FCA is very good at Bible studies and sports camps not restaurant equipment liquidation. 

Selling your timeshare can be much more complicated than the buying process.  In fact, it is estimated that timeshare owners can invest much more than ten (10) times the amount of time and energy trying to re-market their timeshare.  And, the results can also be disappointing - with most experiencing a sales price that is only 10 - 20% of the original.  So, why do people sell their timeshares?  Most want to use those maintenance funds in other areas - especially with the challenging economy.  Others don't feel they are getting the value for the investment.  Owners have reported that they do not want to pass the burden of expense on to their families.  Or, perhaps the excitement and luster of the resort has diminished after years of visits. 

A solution for timeshare owners that is gaining momentum in the marketplace today is through donations.  The timeshare can be donated to a 501 (c) (3) organization whose purpose is to receive the highest value possible for the timeshare through multiple liquidation processes, where those funds would then go to charity.  These organizations, like iDonate, are experts at finding the right buyers, and they handle the complete transaction - from marketing, selling, through closing.  The donor can then experience a signficant charitable donation while also enjoying a hassle free process and freedom from the recurring expenses of the timeshare. 

For more information about this and other opportunities for donation, please contact us at info@idonate.com and 888-90-donta.

            An amazing 72% of non profits indicated their need for fundraising counsel/assistance in a recent survey completed by the Servant Christian Community Foundation in June 2008.

 

            When asked “what services does your organization most need,” fundraising counsel was the top choice of Christian non profits.  Not far behind, however, were website development (67%) and information technology assistance (61%).  These results are certainly indicative of the ongoing need to raise funds for the ongoing operation of the ministry, but also the increasing reliance on marketing and building awareness through technology.

 

            Based upon these responses, it is not surprising that these ministries indicated that their top physical need was first marketing materials (78%) followed by 67% who indicated a need for computers.  A smaller number indicated the need for physical office space (22%) and office equipment (17%).

 

            In the same way, these ministries indicated their top staffing/personnel needs were as follows:

 

            Development/fundraising staff—78%

            New board members—50%

            Marketing counsel—39%

            New staff member (unspecified)—22%

            Legal counsel—22%

 

            The survey quantifies the anecdotal findings of the Servant Christian Community Foundation (SCCF).  Over the last eight years, SCCF has continued to hear of the ongoing need of ministries to raise funds.  They need to know how.  But the survey also tells a similar story:  ministries need to know how to craft their message.  This is reflected in their heavy emphasis and need for marketing materials.

 

            But the survey also shows that ministries recognize that telling their story has shifted from print media to an online world.  This emphasis is reflected in the number of ministries with needs in the area of website and technological help.  The survey, this, also validates the efforts of SCCF in working with ministries and providing them ministry development services.  These services will continue to grow to meet the ongoing demand shown in this survey.