In case you haven’t reserved your seat at the banquet yet, and especially if you haven’t because you cannot make a contribution, please read on. Some years ago I attended a seminar on school development with several other board members. At the seminar, the leaders explained the difference between fundraising and friendraising, and the concept has completely changed my outlook on development.

First, the term development deserves some explanation. Essentially, it has to do with those things we do to build and improve the school over the long term. It includes personnel, administration, financial management, student recruitment and retention, public relations, and database management. We have tried to give attention to all of these areas and improve the way we run things.

One of the things which was explained to us was that fundraising, while it has its place, is basically very narrow in its focus. It boils down to what will raise the largest amount of dollars in the shortest amount of time with the least expenditure of effort. But when it’s all over, the project must begin again the following year starting from scratch. The focus is simply on dollars raised. For example, with our meat & cheese sale there is a simple exchange of a product for cash. There is no other commitment from the buyer beyond paying for the product.

Friendraising takes a much broader perspective and is more Biblical. Essentially, friendraising is based on the principle that what a ministry really needs is not money but people. Our focus should be on informing people about the ministry and then providing a multitude of opportunities for them to become involved. Friendraising seeks commitment. Its goal is the development of a large number of people who understand the mission of the school and are committed to it. When this happens the school grows exponentially as people share with one another their enthusiasm.

A friend of the school does far more than simply contribute money. They pray. They volunteer. They recommend the school to others. They pray. They suggest ways that the school can develop its program. They write letters. They speak out. They recommend possible teacher candidates. They pray. They find bargains, etc.

As I said, focusing on friendraising has completely changed my outlook. I never worry about how much money will be raised through a given project or program. In fact, it can be argued that what is most important is the number of people involved rather than the dollars raised. I trust God for the finances and simply ask that He would enable us to communicate effectively with His people and then lead whom He will to come alongside and support the work as He wishes. Simple, huh?

Our upcoming banquet is our most important friendraising event of the year. It is the place where we have the best opportunity to share with a number of invited guests about the ministry and needs of the school. There will be an opportunity to commit to supporting the school not only financially but in several other ways as well. So….if you haven’t reserved your place, please do so today and invite a friend or two. It doesn’t matter whether you can make a financial contribution, it only matters that you care about the school. Plus, it’s a lot of fun and great fellowship! See you there.

Brian Hazeltine, B.Ed., M.A.
Principal, Airdrie Koinonia Christian School

Copyright © 1998/99 Airdrie Koinonia Christian School      Last modified: January 27, 1999