Luke 12:48 from the Bible is a quote, which many faith-based groups will be familiar. The phrase has been translated…to him whom much is given, much will be expected (or sometimes required).

A prime example of this saying is my community garden club. The other week we faced the prospect of yet another meeting to discuss options because the bid for the dream raised beds was simply too high. Then we learned from the coordinator that she has looked back over the grants we have received and we had DOUBLE the amount of funding that we thought. So now we get everything that was in our dream garden.

But it reminds me of what a preacher once said to me…god won’t let you win a lottery if he knows it will destroy you. The truth is that many lottery winners end up bankrupt within five years…no matter how many millions. Like wise with many small and new charities, if you were given everything you think you need for your work, it might destroy you.

Occasionally, as with my community garden, a new charity will begin its mission with ample resources to accomplish its work, but organisationally this can be almost as dangerous as not having enough. If you do not take the time and commit to growing the structure of your organisation, then your windfall may become your downfall.

All of this points ot the importance of leadership and management as a solid foundation before the fundraising. It is like the old saying of putting the cart before the horse. So what is the horse?

In this personal case of the community garden:

1) We do not have a constitution or rules for the group yet.
2) We have no elected officers.
3) Or even a clear mission.

As for my small group, we are committed to the long process of building a solid organisational structure that will enable to continue to fundraise and function; not just for this year or next, but for many, many years to come. Our vision is to create a pro-type of community and sustainable agriculture that can and will be copied on other council estates across London, the UK and the world. Small thinking? Not me!

So imagine if you will what challenges would your small charity face if someone handed you a blank charity? Would you have the commitment and skills to overcome those challenges? Then begin today to address them, so that you will be ready for that blank check when it comes.

With over a quarter of a century of leadership and fundraising experience, Terri is passionate about helping small charities (those with less than 250K income) achieve big results. She is currently completing an e-course on leadership, management and fundraising for charities. By completing the course, charities will acquire all the basic tools and skills to improve their fundraising capacities, including trusts, major donors and corporate partnerships. To find out more about this e-course or to receive monthly newsletters, visit her blog BLISS-Charities.

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