“Doesn’t begging people for money feel awkward?”
The question came up in a conversation about raising funds for the kids at the Home of Hope. I suspect it’s a common sentiment.
I’ll confess – when we first started doing this, asking for financial support wasn’t easy. But I learned.
I learned to think of The FREEDOM TOUR as this big circle surrounding our kids, a circle that’s about justice and joy and celebration and love. People join the circle in lots of ways. Some walk or run or ride bikes. Some hand out food and water, some ring cowbells, some do the many thankless tasks behind the scenes.
Some donate money.
I learned that seeking donations isn’t about fundraising. It’s about offering an opportunity to join the community surrounding our kids. An opportunity to stand for justice, to be part of the joy and celebration and love.
I learned that lots of people appreciate the opportunity.
I receive all sorts of email guidance about how to improve nonprofit fundraising. I ignore most of it because it feels too much like manipulation and coercion. I’m not interested in success at that price.
To me, this discussion feels a bit like last time when we talked about new wine and old wineskins. I don’t want to pretend I can cram Jesus’ teaching about love and justice into a box labeled “efficient & effective.”
I’d rather we do our best – and trust Jesus for the outcome.
This doesn’t mean funding doesn’t matter. Our Home of Hope requires more than $100,000 per year to provide facilities, food, clothing, education, staffing, trauma care, security. We’re grateful to everyone who provides this support through registration fees, through the HOPE & FREEDOM CHALLENGE – and through donations.
These folks get to be part of God’s big story of justice. They get to surround our kids, standing with Jesus, celebrating hope and freedom.
What could be better than that?
+ + +
How about joining The FREEDOM TOUR this summer?
Freedom Tour Classic 4 cycling routes for all abilities + 5K walk.
And remember, Northern Colorado is a pretty great destination for a weekend cycling adventure!
Donate to support the kids at the Home of Hope.