Historicity, Incorporation and Fund Development: A Broad Look at the Christian Faith Based Sector

By Dr. Janell Harvey

Faith-based organizations address a myriad of needs in communities both domestic and abroad. Leaders, new to the field, often lack the strategies needed to successfully secure funds, file form 1023, audit their annual programmatic goals and hold their board of directors accountable. Through a process of understanding the historicity of the faith-based sector, establishing plans and learning the fundamentals of non-profit development, new leaders can position themselves to lead the charge towards establishing bona-fide faith-based organizations. This book is composed of those fundamental areas. In addition to such processes, this book also looks at the mission of Apostle Paul as he led a purpose driven life to establish churches in the Roman Empire and his commitment to the benevolent offering. Clearly, those working the field of Christian philanthropy can use Paul as a model figure as they seek to establish worthwhile causes that meet the needs of people universally.

This book examines both the historical and current impact that faith-based organizations have on society. Included are the steps for individuals interested in establishing an NGO (non-governmental organization) and seeking funds. Worksheets are also provided.

The author, Dr. Janell N. Harvey is a seasoned proposal developer who has established a number of non-profit organizations while helping to garner millions in funds.

"Dr, Harvey's research presents a worthwhile model that is easily adaptable within the faith based sector. Clearly, her reference to Apostle Paul's work is legitimate as he is a model figure within the Christian faith" Attorney Trai Irving Esq.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Oct 18, 2012
• ISBN: 9781477268018

Dr. Janell Harvey

Dr. Janell NaKia Harvey is the founder and CEO of VOICE © Incorporated (Visionaries Operating to Improve Christian Entrepreneurship) a corporation that assists leaders of grassroots initiatives with establishing bona fide non-governmental organizations (faith-based; NGOs). Since 2002, Dr. Harvey has worked to establish several non-profit and faith-based organizations. Her extensive research deals with fraud prevention within the faith-based community. She is a member of the Grant Professionals Association (Co-Chair of the Faith Based-Special Interest Group), a member of the Association of Fundraising Executives (Communications and Marketing Committee) the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the Religious Research Association. In recent years she has led fund-development workshops at universities like Fordham University and Harvard as well as local non-profit organizations. Dr. Harvey has taught both marketing and proposal development as an adjunct instructor at several colleges and universities. She is the author of “Five M.I.L.E.S © from Empty, Fraud Prevention for Proposal Developers” a five step process that leaders can use to detect and eliminate fraud prior to a grant award as well as upon its receipt.

Book preview

CONTENTS

Overview

Preface

Chapter By Chapter Summary

Introduction

Chapter 1Faith-Based Movement

Chapter 2Organizational Readiness

Chapter 3Establishing A Bona Fide Faith-Based Organization

Chapter 4Going Global

Chapter 5Disclosing The Annual Report

Chapter 6Seeking Support To Sustain The Cause

Conclusion

References

Bibliography

Appendix ADefinitions

Appendix BSample Fact Sheet

Appendix CSample Contribution Form

Appendix DSample Board Member Position Description

Appendix EGiving Opportunities

Appendix FTypes Of Grant Support

Appendix GOrganizations That Fund Faith-Based Initiatives

Appendix HSample Annual Appeal Letter

OVERVIEW

Christian faith-based organizations address a myriad of needs in communities both domestic and abroad. Leaders new to the field often lack the strategies needed to successfully secure funds, file Form 1023 (exemption status), audit their annual programmatic goals and hold their board of directors accountable. Through a process of understanding the historicity of the Christian faith-based sector, establishing plans and learning the fundamentals of nonprofit development, new leaders can position themselves to lead the charge towards establishing bona fide faith-based organizations. This book is composed of those fundamental areas. In addition to such processes, this book also looks at the mission of Apostle Paul as he led a purpose driven life to establish churches in the Roman Empire and his commitment to the benevolent offering. Clearly, those working the field of Christian philanthropy can use Paul as a model figure as they seek to establish worthwhile causes that meet the needs of people universally.

This book examines both the historical and current impact that Christian faith-based organizations have on society. Included are the steps for individuals interested in establishing an NGO (non-governmental organization) and seeking funds. Worksheets are also provided.

The author, Dr. Janell N. Harvey is a seasoned proposal developer who has established a number of nonprofit organizations while helping to garner millions in funds.

PREFACE

A gap exists in the body of literature concerning Christian faith-based organizations, their history, the current movement and sustainability. While there are a myriad of books and reports that focus on nonprofit sustainability, little reference is made specifically to the faith-based sector. The overarching goal of Historicity, Incorporation and Fund Development: A Broad Look at the Christian Faith-Based Sector is to provide readers with an overview of the Christian faith-based movement including the Office of Faith Based Initiatives and Charitable Choice while supplying reference materials and templates for successful organizational development.

Furthermore, this book sheds light on the mission of Apostle Paul, his movement to establish churches in the Roman Empire and his commitment to securing the benevolent offering. Clearly, workers in the field of Christian philanthropy can use Paul as a model figure as they study the steps needed to successfully establish their faith-based initiatives. He is a role model when it comes to outreach ministries. He helped to win the Gentile souls but was not always a believer. Initially named Saul of Tarsus, Paul was converted on the road to Damascus. He witnessed the stoning of Stephen and later admitted that he persecuted Christians due to their beliefs (Acts 6:8-8:1). But God still used him. Upon his travel through Damascus, Paul later noted in writing,

Get up,’ the Lord said, `and go into Damascus. There you will be told all that you have been assigned to do.’ My companions led me by the hand into Damascus, because the brilliance of the light had blinded me (Acts 22:6-11, NJV).

As men constantly tell us that we cannot be used by God because of our past, we must remember this story. Many of you reading this book have overcome addictions and persecution, yet God has planted a ministry in your heart so that you can lead those struggling with the same issues into the precious light of Jesus. No test, no testimony. Lift up your head and remember that God knew you while you were yet in the womb (Jeremiah 29:11, NJV) and predestined you for such a time as this.

Like Apostle Paul, many of you have been called by God to establish churches and faith-based organizations while meeting the needs of the less fortunate. There is nothing new under the sun. Read God’s word, use the references at the end of this book then drive and go forward. As the Apostle Paul wrote, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:13, NKJV). And even if you have a guilty past, remember that Christ died on Mount Calvary for you. The Lord is able to forgive, wash clean your past and drown it into the sea of forgetfulness while using you to win souls and meet the needs of a dying generation. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God- (Ephesians 2:8, NIV). God has the power to save and change anyone!!

This book provides a number of the resources needed for you to establish your faith-based organization with ease. I have worked in the field of fund development for the past 14 years. In 2002, I established V.O.I.C.E. Incorporated (Visionaries Operating to Improve Christian Entrepreneurship), an organization that assists leaders with filing Articles of Incorporation and Form 1023, documents used to apply for exemption status. As a result, I helped to establish a number of faith-based organizations while providing fund-development and marketing support. By virtue of research concerning the faith-based sector I have realized that faith-based organizations have for decades provided meaningful support both nationally and internationally in an effort to aid a number of worthwhile causes.

I would be remiss if I did not thank those who have supported me, my visions and dreams for so long. Evangelist Beverly Lewis Burton, a friend for more than a decade, has prayed and provided encouragement, compelling me to become a part of the Harvest, for while it is plenty the laborers are few. Evangelist Burton is an esteemed author, poetess and speaker. Pastor and First Lady Charles A. Floyd II. Pastor Floyd is a Moody Bible Scholar whose teachings have provided me with a foundation for Christian living. He and his wife lead New Mount