Urban Ministry Blog by Urban Awareness USAhttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/Church Resources, Church Grants, Church Grant Applications, Church Grant Writing, Sample Church Grant Proposals, Church Loans, Church Leadership Training, Church IRS Compliance, Church Real Estate Developmenten-US2010-03-11T23:30:56ZSquarespace Site Server v5.9.2 (http://www.squarespace.com/)Have we achieved the dream? by Tracy J. Brownhttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2010/1/18/have-we-achieved-the-dream-by-tracy-j-brown.htmlTravoris Carnes2010-01-18T22:07:44ZDr. King Leadership Martin Luther King News / Headlines Tracy J Brown Tracy J. Brown 

Who will carry the dream in your community?

I had the honor of attending an annual Dr. Martin Luther King celebration sponsored by the NAACP.
This was the first official MLK holiday since last year’s inauguration of President Barak Obama, so you can image the excitement and energy that filled the room. The speaker was high energy and compelling when he made that point that; “although black folks have made it from the “Out House to the White House” that we have a lot of work to do in our communities.”

AMEN PREACHER! 

The preacher said it exactly right! Although we have achieved the highest office in the land, we still have some major problems to deal with in our communities.

  • 70% of our households are lead by single parents
  • Unemployment rates are double the national average
  • High school dropout rates are ridiculously high
  • Abortion rates are twice as high in our community

 

The people in the room were fired up and ready to continue working towards achieving the dream that Dr. King so eloquently shared nearly 47 years ago.

I was fired up too! But, then I looked around the room and realized that everyone there was, except me and a few others, over 60 years old.  No one in the room was under 35! Where are the next generation leaders? How do we reach them?

What do you think?

Tomorrow, I will share a few things that you can do to reach younger people in your community, but before I do, I would like to hear from you.

  1. If Dr. King was alive today, how would he feel about the progress we've made and the direction we are headed?
  2. How do you attract young people to your organization? 
  3. How do you get young people involved with community issues?


Please post your response below...I look forward to hearing from you!

Sincerely,

Tracy J. Brown, CEO
Urban Awareness USA
http://www.urbanawarenessusa.org
http://www.communitydevelopmentsystem.com

P.S..

I’ve also included a recording of Dr. Kings “I Have A Dream” speech…hope it inspires you!

 

 

 

About Tracy J. Brown

Mr. Tracy J. Brown, devoted father and husband, is a distinguished author, speaker, businessman and urban development expert.  He has achieved national prominence by teaching individuals, ministries and organizations how to socially and economically advance our urban communities to greatness using biblical stewardship principles. In 2004, Mr. Brown founded the nationally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, Inc., which  provides educational resources & consulting to faith-based and community organizations to help them enhance the lives of the communities they serve. 

 

 

Other Resources

Click Here to buy Tracy J. Browns book
 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

 

]]>The Decade in 7 minuteshttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2010/1/7/the-decade-in-7-minutes.htmlTravoris Carnes2010-01-08T02:07:16ZNews / Headlines Tracy J Brown Urban Awareness USA 

 

 

Other Resources

 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

]]>Question: How do I find funds for my program?http://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/12/30/question-how-do-i-find-funds-for-my-program.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-12-31T01:53:29ZChurch Grant Opportunities Community Development Fund Development James Bo Middleton James Middleton Pregnancy Program Question and Answers fund development how to get church grants 

THE QUESTION


My biggest question is how do I identify specific local and national funders that fund my mission which is to eliminate or prevent teen pregnancy.  Help with navigating through the process and networking with key funders without spending a great amount on conferences, workshops association dues etc. is another how to question. Is there a directory I should be focusing on that specifically funds teen pregnancy prevention and/or mentoring initiatives.

 

 

THE ANSWER

In your area, there may be a Community Foundation that could be helpful in looking at your proposal  to see if they could match you up with a potential funder.  It is important to have a proposal that addresses as many issues that will practically speak to the challenges facing teen pregnancy.  Additionally, it would be advantageous to find a model program (local or national) that you could emulate to help you to get off to a good start.  It is very important to know that you will need to present to any potential funder the exact business plan and budget showing how you will accomplish this mission.  The greater the details, the greater the chances of attracting a legitimate funder

 

 

 

About James “BO” Middleton

Devoted husband and father, James “BO” Middleton is an accomplished executive, with nearly 20 years of experience in the field of non-profit community development.  Directly responsible for over $80 million in faith-based economic & community development, Bo has a wealth of experiences including; low-to-moderate income real estate development, multi-unit residential real estate development for seniors, commercial real estate development, and small business development. Bo has also successfully implemented and obtained major funding for several community based service programs including; Preparatory Academy, Early Childhood Learning Center, Job Training Programs, Job Development Programs, Drug counseling Programs, Small Business Micro-Loan Programs, Youth Scholarship Programs and many others.  Bo’s unique skills and experiences make it possible from him to help any faith-based or community organization walk in its purpose and positively impact the communities it serves.

 

Other Resources

 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

 

]]>What are nonprofit bylaws? Where can I find samples?http://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/12/30/what-are-nonprofit-bylaws-where-can-i-find-samples.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-12-31T00:43:57Z501c3 and Nonprofit Resources Community Development Question and Answers Tracy J. Brown bylaws non-profit organization sample bylaws 

I recently received a question about "bylaws" for a nonprofit organization. Below is a great resource provided by "The Foundation Center".  This article does a good job of explaining what bylaws are.

If you need more information or have other questions about starting, managing or growing your faith based nonprofit send us an email to Questions@urbanawarenessusa.org or call us 24/7 @ (866) 975-8722 ex525 for free recorded information or visit: http://www.urbanawarenessusa.org.

We hope the information provided today is helpful!

In Service To Christ,

Tracy J. Brown, CEO
Urban Awareness USA
http://www.urbanawarenessusa.org

***************************************
Provided by "The Foundation Center"
***************************************

Bylaws are your organization’s operating manual. They define:

  • Size of the board and how it will function
  • Roles and duties of directors and officers
  • Rules and procedures for holding meetings, electing directors, and appointing officers
  • How grant monies will be distributed
  • Other essential corporate governance matters


State nonprofit laws usually address nonprofit governance matters. However, you can choose different rules, as long as they don’t violate state law and are included in your bylaws. If you choose to follow state law, restating them in your bylaws will ensure that all your operating rules are in one document.

Bylaws are not public documents, but making them readily available increases your accountability and transparency and encourages your board to pay closer attention to them. Your board should review them regularly and amend them accordingly as your organization evolves.

An exempt organization that is required to file an annual return must report name, address, and structural and operational changes on its return. Organizations that do not have to file an annual return may also report these changes to the EO Determinations Office. Some states may also require you to file bylaws and report changes.

To find sample bylaws, please see the resources below, or try an Internet search for “nonprofit bylaws” plus word(s) that describe your nonprofit (e.g., youth, environment, church, CDC). For example, “church nonprofit bylaws”.

Please note that bylaws are very specific for each organization, so you will want to change them to meet your own nonprofit’s needs. 

 

About Tracy J. Brown

Mr. Tracy J. Brown, devoted father and husband, is a distinguished author, speaker, businessman and urban development expert.  He has achieved national prominence by teaching individuals, ministries and organizations how to socially and economically advance our urban communities to greatness using biblical stewardship principles. In 2004, Mr. Brown founded the nationally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, Inc., which  provides educational resources & consulting to faith-based and community organizations to help them enhance the lives of the communities they serve. 

 

Other Resources

SAMPLE BYLAWS

HOW TO DEVELOP BYLAWS
(this is a good resource for ANY nonprofit)

Click Here to buy Tracy J. Browns book
 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

 

]]>Gods message never changes by Tracy J Brownhttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/12/23/gods-message-never-changes-by-tracy-j-brown.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-12-23T22:44:48ZHip Hop Question and Answers Tracy J Brown Tracy J Brown Youth Ministry Youth Ministry 

I was recently ask an interesting question about Hip-Hop in church. Here was my response...please post a comment to let me know what you think:

The Question

"Tracy, I now understand more and more about this so-call world of "Hip-Hop". I understand now why "Hip-Hop"has really no place in our churches and yet it's slowly creeping in our church doors. After hearing all of this, I will stand behind fellow clergy members by NOT allowing "Hip-Hop" into our churches. Would you allow "Hip-Hop" in your churches?"

My Answer

 

Gods message never changes but the methods in which we use to deliver it will.

Prime example is "Hip-Hop". Who could have imagined 15 years ago that same musical art form that created  2Pac would give birth to Lacrae? How awesome is God? Just because He felt like it, He took something as raunchy as rap and transformed it into a tool that young saved folks use to spread the gospel. WOW!

Old heads like you and I must never forget who God is and what He has called us to do. We are made for His pleasure and commanded to go, find the lost, spread the gospel and win souls for Him. If we are to reach the next generation of believers we must learn how to allow GOD TO INFLUENCE HOW WE SEE THE WORLD and NOT LET THE WORLD influence how we see GOD.

Being closed minded about Christan HIP HOP is a mistake because it allows the world to influence how we see God which can make us miss just how BIG our God truly is.

Well Minister Jenkins...that's my two cents.

Praise God,

Tracy J. Brown, CEO
Urban Awareness USA
http://www.urbanawarenessusa.org
http://www.communitydevelopmentsystem.com

 

Other Resources

 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

]]>Spiritual Slothfulness in the Church by Tracy J. Brownhttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/12/11/spiritual-slothfulness-in-the-church-by-tracy-j-brown.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-12-11T17:00:16ZBiblical Stewardship Church Leadership Training Church Leadership Training and Development Church Tools and Resources Leadership Personal Development Tracy J Brown Tracy J. Brown

Watch as Tracy J. Brown of Urban Awareness USA talks about Spiritual Slothfulness  is church leadership.

 

About Tracy J. Brown

Mr. Tracy J. Brown, devoted father and husband, is a distinguished author, speaker, businessman and urban development expert.  He has achieved national prominence by teaching individuals, ministries and organizations how to socially and economically advance our urban communities to greatness using biblical stewardship principles. In 2004, Mr. Brown founded the nationally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, Inc., which  provides educational resources & consulting to faith-based and community organizations to help them enhance the lives of the communities they serve. 

 

 

Other Resources

Click Here to buy Tracy J. Browns book
 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

]]>When Man Says No but God Says Yes by Tracy J. Brownhttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/12/4/when-man-says-no-but-god-says-yes-by-tracy-j-brown.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-12-04T11:00:14ZChurch Grant Writing Tips Community Development Economic Development Fund Development Internal Development Purpose Driven Church Tracy J Brown Tracy J. Brown Video Blog church funding

Watch as Tracy J. Brown teaches how to keep your ministry moving in the direction God has call it to go...even in times of economic uncertainty.

 

About Tracy J. Brown

Mr. Tracy J. Brown, devoted father and husband, is a distinguished author, speaker, businessman and urban development expert.  He has achieved national prominence by teaching individuals, ministries and organizations how to socially and economically advance our urban communities to greatness using biblical stewardship principles. In 2004, Mr. Brown founded the nationally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, Inc., which  provides educational resources & consulting to faith-based and community organizations to help them enhance the lives of the communities they serve. 

 

 

Other Resources

Click Here to buy Tracy J. Browns book
 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

]]>The Future of Your Ministry Budget By Mark Brookshttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/11/23/the-future-of-your-ministry-budget-by-mark-brooks.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-11-23T11:00:30ZBiblical Stewardship Biblical Stewardship Capital Campaign Fund Development Internal Development Mark Brooks Mark Brooks

The nation’s largest charities anticipate that giving will decline in 2009 by a median of 9 percent according to The Chronicle of Philanthropy. They further state that the fund-raising outlook for 2010 is not much better. The question I have for you is how will you fare in 2009?

Before we explore more about how you will fare let’s talk about some other interesting findings of The Chronicle of Philanthropy’s study of the biggest 400 charities in America. Only 16 were religious groups. Some religious groups were listed in categories such as social services since that is their primary work. Even though few are primarily religious in nature we can still learn a lot from this report.

Here are some observations that I had after reading the report.

Not all charities saw a decline in their giving.

Some saw a decline in 2008 but are poised to see an increase in 2009.

Others that saw an increase in 2008 are seeing a decline in 2009.

The over all rank or size of a charity made little or no difference in out come.

6 of the 16 listed religious charities saw a decline.

Overall these 16 saw a decline of .6% from ‘08 to ‘07.

Here is what The Chronicle of Philanthropy said these top 400 charities were doing in response to the recession. “The biggest charities are stepping up their efforts to solicit individuals, trying to explain more clearly why they need money, focusing on donors who have stopped giving, experimenting with new methods of online fund raising, and putting more time and effort into securing planned gifts.”

My question is what are you going to do about the possible decline in giving in 2009 and 2010? From the quote above it is apparent that these top charities are not going to just hope things get better. They have devised a plan of action and are working that plan. What are your plans? How will you end these last few months on a positive note? How will you get the new year off to a positive start?

Another question I have for you is this, are you even thinking about this? Sadly I find that too few give any amount of time to their stewardship plans. Those that leave it up to hope are typically the first to experience declines in giving. So, start now, if you have not already, to make sure that you end on the best footing for 2009. Ending well will set you up to start well.

As always if you need help we are here to provide that help for a price you can afford.

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

 

As the founding partner and president of The Charis Group Mark Brooks brings not only a rich background of ministry experience but also years of successfully helping Christian ministries raise funds for capital projects. His desire to better personalize the engagement that each ministry receives from their stewardship partner led him to begin The Charis Group. With creative outside the box thinking Mark has helped scores of ministries achieve maximum financial and spiritual results. The Charis Group is an Urban Awareness USA strategic partner.

 

Other Resources


About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org



 

 

 

]]>Five principles to help increase tithe and offering by Tracy J. Brownhttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/11/20/five-principles-to-help-increase-tithe-and-offering-by-tracy.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-11-20T11:00:38ZBiblical Stewardship Church growth and Development Increase tithe and offering Internal Development Tithe and Offering Tracy J Brown Tracy J Brown Video Blog 

Watch as Tracy J Brown teaches five principles to help build your churches tithe and offering.  Visit www.urbanministrytools.org to attend a free webinar on how to increase tithe and offerings in your church.

 

 

 

About Tracy J. Brown

Mr. Tracy J. Brown, devoted father and husband, is a distinguished author, speaker, businessman and urban development expert.  He has achieved national prominence by teaching individuals, ministries and organizations how to socially and economically advance our urban communities to greatness using biblical stewardship principles. In 2004, Mr. Brown founded the nationally recognized 501(C)(3) non-profit organization, Urban Awareness USA, Inc., which  provides educational resources & consulting to faith-based and community organizations to help them enhance the lives of the communities they serve. 

 

 

Other Resources

Click Here to buy Tracy J. Browns book
 

About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org

 

 

 

]]>How the Five Laws of Marketing Can Help Your Offerings by Mark Brookshttp://www.urbanministrytools.org/urban-ministry-blog/2009/11/18/how-the-five-laws-of-marketing-can-help-your-offerings-by-ma.htmlTravoris Carnes2009-11-18T11:00:13ZBiblical Stewardship Mark Brooks Mark Brooks

My neighbor called me last night to ask me out to dinner. My wife is away caring for her mother and I must say I was not looking forward to another night of my cooking. My neighbor’s wife was out so the two of us went and got some manly food, pizza!

During dinner I asked about how things went this past Sunday at the church we both attend. I was out of town working with a church and had missed the services for the second week in a row. My neighbor said, “Well I enjoyed Sunday School but I have to admit that I just zoned out during the sermon which was on getting people to pledge to the annual budget.” He further stated that he hated this time of year at our church and that this Sunday he was thinking of getting his motorcycle and taking a trip anywhere just to get away. This comes from a committed long time member who has in fact already made his pledge once again.

Could that same thing be happening to you? Could your focus on stewardship however you do it be back firing on you? This is one reason why many pastors and church leaders shy away from talking about money or stewardship in church. They fear the back lash from members. The truth of the matter is that we are not talking about money too much in church we are talking about it too little. The problem is that when we do talk about it we often do so in a way that does more harm than good.

Preaching on stewardship is a necessity. Raising funds is not optional. How you do it is. In the process of researching for my new book on Social Media and fundraising in the church I am reading a book that I think has some thoughts for us in this regard. The book is called “People to People Fundraising.” One chapter talks about how the five laws of marketing can help us in raising funds. Those laws are:

1. Make it easy. Whatever you do in terms of raising funds you have to make it easy. Churches typically have an easier time of this as the weekly offering is an easy place to give. However in these days when more and more people travel, like me, giving your members a way to give when they are not there, i.e. online or direct mail, is essential. At the same time it should be easy to go to your church web site and donate. If you do not receive funds outside of the offering plate it might not only be a result of not having the right platform for that but also it is not easy. Make it easy and they will more likely give and keep on giving.

2. Make it fun. If we err in the church it is here. We too often stress the obligation side of giving and leave out the fun side of giving. I wrote a blog post recently about this called Stick or Carrot. The annual pledge drive does not have to be a drudgery. Work hard to make it fun and you will see a vast difference in the results.

3. Make it popular. In marketing this means creating “social proof.” Social proof is the powerful idea that if we think everyone else is acting a certain way, we are likely to act that way too. In stewardship the easiest way to do this is by allowing your lay people to tell their story about why they give and the blessings they have seen in return. Show your congregations that many others are committing to support the work of ministry and you will find others joining the team as well.

4. Reward your supporters. While we should never preach that if people give, God will give back incredible wealth to them, we should talk about the rewards to giving. It’s the carrot principle. Not only do we need to stress the blessings that flow from giving personally but show them the rewards corporately. I continually stress that what we need to do is trumpet our successes. Every win should be celebrated. Winning teams fill the seats and winning ministries get the funds. So, to the glory of God, blow the horn sounding your ministries wins as a result of the faithfulness of your donors.

5. Cultivate your growing circle. The authors of the chapter I am basing this blog on at this point had a great sentence when they talked about how doing the steps above would grow a circle of supporters. They said, “Do not forget to tend it!” They then said, “We believe that most donors stop giving to charity because of dissatisfaction with how they were treated by the charity rather than personal constraints such as financial problems. The poor service? Too much mail, no thank-you acknowledgments, and little information on how their money was spent.” Make sure you do not make those mistakes or you might find your circle diminishing.

My hope and prayer is that you will work to make stewardship a joy not a drudgery for your members. It is not something you have to endure. It can be something that blesses not only the church but your members. It all starts with the right attitude and a lot of creativity and care. The time you spend on this vital area will pay long term dividends for your ministry and in the end for you.

Mark Brooks
Founder and President
The Charis Group

 

About Mark Brooks

As the founding partner and president of The Charis Group Mark Brooks brings not only a rich background of ministry experience but also years of successfully helping Christian ministries raise funds for capital projects. His desire to better personalize the engagement that each ministry receives from their stewardship partner led him to begin The Charis Group. With creative outside the box thinking Mark has helped scores of ministries achieve maximum financial and spiritual results. The Charis Group is an Urban Awareness USA strategic partner.

 

Other Resources


About Urban Awareness USA

Urban Awareness USA, bridges the gap between communities, government and faith-based organizations. Our mission is to strengthen, empower and equip faith-based & community organizations with the necessary tools and resources they need to partner with and receive funding from government agencies and private philanthropist to better serve their communities.

Urban Awareness USA
a 501c3 Nonprofit Organization
www.urbanawarenessusa.org
www.urbanministrytools.org



 

 

 

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