Macomb Christian Schools Fundraising Policy

Introduction
     Since MCS began in 1983, it has been the policy and the practice of the school to trust God to provide the necessary funds to operate the school.  Tuition has been priced at less than the full cost of education to keep the tuition rates down and to depend on gift income. Thousands of dollars are needed each year to operate the school, not including the thousands of dollars needed for land, buildings, capital expenses, and the financial aid funds.
     Fundraising is not to be viewed as a necessary evil. Fundraising activity does not contradict our trust in God any more than preparing a sermon in advance contradicts the freedom of the Holy Spirit in preaching. Scripture speaks of faith and works (James 2). We must begin with faith in God to provide and present our needs to Him. The needs then must be shared with the Lord's people.
     The giving of money to the Lord's work is a spiritual matter. Generous Biblical giving indicates the interest of one's heart (Matthew 6:19-21), I Timothy 6:17). Money is service transmitted into currency, or talents and efforts made negotiable. Our giving reveals our heart attitudes, our willingness to trust God, and our commitment to Christ. The true basis for giving is our love for God.

Guidelines for the Fundraiser

Pray without ceasing. (I Thessalonians 5:17)
Communicate the need. (II Corinthians 9)
Take pains to do what is right. (II Corinthians 8:20, 21)

Fundraising Policies

A. Our primary method of fundraising shall be to ask God (pray) and tell the people. We want to concentrate our energy and our planning into effective communication of our ministry with regular appeals for support. We will attempt to broaden the number of people who potentially may have an interest in our ministry.

B. It is the Lord’s people who will support the Lord’s work. Our request for support will be directed to believers. However, we will request support form foundations, corporations, organizations, or philanthropic individuals, that support independent or appeal for support on a door-to-door basis or in a public place within our community.

C. Giving through methods other than cash giving will also be encouraged. (Stocks, life insurance, deferred gifts, annuities, etc.)

D. Organizations within the school may conduct various minor fundraising projects to raise funds for their organization for some specific purpose. Each organization is responsible for organization, promotion, etc.

1. Promotion of these projects should be such that they do not interfere with regular giving to the school. They should primarily be directed to our community of school families and friends, not the outside community.

2. Fundraising projects must be coordinated and approved by the Development Committee.Criteriaa. That it does not interfere with regular giving to the school for current operating funds or capital funds.b. That the project has a particular purpose which will be of benefit to the educational program of the school.c. That the project will be of benefit to and assist the unity and cohesiveness of the school community and the student body.

3. Projects of this type (bake sales, dinners) should be raising funds for specific needs.

4. Projects must be spaced out on the calendar so organizations are not in competition with each other.

Summary

The Lord’s work should be done in the Lord’s way. We will emphasize (1) prayer, (2) faithful, general, sacrificial giving by the Lord’s people, (3) regular, effective communication of what God is doing at MCS, and allow some fundraising projects when the main objective of the project is other than acquiring funds (particularly for current operating needs).