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If you haven't done Step 2 yet, go here.




There is no "one size fits all" cultivation plan. 

We tried to write it. Frankly, it would have been quicker to write it.

But, when creating any plan (MTD, ministry, or even a meal plan), you have to start with the person who will be executing the plan... and that's uniquely you! This means crafting a plan that leverages your strengths and passions and then tailoring it to meet the desires of your supporters.

So glad you've already gained those insights in Step 1 & Step 2.  In this step, you’ll use those insights to lay down the tracks for your MTD cultivation strategy.

Benefits of taking the time to create a plan:

  • Your brain will stop stressing about doing MTD and/or cultivation.
  • Guilt about connection with your donor team will subside.
  • You’ll have a clear roadmap, making your MTD time feel productive.


Gather your insights

  • Revised "Likes List" of 3-5 cultivation activities + your capacity & additional notes 
  • Any insights from supporter feedback you want to remember
  • Supporter list (regular and special givers) 
  • Prayer letter list (looking for those who haven't yet given)


Ask the Lord: "How do you want me to I.C.U.?"

I. INVITE people into giving opportunities.

This could include...

  •  Who
    • Potential new supporters
    • Prayer partners 
    • Irregular givers
    • Current partners
C. CONNECT personally with key supporters.

They key ingredient is to connect in a way that ministers to your key supporter's need through your giftedness. No invitation to give in this connection.

  • Who
    • Key supporters could include...
    • Larger-capacity donors. These could be regular givers, special gift partners or people on your prayer letter list. 
    • A handful who want a lot of connection *discovered from your Step 2 survey or past experience, not from you guessing. For that handful, plan to reach out more regularly in ways that work for you. But, remember, you don't have to do that for everyone.
    • Those supporters who are your biggest cheerleaders. They make the journey joyful. Reach out when you need reminded how much you enjoy your supporters. 
    • Thanking supporters. *Including those who recently gave a special gift or increased. Sharing how their giving is making an impact. 
U. UPDATE supporters regularly on how their giving is making an impact.

This involves communicating from a donor-centered standpoint vs you-centered. It is vision-building and invites people into the mission adventure with you.

  • Methods
  • Frequency
    • See your monthly capacity response 
  • Who
    • See your prayer letter list and supporter list

I.C.U. cultivation says, "I see you." 

Plug your ICU into a timeline


Not yet ready to build out a cultivation plan? That's ok! Throw the link to this page into a calendar reminder for January or that lull between Christmas and New Years and tackle it then. 

Want some camaraderie or accountability to carry out your plan?

Here are some options:

  • Join a quarterly Cultivation Cohort.  Meets once every 3 months over Zoom to check-in, troubleshoot and help you stay on track. Email MTD@reliant.org to let us know you're interested. 
  • MTD Team Office Hours: COMING SOON!
  • Schedule an MTD Consultation. Click here to schedule
  • Need regular accountability? Email MTD@reliant.org and we will set you up with a plan that works!


There are a lot of ways to slice up this pizza. You do you, boo. In other words, don't add anything into your plan you don't like to do, don't want to do or drains you. 


Include Cultivation Best Practices on this page. *See: Revisiting Cultivation - Guidebook - MTD Health and Coaching - Solomon (reliant.org)


Cultivation Plan Templates/ Examples

Cultivation Plan Example



Templates

Below are templates other Reliant support-raisers have created.

Build your own or customize one of these to get you started. 

Just remember; what works best for you is what works.


                 


          


Additional Resources 



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4 Comments

  1. Keva Ambre

    Methodology behind this page: 

    Take insights from Step 1 & 2 and turn them into an annual plan. 

    This creates more capacity for support-raising because they're not having to spend "brain calories" on thinking about what is next, or feeling like they're always having to do MTD. 

  2. Keva Ambre

    Link within body & Addtl Resources 

    1. A page on best-practices for ministry updates/  prayer letters
      • There are a number of examples on Solomon, but they're from 2015 and really dated. 

    2. A page on Donor-Centered Communication. *Keva, you'll have to write it. 

      Donor-centered reporting is one way to accomplish this. For example: You-centered reporting sounds something like, "We had an outreach last week and three people accepted Christ." A donor-centered way of reporting this would sound like, "I just had to let you know the impact you're having. Because of your faithfulness to invest in Kingdom work, three people came to Christ last week! Let me tell you what happened..." 

      If I'm your ministry partner, I've already decided what YOU do matters. Now I need you to reinforce why what I DO matters.

      • Challenge: Call 5-10 ministry partners this month just to show them how they're making an impact in the world through their giving. No time for a phone call? Try a post card or video text. *Remember - no financial asks in this communication. 

        Deeper Dive

        As you're considering how show your donors the difference their giving makes, here are a few ideas:

      • Progress on things that are foundational to the ministry/church; such as recruitment, training or outreach. 

      • Ways their gift created a "ripple effect."
      • The impact the gift had on you personally (encouragement, empowerment, afforded you to get some help, etc.) 
      • "You've helped us equip.... "
      • "Your investment is empowering us to open students' eyes to God's heart for the world. Thank you."
      • "I can't wait to see how God multiplies your faithfulness to see student's hearts turned toward the gospel." 
      • "Because of your generosity and faithfulness to the Lord, we were able to.... "

  3. Keva Ambre

    There are a lot of ways to slice up this pizza. You do you, boo. In other words, don't add anything into your plan you don't like to do, don't want to do or drains you. 


    Include Cultivation Best Practices on this page. *See: Revisiting Cultivation - Guidebook - MTD Health and Coaching - Solomon (reliant.org)

  4. Keva Ambre

    Are your engagement strategies relevant to the donors who receive them? 
    ⚪ How can you make your communications more authentic and meaningful?
    ⚪ Are you listening to your donors and responding to their interests and areas of alignment?

     Are you appropriately recognizing and celebrating your donors in ways that build
    trust and connection?
    ⚪ How can you foster a sense of trust and belonging among your donors?

    we need to design connection points 
    throughout the year that reinforce:
    ⚪ Connection to personal identity: Tailor communications and interactions to reflect the donor’s 
    values and interests.
    ⚪ Sense of trust and belonging: Create opportunities for donors to engage meaningfully with the 
    organization and each other.
    ⚪ Belief that supporters’ involvement matters: Regularly show donors the impact of their contributions.
    ⚪ Positive memories: Organize events, share stories, or create experiences that leave lasting 
    impressions


    Consider an annual event where donors are not just attendees but active participants, sharing their 
    stories, meeting the people their donations have helped, and seeing firsthand the impact of their 
    contributions. This isn’t a fancy gala - it’s an immersive experience that reinforces their connection to 
    the organization and builds a community of passionate, engaged supporters.


    Are you tracking metrics that reflect the quality of your donor relationships?
    ⚪ How can you measure the depth of your connections with donors?
    ⚪ What tools and techniques can you use to gather meaningful donor feedback?
    ⚪ How can you create positive memories for donors with your organization?