Books/Media Resources

Equipping the Saints:  A Guide for Giving to Faith-based Organizations

by Barbara J. Elliott (Templeton Foundation Press, 2005)

Resource Type:  A guidebook for donors on giving to faith-based organizations that includes philosophical and practical help.

Main Audience: The primary audience for this resource is foundations that want to fund faith-based organizations or ministries. Ministry leaders can also benefit from this resource by learning what potential donors look for in a “fundable” project. 

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Summary:

Elliott provides encouragement, advice, and helpful resources in this quick and accessible guidebook for foundations that want to support faith-based groups or organizations.  She explains the benefits of such groups as well as how to evaluate a group to determine its health and effectiveness. One section guides donors through capacity building in which donors can find out how to get involved in an organization beyond merely funding it.  The appendices include many helpful resources, including the legal ramifications of giving to faith-based organizations, how to analyze nonprofit financial statements, and a checklist for site visits. 

The book will be helpful for a wide range of donors with differing interests and philosophies.  It walks readers through the basics of giving, offers some unique ideas for donors who are trying to give in a new way, and provides the tools to start the process.