Goal 5: Support
Rejoicing that God works in us, we are equipped to . . .
Nurture additional support from our constituents by showing transparency, gratitude, and the impact of their gifts.
INITIATIVE 5.1 Continue Development of MLC Annual Fund
- Clarify purpose (predictable and sustainable support), set budget goal, and identify revenue streams
- Develop print and online communication tools
- Implement best practices in analytics and donor relations
INITIATIVE 5.2 Develop Comprehensive Capital Campaign
- Enlist consulting firms to assist in capital campaign development
- Work with WELS Ministry of Christian Giving (MCG) for Phase 1 (2019-2021)
- Complete remaining phases of campaign
In connection with the 25th anniversary of Martin Luther College (1995-2020), we will initiate a comprehensive capital campaign with three emphases:
• Facilities (See Initiative 3.1)
• Financial aid for students (See Initiatives 1.2 and 5.4)
• Recruitment (See Initiatives 1.8 and 3.5)
We remember with deep gratitude our two previous campaigns—how by the power of the Spirit, God’s people excelled in the grace of giving, resulting in two beautiful campus additions: the MLC Chapel of the Christ and the MLC Early Childhood Learning Center. We pray that you will partner with us once again as we take the next steps in providing high-quality ministerial training. God bless our efforts to “train a corps of Christian witnesses who are qualified to meet the ministry needs of WELS” (MLC Mission Statement).
INITIATIVE 5.3 Continue to Celebrate and Communicate the Impact of MLC’s Ministry
- Intentionalize connections to constituents through print, website, social media, events, and all public relations
- Continue to inform alumni, involve them in events, and provide them the opportunity to invest in the Fishers of Men 25th anniversary drive (statue and scholarship)
The MLC InFocus magazine and the 2016 Advent Devotion booklet both won national design awards this year.
These Service Industry Advertising Awards
(SIAA) are given for creativity and quality, recognizing the content and photos of MLC and the design work of Lime Valley Advertising of Mankato. Lime Valley has won more SIAA awards than any other agency in Minnesota. MLC has been the recipient of eight of these awards in the last 13 years.
The InFocus—as well as the website, social media, events, and other print publications—is how we reach out to inform and involve you, our alumni and friends, in your WELS College of Ministry. Initiative 5.3 urges us to continue and expand these efforts, so that you and we together can praise God for his many blessings on this ministry.
INITIATIVE 5.4 Continue to Investigate Different Financial Aid Funding Models
- Expand Congregational Partner Grant Program and develop a sustainability plan
- Investigate scope and impact of federal financial aid programs (See Initiative 1.2)
INITIATIVE 5.5 Foster and Celebrate Our Constituents’ Service
- Builders for
Christ projects - Adjunct professorships
- Congregational Contact program
- Master Site Plan development
(See Initiative 3.1)
In 2014, 25 alumni and Builders for Christ volunteers gave 1100+ hours to complete part of the Chapel of the Christ basement, saving the college $27,500 in labor costs.
Initiative 5.5 directs us to foster this and various other ways our constituents serve this college with their time and talents.
