GFD Field Kit: plain-text version for AI assistants Young Life Global Field Development (GFD). Hub: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/ This page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/ai/ Updated: 2026-10-19 How to use this: answer Young Life staff questions from the Field Kit content below. Name the Field Kit pages you used (title, code and page link). Every resource has a three-digit code staff can say on a call. Hub questions only: do not ask for or work with donor names or giving data. ============================================================ TRAILS (pick the sign that fits; steps are in order) ============================================================ Trail: I'm brand new here Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/trail/new Your first donor list and your first asks. Why start here: Everything starts with people who already care about you and your ministry. Build that list first, and your first asks get easier. Step 1: [101] Your first donor list https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/101 Step 2: [104] I just got hired: your 90-day roadmap https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/104 Step 3: [103] Fundraising Appointment Scripts https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/103 Step 4: [109] Two weekly targets and RCE habits https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/109 Step 5: [106] Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/106 Trail: We're in deficit (or close to it) Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/trail/deficit Find out why, then a 90-day turnaround. Why start here: First find out why giving slipped, then make a simple 90-day plan with weekly check-ins. Step 1: [111] Deficit: your 90-day turnaround https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/111 Step 2: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 Step 3: [112] Re-engage lapsed donors https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/112 Step 4: [137] Committee needs help? Three paths https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/137 Step 5: [113] How to think about cash flow https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/113 Trail: December is coming Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/trail/december Year-end plan, asks, letter and mail calendar. Why start here: Set your goal, your team and who to ask first. The deeper year-end playbooks come right after. Step 1: [120] Year-end in six weeks https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/120 Step 2: [123] Year-End Giving Development Best Practices https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/123 Step 3: [122] Scripts for Permission-Based Asks https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/122 Step 4: [126] Year-end tactics by donor tier https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/126 Step 5: [124] Year-end giving playbook: August to January https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/124 Step 6: [125] Christmas Letter to Volunteer Leaders' Parents https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/125 Trail: Our committee needs a spark Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/trail/committee Walking the Walls, start to finish. Why start here: Walking the Walls helps a Committee / Action Team see its part in raising support, and decide what to do next. Step 1: [130] Walking the Walls https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/130 Step 2: [137] Committee needs help? Three paths https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/137 Step 3: [400] Roles of Effective Young Life Committees https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/400 Step 4: [133] Characteristics of Action Team Members and Inviting People https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/133 Step 5: [135] Committee Chair Job Description https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/135 Step 6: [131] Build your RCE™ Team https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/131 Trail: More monthly donors, please Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/trail/monthly The monthly giving campaign kit. Why start here: Check how many of your donors give monthly, then run a 4-week sprint with ready-to-send templates. Step 1: [140] Launch monthly giving https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/140 Step 2: [142] Grow monthly donors: a 4-week sprint https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/142 Step 3: [145] Monthly Giving Ask: Text and Email Script https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/145 Step 4: [144] Monthly Donor Invitation Letter https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/144 Step 5: [146] New Monthly Donor Thank-You Email https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/146 Step 6: [141] Donor Stewardship & Communication Strategy https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/141 Step 7: [143] Monthly donor growth and Campership Week https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/143 Trail: We're growing. Help! Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/trail/growing Goals, a plan, then a bigger team. Why start here: Name where you want to grow before you hire or ask for bigger gifts. A clear plan makes both easier. Step 1: [155] Area Strategic Plan Template (3-Year and Annual) https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/155 Step 2: [150] 3-2-1 Goal Process for a Development Campaign https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/150 Step 3: [102] Area Director Metrics & Benchmarks https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/102 Step 4: [152] Area Admin Task List with Time Estimates https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/152 Step 5: [154] Area Administrator Job Description https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/154 Step 6: [151] A Supervisor's Top 10: Tips for Empowering Staff https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/151 ============================================================ RESOURCES (by code) ============================================================ [100] AD To Do Today (Daily Planner) Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/100 Type: Template Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: One-page daily planner for Area Directors When to use: Use each morning to pick your one big thing and list who to call, write and pray for. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1de7yOP4G1pBeNM_bC1pDZyaF-JcKnlBmKUj_hxhhAHE/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1de7yOP4G1pBeNM_bC1pDZyaF-JcKnlBmKUj_hxhhAHE/template/preview Keywords: planner; daily; to do; time management [101] Your first donor list Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/101 Type: Guide Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: Six steps from a blank page to your first five conversations When to use: You're new on staff and need to build the list of people you'll invite to partner with you. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kVnca5a4UCLT3vfaf1BxsDQqbgSZXuXG9kc4du2PHeM/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kVnca5a4UCLT3vfaf1BxsDQqbgSZXuXG9kc4du2PHeM/template/preview Glossary terms: Identify; Name storming; Ministry partner; Case statement; Fundraising Action Tool (FAT) or DonorElf Journal; Personal Donor Development (PDD) Keywords: first donor list; name storming; namestorming; prospect list; who do I ask; new staff; PDD; 150 list; referrals; support raising; how much to ask; ask amount; gift amount; monthly low and high In a line: Start with a prayer and a blank page. Leave no one out. Steps: 1. Start with prayer Prayer comes first. Build a simple prayer plan for your support raising, and ask two or three people to pray for you while you do this. Coach tip: Borrow a rhythm. The sample plan gives each day a focus, like Sunday for praying over the names on your list. Files for this step: [107] Sample Prayer Strategy for Support Raising https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/107; [106] Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/106 2. Name storm for an hour Set a timer for 60 minutes and write down every name you can. Walk through each season of life: school, college, every job. Then think in groups: church, small group, neighbors, teammates, coworkers, family friends, Young Life parents and staff. Scroll your phone contacts and social media too. The Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual, Young Life's guide to raising your own support, sets a goal of over 200 names. Coach tip: Don't say no for anyone. Write the name down now and sort later. Files for this step: [106] Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/106 3. Add the people you need to meet New to the town? Open the Community Contacts tab in Area Director Metrics & Benchmarks. Its 150 List names people worth knowing, like the mayor, pastors, principals and teachers, with columns to track each call and follow-up. Files for this step: [102] Area Director Metrics & Benchmarks https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/102 4. Sort it: who do I pursue next? Give each name a city and state. Then ask five questions: Do they love Jesus? Love you? Love kids? Love Young Life? Have a generous spirit? Each yes earns a star. Add a monthly low (a careful guess) and a monthly high (a stretch that would amaze you). Keep it all in one place: your Fundraising Action Tool (FAT), a sheet for tracking outreach and responses, or a DonorElf Journal, a named list in DonorElf, the staff fundraising tool. New to DonorElf? Grab a seat at a live training. Coach tip: Start with your five-star people who live close enough to meet. Files for this step: [106] Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/106; [105] Live DonorElf training https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/105 5. Book your first five conversations Pray over your first 25 names. Then call five of them. Ask for 30 to 45 minutes in the next couple of weeks to share what God is doing and invite them to partner with you. Bring your case statement (a short write-up of why Young Life, why here, why now), and send a handwritten thank-you note the same day. Coach tip: Ask about their life first, not the weather. Care more about the person than your agenda. Files for this step: [103] Fundraising Appointment Scripts https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/103; [410] Case statement sample: your one-page why https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/410; [104] I just got hired: your 90-day roadmap https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/104 6. Ask "who else?" at every meeting Your list is never done. At every meeting, even when someone doesn't give, ask for referrals. Try: "If you were in my shoes, who would you talk to about reaching young people with Christ?" Add new names every week. Coach tip: Bring a notepad with 10 blank lines. When names start flowing, keep writing and ask for contact details later. Files for this step: [106] Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/106 Next on this trail: [104] I just got hired: your 90-day roadmap https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/104 Say it right: Identify = Make your list, see where each person is on the engagement ladder, and pray for people by name. Don't say no for anyone.; Name storming = Writing down every name you can think of, with no filtering, to start your list.; Ministry partner = Someone who joins the mission by giving. We invite partnership; we don't just ask for money.; Case statement = Your written case for support: why Young Life, why here, why now, plus your budget and how to give.; Fundraising Action Tool (FAT) or DonorElf Journal = Where you keep your list and track outreach and responses. Name them as a pair.; Personal Donor Development (PDD) = Onboarding and training for new staff raising personal support. [102] Area Director Metrics & Benchmarks Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/102 Type: Template Trails: I'm brand new here; We're growing. Help! What you get: Scaled AD benchmarks, sample calendar, 150 list and five-year road map When to use: See what healthy looks like for a volunteer, part-time or full-time Area Director, then put it on the calendar so nothing slips. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zM3n58vg04BrbLyf0mlsd8AXmnYmexOK0j0YiON7yD8/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1zM3n58vg04BrbLyf0mlsd8AXmnYmexOK0j0YiON7yD8/template/preview Glossary terms: Kids known by name (KKBN); Mission community; Contact work; Campaigners Keywords: metrics; benchmarks; AD expectations; supervision; yearly calendar; 150 list; road map; solitude [103] Fundraising Appointment Scripts Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/103 Type: Script Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: Voicemail, phone and meeting scripts for support-raising appointments When to use: Use when you're setting up face-to-face, Zoom or phone appointments to invite people onto your financial support team. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wvm4Vhr7tR3rmUt539zSj9TmqRGa67M78xPYHwET2lI/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wvm4Vhr7tR3rmUt539zSj9TmqRGa67M78xPYHwET2lI/template/preview Glossary terms: Case statement Keywords: personal support raising; PDD; appointment; voicemail; ask; follow-up email; coffee; donor meeting; ask for money; how to ask; what to say; after the meeting; follow up email; not right now; not sure yet; too high; won't meet; how much to ask; ask amount; thank you note; thank you email; handwritten note; after they say yes; ask for a meeting; phone script; face to face ask; pledge card; tell a story; kid story; ask script [104] I just got hired: your 90-day roadmap Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/104 Type: Guide Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: A 90-day roadmap, starter library and mindset shifts When to use: You're new to Young Life staff and want a week-by-week path for building support in your first 90 days. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bkMAQB8vPX0qf3ENdEjv8HiJd4zO0q5ikPqu_b3Ho60/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1bkMAQB8vPX0qf3ENdEjv8HiJd4zO0q5ikPqu_b3Ho60/template/preview Glossary terms: Ministry partner; Case statement; Stewardship; Committee / Action Team Keywords: new staff; onboarding; first 90 days; namestorming; case statement; first donor conversations; symposium [105] Live DonorElf training Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/105 Type: Training Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: Sign up for a live, hands-on DonorElf session When to use: You want help getting started in DonorElf or have questions a live session can answer. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FEiZ5tMahQzmQK5PzkM7a4f-nEiK2mGPp_6lwZd0Tos/viewform Keywords: donorelf; donor elf; training; office hours; help In season: 10-01 to 12-31 (MM-DD) [106] Personal Donor Development (PDD) Manual Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/106 Type: Guide Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: Young Life's guide to raising personal support When to use: Use when you start raising your personal support, or when you supervise someone who is. Open in Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dCajurIwq2PCLkjiCHHGOB-545KEHxoY/view Glossary terms: Personal Donor Development (PDD) Keywords: PDD; personal donor development; support raising; manual; they said no; if they say no; they said maybe; how much to ask; monthly low and high; fear of rejection; thank you ideas; donor gifts; donor events; storytelling; kid story; start raising money [107] Sample Prayer Strategy for Support Raising Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/107 Type: Template Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: Daily, weekly and monthly prayer plan for support raising When to use: Use when you start raising personal support and want a simple rhythm of prayer around your asks. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14RuNB3LDdN0nIcPkFr_SFl3U_kkxx82cnFs247Z_3HI/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14RuNB3LDdN0nIcPkFr_SFl3U_kkxx82cnFs247Z_3HI/template/preview Keywords: prayer; support raising; PDD; fasting; prayer plan [108] Three facts about stewardship (Bible study) Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/108 Type: Training Trails: I'm brand new here; Say it right What you get: A Bible study worksheet on money, generosity and stewardship When to use: Before you start asking, reflect on your own relationship with money: God owns everything, people manage it, and stewardship is learned and led. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aBpU5oUCFNHryZ_9zxQjklMHQE0ob6T3NvgqP0oophw/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1aBpU5oUCFNHryZ_9zxQjklMHQE0ob6T3NvgqP0oophw/template/preview Glossary terms: Stewardship; Steward; Generosity Keywords: 3 facts of stewardship; bible study; theology of money; generosity; new staff; worksheet [109] Two weekly targets and RCE habits Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/109 Type: Guide Trails: I'm brand new here; Start here What you get: Two weekly targets plus daily to annual RCE habits When to use: You want a simple weekly rhythm you control: two donor meetings and half a day for development, plus habits for every season. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mv4ziDRiW8hBg4zPu4Akj4XmugO2aTAStevX-X4Aigw/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mv4ziDRiW8hBg4zPu4Akj4XmugO2aTAStevX-X4Aigw/template/preview Glossary terms: Lead activities; Lag goals; RCE Lifecycle; Journal (Donor Elf) Keywords: weekly targets; 2 donor meetings; half day; habits; rhythm; lead vs lag [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 Type: Guide Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: A 7-step diagnosis, 1–3 month plan and 8 common challenges When to use: Use when an area falls below one month's surplus or enters deficit; diagnose first, then follow the recovery plan and monthly calls. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1baxRt28B1z0362_8lsUEd1JArWWOcqv2HBo1b5Kxb-E/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1baxRt28B1z0362_8lsUEd1JArWWOcqv2HBo1b5Kxb-E/template/preview Glossary terms: Lapsed donor; Operating reserve; Cash flow; Committee / Action Team Keywords: deficit; recovery plan; diagnose; budget vs actual; Adaptive; monthly calls; matching gift; in the red; short on money; cut spending; freeze spending; afraid to ask; rejection; discouraged; donor fatigue [111] Deficit: your 90-day turnaround Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/111 Type: Guide Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: Six steps from diagnosis to a 90-day plan and weekly check-ins When to use: Your area is behind budget or close to it, and you want a clear first meeting, a 90-day plan and a weekly rhythm. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Izx-coaaadyLF-Ffn6R7NctSh1dg6D33iXLI0P6-Tpk/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Izx-coaaadyLF-Ffn6R7NctSh1dg6D33iXLI0P6-Tpk/template/preview Glossary terms: Deficit Coaching; Diagnose before prescribe; Cash flow; Lapsed donor; Recurring Donor %; Donor retention; Committee / Action Team Keywords: deficit; behind on budget; turnaround; 90-day plan; recovery; diagnostic; budget gap; weekly check-in; Adaptive; KPI; in the red; short on money; area is behind; cut spending; pause spending; how far behind; operating reserve; savings cushion; matching gift challenge In a line: Find out why, then turn it around together. Steps: 1. Gather your team for a diagnostic meeting Start with a sit-down. Bring your supervisor in from day one, and your Committee / Action Team chair (the volunteer who leads your local adult support team) if you have one. Pull your current numbers from YLConnect (Young Life's donor database) or DonorElf and answer two questions together: How far behind are we? By when do we need to close the gap? Coach tip: Been behind for three months or more? Ask for a Global Field Development (GFD) coach. You don't have to do this alone. Files for this step: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 2. Diagnose before you prescribe Work through the field guide's seven diagnostic steps: budget vs. actual in Adaptive (Young Life's budgeting tool), revenue shortfalls, expense overruns, operations, donor trends over the last one to two years, event results, and the type of deficit. Is it one-time, like an unexpected repair, or recurring? Is it a funding issue or a cash flow issue? Coach tip: Write each main cause in one sentence. Your plan aims straight at those. Files for this step: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 3. Write down your starting numbers Record a few health numbers now so you can watch them move. Recurring Donor % (the share of donors giving monthly): 50% or more is green, 30–49% yellow, under 30% red. Donor retention (how many of last year's donors gave again): 60% or more is green, under 45% red. Top three donors' share of your giving: under 30% is green, over 50% red. Coach tip: Under 30% recurring? Add the monthly giving sprint to your plan. Files for this step: [142] Grow monthly donors: a 4-week sprint https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/142 4. Build your 90-day plan Map months one to three with 30-, 60- and 90-day milestones. Cover four things. Budget: revise it to reflect the gap, pause extra spending and trim where you can. Donors: reach out personally to lapsed and occasional donors, and look for current donors who could give more. Committee / Action Team: share the plan openly and give each member a specific action step. Activity: set weekly targets for calls, meetings and asks, and pick one event or campaign for the next 60 days. Coach tip: Consider asking a major donor to offer a matching gift challenge. Files for this step: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110; [112] Re-engage lapsed donors https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/112; [114] One Pager on the Week of Giving https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/114 5. Check in every week Set a weekly or every-other-week call with you, your committee chair and your supervisor to keep the plan moving. GFD's monthly coaching calls use a simple share you can borrow: the current number, recent actions, what's in the way, goals for the next two weeks, and two or three donor conversations to start. Coach tip: Celebrate faithfulness, not perfection. Your deficit doesn't define your worth. Files for this step: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 6. Watch the numbers move, then build a cushion At each milestone, compare your health numbers to your starting point. Report progress, celebrate small wins, and adjust if a target slips. When you're through, debrief with your committee and plan next year's budget: grow spending only after new money is secured, and work toward an operating reserve, a cushion of savings. Coach tip: Next year, consider budgeting donations at 90% of last year's. Files for this step: [113] How to think about cash flow https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/113; [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 Next on this trail: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 Say it right: Deficit Coaching = Intensive GFD support for areas behind budget, built around a 90-day turnaround plan. Also called Deficit Recovery Coaching.; Diagnose before prescribe = Understand why before you recommend a fix.; Cash flow = Money in and out over a year or more. Start with a realistic budget and grow spending only after new money is secured.; Lapsed donor = A past donor who hasn't given in 12 months or more.; Recurring Donor % = The share of your donors who give monthly. Green 50% or more, yellow 30–49%, red under 30%.; Donor retention = How many of last year's donors gave again this year. Green 60% or more, red under 45%.; Committee / Action Team = Your local adult support team. Committee is the U.S. term and Action Team the international one, so say them as a pair. [112] Re-engage lapsed donors Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/112 Type: Guide Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: Six steps, a ready letter and a call plan When to use: Donors who gave before but not in the last 12 months. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jsk95LLLeb6N1GUkuFzsY99c4CKtVbWyH4s4kXa0gP8/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Jsk95LLLeb6N1GUkuFzsY99c4CKtVbWyH4s4kXa0gP8/template/preview Glossary terms: Lapsed donor; Warm lapsed; Re-engagement; Adult guest; Steward Keywords: lapsed donors; win back; reactivate; re-engage; we miss you; lapsed list; retention; follow up; stopped giving; past donors; former donors; call lapsed donors; bring donors back In a line: They gave because they believed. Invite them back into the story. Steps: 1. Pull your lapsed list In DonorElf, find everyone who gave before but not in the last 12 months. For each person, note who their main contact was, whether their last gift was also their first, and whether they moved from giving through a business to giving personally (update YLConnect, Young Life's donor database, if so). Fix the quick ones now: expired cards and failed auto-gifts. Coach tip: The main contact before the lapse is the best person to make the call later. Files for this step: [116] Yearly Lapsed Donor Engagement Campaign https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/116; [105] Live DonorElf training https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/105 2. Sort into three groups Major lapsed (gave $500 or more), regular lapsed, and one-time lapsed. Flag your warm lapsed too: people whose last gift was their first. Files for this step: [121] Campaign playbooks: lapsed, year-end, Week of Giving https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/121 3. Give your top groups a personal touch Call your top 10 lapsed donors yourself. Try: "I noticed we haven't connected in a while. I wanted you to know what's been happening with the kids..." This call is just to reconnect, with no ask. Then send a handwritten note with a recent photo or story to the next 20. Coach tip: Listen for what's changed in their life. Lead with the story, not the budget. Files for this step: [110] Deficit recovery: the complete field guide https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/110 4. Send a "we miss you" letter or email to everyone else Use the ready letter: say you miss them, share the impact since their last gift with a photo and three then-and-now stats, and let them know you'll call in the next two weeks. Handwrite the greeting. For email, use the subject "We miss you" or "Here's what you made possible," add a 60-second phone video, and close softly: "Would you consider rejoining us?" Files for this step: [116] Yearly Lapsed Donor Engagement Campaign https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/116; [121] Campaign playbooks: lapsed, year-end, Week of Giving https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/121 5. Call, thank and follow up Two weeks after the letter, call. Listen for why they stopped, and invite them to be an adult guest at club or camp. Send a handwritten thank-you for every call, whatever the answer. Then follow up: a "yes" gets a check-in a week later plus an easy text or email with how to give; a "maybe" gets a check-in in a week; everyone else stays on your list for Young Life updates. Coach tip: Have a few local stats ready before you dial. Files for this step: [116] Yearly Lapsed Donor Engagement Campaign https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/116; [121] Campaign playbooks: lapsed, year-end, Week of Giving https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/121 6. Keep them close this time Add everyone who comes back to your regular rhythm of thank-yous and updates (stewardship). Thank within 48 hours of every gift, share a kid story at least every quarter, and don't let more than 90 days pass without a touchpoint. Set a quarterly lapsed-donor check-in so this becomes a habit. Coach tip: Plan the year in one sheet: the stewardship strategy maps thank-yous, updates and calls by month. Files for this step: [141] Donor Stewardship & Communication Strategy https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/141 Next on this trail: [137] Committee needs help? Three paths https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/137 Say it right: Lapsed donor = A past donor who hasn't given in 12 months or more.; Warm lapsed = A lapsed donor whose last gift was also their first gift.; Re-engagement = Inviting lapsed donors back: a letter, a call, a thank-you note and follow-up.; Adult guest = An adult invited to experience club or camp firsthand as a guest.; Steward = Thank quickly and personally, share stories every 6–8 weeks, and care for people as friends. [113] How to think about cash flow Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/113 Type: Guide Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it); We're growing. Help! What you get: A budget-first way to grow, with vision examples When to use: Building or adjusting a budget: grow spending only after new revenue is secured, and tie new money to a named vision. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s5CYiHcD55GIlZot4WNGeSUoWtwbk-aJ3g0ZhauIwgs/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s5CYiHcD55GIlZot4WNGeSUoWtwbk-aJ3g0ZhauIwgs/template/preview Glossary terms: Cash flow; Budget Keywords: cash flow; budget; spend; growth; vision; realistic budget; spending; set a budget; can we afford it; grow the budget; when to hire; spend more [114] One Pager on the Week of Giving Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/114 Type: Guide Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: Plan, launch and follow up a campership Week of Giving When to use: Use when your area needs a focused campership push, ideally seeded with a matching fund. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AUtNi7dyV3ml-9o-MJIQQpGcGTxfls0E54Kpt7M6DVg/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AUtNi7dyV3ml-9o-MJIQQpGcGTxfls0E54Kpt7M6DVg/template/preview Glossary terms: Campership; Mission community; Matching gift Keywords: week of giving; campership; camp scholarships; giving week; match; GiveBig [115] Week of Giving Calendar and Copy Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/115 Type: Template Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: Seven-day post, text and email plan with ready-to-send copy When to use: Use alongside the Week of Giving one-pager to run each day of a campership giving week. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ow-wVzE54Kqz7Mpo0ziCYCdtGh-6PXxymYqEBomE6GA/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Ow-wVzE54Kqz7Mpo0ziCYCdtGh-6PXxymYqEBomE6GA/template/preview Glossary terms: Campership; Matching gift Keywords: week of giving; campership; social media posts; email copy; text message; giving week [116] Yearly Lapsed Donor Engagement Campaign Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/116 Type: Guide Trails: We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: Letter, call and thank-you steps plus a ready lapsed-donor letter When to use: Use once a year to invite donors who haven't given in the past year back into the story. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cDK6ZfeokljY9p3Eh9yT6aVYooCJ-66mDWiCPHCmAkg/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cDK6ZfeokljY9p3Eh9yT6aVYooCJ-66mDWiCPHCmAkg/template/preview Glossary terms: Lapsed donor; Adult guest Keywords: lapsed donors; win back; reactivate; we miss you; re-engage; lapsed donor letter; letter to past donors; stopped giving; they said no; call after letter; bring donors back; thank you after call [120] Year-end in six weeks Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/120 Type: Guide Trails: December is coming What you get: Seven steps from goal to January thank-yous When to use: It's mid-October and you want a focused year-end plan you can still pull off. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AUwckUbYXBbumPrE5-q9KAQk_Iu6gIX4Pqp5fXDCjKY/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AUwckUbYXBbumPrE5-q9KAQk_Iu6gIX4Pqp5fXDCjKY/template/preview Glossary terms: Donor tiers; Major donor; Mid-level donor; Matching gift; GivingTuesday; Year-End Chair Keywords: year-end; December; year end appeal; mailer; appeal letter; GivingTuesday; Thanksgiving; major donors; goal; six weeks; year end letter; letter outline; year end goal; how much to raise; reply envelope; thanksgiving thank you; thank donors in january In a line: Lead with vision, finish with faith. Steps: 1. Set your goal and your why Treat year-end like an event, not an afterthought. Take last year's year-end giving and add at least 25%. First year doing this? Think through who you might ask and set a goal from there. Then name what the money is for, like a new club, camp scholarships or a contact work fund for your leaders. Coach tip: Quick math: $15,000 last year means $18,750 or more this year. Files for this step: [123] Year-End Giving Development Best Practices https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/123; [121] Campaign playbooks: lapsed, year-end, Week of Giving https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/121 2. Build your team and your calendar Recruit a small year-end team: a Year-End Chair to lead and keep everyone on track, someone on admin to run reports and press send, someone on marketing, and callers for major and mid-level donors. You stay close to major donors and meet with your chair regularly. Then put it all on one calendar: prayer, team meetings, emails, posts, the mailer and calls. Coach tip: Missed this fall's Year-End Giving Cohort sessions? Last year's recordings will help you catch up. Files for this step: [123] Year-End Giving Development Best Practices https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/123; [124] Year-end giving playbook: August to January https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/124 3. Sort donors into three tiers Major donors, mid-level donors and everyone else. Major donors (often your top 5–10) get a personal ask. Mid-level donors get the appeal plus a personal touch, like a handwritten note or a thank-you call. Everyone else gets your best stories by mail, email and social. Build the segments as DonorElf Journals (named lists in DonorElf, your fundraising tool). Coach tip: Give each member of your Committee / Action Team (your local adult support team) five mid-level donors to call and thank in November. Files for this step: [126] Year-end tactics by donor tier https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/126 4. Meet with major donors now Your major donors give in the last months of the year whether you ask or not, so start these conversations in October. Learn why they give and what they care about. Call to set up a 30–45 minute visit, share your vision, and make a clear ask. Coach tip: Ask a major donor about a matching gift. A match could double what you raise. Files for this step: [122] Scripts for Permission-Based Asks https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/122; [126] Year-end tactics by donor tier https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/126 5. Get your letter in mailboxes by Thanksgiving Finalize the mailer and get it to the printer by the end of October. Open with one kid's story, connect the reader to it ("Because of you..."), cast vision for next year, make a clear ask, make giving easy with a reply envelope and online link, and close with gratitude. Add handwritten P.S. notes for key people, and set up your year-end giving page so the link is ready. Mail it no later than a week before Thanksgiving. Writing to volunteer leaders' parents? Use the Christmas letter in December. Coach tip: Host a letter-stuffing and note-writing party with your committee, and pray over the letters as you go. Files for this step: [124] Year-end giving playbook: August to January https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/124; [125] Christmas Letter to Volunteer Leaders' Parents https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/125 6. Go public: Thanksgiving to December 31 Around Thanksgiving, send a thank-you with no ask. Make GivingTuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving) your online kickoff. In December, follow up with mid-level donors, send emails around December 15, December 26 or 27, and December 30 and 31, and text your giving link in the last week. Do a final mailbox pickup on the 31st and overnight any checks. Coach tip: Track gifts against your goal as they arrive, so you know who to follow up with personally in December. Files for this step: [124] Year-end giving playbook: August to January https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/124 7. Thank everyone in January Plan a small celebration with your team. Send a handwritten thank-you to every donor, big or small, and a follow-up email with an impact report. Call anyone who said they had already given for the fiscal year and set up a time to meet. Coach tip: Then look at results by tier: what worked, and what to change next year. Files for this step: [124] Year-end giving playbook: August to January https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/124 Next on this trail: [123] Year-End Giving Development Best Practices https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/123 Say it right: Donor tiers = Grouping donors by giving capacity (major, mid-level, everyone else) so each group gets the right kind of touch.; Major donor = Typically your top 5–10 donors, or those above a high threshold. They get a personal ask.; Mid-level donor = Core supporters who give at a significant but lower level than major donors.; Matching gift = A gift pledged to match what others give, which can double what you raise.; GivingTuesday = A global day of generosity on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving.; Year-End Chair = The volunteer who oversees your year-end campaign and keeps the team on track. [121] Campaign playbooks: lapsed, year-end, Week of Giving Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/121 Type: Guide Trails: December is coming; We're in deficit (or close to it) What you get: A lapsed-donor sequence, year-end essentials and team roles When to use: Planning a lapsed-donor re-engagement or a year-end campaign and want the steps, goal formula and team roles in one place. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/168uwrre7xGa1zRmf_fx9IqAGGrNqvdw6slPUwIirTGE/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/168uwrre7xGa1zRmf_fx9IqAGGrNqvdw6slPUwIirTGE/template/preview Glossary terms: Lapsed donor; Warm lapsed; Adult guest; Year-End Chair; Week of Giving Keywords: lapsed donors; we miss you letter; year-end campaign; 125% goal; matching gift; Week of Giving; year-end team [122] Scripts for Permission-Based Asks Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/122 Type: Script Trails: December is coming What you get: Pre-ask call scripts and a face-to-face year-end ask When to use: Use in the fall to set up year-end meetings and make a clear, permission-based ask. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nCzknNZH_b3GiEuLv8MUh3lpqRc7uZW6qPc03CeB1gI/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nCzknNZH_b3GiEuLv8MUh3lpqRc7uZW6qPc03CeB1gI/template/preview Glossary terms: Matching gift Keywords: year-end ask; pre-ask; phone script; Zoom; permission-based ask; match; major gift; big ask; ask; how much to ask; ask range; too high; not sure yet; not right now; ask script; set up a meeting; make the ask [123] Year-End Giving Development Best Practices Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/123 Type: Guide Trails: December is coming What you get: Goal setting, major donor outreach, communications and team roles When to use: Plan your year-end campaign like an event: set a goal, research major donors, build a calendar and recruit a team. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BtyRNcCFmzL8g5X84kEMCrizwH8MggV3JoEyWZ9u21c/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BtyRNcCFmzL8g5X84kEMCrizwH8MggV3JoEyWZ9u21c/template/preview Glossary terms: Major donor; Matching gift Keywords: year-end; December; YE campaign; goal setting; MarCom; year-end team In season: 10-01 to 12-31 (MM-DD) [124] Year-end giving playbook: August to January Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/124 Type: Guide Trails: December is coming What you get: Month-by-month checklists, call agendas and a sample calendar When to use: Running a year-end campaign: start with August pre-work and follow each month's checklist through January thank-yous and evaluation. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LV1gEoelUV7XbxZPbmdWXw9uB3z2jupPPu0USdl94iA/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LV1gEoelUV7XbxZPbmdWXw9uB3z2jupPPu0USdl94iA/template/preview Glossary terms: Donor tiers; Major donor; Mid-level donor; GivingTuesday; KNOWN Campaign; RCE™ Team; Journal (Donor Elf) Keywords: year-end; December; GivingTuesday; appeal letter; mailer; Webconnex; MarCom; thank you; sample calendar; year end letter; thank you note; thank you letter; handwritten thank you; thank you call; impact report; letter stuffing party [125] Christmas Letter to Volunteer Leaders' Parents Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/125 Type: Template Trails: December is coming What you get: Christmas letter inviting volunteer leaders' parents to give When to use: Use at Christmas to thank leaders' parents and invite them to support the ministry their child loves. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/145McMjzT0YrncohmrjAks3xJ5eIBMI2H1X716Z9l_4w/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/145McMjzT0YrncohmrjAks3xJ5eIBMI2H1X716Z9l_4w/template/preview Keywords: leader parents; Christmas; volunteer leaders; parents; leaders [126] Year-end tactics by donor tier Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/126 Type: Guide Trails: December is coming What you get: Strategy, faith angle and metrics for each donor tier When to use: Planning year-end outreach and want a different, personal approach for major, mid-level and general donors. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zRha-jmmVi-tn4IubqY3DTXciPWzcScwyM7sx9CUKUg/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zRha-jmmVi-tn4IubqY3DTXciPWzcScwyM7sx9CUKUg/template/preview Glossary terms: Major donor; Mid-level donor; Donor tiers; Recurring giving; Stewardship Keywords: year-end; major donors; mid-level; segment; tiers; metrics; retention; major gift; big ask; ask; top donors; donor levels; major donor definition; small donors; thank major donors [130] Walking the Walls Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/130 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Self-assessment, a 90-minute training, goals and follow-up When to use: Your Committee / Action Team is quiet or inconsistent and you want every member owning a piece of the ministry again. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J66OmrLoGVuJI7GHToR03Ns6vO5T0dqHbyHumDiEehU/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1J66OmrLoGVuJI7GHToR03Ns6vO5T0dqHbyHumDiEehU/template/preview Glossary terms: Walking the Walls; Committee / Action Team; Mission community; Sub-team; Resource Team; 3-2-1 Goal Process; Ambassador Keywords: Walking the Walls; WtW; committee; action team; board; committee training; inactive committee; committee goals; roles; monthly meeting; meeting tips; run a meeting; committee orientation; what committees do; committee meetings In a line: Help your committee own the ministry with you. Steps: 1. Start with a self-check Walking the Walls is Global Field Development (GFD) training that helps your Committee / Action Team (your local adult support team; Action Team is the international name) own the ministry with you. It has four parts: a self-check, a 90-minute training, goal-setting and follow-up. Do the self-check with your committee chair, using the three signs of a healthy committee: you meet at least monthly with a clear agenda, every member owns a role or sub-team, and members have seen ministry happen and can tell the story. Then name where your committee is today: active, inconsistent or inactive. Coach tip: This is a starting line, not a grade. Files for this step: [137] Committee needs help? Three paths https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/137 2. Invite every member personally Before the training, send each member a personal note: "I need you, and here's why." Inviting someone new? Explain what kids in your community face, share your why, present the vision, show why the team matters, and ask them to prayerfully consider joining. Keep it compelling, clear and concise. Coach tip: Don't say no for anyone in your head. Let them decide. Files for this step: [133] Characteristics of Action Team Members and Inviting People https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/133 3. Run the 90-minute training A GFD coach leads the 90-minute Walking the Walls training with your committee, then follows up with you afterward. Ask your GFD coach to set a date. Ground the time in what a committee does: help create the vision for reaching every kid, pray, promote Young Life in the community, raise funds for the local budget, watch the area's finances, and support staff and leaders. Coach tip: Open with Partners vs. Fans as a devotional. It invites people from cheering on the sidelines to joining you on the field. Files for this step: [400] Roles of Effective Young Life Committees https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/400; [139] Partners vs. Fans https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/139 4. Give everyone a job In a healthy committee, every member owns something. Name a chair who partners closely with you, then match people to roles like fundraising and finance, events, prayer, staff and leader care, donor care, and communication and admin. Each role can build its own small team. Ministry-level tasks, like dinner before club or prayer for one school, can belong to a Resource Team. Coach tip: Ask people for a specific role. A clear job is easier to say yes to. Files for this step: [135] Committee Chair Job Description https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/135; [134] Committee and Resource Teams Structure https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/134 5. Set 2–3 goals for the next 90 days Leave the training with two or three concrete goals for the next 90 days, each owned by one person. Need ideas? The interest meeting agenda lists sample committee goals, like a new fundraising chair, growing annual revenue or recruiting more leaders. The 3-2-1 Goal Process helps too: staff and committee answer three questions (Who are we? Where are we going? How will we get there?) and set this year's goals together. Files for this step: [136] Committee Interest Meeting Agenda https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/136; [150] 3-2-1 Goal Process for a Development Campaign https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/150 6. Follow up and keep the rhythm Follow-up is the last part of Walking the Walls: check in with your GFD coach on your 90-day goals. Meet at least monthly. Plan each agenda with your chair, send it ahead, and start and end on time. Use meetings to report progress; the real work happens in between. Then refresh Walking the Walls with your committee once a year. Coach tip: Celebrate wins publicly and share a short vision update at each meeting. Files for this step: [109] Two weekly targets and RCE habits https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/109 Next on this trail: [137] Committee needs help? Three paths https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/137 Say it right: Walking the Walls = Committee / Action Team engagement and fundraising training: 90 minutes plus follow-up.; Committee / Action Team = Your local adult support team. Committee is the U.S. term and Action Team the international one, so say them as a pair.; Mission community = The wider circle of adults who support Young Life locally with prayer, relationships, gifts, presence and money.; Sub-team = A small working group with a clear role, like prayer, care, events or donor care.; Resource Team = A team for one ministry or school that owns ministry-level tasks, like dinner before club or prayer for a group of kids.; 3-2-1 Goal Process = A yearly planning process: staff and committee answer three questions (Who are we? Where are we going? How will we get there?) and set this year's goals.; Ambassador = Co-owns the ministry and invites others in with time, money and influence. Always "Ambassador", never "Advocate". [131] Build your RCE™ Team Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/131 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark; We're growing. Help! What you get: Who to choose, Pray • Think • Act, and a 6-step invite When to use: You want a small group of trusted, influential people to pray, think and act with you, alongside or instead of a monthly committee. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XA4Wqf0vtVRKrutKiZCD9FP067sjcifVD79Nc4r_3YQ/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XA4Wqf0vtVRKrutKiZCD9FP067sjcifVD79Nc4r_3YQ/template/preview Glossary terms: RCE™ Team; Pray • Think • Act; Mission community Keywords: RCE team; invite script; influencers; 40-day prayer covenant; team rhythm [132] Business and Family Annual Sponsorship Packet Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/132 Type: Template Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Annual business and family sponsorship levels across four events When to use: Use when your committee invites local businesses and families to sponsor the year's events. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O8U0P60h35zEnxsTumoq93K2QFYIaHXq0WMX9pR6IFI/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O8U0P60h35zEnxsTumoq93K2QFYIaHXq0WMX9pR6IFI/template/preview Glossary terms: Adult guest Keywords: sponsorship; business sponsors; events; clay shoot; golf; banquet; event; sponsors; fundraising event; live auction; table sponsor; banquet sponsors; golf tournament; sponsor levels; barn dance [133] Characteristics of Action Team Members and Inviting People Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/133 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Traits of great Action Team members and a five-step invitation When to use: Use before you invite new people onto your Action Team or committee. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BVh4IYSgrtVSEgLoLaNTvcjoDZPJXuM7uVoIOLiZFTg/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BVh4IYSgrtVSEgLoLaNTvcjoDZPJXuM7uVoIOLiZFTg/template/preview Glossary terms: Action Team; Mission community; Ambassador Keywords: action team; AT; committee recruiting; invite; five capitals; ask someone to join; who to recruit; good committee member [134] Committee and Resource Teams Structure Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/134 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Graphic of Area Committee and ministry Resource Team roles When to use: Use to decide which tasks the Area Committee owns and which belong to each ministry's Resource Team. Open in Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1BZdZ14DTSv1fF2kB0RMr5_o-KMaxKTsT/view Glossary terms: Mission community; Relationship Centered Engagement; Resource Team Keywords: committee structure; resource teams; area committee; org chart; committee chart; committee teams; church partnership; leader care; parent support; who does what [135] Committee Chair Job Description Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/135 Type: Template Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Committee chair duties, strategies, qualifications and time required When to use: Use when recruiting a committee chair or clarifying the role with your current chair. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XUsdYAD2uQyVM_mUEXznxwonPy_fsSJ3vEpPuIiV7tY/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XUsdYAD2uQyVM_mUEXznxwonPy_fsSJ3vEpPuIiV7tY/template/preview Glossary terms: Committee Keywords: committee chair; job description; committee leadership [136] Committee Interest Meeting Agenda Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/136 Type: Template Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Agenda, committee profile and supply list for an interest meeting When to use: Use when inviting prospective committee members to a first meeting. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vbuzG-j17tLt8sxNUiak4dnlURQbVRYGeuQvjOZYc7Q/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1vbuzG-j17tLt8sxNUiak4dnlURQbVRYGeuQvjOZYc7Q/template/preview Glossary terms: Committee Keywords: committee interest meeting; agenda; committee recruiting; board; start a committee; first committee meeting; recruit committee members; committee goals; member expectations; committee kickoff [137] Committee needs help? Three paths Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/137 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Three paths, a committee library and signs of health When to use: Your committee or action team is missing, inactive, or ready to get stronger, and you want next steps for where you are. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xadqd3Y3sSLnWptJBcSr8yfq545cEavosCHKXvjnDQ4/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Xadqd3Y3sSLnWptJBcSr8yfq545cEavosCHKXvjnDQ4/template/preview Glossary terms: Committee / Action Team; Walking the Walls; Task force; Sub-team Keywords: committee; action team; board; Walking the Walls; volunteers; sub-teams; AT leader; start a committee; no committee; new committee; founding members; inactive committee; revive committee; committee not meeting; stronger committee [138] Mission Community Ideas Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/138 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Five simple ways to gather your mission community When to use: Use when you want easy, regular ways to bring adults closer to the ministry. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dYdSURrhxOQnAl7DeD3u9LspvEDZG3prDrgCZ9JyMs8/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1dYdSURrhxOQnAl7DeD3u9LspvEDZG3prDrgCZ9JyMs8/template/preview Glossary terms: Mission community; Adult guest Keywords: mission community; trivia night; prayer walk; Giving Tuesday open house; post-camp BBQ; event ideas; supporter events; open house; bbq [139] Partners vs. Fans Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/139 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: One-page contrast between ministry partners and fans When to use: Use as a committee devotional or handout to invite people from cheering to partnering. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zYGmVpAS7hqJld4vp9Ac4o0lUrzbvQuBGHvkt57hoXU/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1zYGmVpAS7hqJld4vp9Ac4o0lUrzbvQuBGHvkt57hoXU/template/preview Keywords: committee wisdom; partners; handout; devotional [140] Launch monthly giving Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/140 Type: Guide Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: Six steps, a 4-week sprint and ready-to-send templates When to use: Fewer than half your donors give monthly and you want a simple campaign to invite more. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PPgMPDI0GtxP7T-qPPaWbuu6ioIQEHHnNueeCRRhojg/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1PPgMPDI0GtxP7T-qPPaWbuu6ioIQEHHnNueeCRRhojg/template/preview Glossary terms: Recurring Donor %; Monthly donor; Ministry partner; Upgrade ask; 4-Legged Stool; Steward Keywords: monthly giving; recurring; monthly donors; sustainer; convert to monthly; monthly mission team; upgrade; launch; campaign kit; get more monthly donors; ask for monthly gift; monthly ask; monthly amount; kid story; top 20 donors; thinking about it In a line: Invite people to say, "I'm with you. Every month." Steps: 1. Find your starting point Check your Recurring Donor %: the share of your donors who give monthly. 50% or more is green, 30–49% yellow, under 30% red. Under 30%? Run the full sprint below. Between 30% and 49%? Focus on converting and upgrading. At 50% or more? Focus on keeping donors and growing gifts. Files for this step: [142] Grow monthly donors: a 4-week sprint https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/142 2. Week 1: identify and sort List everyone who gives but not monthly. Sort them three ways: gave several times this year, gave last year, gave once. Then pick your top 20 most likely to say yes: people who give often but not monthly. Set up a DonorElf Journal (a named list in DonorElf, your fundraising tool) for the campaign so every follow-up lives in one place. Files for this step: [142] Grow monthly donors: a 4-week sprint https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/142; [143] Monthly donor growth and Campership Week https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/143 3. Week 2: ask your top 20 in person Use the text and email script to set up a conversation. Then call or meet with each person. Share a specific kid story and connect it to what a monthly gift makes possible. Then ask them to consider a specific monthly amount. Offer to set it up right then with your giving link. Send a handwritten thank-you within 24 hours of every yes. Coach tip: Invite, don't sell. Partnership language helps: "Would you consider becoming a monthly ministry partner?" Files for this step: [145] Monthly Giving Ask: Text and Email Script https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/145; [103] Fundraising Appointment Scripts https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/103 4. Week 3: invite everyone else Email your full donor list from Emma (Young Life's email platform) with a simple theme like "Join our Monthly Mission Team" and one clear giving link. Share a 30-second video on social media. Ask members of your Committee / Action Team (your local adult support team) to invite their own friends: the Monthly Donor Invitation Letter is written for a board member to send to a hand-picked group. Files for this step: [144] Monthly Donor Invitation Letter https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/144; [145] Monthly Giving Ask: Text and Email Script https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/145 5. Week 4: thank and welcome Thank every new monthly donor personally, with a call, not just an email. Send a welcome-to-the-team note with a little impact news. Follow up with everyone who said "let me think about it," update your tracking, and celebrate with your team. Coach tip: Start from the thank-you email template, then add one line about a kid you know. Files for this step: [146] New Monthly Donor Thank-You Email https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/146 6. Keep them close all year Put monthly donors on a simple rhythm: a short text each month, your monthly newsletter, and a personal call from you each spring. Set up the repeating ones ahead of time so they go out on their own. Plan your next push now: in spring, ask current monthly donors to consider a 20% increase and invite camp parents into monthly giving before summer. Once a year, a short supporter survey shows how people want to hear from you. Coach tip: When you call, ask how you can pray for them. Files for this step: [141] Donor Stewardship & Communication Strategy https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/141; [143] Monthly donor growth and Campership Week https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/143; [147] Supporter Survey (Printable) https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/147 Next on this trail: [142] Grow monthly donors: a 4-week sprint https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/142 Say it right: Recurring Donor % = The share of your donors who give monthly. Green 50% or more, yellow 30–49%, red under 30%.; Monthly donor = Someone who gives every month. Also called a recurring donor.; Ministry partner = Someone who joins the mission by giving. We invite partnership; we don't just ask for money.; Upgrade ask = Inviting a current monthly donor to raise their monthly gift. The spring plan suggests asking for 20% more.; 4-Legged Stool = Four revenue streams to balance. Area Director targets: 50–60% recurring and 20–30% major gifts, with events and grants & foundations at a target you set.; Steward = Thank quickly and personally, share stories every 6–8 weeks, and care for people as friends. [141] Donor Stewardship & Communication Strategy Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/141 Type: Template Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: Engagement ladder, touchpoint matrix, monthly calendar and plan grid When to use: Plan a full year of thank-yous, updates, calls and invitations for new, monthly, mid-level and major donors. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JiA3pP-_Hs7XpZVAJerhwdRciASkJrBuqLLs0MTOOLk/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1JiA3pP-_Hs7XpZVAJerhwdRciASkJrBuqLLs0MTOOLk/template/preview Glossary terms: Aware; Interested; Involved; Invested; Ambassador; Monthly donor; Major donor Keywords: stewardship; donor care; thank you; touchpoints; newsletter; communication calendar; Giving Tuesday; impact report; thank you email; thank you call; handwritten thank you; donor update; banquet invite; banquet thank you; event invitation; event thank you; giving anniversary; newsletter topics [142] Grow monthly donors: a 4-week sprint Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/142 Type: Guide Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: A starting-point check, 4-week sprint and the math When to use: You want more recurring givers and need a simple four-week plan to invite donors into monthly giving. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gWlUVnRSRpyh2WKn8fvZ6sYsRjA6n4KVfGDzoNa3bIU/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gWlUVnRSRpyh2WKn8fvZ6sYsRjA6n4KVfGDzoNa3bIU/template/preview Glossary terms: Recurring donor; Monthly donor; Stewardship; Campership Keywords: monthly giving; recurring; sustainer; convert to monthly; Campership Week; Emma; giving link; kid story; one time to monthly; monthly math; how many monthly donors; recurring percent [143] Monthly donor growth and Campership Week Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/143 Type: Template Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: A week-by-week spring plan with emails and social posts When to use: From March through June, thank and upgrade your monthly donors, then invite camp parents into monthly giving before summer. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OyO9fDaC6hV5ahLGENIDT9Gx7RCHHiwXP5uofI8t7y0/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OyO9fDaC6hV5ahLGENIDT9Gx7RCHHiwXP5uofI8t7y0/template/preview Glossary terms: Monthly donor; Campership; Upgrade ask; Journal (Donor Elf) Keywords: monthly giving; Fuel the Mission; camp parents; upgrade 20%; spring campaign; Donor Elf journal; email templates [144] Monthly Donor Invitation Letter Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/144 Type: Template Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: Board-member letter inviting a chosen group to give $100/month When to use: Use when a volunteer or board member invites hand-picked friends to become monthly partners. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/127ozJ_sgMch5SqgUU_XcKTwnxTF8x8wM4DU_el8yM4Y/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/127ozJ_sgMch5SqgUU_XcKTwnxTF8x8wM4DU_el8yM4Y/template/preview Glossary terms: Monthly donor; Matching gift Keywords: monthly donors; $100/month; letter; board member; sustainability [145] Monthly Giving Ask: Text and Email Script Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/145 Type: Script Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: Short text or email inviting a friend to give monthly When to use: Use to start a conversation about monthly giving, with a match offer and a short video. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W_G1BOOkSA0GG9HyW-0kWldEOfZUm6p0dPBO2zkMAU0/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1W_G1BOOkSA0GG9HyW-0kWldEOfZUm6p0dPBO2zkMAU0/template/preview Glossary terms: Monthly donor; Matching gift Keywords: monthly giving; text script; email; $100/month; ask [146] New Monthly Donor Thank-You Email Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/146 Type: Template Trails: More monthly donors, please What you get: Thank-you email for a brand-new monthly donor When to use: Use to thank someone who has just become a monthly donor. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/165bMBRM7yLH_dUXjR16ySyGRPeBif0nThxYcWTs76OY/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/165bMBRM7yLH_dUXjR16ySyGRPeBif0nThxYcWTs76OY/template/preview Glossary terms: Monthly donor Keywords: thank you; monthly donor; welcome email; stewardship; thank you note; thank-you; thanks; thank you email; thank new monthly donor; thanks for monthly gift; thank recurring donor [147] Supporter Survey (Printable) Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/147 Type: Template Trails: More monthly donors, please; We're growing. Help! What you get: Printable supporter survey with mail-back and QR instructions When to use: Use to learn how supporters got involved, how they want to hear from you, and who might give or volunteer more. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16UQDtCVUT3ufSiI3gwCRIXnP26wz_ce97MNnwp2ULHo/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/16UQDtCVUT3ufSiI3gwCRIXnP26wz_ce97MNnwp2ULHo/template/preview Glossary terms: Legacy giving Keywords: survey; supporter survey; donor survey; feedback; stewardship [150] 3-2-1 Goal Process for a Development Campaign Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/150 Type: Guide Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Steps to set 3-2-1 goals with staff and committee When to use: Use before a planning meeting to set this year's goals and shape a development campaign. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oTGgW2ET4QJlxRPsFWJJOvqHO_DXfrfEhoaI-hHUC1g/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1oTGgW2ET4QJlxRPsFWJJOvqHO_DXfrfEhoaI-hHUC1g/template/preview Glossary terms: Kids known by name (KKBN) Keywords: goals; vision; campaign planning; committee planning; strategic plan [151] A Supervisor's Top 10: Tips for Empowering Staff Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/151 Type: Guide Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Ten ways supervisors can encourage staff who are raising support When to use: Use when you supervise a staff person who is actively raising support. Open in Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pWAiSsYVOXzEiykFIfaIbUHSuJNZvUEA/view Glossary terms: Relationship Centered Engagement; Case for support Keywords: supervisor; support raising; new staff; coaching; DonorElf; Goldilocks [152] Area Admin Task List with Time Estimates Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/152 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Yearly admin tasks with time estimates When to use: Use to scope how many hours an area admin would need and what they would own. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LyWUdEjIhnONbg2nRLmQ38I5CWfcNTErhA3rHAcH7js/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LyWUdEjIhnONbg2nRLmQ38I5CWfcNTErhA3rHAcH7js/template/preview Keywords: admin; task list; time estimates; hiring [153] Area Administrative Assistant Interview Questions Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/153 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Ten interview questions for an area administrative assistant When to use: Use when you're interviewing candidates for an area admin role. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MXVKCGDZ32Pbc_-AVSxRhmNLOgCR2XoFsG55rslLhW4/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MXVKCGDZ32Pbc_-AVSxRhmNLOgCR2XoFsG55rslLhW4/template/preview Keywords: admin; hiring; interview questions; administrative assistant [154] Area Administrator Job Description Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/154 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Full job description for an area office administrator When to use: Use as a starting point when you define or post an area admin role. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GpMBafKZyY9xzIXEH_bvi86Eo2XIraUVNSJj9AMx8Dw/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GpMBafKZyY9xzIXEH_bvi86Eo2XIraUVNSJj9AMx8Dw/template/preview Keywords: admin; job description; office administrator; hiring [155] Area Strategic Plan Template (3-Year and Annual) Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/155 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Three-year strategic plan and one-year annual plan grids When to use: Use for annual planning across five strategies: spiritual, direct ministry, leadership, resource and ministry support. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14xq5jIyhFRkId-z5x-W_gbsXq1b-4jdvZyz298RpMyc/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14xq5jIyhFRkId-z5x-W_gbsXq1b-4jdvZyz298RpMyc/template/preview Keywords: strategic plan; annual plan; goals; SMART goals; planning; action plan; yearly plan; 3-year plan; yearly goals; plan template; area plan [156] Community Asset Mapping Template Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/156 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Guide and worksheet for mapping a new community's assets When to use: Use when you're preparing to start ministry in a new community or school. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JkFovcuFJ2B-pSJyv_m55QTMMQzPI2eBrhucPMuWjy0/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JkFovcuFJ2B-pSJyv_m55QTMMQzPI2eBrhucPMuWjy0/template/preview Glossary terms: Contact work Keywords: asset mapping; new community; school research; launch; churches [157] High School Director Candidate Evaluation Form Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/157 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Interview rating form for high school director candidates When to use: Use with your interview team to rate candidates and make a hire or no-hire call. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_lzUentRGTBLb9UXJXlYtnoOHq-kBhiN3EgpHDZt2CA/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_lzUentRGTBLb9UXJXlYtnoOHq-kBhiN3EgpHDZt2CA/template/preview Keywords: interview; candidate evaluation; high school director; hiring [158] KNOWN Local Goals Template Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/158 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: A local goal under each of KNOWN's four goals When to use: Use when your area turns the KNOWN campaign's four goals into local action steps. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BOHfKeSIBel3UXgKKkZY0hw3alW_WWEh1-_qhbazHs4/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1BOHfKeSIBel3UXgKKkZY0hw3alW_WWEh1-_qhbazHs4/template/preview Glossary terms: KNOWN Keywords: KNOWN campaign; local goals; area plan [159] Launching a Young Life Area Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/159 Type: Guide Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Four launch phases, staffing budgets and a 12-month fundraising plan When to use: Use when a new community wants Young Life and you need a phased path from first meetings to funded staff. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MrNU19apcaUAImnceXSlfI7MYHgugJ7F5vD-Fry1czU/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MrNU19apcaUAImnceXSlfI7MYHgugJ7F5vD-Fry1czU/template/preview Glossary terms: Red Hot Vision Carrier; RCE; Campaigners; Campership Keywords: new area; startup; launch; new community; staffing model; budget; revenue mix; form a committee; vision night; sample budget; staffing cost [160] Donor personas and stewardship grid Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/160 Type: Guide Trails: Start here; More monthly donors, please What you get: Seven donor personas, a stewardship grid and a monthly plan When to use: Tailoring how you thank and update different kinds of supporters, by what moves them and how much they give. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QarAH7ZGrTp-6fpK4QIHshQfJ1JdFVwnbwXrnz7GuRs/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QarAH7ZGrTp-6fpK4QIHshQfJ1JdFVwnbwXrnz7GuRs/template/preview Glossary terms: Stewardship; Donor tiers; Legacy giving; Campership Keywords: personas; donor types; stewardship grid; communication plan; legacy; alumni; segmentation; kid story; student story; donor update; types of donors; why donors give; what to send donors; fall banquet; how to thank donors [180] RCE Engagement Levels Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/180 Type: Guide Trails: Say it right What you get: RCE ladder from Unaware to Ambassador with actions at each step When to use: Use to talk about where a person sits on the engagement ladder and what helps them take the next step. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aT0w4FF7-B8lJxEARMoPUeKRZsrZPPkvDIXW7e3YelA/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1aT0w4FF7-B8lJxEARMoPUeKRZsrZPPkvDIXW7e3YelA/template/preview Glossary terms: Unaware; Aware; Interested; Involved; Invested; Ambassador Keywords: engagement ladder; RCE levels; donor journey; flip cards [181] The RCE™ lifecycle: four movements Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/181 Type: Guide Trails: Say it right; Start here What you get: Identify, Connect, Ask, Steward with do's and don'ts When to use: You want the simple rhythm behind every donor relationship, with example language for each movement. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ICYToaaUrkeI-rLkYfGJ0aPm4L059BOPgHXIrOwDEAA/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ICYToaaUrkeI-rLkYfGJ0aPm4L059BOPgHXIrOwDEAA/template/preview Glossary terms: Identify; Connect; Ask; Steward; Aware; Interested; Involved; Invested; Ambassador; Ministry partner Keywords: RCE; lifecycle; four movements; engagement cycle; past present future; partnership language [400] Roles of Effective Young Life Committees Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/400 Type: Guide Trails: Our committee needs a spark What you get: Ten things effective committee members do When to use: Use to show new or current committee members what their role is. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FsNPd9DmaHnW3qRxpmPq7OnIg2h52oGdtjkfiijpyec/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1FsNPd9DmaHnW3qRxpmPq7OnIg2h52oGdtjkfiijpyec/template/preview Glossary terms: Committee Keywords: committee roles; committee members; job descriptions [401] Student Staff Intern Job Description Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/401 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: Student staff intern role: training, contact work, club and camp When to use: Use when adding a student staff intern to your team. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13OiN2j7ugJEWgOrrGqVTJ_HdrdqBJXwnpfJYo8nmRAE/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13OiN2j7ugJEWgOrrGqVTJ_HdrdqBJXwnpfJYo8nmRAE/template/preview Glossary terms: Contact work; Campaigners Keywords: intern; student staff; job description [402] Young Life Interest Meeting Outline Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/402 Type: Template Trails: We're growing. Help! What you get: One-hour agenda for an interest meeting with adults When to use: Use when you're gathering adults in a new community to share the vision and invite leaders, donors and prayer partners. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14yuY5mMSRjuX2IMk0tFhY2mk51NNeqRioGl4Tt78rno/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/14yuY5mMSRjuX2IMk0tFhY2mk51NNeqRioGl4Tt78rno/template/preview Keywords: interest meeting; new community; startup; vision night; start-up committee [410] Case statement sample: your one-page why Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/r/410 Type: Template Trails: I'm brand new here What you get: Case statement layout: goals, budget, partner goals, ways to give When to use: Use when building your personal support case statement for appointments. Open in Drive: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WxLIyaMcqGS8YMGejhe4NOc7QBub49cxYyUo-mNXvWU/edit Make a copy: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1WxLIyaMcqGS8YMGejhe4NOc7QBub49cxYyUo-mNXvWU/template/preview Glossary terms: Case statement Keywords: case statement; personal support; PDD; partner goal; Young Life College; one pager; why give; coffee; donor meeting ============================================================ GLOSSARY (say it right) Page: https://younglife.digital/rcehub/#/say ============================================================ 3-2-1 Goal Process: A yearly planning process: staff and committee answer three questions (Who are we? Where are we going? How will we get there?) and set this year's goals. 4-Legged Stool: Four revenue streams to balance. Area Director targets: 50–60% recurring and 20–30% major gifts, with events and grants & foundations at a target you set. Action Team: The international term for a committee: people committed to helping Young Life grow and thrive in their community. Adult guest: An adult invited to experience club or camp firsthand as a guest. Ambassador: Co-owns the ministry and invites others in with time, money and influence. Always "Ambassador", never "Advocate". Ask: Invite, don't sell. Use partnership language, tie the invitation to real ministry impact, and give a clear next step. Aware: Has heard of Young Life, maybe through a club kid, a banquet or friends. The next step is come and see. Budget: Your area's spending plan. Keep it realistic to what's coming in now. Campaigners: Weekly discipleship group for kids. Campership: Money that helps kids go to Young Life camp. Always singular: Campership. Case statement: Your written case for support: why Young Life, why here, why now, plus your budget and how to give. Cash flow: Money in and out over a year or more. Start with a realistic budget and grow spending only after new money is secured. Committee: The U.S. local adult support team that shares ownership of the ministry with staff. Committee / Action Team: Your local adult support team. Committee is the U.S. term and Action Team the international one, so say them as a pair. Connect: Build real friendship. Share kid and leader stories, ask good questions, and encourage people in ways that have nothing to do with money. Contact work: Going where kids are and building relationships with them. Deficit Coaching: Intensive GFD support for areas behind budget, built around a 90-day turnaround plan. Also called Deficit Recovery Coaching. Diagnose before prescribe: Understand why before you recommend a fix. Donor retention: How many of last year's donors gave again this year. Green 60% or more, red under 45%. Donor tiers: Grouping donors by giving capacity (major, mid-level, everyone else) so each group gets the right kind of touch. DonorElf: Personal fundraising tool for Young Life staff. Emma: Young Life's email platform. Engagement ladder: Where a person is in their connection to the ministry: Aware, Interested, Involved, Invested, Ambassador. Fundraising Action Tool (FAT) or DonorElf Journal: Where you keep your list and track outreach and responses. Name them as a pair. GivingTuesday: A global day of generosity on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Identify: Make your list, see where each person is on the engagement ladder, and pray for people by name. Don't say no for anyone. Impact report: A personal report showing what a donor's gift made possible: a story, a few numbers and a thank-you. Interested: Has given at an event or answered a message. The next step is a first gift or a way to be part of something. Invested: Monthly givers, top donors, team leaders and key volunteers who help bring others in. Involved: Shows up and gives more regularly, like event team captains and donors at several touchpoints. Kids known by name (KKBN): How many kids your ministry knows by name. A new area aims for 100+ before its staffing and fundraising phase. KNOWN Campaign: Young Life's campaign with four goals: Modeling Relational Ministry, Developing Kingdom Leaders, Inspiring a Volunteer Movement, Going Together. Lag goals: Outcomes you track but can't control week to week: total revenue, donor count, recurring percentage. Lapsed donor: A past donor who hasn't given in 12 months or more. Lead activities: Inputs you control this week: meetings held, thank-yous sent, calls made. Legacy giving: Including Young Life in a will, trust or beneficiary designation. Major donor: Typically your top 5–10 donors, or those above a high threshold. They get a personal ask. Major gift: A large gift from a high-capacity donor. One leg of the 4-Legged Stool, with a 20–30% target. Matching gift: A gift pledged to match what others give, which can double what you raise. Mid-level donor: Core supporters who give at a significant but lower level than major donors. Ministry partner: Someone who joins the mission by giving. We invite partnership; we don't just ask for money. Mission community: The wider circle of adults who support Young Life locally with prayer, relationships, gifts, presence and money. Monthly donor: Someone who gives every month. Also called a recurring donor. Name storming: Writing down every name you can think of, with no filtering, to start your list. Operating reserve: A cushion of savings the area works toward after a deficit. Permission-based ask: Call first to ask for a meeting, then make a clear, specific ask in person or on Zoom. Personal Donor Development (PDD): Onboarding and training for new staff raising personal support. Pray • Think • Act: The three commitments of an RCE™ Team member. Prayer strategy: A daily, weekly and monthly rhythm of prayer around your support raising. RCE™ (Relationship Centered Engagement): Young Life's relational approach to engaging adults in the ministry: the relational ministry leaders do with kids, translated to adults. RCE™ lifecycle: The four movements every adult relationship cycles through: Identify, Connect, Ask, Steward. RCE™ Team: A small group of trusted, influential people who help you pray, think and act. Re-engagement: Inviting lapsed donors back: a letter, a call, a thank-you note and follow-up. Recurring Donor %: The share of your donors who give monthly. Green 50% or more, yellow 30–49%, red under 30%. Red Hot Vision Carrier: The local champion a new area identifies in its first launch phase. Resource Team: A team for one ministry or school that owns ministry-level tasks, like dinner before club or prayer for a group of kids. Steward: Thank quickly and personally, share stories every 6–8 weeks, and care for people as friends. Stewardship: Managing God's resources well: God owns everything, people manage it, and stewardship is learned and led. Sub-team: A small working group with a clear role, like prayer, care, events or donor care. Supporters: People who help as needed, at a lighter commitment than team members. Task force: A short-term team for one project, like an event, campaign or outreach. Unaware: Hasn't heard of Young Life yet. The next step is an invitation to come and see. Upgrade ask: Inviting a current monthly donor to raise their monthly gift. The spring plan suggests asking for 20% more. Walking the Walls: Committee / Action Team engagement and fundraising training: 90 minutes plus follow-up. Warm lapsed: A lapsed donor whose last gift was also their first gift. Week of Giving: A focused week of giving for Campership, ideally seeded with a matching fund. Year-End Chair: The volunteer who oversees your year-end campaign and keeps the team on track. YLConnect: Young Life's main CRM for donor data and area analytics.