Budget Narrative for End of Year Giving Campaign

As a growing nonprofit dedicated to racial justice, sustaining and expanding our impact requires investing in our organization’s internal capacity. This request for support is not just for immediate program needs but also for crucial capacity-building initiatives that will allow us to build a stronger foundation and ensure the long-term viability of our work. Each workshop, place-based pilgrimage, community meeting, book club, movie night, and cohort will equip participants to move beyond the table in order to advance racial justice in their own communities.

1. Equitably compensating our staff:  $75,000 (30%)

To implement our programs effectively, we will allocate funding for staff who will oversee planning, volunteer management, and event execution. This is crucial for ensuring smooth operations and maximizing our outreach efforts.

2. Developing Sustainable Systems and Infrastructure: $30,000 (12%)

Growth requires a healthy infrastructure. Funding will support the development of essential systems, such as data management for tracking program outcomes, volunteer engagement platforms to foster community involvement, and streamlined communication tools. These systems allow us to work more effectively to care for our community and to show clearly our impact in clear metrics. 

3. Enhancing Donor Engagement and Financial Sustainability: $29,000 (12%)

As a small nonprofit, financial sustainability is essential. This capacity-building support would allow us to develop a donor engagement strategy that includes new fundraising software, professional development on best practices in donor relations, and communication training to deepen relationships with individual supporters. Strengthening our financial base is critical for the longevity of our mission.

4. Offering Place Based Pilgrimages: $50,000 (20%)

The Center plans to organize 8 pilgrimages in 2025 - three Southern Pilgrimages, one Asian American Pilgrimage, and four Pasadena Pilgrimages. Our plan with these funds is to lower the registration fee to make these experiences more accessible to those who are unable to afford the base cost. Each scholarship would be between $300 - $1200. 

5. Educating through Written Materials:  $20,000 (8%)

Funds will cover necessary program materials, such as educational handouts and discussion/reflection guides, to facilitate informed conversations. Our written materials give additional structure to each event, encouraging participants to go deeper in thought and understand how this work is deeply spiritual. Providing resources ensures that each participant leaves with a clear understanding of the issues at hand.

6. Educating through Marketing and Outreach:  $15,500 (6%)

Funds will enable targeted outreach efforts to ensure broader community participation.  The Center also produces a small amount of merchandise, such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and mugs that many online participants order.

7. Building with Equipment and Office Supplies:  $15,500 (6%)

Funds will cover software, hardware, printing and postage. We anticipate that we will be utilizing research and data analysis software to help us with program evaluation and an increase in web-based software as we expand our online presence. Finally, this amount reflects the purchase of office supplies, such as paper, ink, writing utensils, etc., as well as repair and upkeep of existing equipment.

8. Growing through Online Course Packages: $15,000 (6%)

Our team will spend time converting existing content and creating new content into course curriculum that we will offer online. We will spend this time designing curriculum packages that are accessible to a wide range of congregations and organizations across the country. The curriculum will be designed to help guide communities towards racial justice and reconciliation.

Total Requested: $250,000

Supporting capacity-building and programing efforts in racial justice is an investment in the future—a commitment to creating lasting change and empowering a nonprofit to operate at its fullest potential. With your help, we can build a stronger, more resilient organization that will continue to be a pillar for racial justice in our community for years to come.