Cultivating a thriving culture of philanthropy within a congregation requires both spiritual sensitivity and practical leadership. Faith and Funds: The Art, Culture, and Science of Faith-Based Fundraising is designed to strengthen your capacity for faith-based fundraising by building on the ministry skills you already possess.

Through critical readings, theological case studies, and practice-based learning, this workshop helps leaders at every stage develop greater confidence in engaging donors, articulating mission-driven goals, and understanding the cultural, psychological, and theological factors that shape giving.

You’ll explore how fundraising intersects with discipleship, community-building, and stewardship, while gaining practical tools for planning campaigns, communicating vision, and cultivating long-term support. The workshop culminates in the creation of a simple, actionable fundraising strategy tailored to your ministry context—equipping you to lead generosity with clarity, creativity, and integrity.

In this course, you will learn how to approach fundraising as a ministry practice rooted in relationship, purpose, and trust. You’ll develop a deeper understanding of how faith, culture, and psychology influence generosity, and gain practical skills for engaging donors with empathy and confidence.

You will learn to design fundraising strategies, communicate vision clearly, and integrate fundraising into broader ministry goals such as discipleship and community engagement. You’ll also explore planned giving as a pathway to long-term sustainability. By the end of the workshop, you will create a simple fundraising strategy you can immediately apply in your congregation or ministry setting.

Rahel Mwitula-Williams is Director for Innovation and Idea with ELCA, having previously served as the Director of Global Mission Funding. With a unique and broad understanding of the church from multiple local and global perspectives, Rahel is adept at bridging cultural, contextual and theological gaps. She has an exceptional ability to connect mission with resources—bringing together people, stories and funding in ways that advance meaningful ministry and global partnerships.

She holds a BS in Psychology from Loyola University, a Master of Science in International Public Service from DePaul University and Executive Scholar Certificate in Non-Profit Management from Northwestern Kellogg. Rahel was awarded a Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Fellowship to study in Arusha, Tanzania. Her achievements also include presenting at Northwestern University as a TEDx Speaker on the topic "Redefining Philanthropy: Faces of Change Makers."

She is a founder and Creative Director of ILAVA, a social enterprise that uses fashion to inspire and implement changes around the world and the Chief Trip Curator for Travel with ILAVA. With a rich background in both the Global South and the Global North, Rahel is an accomplished international trip curator, specializing in East Africa, particularly Tanzania.

Rahel's expertise lies in crafting unforgettable journeys, drawing upon her deep knowledge of East Africa and her passion for creating enriching experiences. Her roots in Tanzania provide an insider's perspective, allowing her to showcase the hidden gems and cultural wonders of the region.

In addition to her role at the ELCA and ILAVA, Rahel is a nonprofit development executive specializing in working with major donors both in the United States and internationally. She firmly believes in breaking down socioeconomic barriers to giving and collaborates with individuals, teams and organizations to foster a culture and lifestyle of philanthropy.

Furthermore, Rahel serves as a board member for ILAVA Gives Back, Chicago Fair Trade and Pangea Education. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is a founder of the social enterprise lifestyle brand, ILAVA, which utilizes fashion to inspire positive change globally.

A testament to her adventurous spirit, Rahel achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, marking it as one of her proudest moments.

M1 – Introduction to Fundraising

Description
This module introduces core fundraising concepts through both biblical and contemporary lenses. You’ll explore key principles, cycles, and terminology while learning tools for identifying and engaging supporters in meaningful ways.

Learning Objectives

• Understand foundational fundraising principles
• Explore biblical and secular perspectives on generosity
• Learn basic fundraising terminology and processes
• Identify potential supporters and ministry assets

M2 – Building a Fundraising Strategy

Description
Here you’ll focus on developing a practical fundraising game plan. You’ll learn how to assess resources and needs, map existing assets, and communicate compelling goals that invite community participation and buy-in.

Learning Objectives

• Create an asset and needs map for your ministry
• Develop clear, persuasive fundraising goals
• Learn how to align strategy with mission and capacity
• Build confidence in planning campaigns or events

M3 – Effective Preaching and Communication for Fundraising

Description
This module centers on communication and connection. You’ll explore how preaching, storytelling, and relationship-building inspire generosity, using both in-person and digital tools to strengthen engagement and outreach.

Learning Objectives

• Craft messages that connect fundraising to faith and mission
• Design impactful campaigns and events
• Practice outreach through faith-based and professional networks
• Strengthen skills in donor engagement and relationship-building

M4 – Planned Giving Programs for Fundraising Success

Description
The final module looks toward long-term sustainability through planned giving. You’ll learn how to introduce legacy giving, support congregants in estate planning, assess fundraising outcomes, and anticipate future trends. You’ll also synthesize your learning into a simple fundraising strategy.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the role of planned giving in ministry sustainability
• Learn how to introduce legacy and estate planning conversations
• Evaluate fundraising outcomes and communicate impact
• Create a practical fundraising strategy for your ministry