Fig Tree Articles

Fig Tree launches ‘Branching Out’ campaign Oct. 24

For the first time, The Fig Tree is able to offer donors a chance to double their gifts during its “Branching Out: Beyond 35 Years” campaign for 35 days, running from Oct. 24 to Nov. 27.

As The Fig Tree goes from its 35th year into the future, an anonymous donor has given $17,000 as a matching gift to help The Fig Tree raise $35,000 as a boost beyond regular giving of sponsors and benefit donors.

“Our goal is to build our capacity to ‘branch out’ into a thriving future,” said Mary Stamp, editor.

“We seek to launch the next chapter for The Fig Tree, continuing our monthly newspaper, annual resource directory and educational events, but branching out to expand our staff, financial and online resources,” she said.

The Fig Tree also seeks to expand its support by reaching a wider audience with its appeal through using online fundraising tools like Facebook, text giving and emails, along with fliers and personal contacts.

With increased demand for more stories, more directories and more community outreach, the campaign seeks to “enrich our roots for capacity building; grow new branches to reach more readers, advertisers, sponsors and partners, and bear more fruit by multiplying our telling of life-transforming stories of people who are making a difference in the lives of others and the world.” Integral to that is expanding the support base by reaching out in new ways.

“We are doing a Facebook fund raiser because 70 percent of people use Facebook,” said Mary.

“We are asking our board and our supporters to help us ‘boost’ our message as we share online appeals several times a week. Our messages will tell how The Fig Tree media and mission make a difference,” she said.

The campaign will run 35 days. Donations before then may be made by mail or through The Fig Tree’s donate page.

“Online, people can create Facebook fundraisers for the Fig Tree “Branching Out” campaign.

Congregations may request “mission moment” speakers to share The Fig Tree story. They may invite special offerings or budget support.

“We seek more volunteers to help us make this campaign a success, to reach new people and interest them in donating and becoming regular readers of The Fig Tree in print or online,” said Mary.

“We need volunteers to 1) boost Facebook donation posts, 2) share articles they like, 3) create promotional messages, 4) email friends, and 5) ask their congregations to promote the campaign,” she added.

For information, call 535-1813, email info@thefigtree.org or visit thefigtree.org/donate.html.