2013 Creative Revenue Plan Wrap Up

Many people have asked for more details about our creative revenue plans for the Ember X team and how they are going. I thought I would summarize most of it in one single post here.

Ember believes that missionaries of the future will rely on a 'portfolio of revenue.' [credit for this term goes to Ben Arment.] In other words, they will need to actually make some money outside of personal donations. As part of this summer, our team is required to dream and execute a Creative Revenue Plan - a way to make some income based on their talents and gifts. This unique income will go directly towards the funding of their missions experience. Prayer and financial support letters are also required.

Below are the following 2013 X plans that were executed:
Scarves with hand painted Bible verses on them
Car Detailing
Donation Box
Lifeguarding
Calligraphy
Personality Assessments for Teams
Slumlord
Lots and lots of Babysitting
Tutoring

Not only were team members successful in executing a plan [which is pretty significant in and of itself you know...], we also hit our financial targets with regards to these plans. As of today, we are at 99% of our total financial goal, which is a testament to how hard these students have worked. About 17%, approximately $4200, of that came out of Creative Revenue, which was right in line with what we were targeting.

Combine the global recession with the need for disruption to the paradigm of missions support letters, and donor, cause and nonprofit fatigue and you have a need for looking at funding missions creatively. The experience of starting a micro business is also hugely valuable. The best way to learn about income, revenue, pricing, demand and customer service is by doing something related - like starting a micro business. For 2013, the execution of creative revenue plans has been a vital success.