High-Growth Fundraising the Silicon Valley Way

1Unlock Unprecedented Amounts of Generosity

November 8, 2019, marked the moment where I decided to dedicate my life to unlocking unprecedented amounts of generosity. To set the stage, it was the day of VIVE Church Vision Gala 2019—our seventh annual fundraising gala as a church. VIVE Church is the church Kim, my wife, and I are on the founding team of based in the Silicon Valley, California.

Many of you who have led, facilitated, or been part of a fundraising gala would know that there are a lot of emotions around this event. There is anticipation around sharing the vision and future initiatives, but at the same time anxiety around if people will respond. There is genuine excitement for those in the room who will be invited to be part of the vision, but at the same time a reluctance to ask for money yet again. There is confidence in the preparation you and your team have put into the event and presentation, but at the same time a cautiousness to not get your hopes up so that you can take the edge off of any potential disappointment. These are the battles that go on in our mind leading up to important events like galas that are mission critical for the year to come.

For us and our leadership team at the church, this was that night. A night that was familiar because we had done this for seven years now. But one that would still require faith because the leader of our organization, Pastor Adam, is one to always push the limits of what is possible.

For context, VIVE Church started ...