Summary of Episode 91: "Giving Hope and a Future: How a Maternity Home Raised $592K"

The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast Episode 91 features Becky Perez, the Executive Director of 2911 Maternity Home based in San Diego, California. Hosted by Jim Dempsey and Jason Galisinski, this episode is the final installment in the five-part series titled The $10 Million Story, which showcases how participants from the 2024 Perfect Vision Dinner class collectively raised over $10 million. In this episode, Becky shares her inspiring journey of overcoming fundraising challenges to raise $592,000 for her ministry.

Introduction to 2911 Maternity Home

The episode begins with a brief video introduction to 2911 Maternity Home, highlighting its mission to support pregnant women in crisis situations. Through housing, life skills, and emotional support, 2911 aims to save unborn lives and transform the lives of mothers.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [00:10]: "We raised $592,000."

Becky Perez’s Journey

Becky Perez recounts her transition from an elementary school teacher in a low-income area of San Diego to founding 2911 Maternity Home. Motivated by her faith and the need to utilize a property her family owned, Becky and her husband sought to address the local need for a maternity home after participating in mission trips abroad became less feasible due to family commitments.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [05:58]: "The concept of a maternity home was such a perfect combination of my husband's heart to help people during a critical time and my passion for pro-life issues."

Challenges of Starting a Nonprofit

Becky discusses the initial hurdles of launching 2911, particularly the complexities of partnering with her spouse. Balancing different problem-solving approaches—her husband's business acumen versus her heartfelt vision—proved challenging. Securing board members and making essential community connections were significant early obstacles.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [07:43]: "Starting a nonprofit organization with your spouse is challenging, but once we closed the door to my life as a teacher, God flung the doors wide open."

Fundraising Struggles and Initial Successes

Early fundraising efforts included annual banquets, which initially provided a solid donor base and raised up to $200,000. However, Becky notes the difficulty in sustaining growth through repeated events with the same attendees, leading to stagnation and the need for fresh strategies.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [10:04]: "Our annual banquet raised $200,000, but we knew we needed to bring new people into the room to sustain our funding."

Discovering Fundraising Masterminds

Becky shares how she discovered the Fundraising Masterminds Podcast and the Perfect Vision Dinner program through her avid conference attendance. After several months of engaging with the podcast and consulting with Jason Galisinski, Becky was convinced to join the mentorship program despite initial skepticism from her husband and board.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [12:59]: "After talking to Jason, I felt like it was an investment that would be worth it."

Implementing Perfect Vision Dinner Strategies

The Perfect Vision Dinner course revitalized Becky’s approach to fundraising. Key changes included:

• Reaffirming the Importance of Table Hosts: Becky reintroduced the table host strategy with a new approach, focusing on empowering hosts with clear roles and responsibilities.

  Quote:

  Becky Perez [17:45]: "We needed to give table hosts a job description to effectively invite guests."

• Enhancing Event Presentation: Introduction of a ministry intro video and shifting the appeal from Becky to her husband added variety and authenticity to the event narrative.

  Quote:

  Becky Perez [26:00]: "We did a partner video featuring our landlords, which resonated deeply with attendees."

• Improving Guest Experience: Shorter, engaging events with high-quality venues and respect for attendees' time garnered positive feedback and increased generosity.

Event Execution and Remarkable Success

Utilizing the new strategies, Becky hosted a fundraising dinner with less than 200 guests, surpassing her $400,000 faith goal by raising an impressive $592,000. This achievement was attributed to:

• Targeted Invitations: Leveraging new connections and community figures introduced through the table host strategy.

• Donor Engagement: High-quality presentations and meaningful storytelling inspired attendees to contribute generously without feeling coerced.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [24:05]: "We raised $592,000 with less than 200 guests who gave so generously."

Impact and Future Plans

The substantial funds raised have enabled 2911 Maternity Home to plan significant expansions, including renovating existing properties and potentially acquiring new locations. Additionally, non-financial support from donors, such as construction services and materials, has been secured to aid these developments.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [21:08]: "We have pledges covering construction costs and materials, which is a huge step forward for our ministry."

Advice to Fellow Nonprofits

Becky passionately recommends investing in the Perfect Vision Dinner program, emphasizing the value of following a proven blueprint while allowing for customization to fit each ministry’s unique needs. She highlights the importance of mentorship, community, and strategic planning in overcoming fundraising obstacles.

Notable Quote:

Becky Perez [30:21]: "If you want your ministry to grow and reach more people, this is your next step."

Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Jim and Jason commend Becky for her dedication and success, expressing excitement for her future milestones, including the aspiration to organize a $1 million dinner. Becky’s story serves as a testament to the effectiveness of strategic fundraising, community support, and unwavering faith in achieving and surpassing financial goals for a meaningful cause.

Notable Quote:

Jason Galisinski [29:42]: "Becky, you were the only one in the class that hit the gold award mark. We’re super excited for you."

Get Involved with 2911 Maternity Home

Listeners interested in supporting Becky’s mission or learning more about 2911 Maternity Home can visit their website at 2911.org, named after Jeremiah 29:11, reflecting the hope and future the ministry strives to provide for mothers and their children.

Final Remarks:

This episode encapsulates the transformative journey of 2911 Maternity Home, showcasing how strategic fundraising and community engagement can lead to remarkable financial achievements. Becky Perez’s experience offers valuable insights and inspiration for nonprofit leaders seeking to elevate their fundraising efforts and expand their impact.