Ministry Financial Policies

1. GFI belongs to the Kingdom of Heaven. We understand that our ministry is just a small portion of the Father's Vineyard, but we believe we hold a significant mission. We commit to our donors to use all funding to promote the work of the Kingdom.

2. GFI commits to avoiding a buildup of a "nest egg" of material possessions and/or finances. We endeavor to keep our ministry efficient and functional. Our staff and volunteers are consistently reminded of this principle in their ministry and personal lives.

3. It is our goal to provide our materials at affordable prices.

4. We have no counseling fees established for individual, family, or group counseling that take place at GFI. If the counselee is unable to contribute a pre-established "suggested donation," our clients can apply for assistance from a designated donor. We commit to never turning anyone away for financial reasons.

5. Our speakers do not charge for consultation or public speaking. We will accept honoraria only when offered.

6. Any, and all, contributions given to special projects (with the exception of staff salaries) will be used exclusively for its designated purpose, unless the Board of Directors decides otherwise.

7. It is of highest priority that GFI's service providers receive their payments promptly. Therefore, it is our belief that all operational costs are to be paid before executive and staff salaries.

8. GFI commits not to "go into debt" for any reason, except for corporate real estate property. All purchases are made by existing funds. Credit cards will only be used when payment in full is made on a monthly basis. No loans will be secured for ministry needs.

9. GFI commits not to participate in any type of multilevel marketing plan. We understand that many individuals, families and churches/ministries use such programs to supplement their income. We believe these programs tend to take advantage of relationships and focus on wealth.

10. We are committed to making use of funds in the most conservative way. All purchase requests will be evaluated based on needs and cost effectiveness, without jeopardizing quality.

11. GFI will not use desperate pleas and fancy deceptive fundraising techniques to raise money. We believe God is the provider of our every need. We also understand that asking with the right motive is critical in receiving blessings from God. Therefore, GFI will inform interested individuals/groups of the present and future opportunities available within the ministry. We will make use of "Donation" opportunities on our websites, printed materials, and any other resources available.

12. We pledge to pray through all major purchases before moving ahead. GFI's founder and CEO are committed to regular prayer over the ministry, its finances, supporters, staff, clients, and volunteers.

13. It is important to keep GFI connected to its humble beginnings. We make use of community resources to accomplish our mission. This is primarily done through our volunteers. Daily, we are thankful for our small group leaders, lay counselors, church representatives, internet technicians, editors, and our Board of Directors.

14. We issue tax-deductible receipts for all funds and materials donated.

15. GFI will not sell, rent, or give our mailing list to anyone.

16. We believe that those interested in donating to our ministry should give to their local church first, before considering giving to GFI. This is a guideline our staff, volunteers, and Board Members are strongly encouraged to maintain. We ask that our supporters do the same. Giving to GFI should not be in place of, but in addition to, substantial giving to one's local church. Most of our support comes from individual donors. Because GFI is actively involved in serving churches, we welcome being included in church mission budgets.

17. GFI realizes their donors give out of sacrifice and a sincere desire to invest in God's work. We consider each and every gift to be a special contribution from God. Therefore, we manage all gifts prayerfully and with a heart of integrity.

18. GFI's finances are carefully monitored by a CPA on a regular basis. Our CPA will readily provide a financial overview of our expenditures, including staff salaries and benefits, and other distributions of funds to anyone upon request. Outside of the personal financial records of staff--which are confidential--all of the ministry's finances are an open book.

19. GFI endeavors to follow the financial principles and priorities stated in the Word of God.