MAJOR UPDATE

NEW VERTICAL is an official 501C3
We received our "Letter of Determination (LOD)" from the IRS for 501C3 status. THIS IS HUGE!

Some similar ministries received their "LOD" within 8 weeks. We were told it could be as long as 6-12 months. Ours arrived yesterday in just under 4 weeks.

As stated in previous updates, all prior contributions are retroactively applied to this status.

WHAT NOW?

For those who use donor advised funds, such as NCF or similar, we are now eligible to receive these institutional grants. Concerning NCF, we are now active on their list of approved ministries. Woo-hoo!

Here are other ways this helps.

Coporate matching funds. Often times large organizations (J&J, IBM, GE, etc.) will match giving for 501C3 organizations. Maybe your organization is one such place. This means your workplace mirrors your missional heart and matches your charitable donations.
We can be listed on other donor advised boards. If you know of one such fund we should contact, please point us in the right direction.
We can pursue dedicated grants. While we are putting our best foot forward with groups such as the Lilly fund, Maclellan Foundation, etc., we need advocacy. If you know a gatekeeper at a similar organization, we would love an introduction.

The need for marketplace chaplaincy is big. By faith our network can connect us to individuals on Wallstreet and Mainstreet who have a heart for leadership wellness.

Financial Update.

We are at 30% of our Phase 1 budget. Reminder. We have two funding models. They are as follows:

Phase 1 Raise two years of support. We call these two years our booster engines.
Phase 2 Establish long term indigenous support with local churches and community leaders coupled with existing institutional grants.

With the 501C3 status we can begin the application process for Phase 2 institutional grants. This takes time.

Two other needs:

We have two other partnership opportunities available.

Prayer Simply put: "We need your prayers". If you are willing to pray for us on a regular (daily, weekly) basis, please let us know. While telling us does not make the prayer effective, it is super encouraging.
Words - Words can come in two distinct forms:
- Collaboration and Advocacy.
Long term we need both. Presently advocacy feels more pressing. Getting the word out is both essential as well as a path to building a sustainable model. While we are SO GRATEFUL for support from our existing network, advocacy leads to a larger network which fosters a special form of encouragement.

Building a support network is an essential part of the process. By faith we will once again fully engage the community.

Status Update

As previously stated, we are 30% funded.
Our 501C3 determination letter has arrived!
Heather and I are scheduled to speak to 50ish pastors and wives in Colorado.

New Vertical

Quick explanations for advocates

Chaplaincy is a new title for some, so below are some quick descriptions of New Vertical:

Here is a link to our channel for short educational videos. New Vertical - YouTube
In the 70's the culture was 90% Christian. The local pastor could reach the community on Sunday. Moving forward less than 30% identify as Christian. If the local pastor is like a tank driver, Market place chaplains are like infantry support. We need both, and we need them both to support each other.
Think Young Life (student ministry) to the business and community leaders. Marketplace Chaplains can connect with a Chamber of Commerce or other civic groups as an extension of a local Church's mission.
Picture the names on the banner in the outfield. NEW VERTICAL engages the leaders of those businesses. The health of these operators impacts the health of a community.