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Follow Up Ministries, Inc. is a Christian non-profit corporation with headquarters in Castro Valley, California. It is a "home mission" — equipping Christian men and women to serve the spiritual needs of prisoners since 1956.

Accountability

Our Board of Directors sets a budget at the start of each year, estimating income and expenses on the basis of the prior year's results. This includes paying a small full-time staff, and meeting normal expenses for travel and communication, and for upkeep of the central office in Castro Valley, California. Volunteer leaders in the various regions raise funds to pay for their own living and travel expenses. While most of the work of ministry is done by volunteers, a core of professional staff is essential for oversight and development.

Revenues

On the income side, we have always depended on God to move the hearts of His people to support His work. About 85% of our revenues come from the tax-deductible gifts of individual Christians -- ordinary church-goers like you and me. The balance comes through a few supporting churches and businesses. Follow Up receives no governmental or denominational support. Our policy is to avoid direct appeals for money, but rather to pray first, and then to disclose our needs to His people, leaving it to God to stir the hearts of those he wishes to respond.

Expenditures

On the expense side, we try to leverage our resources to provide the greatest amount of ministry for the lowest possible cost. Using volunteers helps keep expenses down, but obviously, keeping them supplied with information and materials costs money. It has been said (perhaps optimistically) that this ministry delivers more "bang" for the "buck" than any other ministry of its kind.

Special Funds

Through the generosity of a few donors, we have some funds set aside for special purposes, but generally what we receive is what we spend. Special projects are budgeted on a "funds-available" basis to avoid incurring debt. All expenditures, including executive salaries and expenses, are under the direct supervision and control of the Board of Directors.

Tax Status

We are recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a tax-free corporation under paragraph (509)(a)(1). Our IRS identification number is 94-1381596.

United Way

We receive some designated gifts through benevolent groups such as the United Way. If you wish to designate gifts for Follow Up Ministries, use our name and IRS-ID number. Their "directory" lists groups who are approved for general fund sharing. As a strictly religious organization, we do not qualify.

Seasonality

As you may know, raising funds for wholly-Christian organizations follows seasonal patterns; our ministry is no exception. While the seasonal "slump" obliges us to follow the most careful spending practices, it also tends to limit the services we can provide. And since we are all "evangelists" at heart, we are sometimes hurt and frustrated by temporary setbacks. However this is our mission, and we accept with joy the temporary setbacks in order to gain the deeper satisfactions of watching prisoners at every level come to Christ.

Living Trusts

We regret being unable to offer information about Living Trusts at this time. If you wish to remember Follow Up Ministries in your will, we would certainly try to cooperate fully in establishing a memorial fund in your name. Your attorney should be consulted in all such matters.