Episode 3: How FORGE is Transforming Men & Strengthening Families

Introduction

In today's world, nonprofits and ministries face the immense challenge of standing out and fulfilling their missions in a society deeply in need of change. This is especially true when it comes to forming stronger husbands, fathers, and leaders, which is the central mission of Forge, a Catholic movement. Recently, I had the privilege of listening in on a podcast featuring Dr. John Bishop from Forge, who shared insights into the organization's journey, mission, and impressive strides in both life transformation and fundraising. Let's explore how Forge is making a difference and why their work matters.

The Forge Mission

Forge is grounded in the belief of strengthening men through a robustly Catholic perspective, addressing what it describes as the "crisis of men and masculinity." Dr. John Bishop argues that social, educational, and religious metrics related to male flourishing are falling. Forge responds to these downward trends by mentoring men and fostering brotherhood through local movements and content creation.

From his perspective, these issues are particularly pressing given that male religious participation is a strong predictor of future generations' faithfulness. Forge's mission is clear: in engaging with men, especially in their roles as fathers, the organization seeks to reshape families and communities.

Roots of Forge

Interestingly, Forge originates from Dr. Bishop's doctoral studies on the crisis of men and masculinity within Catholic circles. Previously working with other nonprofit organizations, he recognized the need for a distinct focus on content creation and movement building.

The organization had to choose between being a publishing powerhouse creating Catholic content for families or becoming a movement primarily focused on men. Ultimately, Forge chose the latter, aiming to create deeper and lasting impacts in men's lives through local engagements, mentorship programs, and organized events.

Impact and Transformation

While content and curriculum are crucial, it's the tangible success stories that drive Dr. Bishop and his team. In just over a year, Forge has facilitated about 180 conversions among men, demonstrating transformational changes not only on Sundays but throughout their daily lives.

One heartwarming example is of a man who shifted from being a holiday-only churchgoer to attending Mass daily with his children. Such stories underscore the critical role of leadership and example within the family unit, ultimately supporting Forge's vision of thriving, apostolic, and orthodox families—or "TAO families," as they call them.

Navigating Fundraising Challenges

Transitioning from fundraising as an individual missionary to securing significant funds for an organization was a new challenge for Forge. Dr. Bishop shares that in the beginning, their approach relied heavily on smaller monthly donations. As Forge's needs grew, larger, one-off donations became necessary.

Through trial and error, Forge honed its strategies, relying on personalized relationships with donors. This approach varied significantly between donors who were meticulous about details and those more interested in the overarching vision. Understanding these nuances became vital for sustaining and expanding their financial base.

Forge's fundraising journey isn't just about accumulating resources; it's about responsibly stewarding these gifts to expand their mission sustainably. Here, a strategic shift towards securing enough reserve funds for operational peace has been crucial as they grow in staff and scope.

Adapting and Looking Forward

Dr. Bishop acknowledges the potential pitfalls of "Founder's Syndrome," where loyalty to earlier projects could impede their progress. To address this, Forge has shifted its focus to prioritize the most impactful initiatives. Discontinuing less effective ventures like parish missions allows Forge to concentrate on its core mission of building men and, by extension, families.

As Forge looks to expand into new cities beyond Des Moines, drawing from their success stories and community impact stands at the heart of their plans. Tailoring donor relationships to each unique individual continues to play a pivotal role in funding this growing movement.

Conclusion

Forge shines as an example of a nonprofit driven by a heartfelt mission to transform families by transforming men. The organization's journey underscores the importance of direct impact, personalized donor engagement, and focusing on core missions. With continued success, Forge moves forward to address the pressing crisis of masculinity and family dynamics in both local and broader communities.

To learn more about Forge, visit www.myforge.org. If you’re inspired by their mission, consider how you might support their cause or bring their vision to your community. Take this opportunity to reflect on your role in creating impact, be it within your family or through supporting a mission like Forge's.

Support their vision of casting men as active participants in the faith and family life, contributing to a better tomorrow for their children and community.

Remember, every contribution, big or small, helps shape the future of families, communities, and ultimately, the world. Let's build better together.