Onward Campus Ministries

Onward Campus Ministries is a nonprofit organization situated in Auburn, Alabama, and registered as a 501(c)(3) entity with the Internal Revenue Service. The organization's mission focuses on fostering Gospel-centered relationships, offering opportunities for worship, study, and service to support students' spiritual growth.

History and Founding

Onward Campus Ministries was founded in 2019, reflecting a relatively recent entry into the nonprofit sector.

Mission

The organization emphasizes the importance of relationships in individuals' lives—specifically with God, influential figures, close companions, and those they influence. This emphasis is designed to contribute positively to the personal growth and development of its participants, particularly during college years and beyond. Onward Campus Ministries views college as a pivotal time in young people's lives, providing a critical juncture for spiritual growth and development.

Approach to Ministry

Onward values in-person, personal relationships and spends a significant amount of time mentoring students face-to-face, drawing from both personal experiences and Scriptural wisdom. The ministry aims to inspire and guide students by applying the Gospel to their lives, with a long-term approach that measures success over decades rather than immediate decisions. Furthermore, Onward has initiated international partnerships, including a project in Tokyo, Japan, aimed at serving local churches and reaching Japanese college students.

Financials and Funding

In recent years, Onward Campus Ministries has reported significant revenues from grants and contributions. For example, in fiscal year 2022, the organization received total revenues of approximately $3.34 million, primarily from grants and contributions. Notable grants include support from organizations like WaterStone and National Christian Foundation. The organization has also demonstrated a strong financial position with low liabilities and efficient fundraising practices.

Governance and Accountability

Lindsey Boney serves as the Chairman of Onward Campus Ministries. The organization maintains a strong financial health metric but faces challenges in transparency due to a lack of publicly available financial statements and certain governance policies. Despite these limitations, Onward Campus Ministries is recognized for its accountability and financial management.

Ratings and Recognition

Onward Campus Ministries has received ratings from Charity Navigator, reflecting its performance in accountability and financial management. However, recent ratings show a lower score, partly due to transparency issues.