Frequently Asked Questions

It appears that UtilitiesforMinistry.org has a relationship with ACN, what is that relationship?

UtilitiesforMinistry.org is a free service that is provided to non-profit ministries that become Independent Representatives of ACN and ACNEnergy through UtilitiesforMinistry.org.

UtilitiesforMinistry.org has no official relationship with ACN. The Independent Representatives that use UtilitiesforMinistry.org are not agents, representatives, or employees of ACN.

The basic task of an Independent Representative is to market ACN’s products in a responsible way to their constituents. Since non-profit ministries are often over worked and understaffed, UtilitiesforMinistry.org provides a marketing service free of charge. The non-profit ministries that use UtilitiesforMinistry.org simply need to refer their constituents to UtilitiesforMinistry.org and, by following the easy steps that are explained at UtilitiesforMinistry.org, these constituents can be confident that their ministry will benefit financially from their selection of ACN’s products.

How does a ministry come to be able to use UtilitiesforMinistry.org for fundraising?
Prior to filling out the appropriate paper work to become an Independent Representative of ACN and ACNEnergy, a non-profit needs to contact UtilitiesforMinistry.org. We will answer questions you have and guide you through the process of becoming an Independent Representative of ACN. While any for-profit corporation or individual can become an Independent Representative fairly simply, some extra paper work is required for non-profit corporations. Unfortunately, at this time, a non-profit ministry that becomes an Independent Representative with ACN and ACNEnergy before contacting UtilitiesforMinistry.org will not have access to UtilitiesforMinistry.org. We regret that this is so.

What “extra paperwork” is required for a non-profit ministry to sign up as an Independent Representative with ACN?
The paperwork is quite simple and is concerned with validating that your ministry is indeed a non-profit corporation. A one-page application (which will be sent to you via an email attachment), a proof of non-profit eligibility (such as a 501-c3), and some printed material explaining your ministry’s purpose, etc., is all that is required. Further information on these materials will be provided after your ministry contacts UtilitiesforMinistry.org and officially requests them.

My ministry is small, how much money can I hope to raise through UtilitiesforMinistry.org?

UtilitiesforMinistry.org is specifically poised to help small ministries raise funds that reflect a much larger constituency base than they actually have.  The ministries that we serve best can have as few as 20 constituents.  The reason for this is because ACN employs a cooperative marketing strategy to markets its products and services.  (Please see our discussion about cooperative marketing in the next question.)

The reason we are poised to help your small ministry raise significant funds is because ACN pays a referal commission for other ministries that you refer to UtilitiesforMinistry.org and which become Independent Representatives of ACN.  So while your ministry may only have 20 constituents who switch their services to ACN, your ministry may receive commissions on hundreds and thousands of customers by the simple fact that you told other like-minded ministries about UtilitiesforMinistry.org. 

What is cooperative marketing and how does it benefit my non-profit ministry?
Cooperative marketing is a marketing strategy that has been used for many decades. In its simplest form, cooperative marketing means that commissions are paid in perpetuity to companies for business referrals.

The benefit for your non-profit ministry is the following. Your ministry (ministry A) has a finite number of constituents, which may be very large or quite small. Ministry A will receive commissions for all of the customers it refers from its constituents.

If Ministry A refers another ministry (ministry B) to UtilitiesforMinistry.org and Ministry B becomes an Independent Representative of ACN, Ministry A will be paid a different kind of commission on the business that Ministry B brings to ACN. This is in addition to the commission that Ministry A receives for referring customers to ACN. So, cooperative marketing allows your ministry to multiply its fundraising efforts.

This provides far more income for your ministry than simply adding customers. Incidentally, if your ministry refers a for-profit corporation or individual to ACN and they become an Independent Representative of ACN, your ministry will also receive commissions on the business that they bring to ACN.

Is my ministry’s non-profit status affected by becoming an Independent Representative of ACN?
Many non-profit corporations have used their status as an Independent Representative of ACN to help raise funds, however, since laws governing non-profits vary from state to state, please consult your attorney about what the impact would be on your ministry.

Is there a way for my ministry to maximize its relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org?

Yes, there is.

First of all, Utilities for Ministry assigns a contact person for each ministry that seeks to do fundraising through Utilities for Ministry.  By allowing us to actively work with your ministry, you will maximize your efforts. 

Secondly, your ministry should refer as many of your constituents to UtilitiesforMinistry.org as possible. To maximize your relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org it is best to have referred 20 people to use ACN’s services within the first 30 days. If you do not succeed in referring 20 people within 30 days, your relationship with ACN and UtilitiesforMinistry.org is not jeopardized. This is simply the best way to maximize your relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org.  Now, do not stop at 20 referrals.  The more constituents your ministry refers, the more money you generate for your ministry.

Thirdly, refer other non-profits to UtilitiesforMinistry.org as an avenue for them to engage in fundraising. With each referral, your ministry will receive bonuses and a referral commission on all of their customers.

Is there a way for me to maximize my relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org?

Yes, there is. First of all, Utilities for Ministry assigns a contact person for each individual that seeks to make an income while helping ministries do fundraising through Utilities for Ministry.  By allowing us to actively work with you, you will maximize your efforts. 

Secondly, you should refer as many of your friends and family to UtilitiesforMinistry.org as possible. To maximize your relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org it is best to have referred 20 people to use ACN’s services within the first 30 days. If you do not succeed in referring 20 people within 30 days, your relationship with ACN and UtilitiesforMinistry.org is not jeopardized. This is simply the best way to maximize your relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org.  Now, do not stop at 20 referrals.  The more constituents you refer, the more money you generate for you and your family.

Thirdly, refer other people to UtilitiesforMinistry.org as an avenue for them to earn an income for their families and help ministries raise funds at the same time. You can also refer ministries to UtilitiesforMinistry.org as a waqy for them to do fundraising.  With each referral, you will receive bonuses and a referral commission on all of their customers.

How do I know that I will receive credit for the referrals I make?
When your referral fills out a request form on-line, be sure that your referrals understand that they must inform UtilitiesforMinistry.org that you referred them. We keep a log of all the email referrals that we receive. We will contact you and tell you about the referal so that you can maximize your relationship with UtilitiesforMinistry.org.