In a powerful episode of The Beacon Show, we sat down with Eric Saunders, Executive Director of New Hope Ministries, to discuss his life’s work and the vital role of faith in nonprofit leadership. With over 30 years of experience in ministry and fundraising, Eric has dedicated his life to helping others through intentional service and a commitment to excellence.
Eric’s childhood was marked by both love and transition. As the first grandchild on both sides of his family, he grew up surrounded by support, but frequent moves due to his father’s medical career exposed him to diverse communities and ways of life. “It taught me resilience and gave me a broader view of the world,” Eric shared. At seven years old, he made a private commitment to Christ after reading a Sunday school tract—a decision that laid the foundation for a lifetime of service.
Watch Eric’s full interview on YouTube!
From Service to Leadership
Eric’s calling to serve others was shaped by his upbringing and his parents’ examples of compassion. His mother broke barriers as a teacher in an all-Black school, and his father modeled empathy by treating everyone he met with dignity. These values influenced Eric’s approach to ministry and leadership.
His journey included international mission trips to China, Africa, and Mexico, but these experiences revealed that the same level of need existed at home. “I realized my calling was to serve people in my own community,” Eric explained. This realization redirected his focus to domestic missions, where he could use his leadership skills to make a direct impact.
Building a Sustainable Ministry
As Executive Director of New Hope Ministries, Eric leads an organization that serves over 25,000 individuals annually through food assistance, job training, and financial education. What began as a small food pantry has grown into a network of nine locations, with a tenth in development.
Eric credits the organization’s growth to collaboration and a clear mission. “New Hope started with a simple ‘yes’ from a group of churches who wanted to address poverty in their community,” he said. Today, that spirit of obedience and teamwork continues to guide their work.
Managing both immediate needs and long-term sustainability requires intentionality. Recognizing the importance of strategic planning, Eric hired a program director to oversee daily operations, freeing him to focus on resource development and systemic issues. “You have to balance the urgency of today with the vision for tomorrow,” he emphasized.
Every day at New Hope Ministries, lives are changed through practical support and compassionate care. From GED classes to after-school programs, the organization equips individuals to move toward stability and independence. “It’s not just about providing services; it’s about walking alongside people as they rebuild their lives,” Eric shared.
Whether it’s a struggling family finding food security or a single mother gaining financial literacy, the impact of New Hope’s work is evident in countless success stories. Eric’s focus on continuous improvement ensures the organization can meet growing needs while maintaining its mission of serving with love and dignity.
The Art of Fundraising
For Eric, fundraising is not just about securing money; it’s about building relationships. “People give to people,” he explained. “It’s about connecting with donors who share your vision and showing them the impact of their support.”
One of Eric’s most memorable fundraising successes came during a recession. Despite skepticism from his board, he pursued a $1.2 million building project for the ministry. “I asked for time to put out a fleece before God,” Eric said. “Within three weeks, we had verbal commitments for the full amount. It was a clear sign that God was leading.”
Eric’s approach to fundraising includes:
- Building Relationships: “Get to know donors as people. Learn what matters to them and how your mission aligns with their values.”
- Doing Your Homework: Research grantmakers and past gifts to understand their priorities and typical funding levels.
- Communicating Impact: “Donors want to see results. Reporting on outcomes and sharing success stories builds trust and sets the stage for long-term support.”
Leaving a Lasting Impact
Eric’s hope is to leave behind a legacy of leadership and service that inspires others to follow God’s call. “It’s not about me; it’s about equipping others to carry the mission forward,” he said. Through mentoring and leadership development, Eric has helped raise up future leaders who are making a difference in their own communities.
His parting advice for leaders is simple but powerful: “Operate with excellence. Build trust through results, and always rely on God to guide your steps.”
Eric Saunders’ journey reminds us that a single act of obedience can create ripples of change that impact thousands. His example challenges us to lead with faith, serve with compassion, and fundraise with purpose—ensuring that every resource is used to glorify God and uplift others.
About Eric Saunders
Eric Saunders is the Executive Director of New Hope Ministries, where his passion for combining faith and social services has helped transform a grassroots initiative into a dynamic force for change across central Pennsylvania. With a Master’s in Social Work and deep roots in Christian ministry, Eric has spent 18 years leading New Hope Ministries from modest beginnings to serving over 25,000 people annually across nine locations. Known for being “aggressively collaborative,” his innovative approach to community service has earned multiple recognitions, including the 2023 Nonprofit Innovation Award for Leadership. Through strategic vision and commitment to excellence, Eric has built an organization that not only meets immediate needs but empowers individuals and families to create lasting change in their lives.
Resources Mentioned
- Guidestar.org for research on charitable funders
- New Hope Ministries
