Pseudo-spiritual fundraising myth #2
Rick Dunham, President+CEO | Posted In: Fundraising
In my last blog post I outlined the greatest pseudo-spiritual fundraising myth… that God will somehow provide without us asking people for money. Sure, He’s able to do that, but as I explained in my post, that’s not the framework for funding ministry He’s established. Today, let’s tackle pseudo-spiritual myth #2. This myth, prevalent in […]
Pseudo-spiritual fundraising myth #1
Rick Dunham, President+CEO | Posted In: Fundraising
Over my 39-year career in fundraising with Christian nonprofits, I’ve been exposed to a number of what I would consider pseudo-spiritual myths about fundraising. They’re always well-meaning, but unfortunately, they reflect a flawed theology. And they tend to give fundraisers or the leadership of a ministry or church a pass on accountability.
Tax Reform and the Charitable Deduction
Rick Dunham, President+CEO | Posted In: Fundraising, News
Yesterday, the White House released its proposed tax reform (PDF), indicating that one goal would be to protect the charitable tax deduction. However, what is being proposed could negatively impact charitable giving. First, the proposal to double the standard deduction will mean that millions of Americans will no longer itemize their deductions, which will directly […]
Your brand story should share vision over function
Elizabeth West, Global Director Marketing+Branding | Posted In: Fundraising
The power of brand strategy captures what enduring brands have long recognized: success isn’t built on the functional components of a brand, but the power of your brand story.
When it comes to your brand, you’re worth differentiating
Elizabeth West, Global Director Marketing+Branding | Posted In: Fundraising
With a brand strategy, you’ll lead with the bigger “why” of your existence and purpose, and in doing so, move beyond the fundamentals of your “what.” It’s a genuine distinction that a brand strategy will identify, but not create. Because the power of who you are is already within your brand’s DNA. It’s simply recognizing it and crafting this powerful truth into your own unique brand promise.
The imperative of an integrated communications strategy
Michael Lewandowski, Senior Digital Strategist | Posted In: Fundraising
Surprisingly, one of the biggest changes technology has brought about is the expectation that the digital world and the physical world overlap and complement each other. A perfect example is the donor that receives a direct mail letter, reads it, and then goes online to the charity’s website to give their donation.
When it comes to your brand, shared values create deeper connections
Elizabeth West, Global Director Marketing+Branding | Posted In: Fundraising
Each of us is a relational being with innate desires to build relationships. And that includes your prospective target audience who is looking to engage with you as a “person.” They just don’t know it yet.
Are you really listening?
Rick Dunham, President+CEO | Posted In: Leadership
One of the most important qualities of great leadership is the ability to genuinely listen. Not just pay attention when someone is talking to you, but to hear what they are really saying… things that others just don’t hear.
5 Facebook Live ideas for your organization
Nils Smith, Global Director Social Media+Innovation | Posted In: Fundraising
There are many reasons why Facebook Live is hot, but I believe it’s the authenticity that generally comes out through this function that best captures the attention of Facebook users. Here are five ideas that I hope might stir your ministry to begin maximizing Facebook Live:
Your brand’s more than a logo. It’s a person.
Elizabeth West, Global Director Marketing+Branding | Posted In: Fundraising
What’s commonly misunderstood is that a brand strategy has nothing to do with your brand’s name, product, or logo (in fact, your logo should respond to your brand strategy). Instead, it has everything to do with building the whole person of “YOU” – not parts of – on a singular point of difference that you alone own.