3 surprising observations about Millennial giving
Trent Dunham, President | Posted In: Fundraising, Research
Wes Gay, Forbes Under 30 Contributor, recently wrote a white paper, ‘3 Keys to Successfully Engage Millennial Donors,’ to help charitable organizations further unpack the groundbreaking Millennial research released by Dunham+Company this spring. Regarding the importance of Millennial engagement, Wes is crystal clear: “Millennials are no longer the next generation; they’re the now generation. Those […]
One way to ignite your organization with passion
Bob Guittard, Chief Strategist — Integrated Fundraising | Posted In: Fundraising, Insights
I was recently with a global ministry client with over 200 years of history where we unveiled our recommendation for a fresh, new brand strategy. After a presentation like this, there’s often some awkward silence as the presenter waits for honest reactions from the room. You never know which direction it’ll go. The seconds after […]
Pseudo-spiritual fundraising myth #3
Rick Dunham, President+CEO | Posted In: Fundraising
There’s a line of thinking among some in Christian ministry that fundraising driven by outcomes, reflected in measuring results, is wrong. In fact, from this perspective, conducting your fundraising efforts with an eye on results is actually a reflection of an unhealthy love of money. Faithfulness to God stands in opposition to a desire and drive for greater results.
Again, like the other pseudo-spiritual myths of fundraising, this sounds really spiritual… but it just isn’t biblically sound.
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.