Pseudo-spiritual fundraising myth #2
June 26, 2017
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.
Pseudo-spiritual fundraising myth #1
May 10, 2017
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.
Your brand story should share vision over function
May 1, 2017
The power of brand strategy captures what enduring brands have long recognised: 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
March 27, 2017
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.
Why you can’t live without brand strategy
January 25, 2017
In today’s unrelenting world, we can all relate to the distinction between existing and truly living. And it equally applies to your brand. Whether you’re defined as a ministry or an organisation, in an increasingly cluttered market, we all have one thing in common: None of us can afford to exist as a me-too brand.
The one thing for 2017
January 9, 2017
The things that seem so big on the ground take on a different size and proportion in the air. What is dark under cloud cover is bright and sunny above, with sunrises and sunsets that can literally take your breath away. And what seems to be moving slowly is actually travelling at nearly the speed of sound.
Over the years I’ve come to appreciate that such a view contains a powerful truth:
Can’t We Just Do Digital Fundraising?
November 15, 2016
Recently, a young fundraising manager we work with asked a variation of what has become a common question of late: “Isn’t everyone online now – so can’t we just send a couple of emails instead of mailing people?”
Four things to do to keep from being too formulaic!
November 1, 2016
I can’t count the number of times that I have seen a great strategy railroaded by a seemingly innocuous criticism – “it’s too formulaic.”
Is it time for a ‘spring clean’ of your fundraising program?
October 24, 2016
I’ve just moved house and, like everyone, each time I move there are so many things I wish I had done earlier to make it easier. For starters, I had accumulated several tonnes of junk over the years, but when I had to decide if I wanted to take it with me I ended up throwing it all out.
The One Thing
August 4, 2016
I’m always a bit amazed at how self-focused organizations are in their communication. And how quickly they default to talking to their donors about the “what” rather the “why” of the organization. It’s about “we”, “us”, and “our” programs or needs.