The Language Of Effective Faith-Based Fundraising, Ep #23

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Episode 23

With Benjamin Johnson & Matt Hussey

Community faith-based fundraising is about more than a culture of praise and prayer. While those things are good, much of the success faith-based organizations find in this area can be attributed to learned technical skills. Specifically, language and communication skills. Frontier has spent the last 11 years helping clients speak the language of effective faith-based fundraising. Matt and Ben want to use that experience to help you take your organization to the next level on this episode of Frontier FM.

 You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

  • Canadian faith-based fundraising statistics [1:37]

  • Finding the balance between authenticity and mass appeal as a faith-based organization [7:26]

  • How inclusivity plays a role in faith-based fundraising [9:59]

  • Learning to speak the language of effective faith-based fundraising [14:10]

  • Giving from a spiritual perspective [17:10]

  • How value alignment strengthens fundraising [20:25]

Find the balance between mass appeal and authenticity

Many faith-based organizations have the unique challenge of needing to find the balance between mass appeal and authenticity. Ben recommends the best strategy is to “be WHO you are” without presuming the reader has the same beliefs and to “meet donors WHERE where they are”. Because potential donors may not be of the same faith, it is key to avoid alienating language while still communicating in a way that is familiar to an existing donor base. Hear the whole conversation on this week’s episode!

Inclusivity in faith-based fundraising means sharing the whole narrative

A big part of speaking the language of effective faith-based fundraising is inclusivity. Donors need to feel included in the work that is being done instead of a means to an end. Some organizations make the mistake of placing all the credit on “the Deity” without acknowledging the donor as the proximate cause of the funds being raised. Ben reminds the listener that this is a “participatory thing” and sharing the whole narrative means acknowledging that there is still work to be done and inviting others to participate. Listen to this week’s episode for even more great tips on inclusivity and fundraising.

Communicate the common ground

United States President John F. Kennedy once said that “what unites us, is much greater than what divides us.” This is especially true in community faith-based fundraising. Common ground is a powerful thing in a diverse community. Faith-based fundraisers need to find where the organization's values align with the reader and communicate that! Clear communication opens up space for value alignment which creates a strong case for support from donors. Ben believes the future of faith-based fundraising is found in the common ground and this episode of Frontier FM will show you why.

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Rosie Everett