Hey there, non-profit professionals! Ever heard these myths about church-nonprofit partnerships? Myth 1: Churches only want financial support from nonprofits. Myth 2: Nonprofits struggle to engage with churches due to differing priorities. Myth 3: Building trust and collaboration with churches is nearly impossible. But fear not, because I've got the truth that will revolutionize your church-nonprofit partnerships. Stay tuned for the game-changing strategy that will transform your collaborations.My special guest is Adam BuzzardAdam Buzzard, the Director of United for Pastors at Operation Andrew in Nashville, brings a wealth of experience to the topic of church-nonprofit partnerships. With a background as a pastor for 15 years and a deep involvement in the nonprofit sector, Adam offers a unique perspective on overcoming challenges and fostering collaboration between churches and nonprofits. His personal journey, including planting a church and battling stage four cancer, has shaped his understanding of the importance of building relationships and trust within the community. Adam's work in creating opportunities for mutual understanding and partnership between churches and nonprofits has had a significant impact on the local community, making him an invaluable voice in the realm of church engagement and nonprofit collaboration.Key MomentsMaster the art of building trust between churches and nonprofits to foster impactful community partnerships.Discover effective strategies for engaging pastors in meaningful collaborations with local nonprofits for community development.Uncover the numerous benefits that arise from the collaboration between churches and nonprofits in driving positive change in local communities.Explore proven strategies for effectively engaging donors and supporters to further the mission and impact of your nonprofit organization.Learn how to overcome common challenges in church-nonprofit partnerships to build strong and sustainable collaborative relationships.Quotes From This EpisodeCreate a two-way street. Make these relationships mutual, because that's the biggest law. And pastors want that, and they want to feel like they're contributing. - Adam BuzzardI'd much rather just build trust with you because whether you talk about whether you give more or whether you. If you stick with us, the more we can build trust, the more that trust will permeate the other relationships, the other connections, the other things. - Adam BuzzardRecommended ResourcesWeGive: A software tool that enhances the donor experience by providing a donor portal, events, pledges, surveys, and segmentation. It aims to create a world-class experience for donors and build stronger, long-term relationships. (we give.com)Speed of Trust by Stephen M.R. Covey: A book that delves into the concept of trust, exploring how to give and earn trust in professional relationships. It's recommended for those looking to build trust as a priority in their work.Network Power by David Singh: This book focuses on network theory and understanding connections to transform the process of building relational asks. It provides insights into leveraging existing networks for more effective collaboration.

If you're feeling frustrated with the lack of impact from your International Development strategies, then you are not alone! Many organizations face the challenge of trying to implement strategies that just don't seem to work out as planned. Instead of seeing the desired results, you might be encountering resistance, a lack of donor engagement, and ineffective utilization of resources. It's time to break free from this cycle and discover a more effective approach to international development.My special guest is Emily Blackledge.Emily Blackledge, a passionate advocate for effective international development strategies, brings a wealth of experience in leadership, community development, and trauma care within the African continent. As the driving force behind Africa Leadership, her 25 years of dedication to empowering African leaders have resulted in a network of 90,000 individuals across Africa. Emily's journey from Nashville to Africa, and her unique approach of prioritizing African perspectives and expertise in development, offers invaluable insights into building and engaging with communities in a way that fosters sustainable growth and meaningful change.Key MomentsMastering African Leadership Community Development: Uncover the key to sustainable impact and positive change in African communities.Overcoming International Development Challenges in Africa: Learn how to navigate and address the unique obstacles for successful development initiatives in Africa.Unveiling Effective Nonprofit Marketing Strategies: Discover innovative ways to raise awareness and support for your nonprofit's mission.Maximizing Donor Engagement in the Nonprofit Sector: Unlock the secrets to building strong connections and inspiring support from donors.Embracing Change Management in Nonprofits: Explore strategies to lead your organization through transformation and growth.Quotes From This EpisodeI think the thing that I've always struggled with on the marketing side is if I shove all of the work that we do through a gospel lens, then the hero is always Jesus. Jesus. And you need me at the table, and you need an African at the table, and you need a marketing person at the table. And all of us collectively are the workmanship and are the artwork that the Lord is crafting in Africa or in Haiti or in Philly, but it's not one or the other. -We have built a massive network that we've got 90,000 people in our network across the continent of Africa who have skill sets in leadership, in pastor training, in community development and trauma care. And they walk with leaders who God's put a call in their heart, and just like, a leader here, God puts a call in your heart, and you're like, how the freak are we gonna accomplish that? - Emily BlackledgeRecommended ResourcesLeadership by visiting their website at africanleadershipinc.org. From there, you can find contact information and explore their mission and work in Africa.WeGive - For nonprofits looking to enhance their donor experience and engagement, check out WeGive, a software tool that offers donor portals, events, pledges, surveys, and segmentation features. Visit wegive.com to learn more about how it can elevate your nonprofit's donor relationships.Harvard Business Review's Top Ten Everything - Dive into the world of change management by exploring Harvard Business Review's book on change management. This resource can provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating organizational changes effectively.LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram - Connect with African Leadership and Emily Blackledge on social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram to stay updated on their initiatives, events, and impact in Africa.

"If you're in the world of solutioning whatever it may be, whether it's digital or it's working with donors, if you raise your empathy, you'll find that you start to understand the audience you're trying to reach. That counts for digital. It also counts for just about everything else." - Corey UngerToday on the show I'm joined by my good friend Corey Unger, the former Vice President of Digital Solutions at Servant.io. Corey has an extensive background in guiding ministries through digital transformation and growth strategies. With previous experience in denominational leadership and involvement in large, distributed, federated platforms and AI, Corey brings a wealth of expertise in understanding the convergence of technology and human interactions. His insights into the impact of AI on churches and organizations, alongside his emphasis on human-centered design thinking, offer valuable perspectives for Christian ministry professionals seeking innovative strategies for organizational development in the digital era.Here are some key moments in this episode:00:00:05 - Introduction to Corey Unger's Background 00:03:38 - Importance of Human Centered Design 00:05:25 - Impact of AI on Ministry 00:10:13 - Overcoming Roadblocks with Prototyping 00:12:36 - Exciting Macro Trend in Ministry 00:14:17 - The Importance of Humility and Transformation 00:15:00 - Being Part of God's Mission 00:15:31 - Book Recommendation: "Range" by David Epstein 00:18:27 - The Need for Generalists in Organizations 00:20:20 - Connecting with Corey Unger Resources Mentioned in Today's Show:We Give - A software tool designed to enhance the donor experience for nonprofits. It includes features such as donor portal, events, pledges, surveys, and segmentation. To learn more and improve your donor relationships, visit wegive.com.Range by David Epstein - A book that explores the concept of general triumph in a specialized world. It delves into the value of being a generalist and how it can lead to innovation and integration of tools. To gain insights into the benefits of being a generalist, consider reading Range by David Epstein.

"Solid marketing outcomes come from listening and research. If you can listen well to your audience and get out of your own headspace of what you think they need and hear what they actually say they need, you'll be amazed at the areas of alignment and the places that maybe you thought there was no entry point, that they're actually wide open doors for entry points." - Sam WheatleyIn this episode of Holy Donuts, Sam Wheatley, the Director of Digital Services at Avail Ministries, shares insightful strategies for nonprofit ministries' digital transformation. He discusses the development of Better Clarity, an online platform targeting unexpected pregnancy and abortion decisions, catering to the Gen Z demographic. Sam emphasizes the significance of research and data in shaping their digital strategy.Here are a few things we learned in this episode:Digital Transformation for NonprofitsDigital transformation is crucial for nonprofits to stay relevant in today's digital age, enabling them to reach a wider audience and enhance client engagement. By embracing digital platforms and tools, nonprofits can streamline their operations and deliver services more efficiently. This shift towards digital services can also lead to increased funding opportunities and organizational sustainability.AI-Powered Personalized Marketing AI-powered marketing allows nonprofits to create personalized and targeted campaigns that resonate with their audience, leading to higher engagement and conversion rates. By leveraging AI technology, organizations can analyze data more effectively, optimize marketing strategies, and deliver tailored messaging that meets their audience's specific needs. This approach can drive donor engagement and support long-term relationships with supporters.Engaging Gen Z Online Platforms Engaging Gen Z through online platforms is essential for nonprofits looking to connect with the next generation of donors and volunteers. Understanding the platforms preferred by Gen Z, such as social media and video-sharing sites, can help organizations tailor their marketing efforts to reach this demographic effectively. By utilizing these platforms and creating authentic content, nonprofits can build relationships with Gen Z and secure their support for the future.The key moments that you may want to check out are:00:00:04 - Introducing Avail Ministries and Better Clarity 00:05:31 - Importance of Research in Digital Transformation 00:12:34 - Strategy for Digital Growth 00:15:43 - Exciting Trends and Concerns in Nonprofit Marketing 00:16:22 - Leveraging Faceless Influencers 00:18:52 - Importance of Credentialed Sourcing 00:20:35 - Self-Selecting Platforms 00:21:48 - Cultivating Future Donors 00:22:12 - Communication and Storytelling A Few Recommended Resources From This Episode:Resonate by Nancy Duarte- A book on communication strategies and storytelling techniques for contemporary settings. It provides insights on classic approaches to communication and how to apply them to marketing and user journey issues.Donald Miller's StoryBrand - A framework for understanding the hero's journey and applying classic storytelling models to marketing and user journey challenges. It offers valuable insights into crafting compelling brand stories and engaging with audiences effectively.LinkedIn - Connect with Sam Wheatley on LinkedIn for discussions, questions, and advice on nonprofit development and marketing strategies.Substack - Follow Sam Wheatley's publication The Nonprofit Leader on Substack for in-depth articles and insights on nonprofit leadership, marketing, and development.

"I think when it comes to marketing strategies, any marketing expert will tell you: Add value. Add value. Add value. However that may be!" - Carla Della FeminaIf you're feeling frustrated with the struggle to create authentic and engaging content for your nonprofit's donor base, then you are not alone! You might be pouring resources into marketing strategies that just aren't resonating with your audience, leaving you wondering why you're not seeing the impactful results you're aiming for. It can be disheartening to feel like your efforts are falling flat, especially when you're passionate about the mission and impact of your nonprofit. But there's a way to turn this around and truly connect with your donors in a meaningful way.Our special guest this week is Carla Della Femina. Carla is the co-founder of Gutsy Faith, a multi-general ministry which serves people through The Gutsy Faith Podcast, in-person gatherings, and digital creative resources. She has served for over a decade in ministry, marketing, creative planning, and community development. The three things she loves most in life are coffee, Jesus, and people! A few things we learned in today's episode:Strategies to build an authentic and deeply connected donor base that will transform your nonprofit's impact.Creating community engagement beyond digital platforms, creating meaningful connections that make a lasting difference.How personal branding can be used to elevate your nonprofit's mission and reach new levels of influence and support.How to foster genuine cross-generational connections within your community, unlocking the potential for collaboration and growth that transcends age barriers.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"It's not about the emergency, it's the dignity, and it's the process, and we can walk alongside people and make an impact." - Seth HinzSeth Hinz serves at Lutheran Bible Translators as Director for Branding + Marketing. For 16 years, he's worked alongside churches, schools, universities, districts, and national ministries to develop messaging and marketing strategies. You can reach Seth at sethhinz.com.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"The hunger is legitimate. What was missing is the path, the resource to take you to the next step, to measure outcomes, to improve your programs, what have you. And it's just a blessing to be able to see that that is coming to fruition." - Nathan MayoHave you ever imagined a journey that would completely change the way you view the world? Nathan Mayo's unexpected twist took him from the battlefield to the nonprofit sector, where he discovered the power of strategic thinking and outcome-driven approaches.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"If you're a disciple of Jesus, you ought to be giving your money and serving somewhere. And giving and serving are a byproduct of discipleship, not the other way around." - Chris WhitneyChris Whitney, the founder and CEO of One Generation Away, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to nonprofit leadership. With over 35 years in ministry and a passion for serving others, Chris's journey from unpaid youth pastor to leading a thriving food ministry showcases his unwavering commitment to making a positive impact.  * * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"We have to make sure that in order to rise above the noise and to also say it as quickly as possible, we've got to figure out what we call here the thread. - Mark MacDonald"Discover the secret to captivating nonprofit messaging that keeps donors engaged and eager to contribute. Follow Mark MacDonald's expert advice as he unveils the key to crafting a unified thread that leaves nonprofits in a state of suspense, yearning for more impactful communication.Grab your FREE PDF here: beknownforsomething.com/subscribe* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"When people donate, they're purchasing something, actually, and they're purchasing meaning for themselves by giving and knowing that you're an agent of action behind some kind of positive thing that's going to happen in the world. You're purchasing a feeling that you're making a difference and that your life matters. - Jonathan Beck"Get ready to uncover the secrets of donor engagement with Jonathan Beck, as he reveals the shocking truth about fear-based messaging and the key to creating a compelling donor experience. Tune in to find out what happens next.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"Don't chase a title, chase experience... If any industry should be able to embrace freedom and risk, it's us in our space. - Brady Josephson"Uncover the secrets to enhancing your nonprofit's donor engagement in this compelling episode featuring Brady Josephson, the VP of Marketing and Growth at Charity Water. Join us as we delve into the dynamic world of nonprofit marketing and donor development, exploring the influential role of donor voice and anecdotes.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

If you're feeling frustrated and discouraged because your efforts to build a passionate and engaged community of supporters for your nonprofit are falling flat, then you are not alone!In this episode of the Holy Donuts podcast, we have the pleasure of hosting Caleb Crider and Scott Harris from Mission Increase. Caleb, the Director of Program Innovation, brings his experience in international missions and training ministry leaders to the table. Scott, the VP of Church and Global Engagement, comes from a pastoral background and is passionate about fostering collaboration between churches and nonprofits. Their combined expertise and work at Mission Increase offer valuable insights and practical strategies for Christian nonprofit leaders looking to cultivate a dedicated and engaged community of supporters.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, building genuine relationships is the key to success.RJ has extensive experience serving in multiple professional capacities, but primarily in the faith-based nonprofit space. After receiving a masters in counseling, he began his career as a counselor, and later founded and launched his own non-profit counseling center. For over 10 years he served as Senior Executive Pastor for a large church multi-site in Charlotte, NC and currently is the COO at South America Mission.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

Learn valuable donor engagement strategies that can greatly improve your organization's donor retention rates. Get ready to discover game-changing insights from our guest, Scott Veigel, a seasoned expert in the field of Christian nonprofit fundraising.Scott Veigel serves The Navigators as Director of Sustained Giving, and is host the Wisdom In All Things podcast (and blog) in addition to running Volume Up Marketing.As a "multi-potentialist", content creator who thrives on developing engagement strategies and experience solutions, his experience spans organizations that include AOL/Netscape Radio, Salem Communications, WAY-FM Media Group, large non-profits, and Silicon Valley startups.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

Clayton serves as the Director of Operations for Time of Grace. He has helped this Christian multimedia ministry modernize and scale its online donation platform, CRM system, mass email production and delivery, and its online bookstore. He leads digital marketing and fundraising efforts and is known to be the "resident problem solver."* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

Drew Friedrich is the Chief Operating Officer at Operation Blessing, bringing his expertise and experience to the organization. With a background in marketing, Drew previously worked with Operation Blessing before venturing into the for-profit marketing agency world. However, he felt a calling to return to nonprofit work and put his skills to use in a ministry setting. Drew's unique journey from marketing to operations has provided him with valuable insights on the importance of leveraging an entrepreneurial mindset in the nonprofit sector.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

With his many amazing years in the nonprofit world, Brian Hurd shares his priceless insight and tips and tricks for us!Brian brings over 27 years of Nonprofit leadership and consulting experience. He focuses on leadership and organizational development, working in a style that is highly relational. Brian’s solution-minded experience and programs and processes have impacted over 500 organizations throughout the nation.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

In the world of non-profits, scalability is crucial for long-term success. Join us as our wonderful guest, Sadie Branson, shares powerful insights and recommendations for Christian organizations looking to grow. Sadie Brandon's path into business and marketing began early in life, growing up with an entrepreneurial mother who ran an in-home hair salon in the suburbs of Chicago. Those home made business lessons were sharpened with an MBA and put to work serving small to mid-sized businesses. Deciding to leave the for-profit industries, she spent several years at Alliance Defending Freedom in Scottsdale, Arizona. During her time there, she led the digital fundraising team and the marketing teams, respectively. She is now running her own marketing consulting agency, focusing on helping small businesses and nonprofits achieve their goals.* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

"Another thing that really excites me is I feel like people are really gaining a new understanding that nonprofits are not just blessing our recipients. We are blessing our donors, and if you can wrap your mind around that as crazy as it sounds, it makes this job such a pleasure. " - Dina SleighmanIf you're feeling frustrated and discouraged by the lack of engagement and loyalty from your donors, despite your efforts to communicate and connect with them, then you are not alone! Many nonprofit organizations are experiencing the same struggle, with donors not responding to their appeals or becoming disengaged over time. Despite hosting events, sending newsletters, and providing updates on impact, you may find that donors are still not feeling a sense of belonging or a strong connection to your cause.In addition to being an award-winning Christian novelist, Dina Sleiman takes great pleasure in serving the least of these through her work at Operation Blessing. This wife, mother of three, and grandmother of two loves travel, nature, dance, and—of course—writing* * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/

Innovation and Inspiration: Thriving in the Mission Space of Christian NonprofitsMatt Clement is the Director of Marketing for Water Street Mission, a shelter for nearly 200 men, women, and children experiencing homelessness in Central Pennsylvania.  He brings over a decade of for profit and non profit marketing experience to bear as he aims to increase the visibility and connection to Water Street brand across their geographic footprint.Through SEO, digital marketing, direct mail, events and traditional marketing efforts, he has helped the mission become one of the fastest growing on the east coast, setting them up for greater impact in a community that is facing increasing poverty and homelessness. * * * * * *This podcast is a partnership between WeGive and Share Inc.WeGive is the ultimate giving platform that every non-profit and charity needs. They provide an all-in-one solution for donor engagement and giver journeys.For more information, you can check them out at: https://www.wegive.com/