Free resources

Resource Library

Practical guides on messaging, fundraising, donor communication, and digital strategy for Christian nonprofits. No fluff. No pitch. Just honest, usable content.

Fundraising

The Board Member Fundraising Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About

Many board members genuinely want to help but have no idea what to do. Here's how to make fundraising feel less like asking for money and more like inviting people into meaningful work.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

What a Potential Donor Is Thinking While Reading Your Website

"What do they do?" "Is this real?" "Would my gift matter?" Your copy should answer these unspoken questions before asking for money.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

The First Email After a Donation Matters More Than You Think

Most nonprofits send a receipt and stop there. Here's how to use the first follow-up email to build trust and long-term relationship.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

How to Make Fundraising Easier by Clarifying the Ask

"Partner with us," "support the mission," "get involved" — vague asks produce vague results. Here's how to create specific giving opportunities with outcomes donors can picture.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

Your Donors Should Not Have to Guess What Their Gift Actually Does

How to turn vague giving language into clear, specific donation outcomes.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

What Existing Supporters Need to Hear After They Say Yes

The relationship doesn't end when someone gives, volunteers, or partners. Supporters need gratitude, outcomes, and reinforcement. Good follow-up turns one-time support into lasting commitment.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

Why Should Someone Give to Us Instead of Directly to the Ministry?

For umbrella organizations, networks, and ministry hubs, this is the question that defines your fundraising. Here's how to answer it honestly and compellingly.

6 min readRead

Fundraising

The Donor Journey Starts Before the Donate Button

Trust doesn't begin on the donation page. It begins on the homepage, in stories, through photos, proof, and language. The donate page should reinforce a decision already forming.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

How to Write a Year-End Appeal That Actually Gets Opened — and Gives

Year-end is the highest-leverage fundraising moment of the year. Most nonprofits waste it with generic appeals. Here's a framework for writing one that converts.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

How to Make Your Annual Fundraising Campaign Less Awkward

Clear need, clear goal, clear story, clear ask, clear follow-up.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

The Difference Between a Good Ministry Update and a Good Donor Update

Ministry updates report activity. Donor updates connect activity to meaning, generosity, and impact.

4 min readRead

Fundraising

Why People Care About Your Ministry But Still Don't Give

Interest is not the same as action. Donors can believe in the mission and still be blocked by vagueness, too many options, weak follow-up, or no clear urgency.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

The Case for a Monthly Donor Welcome Sequence

Recurring donors are not just transactions. Here's how to welcome, thank, and nurture them so they feel connected to the mission.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

The Leaky Bucket Problem: Why Nonprofits Lose Donors After the First Gift

Most nonprofits spend 80% of their energy acquiring new donors and almost nothing on keeping them. This is why donor retention is the highest-leverage opportunity most organizations are sitting on.

6 min readRead

Fundraising

The Fundraising Mistake That Makes Donors Feel Like ATMs

If every message is an ask, donors eventually tune out. Here's how to build a rhythm of gratitude, story, invitation, and impact.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

What Donors Need to Believe Before They Give

Donors rarely give just because the mission sounds good. They need to understand the problem, trust the organization, and see exactly how their gift helps.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

Stop Saying "Support Our Mission" Without Explaining the Mission

Donors need a concrete picture of what their gift actually makes possible. Here's how to make the ask more specific.

4 min readRead

Fundraising

The Donation Button Doesn’t Do the Heavy Lifting

The ask happens after clarity, trust, urgency, proof, and emotional connection — not because a button is bright and prominent.

5 min readRead

Fundraising

The "One Clear Ask" Rule for Nonprofit Emails

Most emails try to do too much. Here's how to write emails that make the next step obvious.

4 min readRead

Free insights

Get new articles in your inbox

Practical strategy for Christian nonprofits — messaging, fundraising, donor communication, and more. No fluff. Unsubscribe anytime.

Want a fresh set of eyes on your website?

Request a free Website Second Opinion. I'll personally review your site and identify the biggest opportunities to improve clarity and engagement.