Year-End Appeals: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

In this episode, Brad Layland is joined by Jamie Sellers in his annual Year End Appeals episode. In this episode, he evaluates the year-end appeals he received last year. We learn about the good, the bad, and the ugly of this facet of fund raising as well as some thoughts about target audience and follow up. www.thefocusgroup.com

In this conversation, Brad and Patrick McDonald discuss the founding and mission of OpenWell, an organization dedicated to supporting mission entrepreneurs. Patrick shares his journey from founding Viva, an organization that helps children in Latin America, to creating OpenWell, which focuses on empowering others to succeed in their mission work. They explore the importance of strategic partnerships, innovative funding models, and the potential for revival in Europe through collaborative efforts. Patrick emphasizes the need for a shift in how philanthropy is approached, advocating for a model that aligns resources with specific mission imperatives. Recommended Book: The Cloud, The Night, The Fire and the Song: With the Mystics in the School of Prayer by Charlie Cleverly Link: https://openwell.co/  

In this conversation, Brad and Doug Gehman, President of Globe International, discuss Doug's extensive experience with Globe, a mission sending agency, and the importance of member care for missionaries. They share personal stories of collaboration, the impact of training on fundraising, and Doug's book on perseverance. Doug emphasizes the significance of community, the challenges of fundraising, and the transformative power of education and experience in ministry. Links www.douggehman.com https://globeintl.org Books A Simple Guide to the Most Misunderstood Country on Earth, Noa Tishby Before You Quit, by Doug Gehman      

In this episode Brad Layland interviews James Winans, CEO of the Bowery Mission, discussing his journey from intern to CEO, the mission's response to homelessness in New York City, and the challenges faced during the pandemic. They explore the importance of community, the role of faith in leadership, and effective fundraising strategies. James shares insights on balancing family and work, the need for collaboration in fundraising, and the vision for the future of the Bowery Mission. The Bowery Mission https://www.bowery.org/ Book Recommendation The Island at the Center of the World: The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan and the Forgotten Colony That Shaped America, by Russell Shorto Brad's Marathon Link https://my.bowery.org/fundraiser/6464857  

In this conversation, Brad Voyles, the president of Covenant College, shares his journey to leadership, the distinctives of the college, and the importance of community and student experience. He discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with growth, particularly in light of the recent Partners Campaign aimed at enhancing student enrollment and experience. The conversation also explores the relational aspect of leadership and the significance of maintaining a Christ-centered education. Brad concludes by sharing insights on books that have influenced his perspective. Covenant College https://covenant.edu Books: Living Life Backward: How Ecclesiastes Teaches Us to Live in Light of the End, by David Gibson. Project Hail Mary, by Andy Weir  

In this episode of the Taking Donors Seriously podcast, Brad Layland interviews Justin Burkholder, the International Director of Team, a mission-sending organization with a rich history of over 135 years. They discuss the legacy of Team, the challenges of funding and measuring impact, and Justin's personal journey as a missionary kid. The conversation highlights success stories from the field, future aspirations for sending more missionaries, and the importance of leadership and education in mission work. Website: https://www.team.org/ Books: The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman The Missionary Movement in Christian History by Andrew Walls

Have you ever wondered where our fundraising framework came from? In 2009, before Brad joined The FOCUS Group, he interviewed Bill Hautt, founder of The FOCUS Group. As you'll learn, Bill was a key thought leader in developing the Taking Donors Seriously (TDS) framework through his work with Young Life.  Some nuggets you won't want to miss: What's the biggest weakness in fundraising? What do we mean by the 20/80 rule? What's the "fulcrum" of fundraising? What is often the number one chracteristic of a major donor? For a full explanation of these principles and more, check out Brad's book Turning Donors into Partners.

In this episode, Brad interviews Daniel McCollum, CEO of Torrent Consulting and Torrent Impact Sourcing. They discuss Daniel's journey from a computer science graduate to a missionary in Russia, and then to Malawi, where he discovered the power of creating jobs as a form of ministry. Daniel shares how he started Torrent Impact Sourcing, focusing on providing meaningful employment opportunities to professionals in Guatemala. The conversation highlights the impact of employment on families and communities, the growth of Daniel's businesses, and the vision for the future. Torrent Impact Sourcing: https://torrentimpactsourcing.com/ Torrent Consulting: https://torrentconsulting.com/ Book Recommendation Give Work: Reversing Poverty One Job at a Time by Leila Janah TED Talk: https://youtu.be/oQZJ4ot4ONQ?si=zq33q84GVxK4Pg4c  

In this conversation, Brad Layland interviews Katie Robertson, the founder of the Anchor Gathering, a women's outreach ministry aimed at encouraging women in their faith. Katie shares her personal journey, including the loss of her daughter, which inspired her to create a supportive community for women. The discussion covers the growth of the Anchor Gathering, the challenges of fundraising, and the impact of personal testimonies on the ministry's success. Katie emphasizes the importance of faith, community, and the transformative power of Jesus Christ in women's lives. Website theanchorgathering.com Book Recommendation Dream Big: The Henrietta Mears Story by Henrietta C. Mears  

In this episode, Brad Layland interviews Keith Nix, the head of Veritas School (Richmond, VA), discussing the school's transformation from a young startup to a thriving educational institution. They explore the challenges and successes of fundraising campaigns, the importance of building relationships with donors, and the personal impact of the school on families. Keith shares valuable insights on leadership, the significance of community, and the role of faith in their journey. He also recommends essential readings for leaders looking to grow and develop. Website: https://www.veritasschool.com/ Book Recomendations Dominion: How the Christian Revolution Remade the World, by Tom Holland  After You Believe: Why Christian Character Matters, by N. T. Wright The Advantage: Why Organizational Health Trumps Everything Else In Business, by Patrick M. Lencioni Read ancient writings: Church Fathers, Roman leaders Marcus Aurelius, Augustine's Confessions (Sarah Rudin's translation)