Storytelling: The 4 Core Fundraising Narratives

A good story makes us laugh, might choke us up, engages our imagination, and, when done well, puts us in the shoes of the characters.  The following are two different descriptions for the same fundraising campaign. Which one is more inspiring? By providing financial support to our Baseball team, you help to impact the academic and athletic experience for student-athletes. 75% of your gifts assist with programmatic needs and 25% goes directly to scholarships. Help support us to have a successful season. The Baseball team has had an amazing season and it’s not over yet! We’ve fought hard and made…

Day in the Life of an Annual Giving Fundraiser (GIFs)

    When advancement services pulls the wrong list.   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/ylMF2SwbAotLa" width="480" height="270"]  When you accidentally include the board of trustees in your solicitation email.   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/jeCoOrrbhDgRO" width="360" height="480"]  When it’s 11:59 on June 29th   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/NAn839YizXYXK" width="480" height="320"]  When it’s 12:01 on July 1st   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/rumR5iFBxFjdC" width="480" height="185"]  When your goal is set by throwing darts, spinning a wheel, etc.   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/26AHzFnyzk7xia8a4" width="480" height="270"]  When the Chancellor recognizes you and knows your name!   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/qTUxBRlcZjBgk" width="480" height="264"]  When alumni relations complains about phone solicitations to alumni.   [iframe src="https://giphy.com/embed/vLhYqCSE2YVXi" width="480" height="294"]  When marketing…

The Evolution of Philanthropy & the Fall of the Fundraising Pyramid

For a long time, philanthropy has been defined as “the giving of money to nonprofit organizations.” However, this definition is quickly becoming obsolete. It's evolving towards a meaning that is more appropriate to today’s giving paradigm and less industry-driven: that philanthropy is “the action of transforming the social wellbeing of others through generosity.” This implies that there are many more philanthropists in the world than our antiquated definition acknowledges. More importantly, this new way of looking at philanthropy forces nonprofit organizations to reconsider not only why they do what they do but how they do it at a systemic level. This…

Katie Haystead

Katie Haystead

Senior Vice President, Partnerships

With over a decade of experience working with K12 schools and higher education institutions’ fundraising efforts, Katie Haystead now oversees the partnerships team at Community Funded. Her passion for partner success and satisfaction aligns with Community Funded’s priorities and Katie’s unique background is well suited to manage the day to day operations of our partnerships team as well as new market acquisition.

Prior to joining the team at Community Funded, Katie served many roles within the Fundraising Division at Ruffalo Noel Levitz. Her experience ranges from working onsite and remotely with clients executing phonathon programs, developing annual giving strategies, onsite consultations and also developing multichannel strategies allowing for strong synergy between annual giving channels and creating strong major and planned gift pipelines.

Katie is based in Metro Detroit and is a graduate of Central Michigan University, where she worked for the phonathon for 3 years while working towards her History Major.

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Kim Jennings

Kim Jennings

Senior Generosity Strategist, Generis

Kim Jennings, CFRE is a skilled fundraising leader who believes in the power of Christian education to raise up thoughtful, strong, committed leaders who can make our world a better place for all.

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Kim Jennings

Todd Turner

Director of Digital Strategies, Generis

In addition to his 11 years overseeing Chuck Swindoll’s Insight Living Ministries communications department, Todd Turner has worked as a digital strategist for faith based organizations across the globe..

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Kim Jennings

Jennifer Perrow

Senior Generosity Strategist, Generis

Jennifer is a skilled fundraising and communications professional who helps ministries articulate vision, communicate mission, and raise abundant funds to advance Kingdom priorities.

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