Home, redefined
Last newsletter from Malaysia! We’re moving to Croatia (after a quick visit in the States) for about a year. Then, probably onto South America in 2026.
Why?
We’re a family from three continents and Mighty Ally has partners in 50+ countries. So years ago, we sold everything we owned and set out as nomads — with only a backpack and suitcase each — to live on every continent as a family by 2030.
Home changes. Impact focus stays.
— Kevin
💪🏽💛
Three insights
1. Fundable, findable, funding.
Fundable and fundable isn’t a clickable catchphrase.
I invented the term for a reason.
Fundraising should be accessible, not academic. And funding is the result of simple, repeatable actions, not complicated jargon.
So if you boil the whole framework and book down to the core, it’s this:
BE FUNDABLE
Craft a clear mission and vision +
Show that you’re achieving it
+
BE FINDABLE
Say how you’re different +
Communicate well
=
GET FUNDING
So yes, I’m thrilled my term caught on. But in the hype, let’s not forget the basics.
Fundable and findable is a method.
Not a motto.
First the phrase.
Then the fundamentals.
2. One gift isn’t a relationship.
“What the hell does donor stewardship even mean?”
↳ I asked on a recent podcast.
My question was blunt, because “stewardship” isn’t working. Just look at our sector’s dismal donor retention rates:
💷 Nearly 7 out of 10 donors will give once and never again.
💴 Every $100 gained is offset by $96 in losses through donor attrition.
💵 Last year, donor counts dropped 7.6% and donations decreased 1.3% (the third consecutive year to decline).
Consider the main reasons donors don’t give again:
❌ They weren’t told how their first gift was used.
❌ They didn’t feel thanked.
Ouch.
That’s just basic communications.
And that’s why author Kay Sprinkel Grace says the real work begins after you receive the gift. “This is the most important, yet most neglected piece of the fundraising process.”
So remember the rule of 7. ⤵
For each funding request, balance it with seven engaging brand touchpoints.
Some examples:
Email surveys
Program tours
Video updates
Thank-you calls
Thank-you notes
Email newsletters
In-person meetings
Social media tagging
Milestone celebrations
Asking for advice/input
Annual report mentions
Behind-the-scenes peeks
Text & WhatsApp messages
Gift confirmation & tax receipt
Invitations to events or webinars
Handwritten holiday or birthday cards
Impact update on how the gift was used
Count them seven times in your communications plan.
Then count on them to give again.
Less attrition, more attention.
Connect more, lose less.
3. Your story isn’t for sale.
Don’t bend your message for funders.
The right donors want to hear your story.
Not their own echo back at them.
So the fundraising advice of knowing thy audience should never become pandering to thy audience.
Instead, your brand should be a mental convergence. “It means taking your donor-investor’s needs seriously but also knowing what you really believe,” says Larry C. Johnson.
This sweet-spot messaging requires two things:
Theory of change (your side of the story)
Positioning strategy (their side of the story)
And here’s the tough love.
If you have to bend your pitch — or fundraising application — to an unnatural and artificial point, that donor isn’t right for you.
In this case, don’t change your messaging.
Change your audience. There are plenty of funder fish in the sea.
It’s your message, their ears.
Be the voice.
Not the echo.
The weekly bonus
From Buffer, it’s 30+ Best Podcasts for Creators, Marketers, and Social Media Managers in 2025.
“From behind-the-scenes chats with successful creators to expert breakdowns of the latest social media trends, these shows offer a steady stream of insights, inspiration, and actionable tips.”
Get my book
The most recent review said,
“In my work as a funder, I've reviewed so many decks, and for my own NGO we also create a lot of collateral. I always view them from the perspective that Kevin talks about in the book. For all the NGOs in my extended network, please go buy this book (and read it!!) immediately. It will help influence your thinking and with your comms approach immensely. Definitely worth your time, I guarantee it :)”
It’s a bestseller in four categories.
And a perfect 5.0 rating on Amazon with 4.98 on Goodreads.
P.S.
What it feels like to (try and!) replace a legendary nonprofit CEO.
Everyone who reads this MUST click on the final link about replacing a top performing member of staff - you won’t be disappointed and you’ll also laugh 😆