Inflight Briefing: 011

4 min read

Dec 13, 2022 1:12:25 PM

Delivered weekly, the Inflight Briefing is designed as a blueprint for the builder and inspiration for the curious. It's for the purposeful (that's you!) doing marketing for good.

011: From transactional to radically connected

The problem of where we should give our time, energy, and money isn’t a new problem. Aristotle said, “To give away money is an easy matter, and in any man’s power. But to decide to whom to give it, and how large and when, and for what purpose and how, is neither in every man’s power — nor an easy matter.”

Chappell, Crimmins, and Ashley — the writers of The Generosity Crisis, believe, “For generosity to endure and nonprofits to be successful well into the 21st century, we must leave behind models of transactional connection to our communities and embrace relational Radical Connections.”

The decision of what to give our lives to is ultimately a human decision — not a rational or technological computation. And radical connection is a new framework that turns prospective donors back into people and audiences into vibrant communities.

Though I agree the current moment requires a radical shift, I also think philanthropy — the active love of humanity — is resilient and aligns with the longing people have for meaning and purpose.

Snackable snippets

From transactional to radically connected

During this in-depth interview Jon and Becky at We Are For Good discussed this topic with The Generosity Crisis writers Nathan Chappell and Brian Crimmins. Jon also shared his personal thoughts on the book via LinkedIn.

7 big questions for big philanthropy

Progress requires us to ask hard questions. Will philanthropy continue to address racial equity and climate change or will there be reactions toward complacency? Addressing systemic issues head on is stretching, and nonprofits must be prepared for the long haul.

A case study on the world’s biggest donor

Billionaire philanthropy makes headlines. However, is it truly helpful or merely a distraction? Listen in as Phil and Grace with the Giving Done Right Podcast surface some unique insights as they unpack the effect Mackenzie Scott has on nonprofit organizations.

The way we think about charities is dead wrong

Dan Pallotta is an activist and fundraiser who has become an outspoken proponent of nonprofit investment in innovation. Nonprofits are often held to an unfair standard of austerity. Without investing in marketing, advertising, and research, nonprofits will never be able to compete for attention and as a result won’t be able to grow and expand their impact. This has to change!

A modern framework for nonprofit marketing

At the heart of every marketing strategy is identifying, engaging, and activating a community. Developing a framework for how to effectively understand your community and spark conversations is essential for growth. Join Noah and the Feathr team tomorrow, Dec. 14 at 2 P.M. EST for a deep dive on building a marketing framework for your organization.

In the news

Salaries have become more and more a part of the public discussion. While some states have demanded compensation be included in new job listings, the nonprofit world may soon come under closer scrutiny with the requirement of releasing every employee’s compensation.

Frito Lays is giving away super bowl tickets to those who are courageous enough to get a triangle haircut. The initiative was created after Buffalo Bills player Von Miller was seen with a similarly shaped fresh cut. All serious contenders must show off their new doo on Instagram and Twitter with the hashtag #NameThatTriangle and #Entry before Jan. 15, 2023 to be considered.

Something for your inspiration folder

Dana Snyder is a thought leader in the nonprofit space who knows what’s going on when it comes to marketing, advertising, and social media. She says about social platforms, “You don’t have to be on something.” Feel inspired to go find your community where they are instead of just going through the social media motions.