How, When and with Whom should Charities and Churches Talk about Money?

In Episode 5 of this season on ‘Making Things Happen: Churches, Charities and Money’, Simon and Bex discuss how, when and with whom charities and churches should talk about money.

Some key points of interest covered in this episode include the following:

• Simon starts off by suggesting that when it comes to talking about money, churches and charities should be proactive by initiating conversations, and also by determining their content and direction. [01:41] He adds that money cannot be a ‘secret topic’ for a church or charity for legal reasons and also because transparency and accountability are required in order to demonstrate that donations etc have been managed well and appropriately. [03:13]
• In response to a question from Bex, Simon identifies some key elements of communicating well about money: use a variety of methods to communicate because people assimilate facts in different ways; and create a picture (eg by telling stories) of how the money received has been transformed into positive outcomes for individuals and communities. [05:10] On a year-by-year basis, a ‘compare and contrast’ approach can also work well, especially if this includes some visual elements, such as charts and infographics. [07:10]
• On the topic of when and how often should churches and charities talk about money to their supporters / congregations, Simon suggests that the following approach is sensible and balanced: create (and explain) a ‘rhythm’ of regular (but not excessive) financial updates; stick to that cycle; be consistent in the way that information is presented on each occasion. [08:37]
• Simon notes that it is important to understand the reason behind any communication about money as that will affect the way in which it is conveyed and the outcome that is achieved. [11:14] Focusing on why a particular communication is taking place can also help us to ‘stand aside’, review and adapt it in a manner that helps to ensure that the listener receives the desired message in exactly the way that it was intended. [12:44]
• Simon goes on to suggest three key reasons for a charity or church to communicate regularly with its donors: to provide feedback on the benefits that are being achieved through their donations; to keep them informed so that they can be engaged and proactive in their giving; to inspire them to spread the word about the good outcomes being achieved through the donations received so far. [14:15]
• Simon agrees with Bex that a great deal can be achieved when people give their influence by endorsing or praising a cause. [17:01] He also notes that a well-crafted financial report of the type sent out by some charities once a year can be an effective way of getting a positive money message out to potential supporters. [17:55]
• Bex and Simon then discuss the benefits that can arise when a church or charity shares with its staff and volunteers regular, helpful and transparent updates on money matters and the outcomes being achieved. [18:26]
• Bex and Simon talk about how an Appreciation Dinner initiated by Simon has been a means of inviting others to hear about what can be achieved through giving and to get involved themselves. [20:52]
• In addition, partnerships forged through compassion and respect have the potential to achieve more than solo endeavours and can even lead to charities coming together formally in a helpful manner, in certain contexts. [22:11]
• Simon’s final exhortation is not to shy away from talking about money; even in difficult circumstances, it is important to keep communication channels open, and there can still be good stories to tell. [23:39]
• The next episode in this season will consider how charities and churches can make finances work for specific projects. [24:07]

Suggestions or feedback arising from this episode can be sent via email to whereyourtreasureis@freerangepodcasting.co.uk while messages via Instagram should be directed to @whereyourtreasureispodcast.

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