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Author: Brad Layland

The Best Time to Raise Money Is When You Don’t Need It

By Brad Layland | CEO, The FOCUS Group | Author of Turning Donors into Partners Key Takeaways Most leaders focus on what feels urgent. Exceptional leaders focus on what will matter later. Wise leaders prepare before a crisis arrives. The best time to strengthen an organization is during seasons of stability. Preparation and dependence on […]

My Experience With Donor-Advised Funds: A Tool for Giving, Not Storing

By Brad Layland CEO, The FOCUS Group | Author of Turning Donors into Partners Key Takeaways Donor-advised funds can be powerful tools for charitable giving when used strategically. The purpose of a DAF is to facilitate generosity, not delay it indefinitely. Stewardship involves both wise planning and timely action. Resources designated for Kingdom work should […]

When Good Intentions Aren’t Enough: A Lesson in Stewardship

By Brad Layland | CEO, The FOCUS Group | Author of Turning Donors into Partners Key Takeaways Stewardship begins before a gift is received, not after. Donor intent and proper gift administration must work together to achieve the desired outcome. Organizations best serve donors when they help donors navigate complexity rather than simply accept their […]

When the Engine Goes Quiet: A Lesson at 500 Feet

By Brad Layland | CEO & Senior Consultant | Author of Turning Donors into Partners Key Takeaways The most dangerous mistakes rarely happen in the moment. They begin long before. Fatigue and distraction don’t just impact individuals; they break down teams. Systems and checklists only work when someone takes ownership of them. Experience and success […]

Tear Down These Walls

By Brad Layland | CEO & Senior Consultant | Author of Turning Donors into Partners Key Takeaways False idols in ministry leadership rarely appear as rebellion. They often look like competence, control, or approval. Leaders can begin trusting results, performance, or their reputation more than they trust God. Spiritual freedom in leadership begins when we […]

Living in Between Grief and Gratitude

By Brad Layland | CEO & Senior Consultant | Author of Turning Donors into Partners Key Takeaways: Perspective often comes with time, not in the middle of hardship. Grief and gratitude can exist at the same time in leadership. God can redeem painful seasons, even when it’s not yet visible. Faithfulness means trusting the story […]

Where Hope Really Lives

I get a front-row seat to ministries participating in the truest hope we have: God is making all things new.

We All Get a Trophy

The work matters. Effort matters. Showing up matters. But the “trophy” is given by a Father who delights to bless our efforts.