Funnels Are Dead: Why Your Nonprofit Needs a Donor Flywheel

Funnels Burn Out. Flywheels Build Momentum.

The traditional fundraising funnel is a burnout machine.

It’s designed to push people through a narrow pipeline:

Awareness → Ask → Give → Done.

And then what? You’re back at square one.

At TedWaz Consulting, we believe it’s time for something better — something sustainable. That’s why we developed the TedWaz Donor Flywheel™: a four-phase framework designed specifically for Christian nonprofits to generate consistent momentum and long-term generosity.

The TedWaz Donor Flywheel™

Turning Awareness into Advocacy to Fuel Donor Growth

TedWaz Donor Flywheel with Example Tactics

Most nonprofits spend too much time chasing one-time donors and not enough time creating a system that builds momentum. The flywheel flips the strategy from push to pull. Content is available at each step of the donor journey.

1. Awareness – Reach the Unaware

Your mission matters. But right now, too many people don’t know you exist. This phase is all about introducing your organization to new audiences through high-visibility, outbound, and discovery-based channels.

Goal: Spark curiosity and invite first contact.

2. Nurture – Build Trust & Engagement

Now that they’re interested, it’s time to earn their trust. You need content that educates, encourages, and builds relational equity with your audience.

Goal: Move from first click to deeper understanding and interest.

3. Conversion – Invite Action

Once someone trusts you, they’re ready to act. This stage is about reducing friction and offering clear, meaningful next steps — without manipulation.

Goal: Make it obvious, easy, and joyful to give or get involved.

4. Advocacy – Multiply Impact

Here’s the most overlooked part of the donor journey — and it’s where the flywheel really spins. Delighted donors don’t just give again — they share, invite, and champion your cause.

Goal: Turn givers into ambassadors who attract the next wave of supporters.

Why This Works

Unlike the funnel, the Donor Flywheel is always focused on momentum. No one ever "arrives." Donors transition to advocacy and can even go on additional journeys fueled by awareness of other facets of you ministry as it grows.

Additionally, the four phases give you clear segmentation and distinct focused actions to encourage prospects and donors to take the next step.

Designed for Ministries, Built for Results

Whether you’re just starting or scaling up, this framework gives you a clear, repeatable path to build awareness, nurture relationships, and multiply impact — with strategy grounded in biblical generosity and modern marketing.

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Build your Donor Flywheel for just $497. I'll work with you one-on-one and in a half-day we'll build a system that WILL get results for your ministry.

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