Blake Benton
Conversation Date: October 10th 2024 12pm CST
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Why Simplifying Your Message and Tailoring It to Donors Is More Important Than Ever
In a heartwarming and inspirational conversation on the Million Dollar Nonprofit Podcast, host Tom Kelly spoke with Blake Benton, founder of Coming Together for a Cure. This nonprofit is on a mission to make stem cell therapy a standard treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy and other chronic conditions. Blake shared how his organization has evolved, the importance of tailored messaging, and the legacy of his brother, Ryan Benton, whose journey inspired it all.
The Importance of Tailored Messaging
Messaging is critical for any nonprofit, and Blake emphasizes the need to adapt communication based on the audience.
1. For Families and Patients:
The focus is on empathy and providing hope. Blake ensures families feel supported, not like a statistic, and breaks down complex medical information into digestible, relatable content.
2. For Donors and Volunteers
Messaging revolves around impact. Donors are inspired by the tangible change their contributions enable, while volunteers are equipped with stories that highlight the organization’s mission and success.
Blake’s advice to other nonprofits: Lead with authenticity and understand your audience’s needs. Whether speaking with donors, patients, or volunteers, connecting on a human level is paramount.
The Legacy of Ryan Benton
The nonprofit’s journey began with Ryan Benton, who was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a terminal disease that often claims lives by the mid-twenties. In a pivotal moment, Ryan received experimental stem cell therapy, which reversed the progression of his disease and gave him 14 additional years of life.
Ryan’s passion for music and his drive to help others inspired the creation of Coming Together for a Cure. The organization began with grassroots fundraisers and evolved into a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit, now at the forefront of advancing stem cell therapies.
Storytelling as a Powerful Tool
Storytelling lies at the heart of the organization’s messaging. From sharing Ryan’s remarkable journey to highlighting other families’ experiences, Blake and his team use authentic narratives to inspire action. This approach has culminated in a documentary, The Sunshine Dreamer, which chronicles Ryan’s life, the impact of stem cell therapy, and the broader mission to bring hope to others.
The film combines heartfelt family stories with insights from medical experts, offering a comprehensive view of the challenges and triumphs in the fight against muscular dystrophy. Scheduled for release at major film festivals, the documentary promises to amplify the nonprofit’s mission on a global scale.
Expanding Access to Stem Cell Therapy
Currently, stem cell therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy is not available in the U.S., but Coming Together for a Cure connects families with reputable clinics, such as the Stem Cell Institute in Panama. The organization also advocates for clinical trials and regulatory advancements to make this life-changing treatment accessible to more people.
Blake’s team works tirelessly to guide families through the process, ensuring they avoid unethical providers and receive the best care possible.
Advice for Nonprofits
Blake offers these tips for refining nonprofit messaging:
- Study the Best: Look at innovative organizations like Charity Water and St. Jude for inspiration on authentic and personal messaging.
- Focus on Real Stories: Avoid overly corporate language and ensure that your messaging resonates on a human level.
- Lead by Example: As a leader, live your mission. When employees and volunteers see your passion and hear your authentic stories, they’re better equipped to share those narratives effectively.
Learn More
To support Coming Together for a Cure, visit their website at ctfac.org or follow them on social media. Whether you’re a family seeking treatment, a donor, or a volunteer, your involvement can help expand access to stem cell therapy and create a brighter future for those facing chronic diseases.
Blake’s heartfelt mission and dedication to his brother’s legacy remind us of the transformative power of hope, innovation, and community. Together, we can make extraordinary advancements in healthcare and improve countless lives.
Blake Benton
Executive Director & Co-Founder at Coming Together For A Cure, Inc.
More Resources
Frequently
Asked Questions
This episode focused on the importance of tailored messaging for nonprofits and how to effectively communicate with different audiences, including donors, volunteers, and the people they serve.
Tailored messaging ensures that nonprofits connect with their audience on a personal level. Different groups—such as donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries—have unique needs and motivations, and customizing communication helps maximize engagement and impact.
Blake Benton emphasized keeping messaging simple and clear, leading with authenticity, and using storytelling to create emotional connections with the audience. He also encouraged looking to other successful nonprofits for inspiration.
Storytelling is a powerful tool to illustrate a nonprofit’s mission and impact. Sharing real, relatable stories helps to inspire donors, engage volunteers, and provide hope to those the organization serves.
Nonprofits can lead by example, ensuring their leaders embody the mission authentically. Training volunteers and staff with key stories and providing them with simple, impactful language allows them to become effective ambassadors.
To simplify complex topics, Blake suggested breaking down information using figurative language, visual aids like motion graphics, and relatable analogies. The goal is to make technical information accessible to anyone, regardless of their background.
Nonprofits often struggle with balancing emotional storytelling and technical details, especially in fields like healthcare. Ensuring messages are compelling yet understandable to diverse audiences is a common challenge.
Start by analyzing the messaging of other successful nonprofits. Focus on authenticity, highlight personal stories, and avoid overly corporate language. Engage your audience by showing the real, human side of your organization.