Canaan Group & Associates

02/25/2026

https://www.jpaulfridenmaker.com/blog/asking-up-the-wealth-gap-conundrum
J.Paul Fridenmaker dives into that tricky, uncomfortable moment we all face—asking something of someone far wealthier than us. He explores why our insecurities can make it feel impossible, and how shifting your mindset can turn that fear into confidence.

02/20/2026

https://www.canaangroup.com/post/making-the-invisible-board-of-trustees-visible
A well-functioning board acts as a group of advocates for your nonprofit, making your fundraising job just a little bit easier. This blog post dives deeper into what that looks like and why it is important to make the invisible board visible.

02/04/2026

Carol Ann Ferguson serves as Executive Director of Choices Chattanooga, where under her leadership the organization increased revenue by 61% in four years. With CG&A’s guidance, she developed a passion for donor engagement and gained expertise in board training, strategic planning, and nonprofit management. Inspired by CG&A’s mission, she joined the team in 2021 and lives in Chattanooga with her husband, Teron, where they attend New City Fellowship.

01/14/2026

The article highlights seeJesus, a mission organization dedicated to helping the church rediscover and reflect the person and life of Jesus through discipleship tools and curriculum. It celebrates seeJesus’s partnership with Canaan Group, noting how fundraising training has helped the ministry turn development work into relational opportunities grounded in love for God and neighbor.

Learn more about how seeJesus joined the CG&A family in January 2020, and we've had the privilege to serve them, along with their sub-organizations A Praying Life and Bethesda.

01/07/2026

The article explores how burnout is a common challenge for Christian fundraisers and argues that it should be addressed not just practically, but spiritually, through a biblical understanding of vocation, rest, and a deep dependence on God. It emphasizes healthy rhythms, supportive leadership, and grounding fundraising work in calling rather than performance to foster long-term sustainability and joy.

While our culture often talks about burnout, work-life balances, and healthy habits, it lacks a biblical understanding of work and rest.

12/31/2025

Meet Marc Erickson, Consultant at Canaan Group & Associates, who brings decades of expertise in planned giving and estate design to help individuals and institutions steward their resources with purpose.

12/22/2025

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

–John 1:4-5 (ESV)

We wish you a Merry Christmas, and we hope you have a wonderful New Year! As the Canaan Group & Associates team is celebrating these holidays with our family and friends, we’ve noticed the importance of light.

In the midst of dark winter evenings, we all enjoy candles, Christmas lights, and warm, flickering fires. These are often used as imagery to represent the love, warmth, and comfort we all seek during the holidays, and what good gifts they are!

However, while we enjoy these forms of light, we’re reminded of the One True Light, the only light that will eternally banish the darkness we face in our world. He is the reason we have hope, and He is the reason we go out to love and serve. Like the moon reflects the light of the sun, so too do we reflect the light of Christ to our hurting world.

It’s been our honor to come alongside churches, schools, pregnancy resource centers, mission agencies, and mercy ministries throughout this year as they reflect Christ’s light to their neighbors, cities, our nation, and to the ends of the earth. We’re thankful that we get to partner with so many wonderful nonprofits that are serving as the hands and feet of the One True Light.

With joy,

Your Friends at CG&A

12/10/2025

The article explains that giving is more than simply a charitable act — it’s a spiritual practice that transforms the giver by aligning their heart with God’s generosity. Using the story of Zacchaeus as an example, it shows how encountering God can shift someone from clinging to wealth toward joyful, sacrificial generosity. Ultimately, giving can reshape a person’s identity, strengthening trust in God and fostering a life marked by freedom and purpose.

As believers, we are called to be transformed, to allow God to shape our minds to the mind of Christ, to accept his view of the world and make our own thoughts obedient to his purposes. God can use our...

12/03/2025

This article reveals why most fundraisers think they’re good listeners—but often miss the deeper meaning donors are trying to share. It shows how true, judgment-free listening can transform conversations and build trust that leads to stronger donor-partner relationships.

In relational fundraising, listening to hear is a fundamental skill. If you think about it, it might seem like a manipulative tactic: practice being a really good listener so that people like talking to you and want to give to your organization. However, this isn’t what we’re encouraging. Instea...

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

12/03/2025

🌟 It’s Giving Tuesday! 🌟

Will you consider supporting CSY today? We’re raising funds to give our incredible lunch staff the brand-new kitchen they truly deserve!

Thanks to an amazing $11,000 match, every dollar you give is DOUBLED!

Your generosity goes twice as far today, thank you for helping us bless our staff! 💛

Donate Here: https://csy.kindful.com/?campaign=1388820