Episode #88 | Beyond Funding Fears: Building Unbreakable Nonprofit Networks Through Intentional Events with Kristin Steele & Samantha Swaim

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2 where co-hosts Samantha and Kristin sit down to talk about the evolving landscape of fundraising events. They reflect on the trends shaping nonprofit events today—from the resurgence of in-person gatherings post-pandemic to the essential role of celebration, community-building, and authenticity. You'll hear about the growing importance of intentionality in event programming, from centering joy and resilience to designing donor experiences that build real relationships. They also offer a roadmap for revenue strategy by looking at sponsorship, table sales, and partnership development.

This episode is a celebration of what’s possible when we gather and a love letter to the power of mission-driven storytelling, leaving us with a call to be the architects of events that don’t just raise money—but raise the collective spirit.

Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 

 

This Episode Brought to You by: 

Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 

 

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 

 

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

 

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

 

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

 

Kristin Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

 

| RESOURCES |

Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book

Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Be a Guest on the Podcast: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/

Raise Conference use code AMPLIFIER25: https://raise.onecause.com/

Nonprofit Storytelling Conference: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/