Episode #95 | Unlocking The Million Dollar Event with Brandon Lenzi

Nov 12, 2025

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In this episode Brandon Lenzi, founder of Bowtie Strategies, shares his transformative approach to fundraising rooted in authentic relationships. Brandon defines fundraising as an opportunity for individuals to realize their vision for the community they want to live in, emphasizing the importance of sitting on the same side of the table with donors to solve problems together. He discusses navigating current challenges by focusing on individual giving and being transparent with donors about funding gaps while inviting them to be part of the solution.

The episode also features a compelling case study of how Brandon transformed a $500,000 event into a million-dollar fundraiser using an innovative anchor gift strategy. By securing a $100,000 anchor gift and strategically matching it multiple times he created collective momentum that inspired broader participation. Brandon emphasizes that fundraising isn't a water pump but rather a flywheel that gains momentum through consistent relationship building. As year-end approaches, he advises organizations to focus on authentic storytelling and treating donors as team members, recognizing that donors are consolidating their giving to fewer organizations that matter most to them.

Breakdown of the Million Dollar Strategy:

https://swaimstrategies.substack.com/p/how-to-turn-your-fundraising-event

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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.

Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw

Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.

Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/

Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

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

Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies

Kristin Steele

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

Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies

Brandon Lenzi

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-lenzi-992955138/

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