The Fundraising Elevator Podcast Episode #58 | Decolonizing Your Fundraising Event with Rachel D’Souza
We continue our conversation with Rachel D’Souza of Gladiator Consulting, who is a thought leader in community-centric fundraising. In this episode we’re taking a deeper dive into reshaping fundraising events with equity and inclusion at the forefront. Rachel challenges nonprofits to rethink traditions and adopt bold, equity-driven practices. Whether it’s budget planning or building authentic connections, this episode is packed with actionable advice for organizations aiming to make their events more inclusive, impactful, and joyful.
Rachel shares expert insights and practical strategies to address critical questions like: What does it mean to decolonize fundraising events? How can nonprofits balance belonging and revenue goals? She challenges traditional fundraising event models, focusing on reimagining galas, overcoming the exclusivity of high-ticket events, and prioritizing equity in every decision. Tune in and discover how to host fundraising events that are financially successful and transformative spaces for community connection.
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
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/
Rachel D’Souza
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladiatorrds/
| 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
The Ethical Rainmaker: https://theethicalrainmaker.com
Gladiator Consulting: https://www.gladiatorrds.com/
What the Fundraising: https://malloryerickson.com/book/
Philanthropology: https://www.epip.org/philanthropology2024
Community-Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/
The Generosity Commission: https://www.thegenerositycommission.org/
Bank of America Study of Philanthropy:
adrienne maree brown: https://adriennemareebrown.net/