Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast

“How are you?” Simple question, right?  If you lead a nonprofit organization, a ministry, or work inside one, this probably feels like a loaded question. A trap, if you will.  What we all know, but what so few are willing to admit, is that burnout is at an all-time high in our sector. As Nathan LaGrange, Executive Director at Oasis Rest International says, leaders don’t set out in their careers to flame out. No one wants to burn out, to harm their most precious relationships, or end up on the brink personal and professional failure. But it happens. https://youtube.com/shorts/ksKb5a8B_GI?feature=share In […]

Brady Josephson, VP of Marketing and Growth at charity: water, is a dynamic leader dedicated to innovation in the nonprofit space. He shares how curiosity drives their mission to provide clean water globally. The conversation covers unique initiatives like an experience lab to enhance community engagement, the importance of storytelling in fundraising, and the challenges of standing out in a crowded nonprofit sector. Brady also discusses strategies that empower smaller charities to innovate and grow while emphasizing the significance of long-term donor relationships.

Should you invest in branding, OR, should you invest in fundraising?  What creates greater impact for your cause?  The answer often depends on who you ask. There are plenty of fundraising consultants who will tell you that investing in brand is a useless exercise, and all you need to do to be successful is invest in fundraising. Buy more direct mail. Spend more on paid ad programs. Hire more consultants. Do more events. If you’re not careful, you’ll invest in a grab bag of tactics that may not move the needle for you on revenue. Sadly, too many nonprofits do […]

Gabe Cooper, CEO of Virtuous, and Carly Berna, Vice President of Marketing, explore the key donor performance metrics crucial for nonprofit success. They highlight the importance of donor retention, emphasizing the need for personalized communication and automation. The conversation delves into the challenges nonprofits face and how leveraging clean data and AI can enhance fundraising efforts. Strategies to engage everyday donors and adapt to evolving donor behaviors are also discussed, making it clear that data-driven insights are essential for future growth.

Do you know what sets the most generous fundraisers apart from the rest? In this episode of the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast, Andrew Olson sits down with David Duxbury, Major Gift Officer at Hammer Residences, to explore the transformative power of generosity. David shares his personal journey from growing up in poverty to becoming a passionate advocate for donor impact. Together, they discuss the importance of humility in fundraising, the role of donor-centric communication, and how nonprofits can better empower the next generation of fundraisers. Packed with honest stories and practical wisdom, this conversation will inspire anyone working to build meaningful relationships in the nonprofit sector.

Alan Clayton, Founder of Revolutionize, is a leading expert in nonprofit leadership and funding strategies. He discusses essential elements that define successful fundraising organizations, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitments and emotional connections with donors. Clayton shares insights on navigating leadership challenges in fundraising, highlighting the need for effective skills to transition organizations. He also explores the dynamic relationship between leadership and fundraising, stressing the importance of resilience and ethical integrity in enhancing fundraising success.

Dave Raley, Founder of Imago Consulting and co-host of the Purpose and Profit Podcast, dives into the evolution of nonprofit fundraising. He discusses the transformative potential of subscription-based models, emphasizing the importance of long-term donor engagement. Raley shares insights on navigating the subscription economy, creating sustainable giving strategies, and enhancing donor relationships. He also highlights a 90-day leadership course designed to empower nonprofit leaders, advocating for tailored communication to boost donor loyalty and retention.

Taylo Clements, Director of Digital Marketing at Barna Group and host of the Mission Money podcast, dives into the art of storytelling for nonprofits. She discusses how authentic narratives can create emotional connections with donors, transforming fundraising efforts. Taylo shares insights on recognizing donors as heroes while keeping the mission in focus and highlights the shift towards content-driven approaches. She advocates for nonprofit leaders to embrace their roles as storytellers, stressing collaboration and guidance in enhancing digital impact.

Could treating fundraising like a skilled trade transform your results?In this episode of the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast, Andrew Olson sits down with Jason Zwang, founder of The Giving Group and longtime major gifts leader. Jason shares why major gift fundraising should be approached not just as a career, but as a craft that requires apprenticeship, trust-building, and continual learning. They explore the evolution of major gifts, the tension between science and art, and how organizations can prepare for the next generation of fundraising leadership. This is a masterclass in practical wisdom for anyone serious about long-term fundraising success.  

How can failure become a catalyst for growth in nonprofit leadership?In this honest and empowering episode of the Rainmaker Fundraising Podcast, Andrew Olson is joined by Beth Fisher, CEO of Fisher Strategic. They explore how failure—especially public failure—can be one of the most powerful teachers for nonprofit leaders. Beth shares how to recover from setbacks, how to create psychologically safe cultures, and why investing in people is non-negotiable for organizations that want to grow. This episode offers practical insights for leading with authenticity, resilience, and empathy.