The Cause+Effect Podcast

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Cause+Effect podcast featuring James Poulter, a global leader in AI and innovation. Together, Trent and James dive into how to thrive in the ever-changing environment of technology, foster creativity, and let go of outdated practices that hold us back. James shares powerful insights on how these principles can spark meaningful change in technology, ministry, business, and personally.  Whether you're a leader in your field or simply looking for ways to grow personally and professionally, this episode is packed with practical strategies to increase your impact and effectiveness. Don’t miss it!

Welcome to this special episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast! Host Trent Dunham sits down with Rick Dunham, Founder and Chairman of Dunham+Company, to explore the crucial relationship between government policies and charitable giving. Together, they dig into the history of the charitable tax deduction and the recent legislation that has been introduced, proposing a universal charitable tax deduction.  Also, discover insightful findings from a new national study on attitudes related to the charitable tax deduction and the implications of the recently introduced legislation. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, donor, or simply curious about the intersection of government policy and generosity, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Today, we’re excited to explore some fascinating insights and trends in donor psyche, brought to life by our special guest, Rick Dunham. A frequent visitor to the podcast, Rick joins Trent to unpack critical findings from the latest Donor Confidence Study – a resource the team at Dunham+Company commissions annually to better understand donors' mindsets as we head into a fresh year.  This year’s edition of the study has a nuanced focus, influenced by its timing right after the election.  As Rick explains, the study surveyed donors who had contributed at least $20 to charity in the previous 12 months. Its goal is clear but essential – gauge if donors intend to give more or less in the year ahead and understand why. Are they optimistic about the economy? What factors are driving or hindering their willingness to give? These are just a few of the areas we’ll explore today. Whether you're a leader in a nonprofit, a donor yourself, or simply interested in trends shaping giving, this conversation will provide actionable insights to inform your perspective as we march into 2025.

The discussion dives into key trends and actionable insights from a recent summit. Topics include the importance of integrating AI and automation for efficiency in organizations. Strategies for innovative donor engagement are highlighted, particularly focusing on multi-channel communication methods. The need for effective email strategies and the resurgence of direct mail among younger donors are examined. Leaders are encouraged to identify unique organizational elements for success in acquisition and retention as they prepare for a transforming fundraising landscape in 2025.

Dan Sumpter, Chief Creative Officer at Dunham+Company, brings his expertise in organizational branding to discuss their transformative rebranding experience. He highlights the essential alignment of brand identity with leadership and the significance of flexibility in creative decisions. The conversation delves into their strategic shift towards resilience as a core value, emphasizing the importance of humility and open communication in navigating change. Personal anecdotes illustrate the emotional and practical challenges faced, offering a rich resource for leaders looking to evolve in their roles.

Ever wondered how charities can maximize their results on GivingTuesday—and beyond? This episode dives deep into GivingTuesday 2024 and provides actionable insights to set your organization up for success in 2025. Trent is joined by two returning subject matter experts from Dunham+Company—Danielle Rice, Chief Digital Officer, and Madison DeLage, Associate Director of Digital Strategy.  Together, they explore why GivingTuesday remains a crucial day for charities despite emerging competition like Travel Tuesday and discuss 2024 performance trends in fundraising and donor engagement. They also highlight key strategies high-performing organizations used this year, including growing email lists, cultivating mid/major donors, and using matching grants effectively.  Whether you're an experienced nonprofit leader or just starting to dip your toes into fundraising, this episode equips you with the strategies and foresight to elevate your organization’s efforts.  Listen now for expert tips on aligning technology, messaging, and community engagement for long-term fundraising success.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the nonprofit world by providing tools for better outreach and engagement through personalized messaging and content delivery.In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, taped live at the Dunham-Company Annual Summit, James Poulter joins us to discuss the changes and speculate about the future of AI's impact on ministry work. He champions the integration of AI in ministry, harnessing its analytical capabilities to deepen understanding of constituent needs, automate mundane tasks, and empower ministers to focus on meaningful interactions within their communities.Poulter is a distinguished digital marketing professional and technology expert, with a particular emphasis on Conversational AI strategy. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Vixen Labs, James has been instrumental in establishing the company as Europe's leading full-service Voice Agency. Vixen Labs specializes in voice consultancy and design, assisting brands in leveraging voice-first technology and conversational interfaces for effective communication and promotion.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the ministry landscape and the team at Dunham+Company is constantly evaluating how these new tools can move your cause forward.On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Chief Technology Officer, Danielle Rice, and Chief Strategist Social Media+Innovation, Nils Smiths, join the show to discuss the creative ways non-profit organizations can harness the power of AI tools to enhance their impact and efficiency. From streamlining administrative tasks, optimize resource allocation, improve program effectiveness, repurposing content, to increasing organization security, AI is here to stay and by adopting AI tools, ministries can maximize their reach and impact, ultimately advancing their mission.

In this episode, we tackle the vital topic of year-end planning for nonprofit organizations, churches, and any mission-driven group navigating the final stretch of the year. Join us as we explore insightful strategies to ensure your organization handles donors with care and integrity, paving the way for continued mission success. In this program we also discuss how recent events, like elections, influence donor behavior and how to anticipate their impact.  Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the nonprofit world, this episode provides actionable advice to help you end the year strong. Tune in and discover how to nurture your donor relationships and secure the support needed to carry your mission into the new year.

Welcome to this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, hosted by Trent Dunham with co-host Nils Smith. Today, we’re joined by Danielle Rice, the digital and data science lead at Dunham & Company, to explore the powerful role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in driving organizational growth.  In this insightful discussion, we break down what KPIs are and why they’re essential for any organization aiming for success. Learn how to effectively set and utilize KPIs across various functions like program growth, fundraising, and marketing. Discover the importance of visualizing data for decision-making and hear firsthand experiences and strategies from our hosts and guest on implementing KPIs to achieve measurable improvements.  Whether you’re a leader of a large nonprofit or a small startup, this episode will equip you with the knowledge and tools to harness KPIs for better data-driven decisions.