The Cause+Effect Podcast

The podcast discusses ten trends to watch in 2024, including the increased use of text as a communications medium, the impact of AI, the fragmentation of audiences, the effects of uncertainty and elections on donor giving, the rise of spoken word audio, mid-level donor strategies, the importance of ministry story, the power of relationships, and the importance of fostering strong relationships to accelerate ministry and promote unity in making Jesus famous.

It is simply impossible for a ministry to reach its full impact without utilizing video as a key component of the messaging. In our latest episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, we dive into the dynamic world of video storytelling for ministries and its pivotal role in fundraising. Dan Sumpter, Chief Creative Officer, and Nils Smith, Chief Strategist for Social Media and Innovation, join Trent Dunham to showcase the unique power of video in capturing and conveying ministry impact and creating a deeper emotional connection with audiences. You’ll gain valuable insights on creating compelling video content that vividly brings your ministry's mission to life and effectively boosts fundraising efforts. And you’ll learn how to harness the transformative power of visual storytelling to uplift and inspire your ministry's community and move them to their deepest level of engagement with your organization.

Most leaders want to avoid focusing time and resources on their technology infrastructure, yet it is likely the secret to freeing up more time and resources to fulfill ministry goals. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Danielle Rice, Chief Technology Officer at Dunham+Company, to explore how robust and healthy technology infrastructure can help ministries more effectively spread their message, connect with followers, streamline operations, create digitally secure environments, and steward resources – both time and money. In this current digital age, a robust technology foundation is an essential tool for empowering ministries to reach their desired audience and fulfill their unique mission.

No ministry can reach its maximum impact without a great website that is easy to use and engages the user.On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Nils Smith, Chief Strategist for Social Media and Innovation, and Madison Delage, Associate Director of Digital Strategy, join the show to explore the essential elements and changing technology involved in website development. Listeners will hear how a great website must connect with donors, provide transparency, and be the primary tool that communicates a ministry's core message and ultimately, enhances the ministry's effectiveness and impact. Everyone knows that having a great website is a non-negotiable and now you will have the tools to get it done!

Podcasting has now become an essential tool to extending a ministry's reach and for sharing your unique Kingdom message.The importance of podcasting in building a platform has never been more clear, and in this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Nils Smith and Director of Podcasting, Chris Lawson, to discuss the current state of podcasting, trends that will shape 2024, and the keys to developing successful podcasting content.What platforms are growing? What are the best tricks for growing your audience? Should you use video as a part of your podcasting strategy? All these questions and more are answered in today's episode - don't miss out!

If you think direct mail is a tool of the past, think again! It has never been more important. On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Founder+Chairman, Rick Dunham, and Client Success Lead, Kaitlyn Riley, join the show to examine how direct mail can bring significant benefits to sharing your ministry's message and impact.Listeners will hear how It provides a personal and tangible connection with your target audience, leaves a lasting impression, and effectively enables you to convey your ministry's message, events and initiatives in a fresh way. As year-end nears, it might just be time for your ministry to consider the role direct mail could plan in your overall strategy!

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.

A clear and compelling brand is key to anyone understanding the identity and purpose of your organization. Yet, unfortunately, most organizations lack a brand that is well defined and deeply integrated into the organization's identity.Dan Sumpter, the Chief Creative Officer of Dunham+Company, joins the Cause+Effect Podcast to offer insights on how ministry leaders can discover the core emotional essence of their brand, define the deliverable promise, and effectively implement strategies around a clear brand identity that leads to more impact and better results.

We all know that a nonprofit board can either be an accelerant and encouragement to its leaders, or it can serve as an obstacle to achieving organizational goals. What makes the difference? On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, you will learn how to avoid miscommunication around specific roles and responsibilities, the best ways for governing boards to provide support, and how leaders can work in tandem with Boards to move the mission forward.

Nils Smith, the Chief Strategist of Social Media+Innovation at Dunham+Company, returns to the Cause+Effect Podcast to discuss the enormous changes at Twitter and whether ministry leaders should consider using Threads from Instagram. In addition, he discusses the shifting landscape of the broader social media world, including: vertical video, the increasing dominance of YouTube, and how ministries must adapt quickly to reach new followers and increase their engagement.