
The Cause+Effect Podcast
Tired of doing things the same. way. every. year? The Cause+Effect Podcast, brought to you by the Dunham Podcast Network, is a fresh voice that breaks down the latest fundraising trends, leadership lessons and the ups and downs of the nonprofit industry. Our host Trent Dunham talks to a variety of guests with effective strategies and stories that inspire us. The goal? Increased effectiveness for more impact.
Latest episodes

Apr 27, 2023 • 25min
How to Create a Powerful SEO Strategy
As we look at today’s digital landscape, we can easily see how crowded the marketplace has become, placing a greater demand for quality content to cut through the noise. On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, we discuss the need for a solid SEO strategy to amplify your organization’s reach and create greater impact. Don’t miss out!

Apr 13, 2023 • 24min
How Are Donors Responding to the Economy?
The latest research is in – and you can’t afford to ignore it. The most recent update of our Donor Confidence Study indicates that donors are pulling back and feeling a significant degree of pessimism about the economy. In light this, it’s imperative you stay proactive in keeping donors engaged and connected to your cause. In this episode, we’ll unpack the latest findings, and provide practical ways to keep your donors engaged amid difficult economic times.

Mar 23, 2023 • 28min
The Skill of Listening as a Leader
Leadership is difficult in any capacity. It requires us to refine skills that we are not naturally wired with, which may challenge us in many ways. In this episode, Trent Dunham walks through the importance of listening as a leader, and ways in which he has learned to grow in this area. Give today’s podcast a listen and you’ll hopefully discover some keys takeaways to be proactive when it comes to listening well.

Mar 9, 2023 • 27min
How Artificial Intelligence is Changing the Nonprofit Landscape
At times, the pace of technological change can be daunting, especially when it’s moving as fast as artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, you will hear leaders from Dunham+Company's technology and innovation teams discuss how ethical AI can help nonprofits achieve their missions, how to leverage AI to make more informed decisions, and better engage with your communities. We hope you’ll tune into this value packed discussion and glean insight to create even more impact for your organization.

Feb 23, 2023 • 31min
The Shifting Sands of Generational Giving
As cost-of-living continues to impact charitable giving, understanding how each generation engages in philanthropy will empower you to develop the most effective fundraising strategies for today. Dunham+Company and Giving USA have partnered together to release a brand-new special report on generational giving. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, Rick Dunham and Josh Crowther unpack the latest findings, discuss the implications, and speculate about what it could mean for the future funding of ministry. For a deeper dive, purchase your copy of the Giving by Generations special report by visiting givingusa.org today!

Feb 9, 2023 • 37min
Big Things to Watch For in 2023
Following the annual Dunham Summit, Trent Dunham and Nils Smith sit down to discuss the highlights from this year's event, lessons learned from the featured speakers, and dive into some important questions about the upcoming year. How concerned should ministries be about the current economic situation? What role will video continue to play in compelling storytelling? And how can we speak to our donors around legacy giving? In this episode you will find answers to the questions and more - tune in and be encouraged!

Jan 26, 2023 • 41min
I Didn't See it Coming with Carey Nieuwhof
Founding Pastor of one of North America's most influential churches, Carey Nieuwhof desires to help you overcome life's hardest and most crippling challenges. He joins the Dunham Podcast Network to share insights about his own journey, providing clear tools and guidelines if you feel stuck in a painful experience or are wrestling with one of the unique challenges of ministry. It is a powerful and insightful episode!

Jan 12, 2023 • 31min
Leading an Intergenerational Team with Holly Tate
Holly Tate currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Growth @ Leadr. She is an international speaker, growth consultant, entrepreneur, and member of the Forbes Communications Council. Holly joins to the Cause+Effect Podcast today to discuss her recent insights about leading intergenerational teams, what the most recent research is saying about generation distinctions, and why she is optimistic about the future of Christian leadership.

Dec 15, 2022 • 21min
Where the Donor Journey Most Often Ends
As we approach the end of the year, the Dunham+Company teams sit down to discuss the best ways to keep your donor base engaged. This discussion includes details about the three main phases of the constituent funnel and how to keep donors moving through your engagement process. Also, how do ministries build awareness? What does effective communication look like? What is the role of automation? When are the best times to make giving asks? All these questions are answered and more - don't miss this important discussion!

Dec 1, 2022 • 22min
Should we Twitter?
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. Among all of the social media platforms, none have been as closely watched and as controversial as Twitter. Following the widely scrutinized purchase by Elon Musk, much of the debate has focused on the role of social media and who provides appropriate, if any, oversight. Nils helps us process the noise and consider all the ways Twitter might advance the platform of your ministry.