Missions to Movements

If you're still manually sending thank you notes, chasing spreadsheets, or struggling to keep up with donor touch points, this episode could save you THOUSANDS of dollars.I’m talking with Rachel Bearbower, an absolute systems wizard and the founder of  Nonprofit Automation Agency, to break down how nonprofits can implement systems and automations that actually feel personal.Rachel walks us through some compelling case studies, including a monthly giving program that used customized workflows to segment donors by gift size and deliver messages that felt like they came straight from the Executive Director’s inbox. You’ll hear how my team used Zapier to automatically send scholarship applications from HubSpot to Google Sheets. The kicker? These automations helped scale communications to over 4,700 event registrants without sacrificing personalization!Plus, Rachel shares her “The One Minute Thank You” trick that lands pre-written, customizable drafts in your inbox the moment a donation comes through.Resources & LinksConnect with Rachel on LinkedIn or Instagram or book a demo. You can also learn more about Nonprofit Automation Agency on her website.Check out Rachel’s FREE Resources: 5 Ways to Automate Your Stewardship and Create a Remarkable Donor Experience. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Ariana Younai, the Head of LinkedIn for Nonprofits, discusses how to maximize fundraising and donor engagement using LinkedIn's Sales Navigator. With insights on leveraging advanced filters and buyer intent signals, she shares transformative strategies for reconnecting with lapsed donors and building strong corporate partnerships. Ariana highlights success stories, including how a second-degree connection led to a grant for 5,700 essential workers. She also offers practical advice and a limited-time access opportunity for nonprofits to enhance their outreach efforts.

Today’s episode is a peek behind the curtain of my recent virtual Monthly Giving Summit. The good, the surprising, and everything in between! With a team of 6 handling strategic planning and marketing, we ended up with 31 speakers and 4,693 registrants from 58 countries!I’ll share what we paid in speaker fees, the secrets behind our marketing approach, why simple, no-frills video ads work, and how a $2,500 investment in paid ads generated 26% of our total registrations at just $2.04 per registration.Plus, my combo of email marketing, influencer partnerships, speaker collabs, and strategic outreach that led to a 50% live show-up rate at the summit. If you’ve ever dreamed of hosting a virtual event that truly moves the needle, this episode is your blueprint. You don't need a massive operation to create meaningful impact — just a genuine desire to serve your community.Resources & LinksThank you to our amazing partners who made the Monthly Giving Summit possible: Givebutter, FundraiseUp, MissionWired, Tatango, iDonate, and DonorPerfect.I used LettrLabs to send thank you notes to speakers. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Did you know that LinkedIn video uploads have increased by 34% year over year?! If your nonprofit isn’t leveraging video on LinkedIn, you’re missing out on a major opportunity to connect with potential donors and advocates. In this episode, I’m sharing a replay of a recent livestream I co-hosted about the power of LinkedIn video with Scott Rising, Senior Content Marketing Manager at LinkedIn. We cover why it’s the FASTEST growing content format on the platform and how nonprofits can use it as a catalyst for building relationships. Of course, we get into the nitty gritty of optimal video length, formats, and scripting the most powerful hooks, too.Learn the best video tools like Canva (which is free for nonprofits!) and how to repurpose blog posts, webinars, and newsletters into engaging video stories. I’ll also explain why you don’t need a professional production team to create impactful LinkedIn videos. Sometimes, all it takes is your phone, a $20 microphone, and a smart content plan to generate over a million impressions!P.S. Want to watch the replay live? Here is the LinkedIn Live video.Resources & LinksConnect with Scott on LinkedIn.Check out these recommended tools for making videos: Canva for Nonprofits, InShot, and CapCut.If you're interested in incorporating text messaging with 99% open rates into your donor engagement strategy, join me and the team at Tatango for a FREE webinar on March 26th at 1:30pm ET. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Today, I'm sharing something I normally reserve for my paid mastermind clients: a ready-to-implement, 4-part email welcome series designed specifically for monthly donors. Even better? It’s built in Flodesk so you can download and customize it immediately for your organization!When you’re capturing new monthly donors, are you missing a crucial opportunity to take them through a well-timed sequence?I’ll break down the four strategically timed emails that I recommend sending: an immediate thank you, a personal message from leadership, an impact story that demonstrates their support in action, and a 1-month anniversary celebration. Each message serves a beautiful purpose in strengthening donor connection.And using Zapier, you can seamlessly connect this entire sequence with popular donation platforms like Givebutter, FundraiseUp, Classy, and iDonate. Your monthly donors are the backbone of sustainable funding - I can’t wait to see how you use these email templates. Click HERE to download them for FREE.Resources & LinksDownload my FREE 4-part Monthly Giving Email Welcome Series templates here. And if you need implementation support, book a VIP Intensive with me.If you're interested in incorporating text messaging with 99% open rates into your donor engagement strategy, join me and the team at Tatango for a FREE webinar on March 26th at 1:30pm ET.Try out my favorite email marketing software, Flodesk, and get 50% off your first year!  This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

What happens when a nonprofit and a major beauty brand come together to change the narrative on the deeply ingrained biases surrounding facial differences? You’re about to learn how a BOLD vision turned a dream collaboration with Sephora UK into reality with Phyllida Swift, CEO of Face Equality International. Phyllida starts by sharing her incredible story of resilience and strength after a car accident. The important work she does today stands at a unique intersection of human rights, disability policy, and representation.Phyllida breaks down the Face Equality International ambassador program, how they attracted creators like British YouTuber Nikki Lilly, the challenges of navigating tokenism in brand partnerships, and how nonprofits can leverage creators to amplify their mission, too.Then we dig into Phyllida’s favorite takeaways from their powerful “My Face Is a Masterpiece” campaign with Sephora UK, which included in-store events and training initiatives for beauty professionals, creating a beautiful conversation around beauty and identity. Resources & LinksLearn more about Face Equality International on their website and Instagram, and connect with Phyllida on LinkedIn. Phyllida also references the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Heather Sager, a talented speaking coach and entrepreneur, shares invaluable insights on amplifying your mission through impactful public speaking. She discusses transforming fear into a mindset of service, making speaking opportunities less daunting. Listeners learn her five-part framework for crafting compelling talks and the importance of 'sticky messages' to leave a lasting impression. Heather also reveals common pitfalls to avoid while pitching for speaking gigs, providing practical strategies for anyone looking to elevate their public speaking game.

The Monthly Giving Summit is HERE! Instead of scrambling for last minute dollars or stressing over whether a big donor will renew their gift, imagine that you have a solid foundation of predictable revenue that gives you room to breathe, plan and focus on the work that truly matters. That's what a thriving monthly giving program can do. This year’s summit is a space where we can all come together. You’ll hear from industry leaders like Liz Forkin Bohannon, author of Beginner’s Pluck, Stephanie Barnhill from Givebutter, and nonprofit giants like Save the Children and Project HOPE. They’ll break down their best strategies for attracting and retaining recurring donors, how to actually integrate subscription-based giving into fundraising efforts, and the savviest email tactics worth trying, like upgrade links and reminders to increase retention. We have the power, the ability, and the agency to rewrite the future of fundraising, but it starts with showing up.P.S. You can still register and catch up on all the insights from the Virtual Monthly Giving Summit. Bring your team. Share this with your board. RSVP for FREE here.Resources & Links This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Did you know 97% of recurring donor value occurs AFTER the first gift? Author and nonprofit advisor Dave Raley is here to share why the subscription economy is reshaping recurring giving and how nonprofits can shift from a transactional mindset, to building engaging donor experiences that foster long-term retention.We get into why you need a dedicated staff focusing on recurring giving programs (one of Dave's clients saw 6-figure year-over-year growth after implementing this!), how brands like organic perfumery Ffern are creating intrigue before a purchase decision, and how to prevent involuntary donor churn from declined or expired credit cards.From refining onboarding processes to offering “upsells” and donor-exclusive experiences, Dave provides an inspiring roadmap for maximizing the lifetime value of monthly donors!Dave also shares details on his book launch and how you can win one of 10 free signed copies. Click here to sign up and be automatically entered to win.Resources & LinksConnect with Dave on LinkedIn and check out his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy Is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit. You can also sign up for Dave’s weekly newsletter, The Wave Report to be entered to win one of TEN signed copies of his new book.One of Dave’s favorite recurring giving experiences is from the International Justice Mission. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Nonprofits need to stop playing it safe. Liz Bohannon (our keynote speaker for the upcoming 2025 Monthly Giving Summit!) is here to share her take on embracing perceived failures, or as she calls them, "Pluck Ups." What if failure wasn't something to fear, but something to celebrate?Liz shares how the stories we tell ourselves about setbacks can either lead to shame and isolation or open doors to resilience and growth. She recounts a powerful moment when she misinterpreted an audience member’s reaction during a talk, only to later realize they were creating art inspired by her words. This episode will challenge you to rethink your approach to risk-taking and storytelling, and teach you all about “failure funerals.” Because here’s the thing: impact-driven work requires BOLDNESS, vulnerability, and a willingness to "pluck up."Plus, get a sneak peek into what Liz has planned for her keynote at the Monthly Giving Summit… an event you won’t want to miss! RSVP for FREE here.Resources & LinksConnect with Liz on LinkedIn and Instagram and check out her book Beginner’s Pluck: Build Your Life of Purpose and Impact Now. This show is presented by LinkedIn for Nonprofits. We’re so grateful for their partnership. Explore their incredible suite of resources and discounts for nonprofit teams here. Through April 30th, LinkedIn is giving away 6 months FREE of Sales Navigator Core to the first 2,000 eligible nonprofit professionals! Click here to apply.My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! Head to YouTube for digital marketing how-to videos and podcast teasers Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!