

Missions to Movements
Dana Snyder
Missions to Movements is the nonprofit marketing and fundraising podcast that helps you grow recurring donors, scale monthly giving programs, and build digital campaigns that convert. Hosted by Dana Snyder—speaker, strategist, and founder of Positive Equation—this show is packed with actionable nonprofit growth strategies, social media tips, and fundraising best practices. Each week, you’ll hear how organizations are increasing donor retention, building thought leadership, and using digital fundraising to drive real impact. If you want to learn how to attract monthly donors, master nonprofit marketing, and transform your mission into a movement, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 21, 2022 • 14min
Increase Your Email Open Rate & Clicks with 5 Expert Email Marketing Tips
The average person receives over 100 emails a DAY! But what is it that gets you to open an email? Was it the juicy subject line? Was it because you trust that person? Or was there an urgency factor? Having strategies for your email marketing, acquisition and email design are so important, which is why I’ve tapped five of my favorite email marketing experts to share a quick fire tip with you. You’ll hear about the importance of personalization and why we need to avoid boring subject lines if we want our open rates to increase. A special thank you to Hannah Lipschutz, John Walsh, Patty Breech, Katelyn Baughan, and Christina Tzavaras Edwards for sharing their wisdom with us. Let’s get started!Resources & LinksWhere do you struggle with your email marketing efforts? Is it in the acquisition of getting new people on your email list? Is it in drafting the emails? Is it getting those open rates? Or do you have an incredible email story to share that everyone should hear? Drop me a note on LinkedIn or Instagram either way. I look forward to hearing from you.Join my upcoming live workshop series, Grow Your Gifts, and learn how to launch optimized ad campaigns on Instagram and Facebook, plus get personalized feedback from me. Get on the interest list now to learn more and have a successful giving season.My mastermind is reopening in January! If you’re ready to build and launch an impactful monthly donor program in just 3 months, apply here. Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Sep 21, 2022 • 40min
Establish Your Personal Brand and Become An In-Demand Paid Speaker with Jess Ekstrom
Have you ever thought about boosting your thought leadership and getting paid to speak?I have followed the career of influential keynote speaker Jess Ekstrom for years. I've purchased headbands from her company Headbands of Hope, I subscribe to her email newsletter, and now she's here to share her wisdom on entrepreneurship, thought leadership, how to build a brand as a speaker and so much more!We also cover the big mistake speakers make, the impact of powerful journaling prompts, and how to get yourself booked for well-paying gigs (Jess shares so many juicy tips).Episode Partner: This episode is presented by Instil, a nonprofit platform built to leverage the power of modern technology to help nonprofits do their best work. Instil holistically manages supporters including donors, members, and volunteers to deepen nonprofit connections with their community, increase revenue, and maximize impact. Learn more here.Resources & LinksIs your CRM working for you? Join me at my FREE webinar with Instil on September 28th where you’ll learn how to audit your existing CRM technology and understand what features are important to have.Follow Jess Ekstrom on her website and at @jess_ekstrom on Instagram or on TikTok. You can also learn more about Headbands of Hope. For every item purchased, a headband is donated to a child with an illness. Get on the list for Jess’s Monday morning Hype texts! Text the word HYPE to 704-228-9495.Mic Drop Workshop is where Jess offers courses to help you sell and tell your story as a paid keynote speaker and author.Check out Jess’s book, Chasing the Bright Side: Embrace Optimism, Activate Your Purpose, and Write Your Own Story and explore her other company, Prompted, that offers guided journaling prompts to help you achieve your goals.Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Sep 14, 2022 • 38min
What Makes a Good Story Turn Into $$$ with Shereese Floyd
Storytelling is a FUNDAMENTAL part of marketing. But what actually makes a good story?When we hear stories, we feel compelled to give and to care about certain issues. And this is where today’s guest Shereese Floyd shines. Shereese is an award-winning speech writer, TEDx speaker, and businesswoman who has been recognized for her creativity in storytelling and brand messaging. In fact, she’s helped organizations raise over $2 million dollars.Get your notepads ready, y'all! This conversation is jam-packed with a ton of tactical tips to integrate into your organization.Episode Partner: This episode is presented by Instil, a nonprofit platform built to leverage the power of modern technology to help nonprofits do their best work. Instil holistically manages supporters including donors, members, and volunteers to deepen nonprofit connections with their community, increase revenue, and maximize impact. Learn more here.Resources & LinksIs your CRM working for you? Join me at my FREE webinar with Instil on September 28th where you’ll learn how to audit your existing CRM technology and understand what features are important to have.Learn more about Shereese and her work at Witness My Life and connect with her on LinkedIn.Episode 14: The Pursuit of Justice Through Digital with Alicia MauleEpisode 13: Every 7 Seconds Matters - How To Move the Masses with Invisible Children Co-Founder Jason RussellWant to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Sep 12, 2022 • 10min
The #1 Strategy To Increase Your Visibility & Brand Awareness
There are countless ways to raise brand awareness, increase your visibility, your sales, your donations, but there has been ONE secret along my own journey that has exponentially increased the notoriety of my business more than anything.Can you guess what it is? You’ll have to tune in to find out.Today’s episode concept actually came from a reflection of my business over the past two years that I want to share with you. This strategy has brought me so much joy, and the best part? There are so many different ways to try it for yourself.Resources & LinksJoin my upcoming live workshop series, Grow Your Gifts, and learn how to launch optimized ad campaigns on Instagram and Facebook, plus get personalized feedback from me. Get on the interest list now to learn more and have a successful giving season.My mastermind is reopening in January! If you’re ready to build and launch an impactful monthly donor program in just 3 months, apply here. Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Sep 7, 2022 • 47min
Prepare for Google Analytics 4 with SEO Consultant Pri Kruijen
I can’t stress the importance of having access to data AND understanding your data to drive important business decisions. So that’s why I’m bringing on SEO and marketing expert Pri Kruijen who has spent over 15 years working across a ton of different marketing disciplines.Pri and I go deep today on what exactly data driven marketing is, the 3 essential questions you have to ask yourself when reviewing your data, and what you must know about the new Google Analytics tool, GA4.Ready to nerd out with me? Let’s do it!Episode Partner: This episode is presented by Instil, a nonprofit platform built to leverage the power of modern technology to help nonprofits do their best work. Instil holistically manages supporters including donors, members, and volunteers to deepen nonprofit connections with their community, increase revenue, and maximize impact. Learn more here.Resources & LinksIs your CRM working for you? Join me at my FREE webinar with Instil on September 28th where you’ll learn how to audit your existing CRM technology and understand what features are important to have.Learn more about Pri on her website. You can also check out her blog post, Are Vanity Metrics Ruining Your Business? Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Aug 31, 2022 • 39min
Your TikTok Questions Answered With Expert Samantha Vlasceanu
TikTok is where it’s at. In fact, it’s the #1 platform nearly ALL of my podcast guests have said they’re the most intrigued about. So today I’m talking to Samantha Vlasceanu, a TikTok coach on a mission to convince you that TikTok is NOT just for teenagers and silly dance videos.In fact, it’s an incredible platform (yes, even for nonprofits), that has taken the world by storm. Samantha blew me away when she told me that there are over 400 million active users on TikTok every single week that are over the age of 30! Intrigued yet? Samantha has over 130,000 followers on TikTok and shares her favorite TikTok content ideas, the differences between TikTok and Instagram’s algorithms, and the top metrics we should be paying attention to.Resources & LinksFollow Samantha on Instagram at @thetiktokcoach or on TikTok @thetiktokcoachsamv.Samantha’s favorite brands to follow on TikTok are Duolingo, BarkBox, Amazon, and Red Bull.Join my upcoming live workshop series, Grow Your Gifts, and learn how to launch optimized ad campaigns on Instagram and Facebook, plus get personalized feedback from me. Get on the interest list now to learn more and have a successful giving season.My mastermind is reopening in January! If you’re ready to build and launch an impactful monthly donor program in just 3 months, apply here. Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Aug 24, 2022 • 10min
AMA: Why A/B Testing Matters with Social Ads
A/B testing is absolutely critical if you’re running ads on social media. How do you know what the best combination of copy and visuals is going to be for your audience?In this minisode of Ask Me Anything, we’re getting to the heart of how you can reframe your mindset and frustrations around ads. It’s easy to say, “I didn’t see the result I wanted, so my ad failed”, but there is SO much in the data that can teach us something.I’m ready to break it all down for ya and share my favorite A/B testing strategies. Let’s go!Resources & LinksAsk me anything! Click here to send me your questions about digital marketing, virtual or hybrid events, social advertising, online fundraising, or building a business.Join my upcoming live workshop series, Grow Your Gifts, and learn how to launch optimized ad campaigns on Instagram and Facebook, plus get personalized feedback from me. Get on the interest list now to learn more and have a successful giving season.My mastermind is reopening in January! If you’re ready to build and launch an impactful monthly donor program in just 3 months, apply here. Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Aug 17, 2022 • 36min
1 Website Update = A 300% Increase in Monthly Donations with Shannon McLaughlin from Animal Haven
We’re about to talk about a cause that’s near and dear to my heart. Shannon McLaughlin Kirkman is one of two development employees at Animal Haven, a nonprofit organization that finds loving homes for abandoned cats and dogs throughout the Tri-State area.In today’s discussion, Shannon breaks down how she is completely rocking it in her role as Director of Development and Communications. She’ll give us the scoop on how she increased monthly donations by 300% (and saw a 40% increase in online fundraising!), PLUS how their Instagram grew from 57,000 followers to 150,000 followers in just a few years.Episode Partner: This episode is presented by Fundraise Up, a technology company unlocking the world’s generosity potential by optimizing the way people give. The company’s donation platform helps nonprofits engage more supporters and grow revenue by providing easy ways to increase conversion, enable modern payment methods, and personalize the giving experience for every donor. Fundraise Up is the partner of choice for UNICEF USA, The Salvation Army UK, American Heart Association, and other impactful organizations across the globe. For more information, visit fundraiseup.com/generosityResources & LinksFor help onboarding Fundraise Up visit: https://positiveequation.com/fundraise-up-onboardingLearn more about Animal Haven and support their cause by following them on their website, Instagram, or on TikTok.Check out my $27 mini course, Visible Reach In A Week. In 30 minutes, you’ll learn how to create a $3 a day ad campaign that will drive brand awareness with your supporters.Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you.This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Aug 10, 2022 • 31min
Navigating the Metaverse, Web 3.0 & NFTS with Sasha Wallinger
Are you fascinated by the endless possibilities that Web3, NFTs, and the Metaverse hold for us? I promise you - after hearing this conversation with Sasha Wallinger, your head will be spinning with ideas!Sasha is the Head of Web3 and Metaverse Strategy for Journey, an innovation and design consultancy, and has pioneered new ways of connecting brands with consumers at H&M, Nike, and Superplastic.Her definition of the Metaverse? “It’s infinite, so highly creative, highly exploratory, and a lot of fun, too.” If you’re wondering how this new world can play a part in your organization, you’ll LOVE this conversation. Episode Partner: This episode is presented by Fundraise Up, a technology company unlocking the world’s generosity potential by optimizing the way people give. The company’s donation platform helps nonprofits engage more supporters and grow revenue by providing easy ways to increase conversion, enable modern payment methods, and personalize the giving experience for every donor. Fundraise Up is the partner of choice for UNICEF USA, The Salvation Army UK, American Heart Association, and other impactful organizations across the globe. For more information, visit fundraiseup.com/generosityResources & LinksFor help onboarding Fundraise Up visit: https://positiveequation.com/fundraise-up-onboardingConnect with Sasha on LinkedIn and Twitter and explore the work Journey is doing at journey.world. Check out the godmother of the Metaverse, Cathy Hackl, including her books.Check out my $27 mini course, Visible Reach In A Week. In 30 minutes, you’ll learn how to create a $3 a day ad campaign that will drive brand awareness with your supporters.Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!

Aug 3, 2022 • 51min
Amplify Your Mission on Social Media with charity: water's Cubby Graham
Stories have the power to change the world, and this is exactly what Cubby Graham has been doing at charity: water for the last 9 years as their social media lead.Cubby and I get into what truly makes a great story, where to find great storytellers, how their incredible World Water Day campaign came to life (including a successful cold pitch to Pantone), and how they retain 70,000 members in their monthly giving program, The Spring.Are you fired up yet? I know you’re going to hear so many mic drop moments on this episode.Episode Partner: This episode is presented by Fundraise Up, a technology company unlocking the world’s generosity potential by optimizing the way people give. The company’s donation platform helps nonprofits engage more supporters and grow revenue by providing easy ways to increase conversion, enable modern payment methods, and personalize the giving experience for every donor. Fundraise Up is the partner of choice for UNICEF USA, The Salvation Army UK, American Heart Association, and other impactful organizations across the globe. For more information, visit fundraiseup.com/generosityResources & LinksFor help onboarding Fundraise Up visit: https://positiveequation.com/fundraise-up-onboardingConnect with Cubby on Instagram at @cubbygraham and consider joining charity: water’s monthly donor program, The Spring, where you can support their mission to end the water crisis. Follow @charitywater on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.Check out my NEW $27 mini course, Visible Reach In A Week. In 30 minutes, you’ll learn how to create a $3 a day ad campaign that will drive brand awareness with your supporters.Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good. This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same. Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others! Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!


