Missions to Movements

Could embracing the latest nonprofit tech trends redefine your fundraising strategy for 2025?!Today I’m sharing a comprehensive, data-driven look at my top FIVE key trends and predictions that will transform how you connect with supporters in the new year… starting with AI! We’ll explore how AI innovations like Claude and Perplexity are transforming grant writing and donor communication, with fascinating examples from the American Red Cross (who use AI for real-time disaster relief), to Greenpeace Australia and UNICEF, who leverage AI chatbots to streamline more complex donor interactions. There are many other emerging trends, like the impact creator economy, and why it’s important to empower employees to become content creators - not only because these stories foster a deeper connection to your mission, but it’s great for attracting new talent, too.Social purchasing is also taking center stage in 2025, with platforms like TikTok Shop revolutionizing how we connect with causes.I’ll also discuss the emerging trend of building devoted donor communities through recurring giving and the strategic hiring needed to sustain these initiatives. (Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee are setting the precedent with roles focused on community engagement!)As we wrap up the year, I encourage you to reflect on these trends and adapt your strategies to stay ahead. Happy holidays!Resources & LinksCheck out my recommended AI tools: Claude and Perplexity and my AI-generated “Gratitude Garland” here.Learn the basics of AI with Tim Lockie’s course, AI For Anyone and use code EQUATION for 5% off.More Than Giving - Virtual Assistants for Nonprofitscharity: water created an immersive experience in Franklin, TN combining storytelling and sensory-rich exhibits. Check it out here.This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

The Canada Post strike began on November 15th, and Shellie Power, the Executive Director of Hope Centre Ministries, is here to shine a light on the fascinating creative strategies she’s crafted to maintain crucial donor communications. (Hint: it’s pretty heartwarming!)We talk about the strike's ripple effect that has been felt across sectors and how it’s challenging nonprofits to find innovative ways to keep fundraising efforts afloat.Shellie turned these postal delays into a chance for personal connection with donors. By hand-delivering not just mail, but also cookies, they transformed a setback into a joyful engagement opportunity. We dig into the logistics of their approach and how it led to increased donations and stronger relationships. This episode is a testament to the resilience and innovation that nonprofits bring to bear during crises, fostering community and connection even amidst adversity.Resources & LinksConnect with Shellie on the Hope Centre Ministries website, on LinkedIn, or via email at shellie@hopecentreministries.org. My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Join The Sustainers, my Slack community for nonprofit professionals growing and scaling a recurring giving program.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 iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

In honor of the 12 Days of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to share 12 of my FAVORITE tools, services, personal treasures, and subscriptions that make my life easier, more productive, and more enjoyable.Shop Dana’s Favorite ThingsThe Monthly Giving Mastermind Book (For a limited time, get the first two chapters for FREE!)FlodeskNonprofit Automation AgencyMonthly Giving Summit Replays (Binge the replays for 50% off through 12/31/24!)BuzzsproutPodcasting for CreativesButterNuulyLettrLabsMore Than Giving - Virtual Assistants for NonprofitsMission-Minded MerchPura Scent DiffusersFor a detailed description of each of my favorite things, click here.Resources & LinksMy book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.Join The Sustainers, my Slack community for nonprofit professionals growing and scaling a recurring giving program.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 iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

As a board member of the Impact Communications Institute (ICI), I am excited to share a thought-provoking conversation during one of our Impact Councils that we hosted in partnership with 3BL Media.In this episode, we explore how open hiring and criminal justice reform can be woven into brand storytelling without objectifying those with lived experiences. You’ll learn how purpose-driven companies like Greyston Bakery and Ben & Jerry's are turning their values into action and creating inclusive employment opportunities that resonate and drive change.By focusing on potential rather than past barriers, these organizations are providing second chances while fostering a culture of respect and empowerment.Whether you're aiming to implement open hiring practices OR seeking to anchor your brand in meaningful values, this episode will empower you to communicate your impact more effectively while creating a more equitable and sustainable world.Resources & LinksIf you are on the leading edge of using storytelling for changemaking, I would love to invite you to take the pledge with us.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 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 iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

Leadership isn't just a title. It's about influence and building trust. And today's guest is someone who FUNDAMENTALLY shaped my career and even became a catalyst in my leap to entrepreneurship. Kristin Boehm was a pioneer in digital media at People Magazine and with an always sharp pulse on culture, is now a branding consultant. Known for her killer headlines and strategic mind, her superpower is also in building high-performing teams and nurturing talent.We discuss Kristin’s transition to the digital landscape, and explore the importance of service industry skills, taking time off during transitions, and the power of listening to team input.Leadership, of course, isn’t without its challenges, so we also get into what it’s like to build resilient teams in burnout-prone sectors like nonprofits, the complexities of hiring, and how to juggle wins with constructive feedback.Resources & LinksCheck out the other episodes in this Meet My Boss Leadership Series:Nurturing Talent and Fostering Innovation with Lisa BechtoldBuilding Thriving Cultures and Team Dynamics with Dave NugentThis show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

Discover the art of maintaining donor engagement after GivingTuesday. Hear about the importance of understanding what motivates donations and how heartfelt communication can strengthen relationships. A simple email template for expressing genuine gratitude can lead to invaluable insights. Learn how personal stories from donors can invigorate your nonprofit's mission and enhance future fundraising campaigns.

Dave Nugent has known me for over a decade. A tech executive and serial entrepreneur, Dave jam-packs this episode with so many gems on leadership, from leadership styles and the dynamics of team building, to fostering a motivated workplace through honesty, transparency, and genuine care for team members.When it comes to hiring, we discuss the boldness and initiative that distinguishes standout candidates, as well as Dave's perspective on cultural alignment in hiring, and the importance of crafting an authentic company culture.In sharing one of my own personal stories in working with Dave, we unpack the importance of setting expectations and encouraging open communication, especially when it comes to working with younger staff. Dave also shares the impactful work he’s doing with the Next League University program, which opens doors for aspiring professionals in the sports industry.This episode will inspire you to build a thriving organizational culture and offer so many invaluable lessons to enhance your leadership approach or career trajectory!P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)Resources & LinksConnect with Dave on LinkedIn if you’re interested in the work he’s doing with Next League.Join The Sustainers, my Slack community for nonprofit professionals growing and scaling a recurring giving program.This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children, was my first boss, and today, she’s here to share her transformative 24+ year journey in the nonprofit sector. I’ll walk you through the serendipitous story of how I met Lisa, and why she took a chance on me at age 22, which completely jumpstarted my career. We also discuss how Take Stock in Children increased its reach from supporting 100 to over 500 college students, plus Lisa’s practical strategies for fostering a supportive organizational culture with self-care.Lisa is an exceptional leader on EVERY level, and we get into so many juicy leadership topics, from the dynamics of effective communication, leadership styles that promote inclusivity and conflict resolution and how personality assessments can create efficiency and harmony on a team.This episode will ignite so many ideas on how to create a workplace culture that encourages risk-taking and innovation.P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)Resources & LinksConnect with Lisa at lisa@takestocksarasota.org. 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 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 iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

Get ready to discover how to be a strong nonprofit leader with Dr. Kevin Sansberry, an esteemed organizational consultant and behavior scientist. We’re hanging out in a park in Cincinnati recording this episode – and talking all about why you can’t actually move the needle with your messaging, strategy, and personal branding without effective leadership at the helm.Hear about psychological safety (and empowering individuals at every level to demonstrate leadership), and how to set a foundation for building trust and sparking impactful movements.Plus, there are specific traits that set the BEST nonprofit leaders apart, and we compare the unique distinctions between nonprofit and Fortune 500 leadership styles. By tapping into specific subcultures and creating dedicated communities of supporters, nonprofit leaders can amplify their impact and drive their missions forward with a passionate and united front.P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)Resources & LinksMy book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!

How does culture play into the spirit of giving? And how should we think about calling in our believers and finding our super fans?This is a special episode of a previously recorded keynote session from this year's Monthly Giving Summit. None other than Dr. Marcus Collins is sharing his incredible expertise on the transformative role of cultural identity in marketing, revealing how small groups like Beatniks, Hippies, and Hipsters grew into influential subcultures. Discover how aligning your nonprofit's mission with the core beliefs and values of your audience can transform your cause into a widespread movement. And together, we’ll explore the fascinating interplay between culture and consumer behavior, and how our identities shape the brands we support and the causes we champion. With his guidance, you’ll identify your personal and organizational beliefs, find your "believers," and build a network of brand evangelists who resonate with your vision.Every time I hear Marcus speak, I am BLOWN away. I hope you leave this episode even more empowered to create meaningful change and amplify your organization's impact!P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. 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!