The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2 where co-hosts Samantha and Kristin sit down to talk about the evolving landscape of fundraising events. They reflect on the trends shaping nonprofit events today—from the resurgence of in-person gatherings post-pandemic to the essential role of celebration, community-building, and authenticity. You'll hear about the growing importance of intentionality in event programming, from centering joy and resilience to designing donor experiences that build real relationships. They also offer a roadmap for revenue strategy by looking at sponsorship, table sales, and partnership development. This episode is a celebration of what’s possible when we gather and a love letter to the power of mission-driven storytelling, leaving us with a call to be the architects of events that don’t just raise money—but raise the collective spirit. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Be a Guest on the Podcast: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Raise Conference use code AMPLIFIER25: https://raise.onecause.com/ Nonprofit Storytelling Conference: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/

In this episode Meena Das—CEO, speaker, and consultant at Namaste Data—explores AI through a critical lens grounded in ethics, equity, and humanity. Known for her deep expertise in equitable research design and data capacity building for nonprofits, Meena brings a powerful perspective on how the nonprofit sector can and should engage with AI. Rather than rushing into tools and tasks, Meena invites us to pause and dream. What would it look like if nonprofits started with their mission, their people, and their vision for community impact—and only then looked to AI as a tool to support that vision? What if every staff member had a seat at the table, contributing ideas not just about what tech can do, but what it should do? The conversation challenges the sector’s scarcity mindset, and the unchecked race to implement AI without deeper reflection. Meena takes us deep into the heart of her work, the AI Equity Project. This bold, multi-year research is an effort to uncover how nonprofits are engaging with AI and, more importantly, how they could be—ethically, equitably, and collaboratively. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Meena Das LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenadas/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with Namaste Data: https://www.namastedata.org/freebies Join AI Advancement Lab for the August cohort: https://data-is-for-everyone.teachable.com/p/ai-advancement-lab AI Equity Project: https://aiequityproject.my.canva.site/2025

In this episode we’re joined by AI educator, strategist, and nonprofit veteran Josh Hirsch. With nearly two decades of experience in the sector and a deep background in digital communications, fundraising, and training, Josh brings both wisdom and cutting-edge insights to a conversation that’s all about demystifying AI for nonprofits. We explore how generative and predictive AI are transforming everything from fundraising strategy to donor communication, programming, and internal operations. But more than that, Josh helps us understand how to talk to the tools—and why that’s the secret sauce for unlocking their full potential. From building donor personas and campaign strategies to brainstorming new solutions in a time of federal funding loss and organizational uncertainty, this episode offers a hopeful and practical roadmap to what’s possible. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Josh Hirsch LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedudecreates   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Fundraise Up Institute: institute.fundraiseup.com The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Nathan Chappel: https://youtu.be/IbzBcMvMTpY The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Anne Murphy: https://youtu.be/qOegycFoLsw The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Mallory Erickson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xImo3K5P1I Napkin: https://www.napkin.ai/ Hemingway App: https://hemingwayapp.com Fundraising.AI: https://fundraising.ai/ Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com Chat GPT: https://chatgpt.com  

In this episode, Sharon Papo of Indigo Skies Consulting and LGBTQ eLearning explores the complexity and necessity of DEI, and what it means to stay true to your values in today’s climate. From legal ambiguity to organizational values, she talks about how nonprofits can remain mission-aligned while navigating increased scrutiny, shifting language, and growing political pressures. Sharon also dives into the data-backed benefits of DEI in the workplace, including improved employee morale, retention, and belonging—particularly among younger generations.  You’ll also hear reflections on ethical giving policies, the emotional labor of fundraising, and the importance of radical self-care in high-stakes conversations. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, or passionate advocate, this conversation will leave you with a renewed commitment to values, courage to lead through complexity, and strategies to keep the work—and the people doing it—thriving.   Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Sharon Papo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-papo/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting   Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/   Guidebook for Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book   Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/   Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com   Check out Success Redefined: https://sharonpapo.com/purchase   See Upcoming Conversations on Navigating DEI and LGBTQ Inclusion in the Workplace: https://www.lgbtqelearning.com/   2025 Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer   Bowling Alone by Robert D. Punam: https://www.powells.com/book/bowling-alone-revised-updated-the-collapse-revival-of-american-community-9781982130848?gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=19630551777   Indigo Skies Consulting: https://sharonpapo.com/

In this episode we’re joined by longtime sector leader, coach, and truth-teller Marc A. Pitman, founder and CEO of Concord Leadership Group. We explore the surprising (and sobering) origins of nonprofit structures and productivity tools—from the legacy of slavery and colonialism to outdated industrial-era mindsets still embedded in our systems. Marc helps us see how practices like time management, donor stewardship, and organizational hierarchy often mirror extractive systems that were never designed to honor human wellbeing—whether that’s the donor, the community served, or the staff. He offers a reframing that honors the goodness and generosity at the heart of the sector and points toward leadership rooted in humanity, curiosity, and compassion. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Marc A. Pitman LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitman/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting   Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with Concord Leadership Group: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/ The Surprising Gift of Doubt Book: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/giftofdoubt/ Value Inventory Tool: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/values/ Decolonizing Wealth Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588996/decolonizing-wealth-second-edition-by-edgar-villanueva/ Community-Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/

In this episode Kelly Russell, benefit auctioneer and author of "The Book on Fundraising Auctions," discusses current fundraising trends and strategies. Kelly stresses early planning as the biggest success factor. For revenue maximization, Kelly  insists every event must include a paddle raise with pre-committed gifts to build momentum. Compelling storytelling delivered through short, respectful programs forms the foundation of successful giving, since donors invest both money and valuable time. Successful events require engaging expert partners early, proper donor stewardship, clear mission-solution messaging, and compelling storytelling delivered through momentum-building programs that respect donors' investments. Kelly and hosts Kristin and Sam also kick off ticketing for Elevate—The Fundraising Event Conference. Join us! Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kelly Russell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-russell-bb026750/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with Artisan Auctions: https://www.artisanauctions.com/

This episode explores Mallory Erickson’s new book "What the Fundraising," which argues that declining donor participation and fundraiser burnout are connected problems, both driven by transactional fundraising practices that feel horrible to everyone involved. Mallory's primary hope is that fundraisers feel seen and less alone, understanding their discomfort with traditional approaches is normal. She wants folks to realize that fundraising success starts inside them, and while she wishes the sector prioritized wellness because it's right, she makes a clear business case for why organizations struggle when they don't care for their people. We also talk about her new technology solution, Practivated, a platform or fundraisers to actually practice real conversations that move donors. This episode is full of insight, energy, and inspiration as Mallory continues her work to get fundraisers better tools and additional support to create a more sustainable nonprofit sector for everyone.   Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Mallory Erickson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mallory-erickson-bressler/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/getpractivated/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with Mallory: https://malloryerickson.com/ Practivated: https://practivated.com/ What the Fundraising Podcast: https://malloryerickson.com/podcast/ “What the Fundraising” Book: https://malloryerickson.com/book/

In this episode Yolanda F. Johnson—president of YFJ Consulting and founder of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy—brings her unique perspective to the world of philanthropy. As a leader in fundraising, philanthropy, and inclusion, equity and diversity (IED) and a sought-after classically-trained soprano and musician, Yolanda has successfully led fundraising operations for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, developing creative events, sponsorship and marketing initiatives that produce new streams of both contributed and earned income. Her expertise brings critical insight to this conversation about what inclusive philanthropy can look like.  Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Yolanda F. Johnson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yolanda-f-johnson-5778097/   | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com YFJ Consulting: https://www.yfj-consulting.com/ Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy: https://www.woc-fp.com/ Yolanda’s Resources: https://www.yolandafjohnson.com/

In this episode Steven Screen, co-founder of Better Fundraising Company and inventor of the "Ask, Thank, Report, Repeat" fundraising rhythm, talks about how nonprofits can navigate the current period of uncertainty affecting fundraising efforts. Today's landscape varies significantly across organizations. Some nonprofits face severe government funding cuts, others are benefiting from "rage giving," and many fall somewhere in between. This variation prompted Steven and his colleague Jeff Brooks to create a new white paper with "if-then" statements to help organizations diagnose their specific situation and determine appropriate strategies. Throughout the discussion, Steven emphasizes the critical importance of increasing communication frequency across all channels when competing for donor attention in noisy times. He advises checking in with major donors more frequently, sending additional fundraising emails, and creating more opportunities for in-person connection. He stresses that despite economic uncertainty and increased competition for resources, fundraising can still thrive.  Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.  The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.  Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/ Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/   Steven Screen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenscreen/ X: x.com/stevenscreen   Resources Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com How to Fundraise in Uncertain Times White Paper: https://betterfundraising.com/fundraising-in-uncertain-times-whitepaper/ The Better Fundraising Company: https://betterfundraising.com/ The Better Fundraising Company Blog: https://betterfundraising.com/blog Seth Godin The Practice: https://powells.com/books/search?query=seth%20godin%20the%20practice&page=1 Nonprofit Storytelling Conference: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/

In this episode, theme park designer Ariel Ruiz shares her expertise in experiential design. The conversation reveals how Ariel’s background creating immersive rides translates to nonprofit events, where she approaches spaces as storytelling opportunities rather than mere venues. She explains that effective experiences are built around a clear narrative foundation, with every design choice—from lighting and color to sound and scent—supporting that core story. The hosts and Ruiz discuss how fundraising events naturally unfold as a series of "scenes," each with distinct emotional intentions that guide guests through a transformative journey. Throughout the discussion, Ruiz emphasizes the importance of empathizing with guests who may be unfamiliar with an organization's work, designing spaces that intuitively communicate mission and purpose without explicit instruction. This conversation offers fundraisers a fresh perspective on event design that moves beyond aesthetic concerns to create memorable experiences that meaningfully connect donors to their cause. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.  The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.  Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/ Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Instagram (Swaim Strategies): https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/ Ariel Ruiz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/arielruizkreadiv/ Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/arielruiz.kreadiv/   Resources Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Ariel Ruiz on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arielruiz.kreadiv Create Meaning Through Story Podcast Episode with Kristin Steele: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-dH3zSAup0Synced Heartbeats at the Theatre: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2020/feb/18/live-shows-get-your-heart-racing-scientists-prove-it