The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Join Anne Murphy, founder of She Leads AI and an expert in ethical AI education, as she shares her insights on leveraging artificial intelligence in the nonprofit sector. Discover how AI can save fundraisers hours of work, enhance event planning, and democratize contributions from diverse voices. Anne emphasizes the importance of responsible AI use, privacy protection, and effective communication with AI tools. Her practical strategies challenge the notion that valuable work must be difficult, paving the way for innovative fundraising approaches.

What does the future of nonprofit fundraising leadership look like—and who’s shaping it? In this episode, we’re joined by Birgit Smith Burton, a nationally respected voice in fundraising and equity. As the founder of the African American Development Officers Network (AADO) and the first Black woman to chair the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Birgit has been a tireless advocate for fundraisers of color and inclusive leadership. Together, we explore: The evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising leadership How mentorship creates lasting change The power of community in professional growth Insights from Birgit’s work at UNCF, Georgia Tech, and beyond Whether you're a new fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or a seasoned development professional, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable insights. 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/ Birgit Smith Burton LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgit-smith-burton/ | 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ African American Development Officers Network: https://www.aadonetwork.com/ AADO Conference: https://www.aadoconference.com/ AFP ICON in Seattle: https://afpicon.com/ AFP: https://afpglobal.org/

In this episode we talk to Jason Allen Champion, Vice President of National Partnerships for Winspire, to discuss how consignment auctions can be a strategic tool for nonprofit fundraising. Consignment auctions offer nonprofits a low-risk way to enhance fundraising efforts while creating memorable donor experiences that reinforce organizational missions. Jason shares his expertise on maximizing revenue through consignment auction packages and provides insights on creating mission-aligned experiences that resonate with donors. We explore online auction strategies, creating packages, creative fundraising ideas, and the critical work of donor stewardship that can be a part of the experience of the packages they win at your auction. 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/ Jason Allen Champion LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-allen-champion-802a7b13/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamwinspire/ | 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Winspire: https://www.winspireme.com/

In this episode mental health advocate and nonprofit executive Ian Adair discusses psychological safety in nonprofit workplaces. Ian shares practical strategies for creating safer environments, including modeling vulnerability as a leader, encouraging risk-taking, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing contributions. He extends these principles to donor relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding what others might be experiencing before making requests. In this conversation, we explore how prioritizing psychological safety not only improves organizational culture but also enhances overall performance and retention in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, manager, or team member, these insights can help you create more supportive, open, and effective work environments. 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/ Ian Adair LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianadair2010/ | 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Strategy 27: www.strategy27.com Ian Adair’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ian_adair_the_intersection_between_leadership_and_mental_health_jan_2021 Center for Creative Leadership—Empathy in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/empathy-in-the-workplace-a-tool-for-effective-leadership/ Hacking HR—Organizational Culture: https://www.youtube.com/live/CcEaqb7Ra6w?si=oByl_Ofl73e2FHnA Upcoming FREE Webinar Stewardship Intensive April 23-24, 2025: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X9NB9kl_RtewHoqNoNag7w

In this episode we join Bradley Martin, VP of Growth Marketing at Feathr—a digital marketing platform—to talk about the larger nonprofit landscape and how to respond to the changes taking place. Bradley shares his expertise on leveraging digital marketing strategies to accelerate fundraising efforts. We cover shifting donor demographics, how nonprofits can effectively use retargeting to re-engage website visitors and convert them to donors, strategic approaches to digital advertising that maximize limited budgets, and the importance of data-driven decision making in nonprofit marketing. Bradley offers practical tips that fundraisers can implement immediately, regardless of their organization's size or technical resources. 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/ Bradley Martin LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bradleymartin83 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feathr.co/ | 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ For a Feathr discount, contact Sean Groleau and say Swaim Strategies Sent Me: sean.groleau@feathr.co M + R Benchmarks Study: https://www.mrss.com/lab/category/benchmarks/ A Beginners Guide to Retargeting Ads: https://www.feathr.co/resources/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-retargeting-ads-for-nonprofits Canva: https://www.canva.com/ Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/ FREE Stewardship Intensive Webinar on April 23 + 24: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X9NB9kl_RtewHoqNoNag7w US Giving Reports: https://store.givingusa.org/collections/special-reports-spotlights

Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, podcast host Kristin Steele presents a keynote on creating meaning for donors at your event. Stories are told in our event marketing, our event program, and even in our event design. They give our gathering intention and are the quickest path to connection, community building, and donor development. We’ll look at how to shape event stories for guests to create impact, connection, and meaning. 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/ Speaker 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/ Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Script Template: https://swaimstrategies.com/product/script-template/ On-Demand Elevate Sessions: https://swaimstrategies.com/product/elevate-2025-conference-on-demand-recording/

Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, hosts Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele moderate a powerful conversation with guest Diana Farias Heinrich, creator of the Equastory™ framework to address how to be equitable, thoughtful, and careful when we are sharing our nonprofit stories. Diana actively safeguards equality, respect, and dignity in nonprofit storytelling as the CEO of Habrá Marketing. Through the Equastory™ Framework, she transforms how organizations share their impact while staying true to their values. She is also the visionary behind The Ethical Nonprofit Summit, leading the industry dialogue on ethical storytelling and fundraising practices to ensure that nonprofits can powerfully communicate their mission without compromising the dignity of the communities they serve. 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/ Diana Farias Heinrich LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafariasheinrich/ | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/ Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Habrá Marketing: https://habramarketing.com/ Equastory™ Framework: https://habramarketing.com/informedconsent/ Ethical Nonprofit Summit: https://habramarketing.com/summit/ For an Elevate Discount use ELEVATE20 to save $20 on the ticket. 🎟️

In this episode, we explore the critical shift from deficit-framed language to asset-based language in the nonprofit sector with special guest Frank Velásquez Jr. Leading with deficit often reinforces harmful stereotypes and systemic disparities, negatively impacting both organizations and the communities they serve. By embracing asset-based language, nonprofits can highlight strengths and opportunities, fostering transformative change. Learn how adopting this approach engages donors from a place of support, strengthens connections to your mission, and drives sustainable impact. Discover actionable insights for moving your organization toward more empowering, community-centered storytelling. Register to join Frank at Elevate Conference March 12 + 13: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ 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/ Frank Velásquez Jr. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4-da-hood-llc/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4dahoodllc/ | 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: http://elevatenonprofit.com/ Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Ascending Leaders in Color: 4dahood.com/alc-fellowship 4 Da Hood: https://4dahood.com/ Access free introductory guide to using asset-based language: https://4-da-hood.ck.page/ca93d5f149 The Ethical Nonprofit Summit: https://habramarketing.com/summit/

In this episode, we welcome Kimberly A.C. Wilson, Executive Director of Hedgebrook, to explore how hybrid events and radical hospitality are transforming fundraising. Hedgebrook, a writing residency for women-identified authors, has evolved its annual event, EQUIVOX, into a powerful hybrid experience that unites a global community of writers, readers, and supporters. Kimberly shares insights into the impact of virtual accessibility, the power of storytelling in fundraising, and the deep connections fostered between writers and readers. We discuss how Hedgebrook leveraged hybrid events to raise over half a million dollars, expanded donor engagement beyond geographical limits, and created a model for other organizations to follow. Plus, get a sneak peek at this year's EQUIVOX, featuring speakers Claudia Castro Luna, Jacqueline Woodson and Dr. Seema Yasmin, and learn how you can tune in for free. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, an event planner, or just passionate about the arts, this episode is packed with insights on crafting immersive, inclusive fundraising experiences. 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/ Kimberly A.C. Wilson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hedgebrook | 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Hedgebrook: https://www.hedgebrook.org/ EQUIVOX event livestream: https://www.avcast.me/equivox Virtual tickets to the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

In this episode, we welcome nonprofit digital strategist and author Julia Campbell to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of social media. Julia shares insights on how nonprofits can conduct a social media audit, strategically decide where to engage, and avoid burnout while staying connected with their communities. We discuss the risks of jumping platforms, the importance of clear and empathetic messaging, and how organizations can use social media as an extension of their mission—without falling into digital fatigue. Whether you're questioning your social media strategy or looking for fresh approaches to engaging your audience, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 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/ Julia Campbell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacampbell/ | RESOURCES | Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/ Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/ JC Social Marketing: https://jcsocialmarketing.com/ Nonprofit Nation Podcast: https://jcsocialmarketing.com/podcast/ Nonprofit Social Media Summit: http://www.nonprofitsocialmediasummit.com Storytelling in the Digital Age by Julia Campbell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1938077792/ How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days by Julia Campbell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692867120?linkId=9202d562a9babe5e9519900feaa1c87f&language=en_US Hootsuite 2025 Social Media Trends Report: https://www.hootsuite.com/research/social-trends