
The Fundraising Elevator Podcast
The Fundraising Elevator: where we’re all headed up. Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele are using their decades of fundraising, event strategy and storytelling experience to help you change the world at your next event. Listen to conversations with industry leaders for insights and tools you can use to connect more people to your mission. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Latest episodes

Jul 24, 2024 • 50min
Episode #10 | ENCORE | Making the Ask with Juan Martinez
During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on donor relationship building. This week we talk to one of the best development directors we know, Juan Martinez. With a long history in the nonprofit sector, Juan has made donor cultivation an artform and his asks for gifts feel like an amazing opportunity for donors to make their personal missions come true. Juan talks about some of the critical pieces for fundraising success and shares how he builds relationships with donors over time and keeps them invested in his organization’s work.
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.
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/
Juan Martinez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanantoniomartinez1/
| 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/
Latino Network: https://www.latnet.org/

Jul 17, 2024 • 39min
Episode #44 | Getting Ahead This Summer with Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim
As we wrap up season 1 on The Fundraising Elevator, hosts Kristin and Sam plant some seeds to maximize your summer to take time for yourself to recharge and implement strategies to get ahead on your event. From discussing the balance between big donors and the importance of building relationships, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies.
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/
| 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/
Chronicle of Philanthropy: https://www.philanthropy.com/
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/
Rich Roll podcast with Cal Newport: https://www.richroll.com/podcast/cal-newport-817/

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 2min
Episode #43 | Finding a Great Venue with Tracey Lorts
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Tracey Lorts, venue manager at AVENUE, and tackle the crucial topic of finding the perfect venue for your fundraising event. No matter what style of gathering you are planning, the right venue can make or break the experience for guests.
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.
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/
Tracey Lorts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-lorts-73263a5a/
| 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/
AVENUE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenueportland/
AVENUE website: https://avenueportland.com/
AVENUE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenueportland
AVENUE is offering a free story wall upgrade—a $500 value!—to Fundraising Elevator listeners. Simply mention the offer when you contract your event at the space.

Jul 3, 2024 • 1h
Episode #42 | Guest Experience at Events with Tanya Mikkelson
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to seasoned event producer Tanya Mikkelson about how to create an exceptional guest experience at fundraising events. At its most successful, this experience of your organization and its work can turn your guests into advocates for your mission long after the event is over.
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.
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/
Tanya Mikkelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-mikkelson-242720203/
| 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/

Jun 26, 2024 • 58min
Episode #41 | Securing Grants with Susan Taylor
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Susan Taylor, founder and CEO of The Grant Lab, about the changing landscape of grant funding and what nonprofits should be thinking about now when they apply. We explore how to find good funding fits for your organization, what a compelling proposal looks like and follow-up strategies.
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.
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/
Susan Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-taylor/
| 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/
The Grant Lab: https://thegrantslab.com/

Jun 19, 2024 • 49min
Episode #40 | Event Day Staffing with Lauren Batterby
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we dive into the crucial topic of event day staffing with our special guest, Lauren Batterby, founder and CEO of LIFE Event Staffing. Lauren brings her wealth of experience and insights into the dynamics of managing staff on the big day of fundraising events.
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.
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/
Lauren Batterby
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-batterby/
| 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/
LIFE Event Staffing: https://lifeeventstaffing.com/

Jun 12, 2024 • 59min
Episode #39 | Fractional Development with Erica Soto
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Erica Soto of The Cause Catalyst Co. about the idea of fractional development teams and how they can help build capacity and resources within nonprofit organizations.
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.
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/
Erica Soto
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erica-soto-212b1034/
| 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/
The Cause Catalyst Co.: https://www.thecausecatalystco.com/services

Jun 5, 2024 • 1h 10min
Episode #38 | Empowerment Over Exploitation with Jenna Watanabe
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we delve into the critical topic of empowerment versus exploitation in fundraising. Our guest, Jenna Watanabe, brings her expertise and insights from her experience as a storyteller in the nonprofit sector. Join us as we explore how organizations can continue to empower their beneficiaries and the stories they tell.
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
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/
Jenna Watanabe
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennawatanabe/
| 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/
The danger of a single story | Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: https://www.ted.com/talks/chimamanda_ngozi_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
Kimberlé Crenshaw: What is Intersectionality: https://youtu.be/ViDtnfQ9FHc?si=K9G2y_6NKiWzya6n
Kimberlé Crenshaw: The Urgency of Intersectionality: https://www.ted.com/talks/kimberle_crenshaw_the_urgency_of_intersectionality/transcriptS
Simon Lancaster: Speak Like a Leader | TEDxVerona: https://youtu.be/bGBamfWasNQ?si=SNz77s3p0JO-ufuo
The Fundraising Event Co.: https://www.fundraisingeventco.com/

May 29, 2024 • 1h 11min
Episode #37 | Building a Development Team with Peter Drury
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we're joined by Peter Drury, a seasoned expert in strategy and team development within the nonprofit sector. Peter's insights offer a roadmap for organizations seeking to build resilient and impactful development teams in today's dynamic nonprofit landscape.
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.
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/
Peter Drury
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seattledrury/
| 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/
Peter’s Website: https://www.strategypartner.llc/
The Beyond Cash Fundraising Management Dashboard: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Vf4UhRZ8f6KMSC16VjObDanZNlJ9ZcRC/view?pli=1

May 22, 2024 • 1h 30min
Episode #36 | The Guest Perspective with Robert Goman
This week, Robert Goman shares his experience and insights on what makes events successful and memorable from a guest perspective.
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.
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/
Robert Goman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-goman/
| 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/
Sports Equality Foundation: https://www.sportsequalityfoundation.org