The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

In this episode, we’re joined by Mary Elizabeth, Ryan Goodwin, and Jenna Watanabe from The Fundraising Event Co. to explore how intentional planning and communication can elevate your fundraising events into unforgettable experiences of belonging and connection. We explore strategic event planning timelines to optimize execution, guest-centric approaches that enhance engagement, strength-based storytelling to inspire and connect with donors, streamlined programs for impactful messaging, and the power of hybrid events in expanding accessibility and participation. Discover practical tips like shortening program lengths, designing inclusive after-party experiences, and leveraging events to build community, increase attendance, and achieve your nonprofit’s fundraising goals. 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/ The Fundraising Event Co. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-fundraising-event-co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fundraisingeventco/ | 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 Fundraising Event Co: https://www.fundraisingeventco.com/ Podcast Episode with Mary Elizabeth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWIzvBW10zU&list=PLFj41I67iVxceKtwSTEza1uuoVfZXISyf&index=67 Podcast Episode with Ryan Goodwin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f2vgpKum43k&list=PLFj41I67iVxceKtwSTEza1uuoVfZXISyf&index=43 Podcast Episode with Jenna Watanabe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wUcQR_dxGWI

In this episode Matt Gibson from Greater Giving shares his insights into optimizing the fundraising success of your event’s special appeal through technology. We look at the role of a special appeal/fund a need at your event, some of its regional differences, technology’s role in its success, and how you can enhance donor engagement with recognition and real-time feedback. We also explore how you can create meaningful calls to action for your donors and balance your event strategy with technology to create an engaging and meaningful experience that your donors want to be a part of, creating a special appeal that hits both hearts and fundraising goals. With the right technology and strategies, nonprofits can create immersive experiences that inspire generosity and deepen relationships.  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/ Matt Gibson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/greater-giving Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greatergiving/ | 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/ Reading Your Data Reports: https://help.greatergiving.com/s/article/Deep-Dive-into-Data-Reports-Webinar. New York Times Article on Galas: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/03/arts/design/arts-organization-galas-donors.html?searchResultPosition=1 Greater Giving Solutions + Resource Library: https://www.greatergiving.com/en

In this episode Christine Campbell, the Marketing Manager at The AV Department, dives into strategies for effectively capturing and utilizing content from live events. Hear insights on simple tools and techniques to ensure you maximize the value of your event content. Learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality content during live events and why it's crucial for your marketing efforts. Find out how to repurpose event content across various platforms to extend its reach and lifespan. Hear Christine’s advice on overcoming common challenges in event content capture and distribution. This episode offers actionable tips to enhance your content strategy and boost audience engagement. 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/ Christine Campbell LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-av-department Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenueportland Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theavdepartment | 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: https://avenueportland.com/ The AV Department Video Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@theavdepart

Happy New Year! While we take a short winter break we are re-running one of our favorite episodes from Season 2 with Devin Boss. In this episode we dive deep into the world of video storytelling for nonprofits with acclaimed documentary and short film creator Devin Boss. Discover how storytelling can transform your nonprofit's mission, inspire action, and turn passive viewers into active supporters. Devin shares his production process, offering practical tools and insights for using video to boost connections to your cause. Learn how to engage your audience, highlight your impact, and motivate change through the art of visual storytelling. Tune in for inspiration and actionable tips. 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/ Devin Boss LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-boss-572669154/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devindeeboss/ | 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/ Native Land: https://native-land.ca/ Rose City Justice: https://rcjpdx.org/ Paul Zak: https://pauljzak.com/ North East Production YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Northeastproduction North East Production: https://www.northeastprod.com/ Black Friday: https://prod3.agileticketing.net/websales/pages/info.aspx?evtinfo=898402~5f969332-ec94-41af-822d-5c7ec8f2ca2b&epguid=ede4c806-6667-4a5f-86d4-f609b082addf&

Wishing you a wonderful winter break. As we take some time to rest we offer up one of our favorite episodes from Season 2, an encore of Episode #45 with Jen Love to inspire your planning for the year ahead. Join Jen Love, a renowned fundraising strategist and storyteller, as she delves into the power of planned giving. Jen explains how thoughtful storytelling can transform donor relationships and inspire legacy gifts. Whether you’re part of a large nonprofit or a small organization just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable tips and inspiration to help you succeed in planned giving. 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/ Jen Love Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agentjenlove/ | 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/ Jen Love Email: jen@agentsofgood.org Agents of Good: https://agentsofgood.org/ Jen Love on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/agentjenlove/

We continue our conversation with Rachel D’Souza of Gladiator Consulting, who is a thought leader in community-centric fundraising. In this episode we’re taking a deeper dive into reshaping fundraising events with equity and inclusion at the forefront. Rachel challenges nonprofits to rethink traditions and adopt bold, equity-driven practices. Whether it’s budget planning or building authentic connections, this episode is packed with actionable advice for organizations aiming to make their events more inclusive, impactful, and joyful. Rachel shares expert insights and practical strategies to address critical questions like: What does it mean to decolonize fundraising events? How can nonprofits balance belonging and revenue goals? She challenges traditional fundraising event models, focusing on reimagining galas, overcoming the exclusivity of high-ticket events, and prioritizing equity in every decision. Tune in and discover how to host fundraising events that are financially successful and transformative spaces for community connection. 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/ Rachel D’Souza LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladiatorrds/ | 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 Ethical Rainmaker: https://theethicalrainmaker.com Gladiator Consulting: https://www.gladiatorrds.com/ What the Fundraising: https://malloryerickson.com/book/ Philanthropology: https://www.epip.org/philanthropology2024 Community-Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/ The Generosity Commission: https://www.thegenerositycommission.org/ Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/2fd1581e-c1a0-43de-a174-a3080d019fc2/content adrienne maree brown: https://adriennemareebrown.net/

With this episode we launch a special two-part series with Rachel D’Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting and member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council. We dive in and explore the transformative power of community-centric fundraising—a groundbreaking movement centered on equity, collaboration, and sustainability in the nonprofit sector. Rachel talks about how to rethink power dynamics, what innovative funding practices can look like, addresses generational shifts in giving, and explores technology’s role in philanthropy. She also shares how embracing discomfort can drive systemic change, enabling nonprofits to evolve in a rapidly shifting social and economic landscape. Join us next week for part two of this series, where Rachel dives into actionable strategies for integrating community-centric practices into your 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.  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/ Rachel D’Souza LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gladiatorrds/ | 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 Ethical Rainmaker: https://theethicalrainmaker.com Gladiator Consulting: https://www.gladiatorrds.com/ What the Fundraising: https://malloryerickson.com/book/ Philanthropology: https://www.epip.org/philanthropology2024 Community-Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/ The Generosity Commission: https://www.thegenerositycommission.org/ Bank of America Study of Philanthropy: https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/server/api/core/bitstreams/2fd1581e-c1a0-43de-a174-a3080d019fc2/content adrienne maree brown: https://adriennemareebrown.net/

In this episode our very own storytelling expert Kristin Steele explores the art and impact of storytelling in nonprofit fundraising. Discover how strategic storytelling can connect with donors on an emotional level, making your mission unforgettable and inspiring action at your next fundraising event. Kristin shares essential strategies for crafting relatable, emotionally driven narratives that can transform complex issues into powerful stories, helping donors connect deeply with your 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: 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/ “Storytelling Animal” by Jonathan Gottschall: https://www.jonathangottschall.com/storytelling-animal “Stories that Stick” by Kindra Hall: https://www.storiesthatstick.com/ “Wired for Story” by Lisa Cron: http://wiredforstory.com/wired-for-story Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html About the Event Arc: https://swaim-strategies.slab.com/posts/event-arc-for-in-person-galas-jrqaxeea Emcee Best Practices: https://swaim-strategies.slab.com/public/posts/c6b2kgm6 Storytelling Best Practices: https://swaim-strategies.slab.com/public/posts/aomiuvxd Camp Fire Columbia Org Video: https://youtu.be/kGPStrdYk4M

In this episode, Kim Fountain from the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center discusses the profound importance of creating intentional spaces—both literal and figurative—where individuals can connect, belong, and thrive. Kim delves into the concept of "safe spaces," redefining them as co-created environments of respect, belonging, and creativity, where individuals are inspired to take risks—both personal and collective—that generate joy and progress. Kim shares moving stories from her work, including the magic of collaborative events like the San Diego Center’s gala, where joy united 800 attendees in celebration. Through these experiences, we see how moments of connection spark movements and turn guests into evangelists for a cause. Tune in to learn how creating spaces for belonging and celebration not only uplifts communities but also fuels the passion and resources necessary for meaningful change. 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/ Kim Fountain LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-fountain-0a204328/ | 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/ San Diego LGBT Center: https://thecentersd.org/ Association of Fundraising Professionals: https://afpglobal.org/ CenterLink: https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/

In this thought-provoking episode, Rhea Wong, a leading expert in nonprofit fundraising, shares transformative insights on building sustainable donor relationships. Rhea challenges the sector's “acquisition addiction,” emphasizing the costliness of continually replacing donors instead of cultivating those already committed. She also unpacks how systemic issues—like overburdened roles and unclear priorities—set up nonprofit professionals to fail and calls for a new paradigm of leadership rooted in focus, trust, and meaningful connections. Rhea inspires nonprofit leaders to embrace their role as chief fundraisers while building strong, supportive teams around them. 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/ Rhea Wong LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rheawong/ | 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/ Rhea Wong Consulting: https://www.rheawong.com/ Get that Money, Honey!: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey Nonprofit Lowdown Podcast: https://www.rheawong.com/podcast/