
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

Dec 20, 2023 • 54min
Episode #16 | Donor Texting with James Martin
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we explore the world of donor texting, a powerful tool in modern fundraising strategies. Our guest James Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of Rally Corp, brings a wealth of experience and insight into how organizations can effectively leverage text messaging to engage donors and elevate their fundraising efforts.
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/
James Martin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamesmartin/
| 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/
Visit https://www.rallycorp.com/start to get started with texting for free.
Get 50% off your first month of Rally Corp with mention of The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Dec 13, 2023 • 1h 2min
Episode #15 | Board Engagement with Susan Howlett
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to nonprofit fundraising thought leader, Susan Howlett, all about how board engagement can be the secret sauce in the fundraising success at your organization.
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 Howlett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howlett-3127005/
| 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/
"Boards on Fire: Inspiring Leaders to Raise Money Joyfully": www.susanhowlett.com
Tarnside Curve of Involvement: https://susanhowlett.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Tarnside-Curve-of-Involvement.pdf
Free shipping on books purchased on www.susanhowlett.com with the coupon code SWAIM.

Dec 6, 2023 • 50min
Episode #14 | The Development Director Executive Director Relationship with Susan Ehrman
This week on the Fundraising Elevator, we had the privilege of gaining valuable insights from Susan Ehrman on the Executive Director-Development Director relationship. Take notes on navigating collaboration, fostering clear communication, implementing effective teamwork strategies, and achieving the delicate balance between vision and execution.
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/
Susa Ehrman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ehrman-9323577/
| 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/

Nov 29, 2023 • 49min
Episode #13 | Board Leadership with Lisa Watson
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk with Lisa Watson, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in operations, strategy, and team management, to explore the critical role of board leadership in successful fundraising initiatives. We talk about the scope of work for boards of directors and she sheds light on the dynamic relationship between effective board leadership and nonprofit staff that can lead to fundraising and organizational success.
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/
Lisa Watson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalovespdx/
| 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/

Nov 22, 2023 • 54min
Episode #12 | Benefits Of A Benefit Auctioneer with Dale Johannes
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk with Dale Johannes, Benefit Auctioneer at DC Auctions, about how nonprofits and auctioneers can partner to maximize fundraising at an event. We talk about the power of collaboration and how auctioneers can create a dynamic bridge at your event between your mission and your donors.
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.
This episode is sponsored by 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 Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/about/
See Dale in Action: https://vimeo.com/922301033/d340c03a00?share=copy

Nov 15, 2023 • 42min
Episode #11 | Collaborative Leadership with Sarah Greenman
In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator we talk with Sarah Greenman, Executive Director of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon, about what a different approach to leadership can look like and how it can beneficially impact everyone at an organization—including donors. We jump into the challenges of the nonprofit sector and how aligning visions with goals in an organization can build a path to accountability and growth.
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/
Sarah Greenman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-greenman-creative/
| 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/
Sarah Greenman: https://www.sarahgreenman.com/
Creative Alchemy Podcast: https://www.sarahgreenman.com/podcast
Creative Alchemy Cycle: https://www.sarahgreenman.com/creative-alchemy-cycle
“Dreaming Accountability” by Mia Mingus: https://leavingevidence.wordpress.com/2019/05/05/dreaming-accountability-dreaming-a-returning-to-ourselves-and-each-other/
Catalyst Leadership Immersion with Anya Hankin Collaborative: https://www.anyahankin.com/leadership-immersion-2023
Learn more about the framework of Disability Justice: “Disability Justice” essay by Patty Berne: https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/disability-justice-a-working-draft-by-patty-berne
10 Principles of Disability Justice: https://code.as.ucsb.edu/files/2021/08/10principlesDJ2-final.jpg
Mia Mingus on Disability Justice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJkUazW-jw
Stacey Milbern and Patty Berne on Disability Justice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r0MiGWQY2g
ALF Oregon: alforegon.org

Nov 8, 2023 • 50min
Episode #10 | Making the Ask with Juan Martinez
This week on The Fundraising Elevator 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 art form 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://latnet.org

Nov 1, 2023 • 55min
Episode #9 | Mission-Centered Gala Themes with Shanon Doolittle
This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Shanon Doolittle, Chief Fundraising Strategist of Shanon Doolittle + Co., helps us choose a theme for our fundraising event. She shares her perspectives on building authentic relationships with donors, fostering donor trust and creating compelling narratives at your event. Shanon highlights the power of storytelling in fundraising and shares insights for crafting compelling narratives that inspire action, resonate with donors and leave a lasting impact.
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/
| 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/
Shanon Doolittle: http://shanondoolittle.com/
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/
Gala Themed Goldmine eBook: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/gala-themes/
The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan Gottschall: https://www.jonathangottschall.com/storytelling-animal
Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It by Roman Krznaric: https://www.romankrznaric.com/empathy-a-handbook-for-revolution
Emotionraising by Francesco Ambrogetti: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Emotionraising/Francesco-Ambrogetti/9781927375389
Dr. Paul J. Zak: https://pauljzak.com/
Future of Storytelling by Paul J. Zak: https://youtu.be/DHeqQAKHh3M

Oct 25, 2023 • 49min
Episode #8 | Now What? with T. Clay Buck
In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, T. Clay Buck, Founder of TCB Fundraising and The Fundraiser's Planner, shares essential insights into the post-campaign phase of fundraising. Clay emphasizes the significance of post-campaign analysis, where we learn from past experiences and make data-driven decisions. He discusses the shift from campaign-focused thinking to fostering lasting donor relationships through storytelling and personalized communication. Clay explores the donor's journey beyond the initial donation and strategies for long-term donor engagement. Finally, we discuss the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing fundraising 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/
T. Clay Buck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclaybuck/
| 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 Fundraiser's Planner: http://www.myfundraisingplanner.com
Fundraising with Clay: https://tcbfundraising.com/services/
A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen: https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/
Offer: Use the code ELEVATOR at www.tcbfundraising.com to take an additional 25% off The Fundraiser's Planner

Oct 18, 2023 • 52min
Episode #7 | Fundraising on Twitch Livestreams with Josh Boykin
In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, we talk with Josh Boykin, Founder and CEO of Intelligame and CritSave Consulting. We explore the potential of Twitch for fundraising, blending gaming, community engagement and charitable efforts and how to foster strong bonds between streamers and their audiences. We discuss the role of gaming in sparking engaging conversations, and Josh shares strategies for crafting compelling fundraising campaigns, leveraging influencer culture, and building community on Twitch.
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/
Josh Boykin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshboykin/
| 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/
Intelligame Newsletter: http://intgm.us/newsletter
CritSave Consulting: https://www.critsave.co/
Tiltify: https://tiltify.com/
Softgiving: https://softgiving.com/
Extra Life Streaming Toolkit: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1602
National Council of Nonprofits Gift Acceptance Policies: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/fundraising-and-resource-development/gift-acceptance-policies
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio): https://obsproject.com/
DrLupo: https://www.twitch.tv/drlupo
Ellie Joy Panic: https://www.twitch.tv/elliejoypanic