Sustainable Giving

Dave Raley
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  • EVERY TWO WEEKS

The Sustainable Giving Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the future of fundraising through the lens of sustainable recurring giving. Hosted by Dave Raley—author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving and founder of Imago Consulting—the podcast brings together change makers, strategists, and nonprofit leaders for candid conversations that inspire action and spark innovation. Start listening now!

  1. 4 DAYS AGO

    Problem. Solution. Action: How charity: water Designs Experiences That Create Lifelong Donors

    What if the most powerful fundraising tool your organization has is not a landing page, an email campaign, or a social media strategy, but a room? In this episode of Sustainable Giving, host Dave Raley sits down with Brian Seay, Experience Lab Director at charity: water, for a rich conversation about what it truly takes to move people from passive awareness into active, lasting generosity. Brian brings more than two decades of experience designing live events that inspire action, first on the artist relations and live events team at Compassion International, and now leading one of the most innovative donor experience spaces in the nonprofit world: The Experience Lab, a free, immersive exhibit housed at The Factory at Franklin, just outside Nashville, Tennessee. Brian and Dave dig into the architecture of transformation, the psychology of the ask, and what separates a moment of emotional inspiration from a genuine long-term commitment. Key Topics They Talk About: What The Experience Lab is and why charity: water built it. The architecture of transformation: Problem, Solution, Action. The psychology of the ask and why slowing down matters. What it takes to move people into recurring giving. The role of artists and influencers in expanding a cause. Also in this episode, they talk about: Hudson, an 11-year-old who came through the Experience Lab during a preview tour, spent four months raising $10,000 door to door and through his church, and handed an envelope of cash and checks to Scott Harrison on opening night Practical advice for leaders who want to create more immersive donor experiences without a large budget, including using virtual reality storytelling and making the mission visual through art and physical objects Why the story should never be about the organization: "We are not the core of the story. We are the response." How might you design a donor experience in your own context, whether at a gala, an open house, or even a single meeting, that moves people not just emotionally, but into sustained, long-term generosity? Key Resources: charity: water website: https://www.charitywater.org The Experience Lab: https://www.charitywater.org/experience The Spring, charity: water's monthly giving program: https://www.charitywater.org/the-spring charity: water on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charitywater Brian Seay on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-seay-11557a55/ Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath: https://www.heathbrothers.com/made-to-stick/ The Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave Raley: https://www.imagoconsulting.com Dave Raley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draley/  Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Victoria, Kirsten and Abigail.

    59 min

  2. 14 APR

    From Seasonal Generosity to Steady Support: How a Rescue Mission Built Momentum in Sustainable Giving

    What if the donors who could sustain your mission year-round have been waiting, and you just haven't asked them the right way? This week on Sustainable Giving, host Dave Raley sits down with Kathy Coady, Chief Development Officer, and Melissa Tagg, Marketing & Communications Manager (and USA Today bestselling author!) from Hope Ministries Iowa. Together, they share the story of how a rescue mission that had quietly left monthly giving on the table completely transformed its approach and saw double-digit growth in sustainers within just eight months. Hope Ministries has served the homeless, hungry, abused, and addicted in central Iowa for over 110 years. Their need is 24/7, 365, but their recurring donor support had been flat for years. It was a checkbox, not a strategy. That changed when Kathy and Melissa decided they were done starting every fiscal year at the bottom of the mountain. This episode is full of practical wisdom and honest reflection for any leader wondering whether recurring giving could really work for their organization. Spoiler: it can. Key Topics They Talk About: The Recurring Giving Wake-Up Call: For years, Hope Ministries treated monthly giving as a passive option rather than a priority. The turning point? A benchmark report showing they were hitting every metric except sustainer revenue. Kathy and Melissa, both self-described competitive spirits, decided then and there: "We're going to fix this." The Accelerator Campaign That Changed Everything: The first move Hope Ministries made was an accelerator email campaign: eight to nine emails in three weeks. Melissa admits it scared her. She remembers when sending one email a month felt risky. But the results were stunning. New monthly donors came in fast, and people who hadn't given in over a decade showed up and said yes. They've now run three of these campaigns and are planning a fourth. Messaging That Clicked: The New Women & Children's Center: The key to their campaign's success was specificity. Hope Ministries had just opened a new center for women and children, tripling capacity from 30-35 to 100 people at one time. That milestone became the campaign message: a clear, timely, and compelling reason to give monthly right now, rather than a generic ask. Making Monthly Giving a Whole-Organization Priority: Before this work, monthly giving was one item on a long menu. Now it's woven into everything -- the website relaunch, event planning, donation platform decisions, and everyday team conversations. As Kathy puts it: "It's part of our conversation now." That shift from "one option among many" to "strategic priority" is what separates organizations that grow sustainers from those that stay flat. Results That Speak for Themselves: Over eight months, Hope Ministries gained approximately 90 new monthly donors, well into double-digit percentage growth. The average monthly gift also increased as they added donors -- something Kathy did not expect. They recovered their investment within the first few emails of the first campaign, and they're now aiming for 25% of total revenue from monthly donors long-term. Also in this episode, they talk about: The "Base of the Mountain" Problem Stewardship as Partnership Data Cleanup and Hidden Gems Advice for Hesitant Leaders What Gives Them Hope If your most loyal donors could give every month, automatically and joyfully, for years, what is standing between them and that commitment? Key Resources: Learn more about Hope Ministries Iowa (Consider joining Team Hope!) Connect with Kathy on LinkedInLearn more about Melissa Tagg Connect with Melissa on LinkedIn Learn more about Dave’s work Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Victoria, Kirsten and Abigail.

    43 min

  3. 31 MAR

    Fundable and Findable: Getting Out of the Nonprofit Starvation Cycle

    What actually makes a nonprofit truly fundable, and not just busy, but built to last? In this episode of the Sustainable Giving Podcast, Dave Raley sits down with Kevin L. Brown, CEO of Mighty Ally and author of Fundable & Findable, to unpack a hard truth: most nonprofits don’t struggle because they lack passion or effort. They struggle because they lack clarity. From his journey out of the advertising world to working alongside nonprofits globally, Kevin brings a sharp lens to the structural challenges holding organizations back. Together, Dave and Kevin explore what it really takes to move beyond the “starvation cycle” and into a model of sustainable, scalable impact, where organizations are not only doing meaningful work, but are clearly positioned, deeply trusted, and consistently supported. This is a candid, thought-provoking conversation that challenges assumptions about fundraising, branding, and what it means to build something that lasts. What would change if your organization focused less on doing more, and more on becoming unmistakably clear? Key Topics They Cover: Why most nonprofits stay small, and what’s really holding them backThe “Fundable & Findable” Framework explainedEscaping the starvation cycleFrom confusion to clarity: a real transformation storyThe tension around “looking slick” as a nonprofitAlso in this episode, they talk about: Why donors don’t read—and how to “get to the point to get to the donor” The myth of diversification in nonprofit funding models Why retention starts immediately after the first gift The role of leadership as the “chief earning officer” How hybrid nonprofit models (like Mighty Ally) unlock new sustainability pathways Key Resources: Get your copy of Fundable & Findable. Connect with Kevin on LinkedIn. The Bridgespan Group Study. Connect with Dave on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠. Learn about Dave’s new program, ⁠⁠RISE⁠. Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Kirsten, Victoria, and Abigail.

    53 min

  4. 18 MAR

    From Subscriptions to Sustainers: What the Subscription Economy Teaches Nonprofits

    What if the future of generosity looks a lot more like the subscription economy? In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with subscription economy pioneer Amy Konary for a fascinating conversation about recurring revenue, customer relationships, and what nonprofit leaders can learn from the companies that helped build the modern subscription model. Amy has spent her career studying the shift from one-time transactions to long-term customer relationships. As the founder of the Subscribed Institute at Zuora, she works with hundreds of organizations navigating the transition to recurring revenue. And as one of the earliest analysts to help define the category of “SaaS,” she has had a front-row seat to the massive transformation that has reshaped entire industries. In this conversation, Dave and Amy explore the parallels between the subscription economy and sustainable generosity. They unpack why recurring models require a deeper shift than simply changing pricing, what separates organizations that successfully scale recurring revenue from those that stall, and how nonprofits can create lasting donor relationships built on ongoing value and trust. Along the way, they also look ahead to trends like subscription fatigue, retention-first strategies, and the growing role of AI, and what they might mean for the future of fundraising. Key Topics They Talk About: Why subscriptions are more than just a pricing model Amy explains how the shift to subscription-based businesses fundamentally changed how companies operate, moving from one-time transactions to ongoing value delivery and long-term relationships with customers. Lessons from the early days of the SaaS revolution Drawing from her early career studying software companies, Amy shares how pioneers like Marc Benioff and Tien Tzuo helped reshape the industry, and why their approach offers powerful parallels for nonprofit leaders today. What actually makes recurring revenue work The most successful recurring models are not “set it and forget it.” They rely on ongoing communication, delivering real value, and helping customers or donors clearly see the impact of their relationship over time. 4. The rise of subscription fatigue and what it mean As subscriptions become more common, expectations are rising. Amy explains why organizations must prioritize transparency, flexibility like pause or downgrade options, and clear value to keep people engaged. 5. Why leadership commitment is the biggest factor in success Recurring revenue is not just a tactic. It is a cultural shift. Amy explains why organizations that succeed usually have leaders who fully commit to the model and align teams, metrics, and strategy around long-term relationships. Also in this episode, they talk about: How nonprofits can better understand and segment their donors The importance of showing ongoing impact to recurring supporters Creative ways organizations can build community with supporters Why recurring models can be better for people, products, and the planet How AI may shape the next evolution of subscription-based organizations Key Resources: Connect with Amy on LinkedIn. Connect with Dave on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Learn about Dave’s new program, ⁠RISE. Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Kirsten, Victoria, and Abigail.

    50 min

  5. 4 MAR

    From One Night to Lasting Impact: Turning Fundraising Events into Sustainable Giving

    What if your next fundraising event didn’t just raise money for one night, but built generosity that lasts for years? In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with longtime fundraising leader and speaker Kirk Walden for a wide-ranging, practical conversation about events, recurring giving, and the future of sustainable generosity. Kirk has spent more than 30 years in fund development and has helped ministries raise over $75 million, much of it by transforming high-energy fundraising events into engines for long-term, recurring support. Together, Dave and Kirk unpack why events still matter, where they often fall short, and how leaders can design moments that move people from inspiration to lasting commitment. This isn’t a conversation about better banquets or sharper pitches. It’s about building systems, culture, and leadership maturity that turn embodied experiences into sustainable impact. Key Topics They Talk About: The Stage as a StrategyEvents as Major Donor Discovery EnginesRecurring Giving Inside a Live EventWhy Sustainable Giving Isn’t Rocket ScienceCulture, Leadership, and Long-Term Impact Also in this episode, they talk about: Reading “signals in the room” during live appeals Commitment psychology vs. emotional spikes Follow-up strategies that actually work The danger of event dependence Why unhealthy culture eventually breaks recurring generosity If you only get one moment with a donor — on a stage, in a room, or during a shared experience — how are you inviting them into something that lasts? Key Resources: Learn more about Kirk’s work. Subscribe to Kirk’s Substack. Connect with Kirk on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Connect with Dave on ⁠LinkedIn⁠. Learn about Dave’s new program, ⁠RISE. Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Kirsten, Victoria, and Abigail

    58 min

  6. 18 FEB

    The $326 Billion Question: DAFs, Donor Behavior, and What Comes Next

    What if the future of generosity isn’t about giving more, but about giving differently? In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to explore one of the most important (and misunderstood) shifts happening in philanthropy right now: the rise of Donor-Advised Funds, and what they could unlock for sustainable, recurring generosity. This isn’t a technical DAF explainer or a tax-policy deep dive. Instead, Dave and Mitch zoom out to look at how modern donor behavior is changing, why friction—not generosity—is often the real blocker, and how DAFs, recurring giving, and better infrastructure might help nonprofits plan with more confidence and resilience. Along the way, Mitch shares his unconventional path from Goldman Sachs to startup founder to philanthropy innovator, and what seeing the sector from the outside taught him about what’s broken and what’s possible. Top 5 Topics They Dive Into: From Wall Street to Social Impact Innovation Mitch shares how being “too creative” for traditional finance ultimately led him to philanthropy, and why founders shaping the future of generosity often didn’t start in the sector at all. Why Donor-Advised Funds Are Rising Right Now DAF growth isn’t random. We unpack the cultural, economic, and psychological forces behind their rise, from complexity fatigue to trust gaps and the “set aside now, decide later” mindset. Donor-Advised Funds as Infrastructure, Not Just a Tax Tool What changes if nonprofits stop thinking of DAFs as accounts and start thinking of them as behavior-shaping infrastructure? And what are leaders still getting wrong about how donors actually use them? The Overlap Between DAFs and Recurring Giving DAFs and recurring giving aren’t competitors but cousins. We explore how DAFs can act as a generosity reservoir and what that means for long-term sustainability and donor commitment. What DAFs Could Make More Sustainable in the Sector From forecasting and retention to stewardship and planning, we look at how better DAF integration could reshape how nonprofits operate, and what risks exist if systems don’t evolve alongside scale. Also in this episode, they talk about: Why friction, not intent, is often the real barrier to generosity The difference between recurring cash flow and recurring commitment How nonprofits can better identify and steward DAF donors Simple mindset shifts leaders can make without adding new tech What nonprofit leaders should stop assuming about DAF donors So what’s the one question nonprofit leaders should be asking themselves this year as generosity continues to evolve? Key Resources: Learn more about Mitch’s work at Chariot Connect with Mitch on LinkedIn Read TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025: Chariot DAFpay Connect with Dave on LinkedIn Learn about Dave’s new program, RISE Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Victoria, Kirsten, and Abigail.

    57 min

  7. 4 FEB

    Turning Belief Into Action: From Crisis-tunity to Consistent Giving

    What if sustainable giving isn’t just a funding strategy, but part of your mission itself?   In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, Dave Raley sits down with with Eddie Kahler, Executive Director of the Wesley Foundation at Texas Christian University, to unpack an honest, hopeful, and highly practical story of transformation. What started as a looming funding deadline quickly became a breakthrough moment, one that reshaped how Eddie and his team think about generosity, discipleship, and long-term impact.   Recorded live during our Sustainable Giving Workshop last week, this conversation traces TCU Wesley’s journey from cautious experimentation to nearly quadrupling their recurring giving in just one year.   Along the way, Eddie shares what surprised him most, what fears were disproven, and how leaning into community (rather than doing everything alone) made all the difference.   Key Topics They Cover: From Crisis to “Crisis-tunity” 💪🏻 A looming staffing funding gap became the catalyst for innovation, reframing urgency as opportunity and sparking meaningful change. Recurring Giving vs. One-Time Gifts (Spoiler: They’re Not Competing) 🥳 Eddie shares how leading with monthly giving actually increased overall donations during key campaigns, including a major giving day. Turning Donor Insight Into Resonant Messaging ✨ Alumni surveys revealed one powerful word—home—which became the heart of TCU Wesley’s recurring giving program and donor storytelling. You Don’t Have to Do This Alone 🤝 From students with design skills to board members stepping into donor communication, sustainable giving became a shared effort, not a solo grind. When Generosity Becomes the Mission 😎 A mindset shift from “fundraising supports ministry” to “growing generosity is ministry” with powerful implications for leadership, discipleship, and donor relationships. So what might change if you stopped seeing recurring giving as a tactic... and started seeing it as formation?   Key Resources: Learn more about TCU WesleyConnect with Eddie on LinkedInDiscover more about RISEConnect with Dave on LinkedIn  Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Victoria, Kirsten, and Abigail.

    28 min

  8. 21 JAN

    Why Monthly Donors Matter More Than Ever: Lessons from 40 Years of Fundraising

    What if the key to long-term impact isn’t raising more money, but building giving that actually lasts? Is monthly giving still being treated like a side tactic when it should be core strategy? In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley welcomes fundraising pioneer Harvey McKinnon, one of the earliest and most influential voices in the recurring giving movement. With more than 40 years of experience, and decades of data to back it up, Harvey brings clarity, candor, and perspective to a conversation many nonprofits urgently need to revisit. Together, Dave and Harvey explore how monthly giving became foundational to sustainable philanthropy, why so many organizations still hesitate to fully invest in it, and what leaders can do, whether they’re just getting started or ready to scale. From emergency response moments to lifelong donor relationships, this conversation is both practical and deeply human. Key Topics They Cover: Why Monthly Giving Is Foundational to Sustainable Philanthropy Harvey shares what led him to write How to Create Lifelong Donors Through Monthly Giving and the moment he realized recurring giving wasn’t just a tactic, but essential infrastructure. The Compounding Power of Lifelong Donors Why monthly donors consistently give more per year, stay longer, and upgrade more often, and how those effects multiply over time. Scaling vs. Starting: Two Very Different Journeys Clear guidance for leaders looking to scale an existing recurring program, alongside simple, high-leverage starting moves for organizations at ground zero. Persistent Myths That Hold Monthly Giving Back From short-term thinking to internal silos, Harvey names the misconceptions that keep organizations from investing wisely in recurring revenue. Recurring Giving Across Borders: Canada, the U.S., and Europe What geography and culture reveal about donor behavior, and what North American nonprofits can learn from global approaches. Also in this episode, they talk about: Turning emergency response into long-term donor relationships Why investment mindset matters more than tactics How leadership incentives can unintentionally block progress The importance of ease, urgency, and perceived impact Why monthly donors are your strongest legacy giving prospects What would change if your organization treated monthly giving as essential, not optional? Key Resources: Visit Harvey's WebsiteConnect with Harvey on LinkedInGet Dave’s book, The Rise of Sustainable GivingConnect with Dave on LinkedIn Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Victoria.

    55 min
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About

The Sustainable Giving Podcast is your go-to show for exploring the future of fundraising through the lens of sustainable recurring giving. Hosted by Dave Raley—author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving and founder of Imago Consulting—the podcast brings together change makers, strategists, and nonprofit leaders for candid conversations that inspire action and spark innovation. Start listening now!

Information

  • Creator
    Dave Raley
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dave Raley
  • Show Website
    Sustainable Giving

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