The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

0.0 (0)
EDUCATION

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.

5D AGO

Leadership Coaching with Kendall Clawson | Episode #119

In this episode, we sit down with Kendall Clawson, founder of NW Leadership Consulting and a three-decade veteran of nonprofit leadership, for a conversation that is equal parts honest, warm, and revelatory. Kendall shares the origin story that changed her life's trajectory and takes us inside the early days of building an LGBTQIA+ community center in Portland. She also introduces a perspective that will stop you mid-scroll: the wolf pack model, where the strongest leader leads from the back, not the front. If you've ever answered "how are you?" with a five-minute rundown of your organization's priorities, this episode will feel like someone finally handed you a mirror. From the myth of the martyred nonprofit leader to the quiet crisis in board-ED relationships, Kendall delivers hard truths with the kind of care that makes you feel seen rather than called out. She breaks down why the average nonprofit leader burns out in three to four years, and why vulnerability isn't a liability, it's the very thing that opens the door to the support you've been white-knuckling through without. If you lead, serve on a board, or have ever felt like the mission's weight rests entirely on your shoulders, this one's for you. 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kendall Clawson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kendall-clawson-169b235/ | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with NW Leadership Consulting: https://www.nwleadershipconsulting.com/

1h 7m
MAY 6

Event Safety Beyond the Checklist with Kim Warnick | Ep. #118

In this episode, we sit down with Kim Warnick who is a culture organizer, violence prevention expert, and the person you want in the room when things get complicated. This is the conversation our listeners have been requesting more than any other, and it delivers. Kim reframes safety from something you add on at the last minute into something you design from the very beginning. And the difference, she argues, is felt in every single guest's nervous system before they ever take their seat. This isn't a conversation about metal detectors and security guards. It's about site selection, staffing with intention, trauma-informed design, and the quiet signals your event is already sending about who belongs and who doesn't. Kim walks us through protest planning, alcohol policy, de-escalation training, and why "neutrality" at your event is never actually neutral—it's just the status quo in disguise. Whether you're planning a gala, a pride festival, or a community organizing event, this episode will change how you think about every decision you make between now and the moment the doors open. Because when your guests feel safe, they stop scanning the room for exits and start actually showing up for your mission. 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Western States Center: https://www.instagram.com/wstatescenter/ Resources and Toolkits from Western States Center: https://www.westernstatescenter.org/toolkits-resources Sign up for Western States Center Monthly Newsletter: https://www.westernstatescenter.org/joinus

1h 18m
APR 29

Episode #117: Consent, Dignity, and the Case Story with Derria Ford

In this episode, nonprofit consultant and ethical storytelling expert Derria Ford joins us for a conversation that every fundraiser, communications professional, and nonprofit leader needs to hear. Derria didn't set out to become an expert in this space, she was pushed into it by necessity, and then transformed by a single moment when a storyteller asked her to stop. What followed was years of building a practice rooted in dignity, consent, and the radical idea that the person telling the story should actually own it. This isn't just a conversation about doing the right thing, it's about doing better work. Derria walks us through her entire process, from identifying who's truly ready to share their story, to co-creating it with them, to the policies that protect both your storytellers and your organization long after the campaign ends. She challenges the sector's obsession with tears-as-metrics, makes the case for informed consent over intake forms, and offers a litmus test so simple it stops you cold: tell the story as if it were yours. If you've ever rushed a story out the door, repurposed old content without checking in, or wondered if your organization's storytelling is doing more harm than good, this episode is your starting point. 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Derria Ford LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derria-ford-mba-ed-d-6b820060/ | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Seed Fundraisers Connect with Derria Ford: https://www.derriaford.com/stay-connected

55 min
APR 22

Episode #116: Abundant Fundraising with Mary Crogan

What if the biggest threat to your fundraising isn't a shrinking donor pool, but rather the story you're telling yourself about it? In this episode, Mary Crogan of Bloomerang joins us to challenge the scarcity narrative that's taken hold in the nonprofit sector, and replace it with something far more powerful: an abundance mindset. Yes, the landscape is shifting. Funding is less predictable, need is growing, and the pressure is real. But generosity? It hasn't gone anywhere. Research backs this up showing scarcity thinking literally narrows your cognitive capacity and kills innovation, while an abundance mindset unlocks creativity, resilience, and the kind of bold strategy that actually moves the needle. The question isn't whether generosity exists. It's whether your organization is positioned to meet it. Younger donors are redefining what giving looks like (volunteering, advocacy, peer fundraising) and the nonprofits that recognize and nurture those relationships are building something that lasts. Add the right technology to the mix, and suddenly you have a fuller picture of your supporters and the ability to show up for them in ways that actually resonate. Mary's message is clear and it's one every fundraiser needs to hear right now: tune out the headlines, trust your data, and believe that more is possible. Because the organizations that choose abundance? They're the ones heading up. 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Mary Crogan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marycrogan/ | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Research from Sendhil Mullainathan and Eldar Shafir on Scarcity: https://www.hks.harvard.edu/centers/cid/publications/books/scarcity-why-having-too-little-means-so-much. Growth Mindset Research: https://ctl.stanford.edu/students/growth-mindset Positive Psychology Research: https://peplab.web.unc.edu/ Bloomerang’s GiveCon: https://bloomerang.com/givecon/

56 min
APR 15

Episode #115: Small Donor Events with Wingo's Aminah Abdul-Majeed

In this episode Amina Abdul-Majeed, Vice President and Principal at Wingo, discusses cultivation events as a strategic tool for nonprofits. After noting renewed fundraising momentum in 2026 following a turbulent 2025, she defines cultivation events as small, intimate gatherings focused on relationship building rather than revenue. Unlike galas, these events feature a tight 20-minute speaking program, a soft ask, and a donor packet designed to deepen connections over time. Amina emphasizes that post-event follow-up is where the real work happens. For organizations just starting out, she recommends knowing your donor database, identifying reliable host committee members, keeping costs low, and sending invitations four to six weeks in advance. At its core, cultivation events work best as part of a sustained, relationship-first major donor strategy. 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Aminah Abdul-Majeed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aminah-abdul-majeed-3278176/ | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Wingo: https://www.wingo.nyc/

57 min
APR 8

Episode #114 | Expanding Creativity with Gathering with Christopher Acebo

In this episode we talk with Christopher Acebo, director, designer, producer, and CEO of Broken English Productions, to explore the intersection of art, community, and leadership. Drawing on his theater background, Christopher introduces the concept of the "leader host": someone who doesn't just invite people into a space but actively connects them, elevates them, and creates the conditions for safety, trust, and risk-taking. This combination is where truly new ideas are born. The conversation expands into the connector role in nonprofit organizations, where threading relationships between staff, board, and donors is one of the most critical (and often invisible) contributions a leader can make. With joy as a north star and storytelling as a tool for empathy, Christopher encourages nonprofit leaders to start small: reframe the overwhelming "event" as simply a chance to connect with one other person, and trust that human connection is both the beginning and the point. 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Christopher Acebo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christopher.acebo/ | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Christopher Acebo’s Work: https://acebocreative.com/

57 min
APR 1

An Auctioneer Roundtable to Raise More at Your Fundraising Event

Episode #113: Raise More Money at Your Next Event — An Auctioneer Roundtable on Fundraising Strategy That Actually Works This episode gathers a roundtable of benefit auctioneers to discuss what's working in nonprofit fundraising events. The conversation centers on the paddle raise as an underutilized superpower, pushing back on the fear of asking and making the case that a strategic, well-planned ask is not only expected by donors, it's something their brains are wired to want. The panel also champions a broader shift in events: less stuff, more mission, tighter programs, and a move from transactional giving to genuine community connection. The second half makes the case for hiring a professional benefit auctioneer, explaining how expertise in fundraising strategy, neuroscience, and audience management can make a huge difference in your fundraising. The panel also highlights the urgent need for more auctioneers of color and multilingual auctioneers to better represent the communities nonprofits serve. The closing wisdom is simple: your mission is the star and everything else is in service of that. Featuring: Sasha Summer Cousineau, Revel Rouser Events Bobby D. Ehlert, Call to Auction Stephen Kilbreath, Kilbreath Events Adrienne Livingston, Artisan Auctions Matt Roben, The Kilted Auctioneer Kelly Russell, Artisan Auctions 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Sasha Summer Cousineau: https://www.sashasummercousineau.com/ Connect with Call to Auction: https://www.calltoauction.com/ Connect with Kilbreath Events :https://www.kilbreathevents.com/ Connect with Artisan Auctions :https://www.artisanauctions.com/ Connect with The Kilted Auctioneer:https://www.thekiltedauctioneer.com/ Paddle Raise Demo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx7vQEeya2c Get 50% off Gala Toolbox with the code ELEVATE: https://www.galatoolbox.com/

57 min
MAR 25

Planner Roundtable for Fundraising Events

In episode 112 we gathered six event planners to discuss what's working in a rapidly changing events landscape. The dominant theme is authenticity. Audiences are done with bloated, performative events and instead crave real human connection and experiences that feel true to an organization's mission. The group explores how planners are helping nonprofits respond boldly to current events, turning community crises and funding cuts into powerful moments for collective action and giving. The conversation also tackles joy as a form of resistance, with planners sharing ways to build delight into every event touchpoint. Reflecting on the Elevate conference, guests highlight takeaways around storytelling, direct mail's surprising resurgence, and digital tools for nonprofits. The episode closes with myth-busting on event costs, overprogramming, and silent auctions, with a throughline message: less, done with more intentionality, delivers more impact. Featuring: Crystal Chanel, Press Release Marketing, LLC Hannah Hegman, Do Good Events Paige Jacobs, Powered by Paige Matthew Kerrigan, The Fundraising Event Co. Kel Moody, Alluvium Gatherings Beth Sandefur, Beth Sandefur 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. Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level. Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click. Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ Connect with Press Release Marketing, LLC: https://www.justpressrelease.com/ Connect with Do Good Events: https://dogoodevents.com/ Connect with Powered by Paige: https://www.poweredbypaige.com/ Connect with The Fundraising Event Co.: https://www.fundraisingeventco.com/ Connect with Alluvium Gatherings: https://www.alluviumgatherings.com/ Connect with Beth Sandefur Events: https://www.bethsandefur.com/

1h 2m

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.

Creator

The Fundraising Elevator Podcast
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

139
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© All rights reserved
Show Website

The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Non-Profit

Non-Profit

Updated Weekly