Go Beyond: The Pursuant Listening Experience for Nonprofits

Think about an exceptional experience you've had with a commercial brand. Did it seem to know precisely what you needed and when you needed it? Did its team go above and beyond to discover what you like for a more customized experience? Most for-profits do an excellent job of providing a personalized, engaging experience to their customers, who reward them with lifelong loyalty. It's time for nonprofits to do the same, building heartfelt connections that lead to long-lasting support. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and VP of Client Success Ryan Carpenter outline why your response to a donor's first gift is critical. They also share how to welcome new supporters in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued, kicking off a lifelong relationship that's a win-win for you both.

The challenges have come quickly in 2025, leaving many nonprofits at risk of losing funding. Donors could be impacted, too, amid job loss, tariffs, and inflation. The next step forward may not be obvious, but one thing is clear: this is no time to stand still. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Allegiance Group + Pursuant CEO Trent Ricker about how nonprofits can navigate the economic and social uncertainty this year has brought. He explains why leaning into this moment is critical to emerge stronger on the other side. As we learned with COVID and the Great Recession, challenges often reveal opportunities to do things differently. Ask how you can meet this moment for your constituents. Look for ways to build trust and invest in your brand to build lasting donor relationships.

Many nonprofits focus only on digital or direct mail, but you don't have to choose — nor should you. Donors crave cohesive, consistent experiences across multiple touchpoints, and getting your digital and direct mail efforts in sync can help you deliver. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we're talking with David Sacchetti, AVP of Client Strategy, about how a direct mail strategy backed by a complementary digital campaign can help solve the myriad challenges today's fundraisers face. No matter where you are with each channel, David offers actionable advice for leveling up. We discuss the importance of storytelling across channels to guide donors toward giving, with David sharing the digital trends that fit perfectly into a direct mail–first campaign. We also cover why your fundraising and marketing teams must work together to ensure brand impressions become donations.

The recent sweeping cuts to USAID and other federal programs have rattled fundraisers across the country and in all sectors. Uncertainty is widespread as nonprofit leaders wait to see just what the fallout will be. Whether your organization was impacted or is anticipating a budget shortfall, scaling back on riskier strategies like acquisition can be tempting. In fact, media spending, testing, and other efforts that help you reach potential donors are often the first things to go. But if you're not seeking new donors, how will you replace those you lose through natural attrition? What about the ones who have to give less due to their own financial hardships? In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we're making the case for prioritizing acquisition — especially when you've been hit with unexpected budget cuts. Two Allegiance Group + Pursuant AVPs, Erin Robertson and J.C. Bouvier, share how you can use this difficult time to attract new prospects. And if the budget crunch hasn't hit yet, they have tips to help you prepare. By staying true to your mission and leading into your opportunities, you can weather this storm

Video can bring your nonprofit's message to life, making it more engaging for donors and other audiences. Finding the right people to communicate your mission doesn't have to be overwhelming. Creating high-quality, compelling video content may be more straightforward than you expect. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we sit down with Pat Taggart, Founder and Chief Creative at SkyBlue Creative and a twenty-year veteran of impact video. Along with practical tips, Pat shares how creating authentic video content hinges on getting people to relax on camera and creating space for them to speak from their own experiences. Ditching the script is key to building more meaningful content.  Empowering people impacted by what you do is one of the best ways to drive support for your mission – which Pat illustrates with storytelling. Revealing some of his most successful tools, Pat explains how cell phones have leveled the playing field, putting one of the best tools for high-quality content creation at your fingertips. In fact, your cell can be instrumental in generating a potent mix of candid and professional imagery. 

Nonprofits operate in a fast-paced world. To navigate the rapid changes in technology, social behaviors, and how we exchange information, it's time to think like an entrepreneur. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, our CEO, Trent Ricker, talks with Tom Ulbrich, President and CEO of Goodwill of Western New York. Tom has extensive entrepreneurial experience, having owned and grown multiple businesses. He also ran the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Buffalo and was an Assistant Dean at the Schools of Management and Social Work, where he worked on social innovation. Throughout this conversation, Tom and Trent share characteristics of entrepreneurs that nonprofit leaders can adopt to help them grow revenue and build sustainable programs. They also explore business best practices that enable organizations to better communicate their impact as they seek funding and recruit talent.

Does your organization struggle to engage donors behind gifts from donor-advised funds (DAFs)? Have you received a generous DAF gift but wondered how to thank the anonymous donor and build a lasting connection? Engaging DAF donors can be challenging, especially when anonymity creates a barrier. However, with thoughtful strategies, your nonprofit can foster gratitude, retention, and deeper donor relationships, even with DAF contributors. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Ryan Carpenter, VP of Client Success at GivingDNA, tackles the challenges nonprofits face with DAF giving. Ryan shares practical strategies to build stronger relationships with DAF donors, despite anonymity, and highlights ways to simplify the process of accepting and stewarding DAF gifts. With the average DAF contribution exceeding $1,100—five to twenty times higher than traditional gifts—it's essential to position your organization to make the most of this powerful giving vehicle. Ryan explores common misconceptions about DAFs, offers actionable insights to streamline DAF gift acceptance, and demonstrates how technology can bridge the gap between your organization and anonymous donors. Join us as we discuss: How to proactively communicate that you accept DAF contributions. Effective strategies for engaging DAF donors and their sponsoring organizations. The role of technology in donor profiling and identifying untapped opportunities Whether you're new to DAFs or looking for ways to optimize your approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you deepen connections with DAF donors and amplify your impact.

Did you know Gen Z is 10 times more likely to share their donations on social media compared to Baby Boomers? Passionate, tech savvy and socially connected, Gen Z is an audience nonprofits can't afford to ignore. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Michelle Boggs, Senior Advisor for Nonprofit Fundraising and Development at Classy by GoFundMe, about the surprising new research in the latest Social State of Giving report, highlighting Gen Z's significant engagement with social media for philanthropy and what that means for nonprofits. The report found that 41% of Gen Z, 25% of millennials, and 20% of Gen X are motivated to donate by social media content. We discuss impact creators and why they are crucial for reaching younger donors, as well as leveraging AI to drive future social giving trends. We also take a dive into new tools like Meta integration and GoFundMe profiles that enhance the donor experience and tap into the power of social sharing. Curious about what's next in fundraising? Connect with some of the sector's most forward-thinking minds at the upcoming Collaborative, presented by Classy by GoFundMe. This interactive and inspiring event is your chance to expand your network and gain fresh insights into the future of fundraising.

About a decade ago, we partnered with Drs. Adrian Sargeant and Jin Chang to sponsor their research on relationship fundraising. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Allegiance Group + Pursuant's Chief Strategy Officer, Trent Ricker, revisits that research to see what lessons still hold — and where there's room to grow. With donor acquisition and retention becoming more challenging, nonprofits must move beyond transactional fundraising and forge deeper connections with their supporters. By doing so, they can build long-term support and boost their donors' lifetime value. This conversation explores how relationship fundraising helps nonprofits increase donor loyalty and longevity, retain more supporters, and attract younger generations. We also share strategies fundraisers can use to turn one-time transactions into long-standing relationships with donors who care about your cause. Want a deeper dive? Download a free copy of “How Relationship Fundraising Works” to unlock the potential of donor-centric fundraising in your organization.

Don't sleep on incorporating SMS, or text messaging, into your future fundraising campaigns. While many nonprofits use this powerful tool it's growing in popularity and effectiveness, especially with the decline in traditional telemarketing. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Stephanie Drahan, Vice President of Account Management, and David Sachetti, Associate Vice President for Client Strategy, about SMS, why it's an important tactic, and how it can be leveraged in fundraising campaigns. SMS can function as a bridge between online and offline fundraising by adding an additional touchpoint for donors. Nonprofits new to SMS can start with a peer-to-peer program for smaller audiences, such as event registration, while those with larger audiences may deploy a blast or broadcast SMS campaign to reach thousands. It's simple to use, less intrusive than other forms of marketing, and let's face it – almost everyone has their cell phone nearby. Another bonus? It's easy to personalize and create a one-on-one experience.

End-of-year giving is officially wrapped! You may have planned a matching gift campaign to finish the year strong, but promoting matching gifts throughout the year can boost both giving frequency and amount. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Amelia Baumann, Partnership Success Specialist at Double the Donation, about the crucial importance of ensuring donors know if their employers offer a matching gift program. Need proof? About 84% of donors are more likely to give if they see a match is offered, and 70% more donors respond to fundraising appeals that mention matching. We discuss the many benefits matching gifts can bring your organization. We'll also share best practices to help you maximize awareness of this strategy. With more visibility, your donors can double or triple their gift — and your impact — at no extra cost to them. Listen now.

Your website is the hub of your digital presence. Depending on the size of your organization, your site could have anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pages — that's a significant amount of content to manage. A content management system (CMS) simplifies this process so you can unlock new opportunities to connect with your audience. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with three of Allegiance Group + Pursuant's web experts, Russ Chettiar, Ren John, and Mark Leta, about how a CMS can make your website more efficient and effective. If you're in the market for a new website or CMS, this episode is for you. We break down precisely what you should look for in a CMS and offer quick tips to help you begin the search process in the right direction. Get ready to bring your data and content together for a dynamic and engaging web experience that drives meaningful interactions with your supporters.

If you're struggling to create new content for your website, consider this your permission to stop. More blog posts won't help you stand out in search engine results; high-quality, evergreen articles updated regularly will. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with TJ Peeler, Director of User Experience, and Meredith Berents, a Digital and SEO Analyst, about how updating current content can help you build a stronger SEO strategy and bring more organic traffic to your site. They discuss: The value of comprehensive content How to identify high-performing content through an audit The online tools that can help you pinpoint your audience's search intent Practical steps for updating your content When new content can be valuable

It's more important than ever to be transparent about how you use donations in your organization. Next-generation donors especially want an immediate return on their dollars. But there's more to it than sending a thank-you email; getting creative with technology can make a significant difference. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Chief Strategy Officer Trent Ricker talks with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at charity: water, about how the nonprofit's 100% model is driving donor loyalty and long-term support. Christa also discusses her switch from startups and what nonprofits can learn from B Corps companies with social good built into their business models. Facing increasing competition from for-profit do-gooders, Christa explains how nonprofits can utilize technology like virtual reality and GPS mapping to draw a distinct connection between donations and impact. She also gives a sneak preview of an innovative and immersive experience charity: water will launch soon.

The digital landscape constantly evolves. Changing algorithms, shifting audience preferences, and privacy concerns can be challenging to sort through.   Paid media can help you solve this puzzle. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Allegiance Group + Pursuant's Chief Strategy Officer, Trent Ricker, talks with VP of Advertising Laura Hinrichsen about how nonprofits can use paid media tactics to build a strong digital presence.  They discuss:  -The core components of digital fundraising and marketing  -How your owned media can help you launch a paid media strategy  -Why it's crucial to get your marketing and development teams on the same page  -How even small nonprofits with limited budgets can make a big impact through paid media  Your owned media will help you maintain awareness with your constituents, but paid media is the key to jumpstarting deep donor relationships.

How is your nonprofit's brand significant in the lives of your loyal users? That's the question branding expert Cynthia Round asks every organization that works with her. The reason? Studies have shown that building and maintaining an emotional connection with your users is what inspires their loyalty. In this episode, learn how Cynthia has worked with some of the nonprofit industry's most distinguished institutions to ensure they remain relevant in the lives of their most valuable supporters. Along the way, you'll discover: - Successful strategies for discovering what your donors care about beyond surface metrics - Tactics for creating an emotional connection with your audience - Ways to encourage buy-in of a new brand identity across your entire organization

As you grow your channels to meet donors where they are, you must also measure your performance in each medium. But with an omnichannel approach, that's way easier said than done. Did the email prompt a gift, or was it a social media post? Your direct mail piece or the text message? Measuring an omnichannel campaign gives a holistic view of your engagement and performance. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we break down the attribution methods that can best help you wrangle all the metrics you're tracking so you can more clearly communicate your ROI. Learn the difference between direct, indirect, and time-based attribution models, then put them to work in your presentations to executive leadership and board members. And if this all sounds too complex, we offer three easy tips to get you started.

Omni-channel fundraising strategies are the foundation of every nonprofit we work with. But to ensure you're reaching the right donors with the right messaging, you need to step back and evaluate every constituent relationship and communication. A touchpoint audit is part of a larger journey-mapping exercise that lays out the many ways donors and leads interact with your organization. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Matthew Mielcarek, SVP of Analytics & Insights Strategy, walks us through this valuable tactic. You'll learn: How to begin journey mapping Why it's important to put on your “donor hat” How the donor vortex comes into play How touchpoint audits differ for new leads vs new donors Why it all comes down to stronger donor relationships

As fundraisers, we're trained to focus on the response to each campaign or effort. Every channel collects and analyzes data so you can optimize your messaging. But can you accurately say that a donor who doesn't scan your postcard's QR code doesn't want direct mail? What about the person who received a text and then donated via email — is email really their preferred channel? An omni-channel approach might muddy the attribution waters, but it's crucial for a comprehensive view of the series of touchpoints that led to a gift. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, our tech experts break down the tools you need to unify your data and build a successful omni-channel strategy. Mark Leta, VP of Technology, and Stephanie Drahan, an AVP on the Client Experience Team, share tips and best practices to help you overcome the challenges of managing multiple channels. They also discuss the steps your team should take as you move toward omni-channel marketing and fundraising so you can deliver a more consistent and engaging donor experience.

Are you overwhelmed by omnichannel fundraising? As tricky as this approach can be, it's crucial to build deeper loyalty with your constituents. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Laura Hinrichsen, VP of Advertising, and Kacey Crawford, VP of Digital Strategy, about how nonprofits can master omnichannel fundraising and marketing. We break down crucial concepts, share practical tips, and discuss real-world success stories to help your nonprofit thrive in a competitive landscape. Our two Allegiance Group + Pursuant experts also offer advice on breaking down internal siloes that may be holding your organization back. They'll help you secure buy-in from each team and upper management so you can work together to achieve your goals. Listen now to start building the foundation for an omnichannel strategy that puts your constituents front and center.

In this episode, Pursuant's CEO Trent Ricker sat down with Kevin Hagan, President and CEO of PAN Foundation, to talk about the effect of global crises on fundraising. With the current Ukraine crisis, we've seen nontraditional or so-called 'unorganized' giving, as people adopted unique ways to support and donate. In this dialogue, these nonprofit leaders discuss lessons that nonprofits can learn from grassroots efforts like these when it comes to funding specific missions.

The lines between responsibilities and budgets of the marketing and fundraising departments can often blur at nonprofits. Although each department brings important and unique assets to an organization, when they align and work together, they can create a more impactful experience for constituents. In this episode, Pursuant CEO, Trent Ricker spoke with Sue Citro, Chief Experience Officer at Best Friends Animal Society about ways leaders can encourage collaboration between the fundraising and marketing departments to create optimal stewardship experiences. As Chief Experience Officer, Sue ensures that the marketing communications, fundraising, and experience teams are working in unison to create the best experience possible for donors and people who interact with Best Friends Animal Society.

Many nonprofits tend to focus their ad dollars at the crucial end of the year when people are naturally more inclined to give. However, spreading your advertising budget across the year can set your year-end campaign up for optimal success. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Laura Hinrichsen, VP of Advertising, and Megan Morris, Director of Advertising, discuss the challenges of focusing solely on year-end advertising — and why a year-round ad strategy may be more effective. By hooking a prospect early, you can spend weeks or even months sharing your story with them. Then, when you ask for support at year-end, they'll be more likely to act. Our experts also share how a year-round ad spend can help you generate more leads and build your list. They wrap up with quick tips for navigating the presidential election.

When we look at generational giving, it's easy to focus on baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z. But tucked in between these groups is Gen X, which is projected to inherit $30 trillion in the Great Wealth Transfer through 2040. Could Gen X be the hidden key to the future of philanthropy? In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we welcome Alyssa Boger, EVP of Client Strategy, as she unpacks this question and more. The oldest Gen Xers are nearing retirement age, while the youngest are reaching their peak earning years. These stages of life stand to shape their giving today and tomorrow. This is a group that seeks to make an immediate impact with their time, money, and advocacy. We also talked about Gen X's children, Gen Alpha. While they're too young to engage with direct messaging, this generation's online behaviors point to strategies that could reshape how you think about fundraising.

Digital advertising is full of mystery — it certainly doesn't help that the rules seem to change every day. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we aim to make digital advertising a little easier. Our guest, Allegiance Group + Pursuant VP of Advertising Laura Hinrichsen, joins us to dispel five myths about digital advertising. From Google Ad Grants and Facebook advertising to last-click attribution and video content, this conversation highlights what you need to know for an effective digital advertising campaign. It's time to leverage your full potential in the digital space. Listen to the full episode now.

What if the key to transforming your fundraising efforts lies in a technology many fear? In this Go Beyond Fundraising Podcast episode, we explore the bold new frontier of artificial intelligence (AI). Allegiance Group + Pursuant's Chief Strategy Officer, Trent Ricker, considers the nuanced role of artificial intelligence in enhancing human connections. Rather than replacing personal interactions, AI can be a powerful tool to augment our ability to build and maintain deeper, more sincere relationships. Trent highlights the importance of leveraging technology to organize our lives better, prioritize effectively, and ultimately become more empathetic and attentive individuals. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that explores how AI can help us achieve the very human goal of closer, more meaningful relationships between donors and nonprofit organizations.

Recent statistics show continued declines across all types of donors from 2022 to 2023 — except those who had given seven or more gifts, which increased. This growth highlights the significance of donor loyalty. In this Go Beyond Fundraising podcast episode, Allegiance Group + Pursuant Chief Strategy Officer Trent Ricker discusses the value of fostering deep, meaningful relationships with donors. He emphasizes quality over quantity and says loyalty to an organization can lead to deep-rooted support that will last regardless of what's happening in the short term. Trent also explains the difference between transactional and relational fundraising. He urges nonprofit professionals to return to the basics and focus on stewardship, using data and donor preferences as a guide. He even shares how a positive stewardship experience turned a planned gift from his stepfather into family-wide support for a children's healthcare organization.

Determining the health of your organization can be tricky. The success of one campaign or a decrease in one certain metric isn't enough to know whether your fundraising efforts are working. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we're joined by Teena Wright, Annual Giving Director at Idaho Public Television, and Debbie Merlino, an Executive Vice President at Allegiance Group + Pursuant. Together, they outline the seven key database metrics you should track to get a better sense of where you stand. They'll also address some common questions: - How often should you look at your data? -How can you account for seasonality as you compare one time to another? -What KPIs do you track for a campaign vs. long-term planning? Listen to the full episode now to get the seven database KPIs that will give you a clear snapshot of the overall relationship donors have with your organization.

The Fundraising Effectiveness Project's latest Quarterly Fundraising Report™ is out, and we're digging in! In this episode of Fundraising Today, VP of Client Strategy Kristin Priest breaks down the key findings that compare overall philanthropic giving trends in 2022 and 2023.   The report tracks macro trends in donors, dollars, and retention, then looks deeper at each category. The leading takeaway is that all three show a continued decline, but there is a glimmer of good news. For instance, in 2022, donors were down 10%; but in 2023, they're only down about 3.4%. Join us as we discuss what the report means for fundraisers as we prep for the second half of 2024. Will we continue to see decreases, or is this the year that things start to stabilize? Kristin also shares five strategies fundraisers can use to acquire, engage, and retain donors.

Does your organization have a rich history that your donors love? The magic of digital archiving is that it makes historical artifacts available to anyone, anywhere. However, not everyone has the know-how or the technology to properly preserve their physical media for future generations or how to leverage it in fundraising communications. In this episode of Fundraising Today, we'll sit down with Kristen Gwinn-Becker, PhD from HistoryIT, to explore digital archives' challenges, opportunities, and future, emphasizing the power of storytelling and engagement. Don't miss our webinar with HistoryIT on May 16! Register here: https://info.teamallegiance.com/connecting-with-faces-from-the-past-leveraging-digital-archives-for-non-profit-storytelling-and-engagement

It's hard to miss the fact that 2024 is an election year. The presidential race is dominating news cycles and social media, but what does it mean for your fundraising efforts? On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Allegiance Group + Pursuant Chief Strategy Officer Trent Ricker about what nonprofits can expect. Organizations often fear that political giving will impact their fundraising; however, studies show this simply doesn't happen. Instead, nonprofits should adjust their timing and approach to campaigns based on the political climate. Ricker highlights the need for nonprofits to stay agile and responsive to changing advertising policies in terms of ad content, imagery, and cost. He also stresses the power of data to inform how nonprofits address local and national issues in their fundraising. Finally, he emphasizes that while it's important to be aware of the election, organizations should stay focused on advancing their mission and engaging their donors.

What does it take to start and scale a nonprofit? Elana Frank is still learning, and she's sharing her lessons in this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast. Frank is the founder and CEO of the Jewish Fertility Foundation, which provides financial assistance, support, and education to those struggling with infertility. In just nine years, the nonprofit has grown to eight locations across the country. She discusses what she's learned while scaling the organization, including the qualities she seeks in those hired to lead each location. Frank also emphasizes how important it is for founders and CEOs to work with a professional business coach, as well as why all leaders need to slow down sometimes and give themselves some grace.

The world is changing, and it's time for nonprofits to change too — including their boards. To better fulfill your mission, your stakeholders and leaders should reflect the communities you serve. That's why, on this episode of Fundraising Today and the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we're exploring the principles behind DEIAB. Joining us are Christal Cherry and Dr. Renee Rubin Ross, who work with boards and lead inclusive workshops and conversations. They'll define what diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging mean for nonprofits and why these principles should begin with your board. We cover how you can get started with hard conversations, including ways to engage people who may not initially recognize the value of DEIAB work. They also share advice for making sure your efforts become part of the fabric of your organization and are sustained for the long term.

In this episode of Fundraising Today and the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we explore how nonprofits can use Google Analytics 4 (GA4) to boost their fundraising efforts. Emil Isaakov, a data analyst with Allegiance Group + Pursuant, walks us through the significant changes that GA4 brings, such as event-based tracking and predictive metrics. Emil also outlines the steps nonprofits can take to optimize their websites for better conversions. He touches on additional integrations with Google Ads and Google BigQuery that can help organizations build on and store the data they're getting through GA4. In addition, we'll look at GA4 through the lens of a few specific examples: How nonprofits can determine which communication channels are giving them the biggest bank for their buck, and how they can use GA4 to grow their email newsletter.

Most nonprofits rely on volunteers, but managing this group can be tedious. In this episode of Fundraising Today and the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Albert Vasquez, Head of Sales and Operations for Rosterfy North America. Rosterfy is an end-to-end volunteer management and reporting tool that helps organizations onboard, engage, and track their volunteers. In this conversation, Vasquez shares how organizations like the NFL and FIFA use the platform to manage the thousands of volunteers they depend on. We also discuss the overall state of volunteerism and its impact on organizations — particularly how engaged volunteers often become passionate advocates and donors. Vasquez also offers solutions for the common challenges nonprofits face in managing their volunteers.

In this episode of Fundraising Today and the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with philanthropist and fundraising coach Lisa Greer. Author of the bestseller Fundraising Revolution, Greer is on a mission to save giving by helping nonprofits move away from the impersonal interactions and scripted outreach that have dominated the sector for so long. In 2012, Greer and her husband became part of the 1% practically overnight and wanted to share their new wealth. In our conversation, she discusses the strange practices and frustrations they experienced for years with traditional fundraisers. Today, with her background as a successful businesswoman as a foundation, she promotes fundamental change in how fundraising works by teaching nonprofits how to do better. Greer says one of the biggest mistakes nonprofits make is not offering a recurring giving program, especially when a subscription business model is so popular among consumers. We break down ways charities can start or boost recurring giving programs to create loyal supporters, such as surprise gifts and exclusive webinars.

In this episode of Go Beyond Fundraising, we sit down with Mitch Stein. Mitch is the Head of Strategy at Chariot, a donor-advised fund (DAF) fundraising solution provider. We discuss the increasing popularity of DAFs as a giving vehicle; the challenges associated with anonymous DAF donations; and the barriers that prevent nonprofits from maximizing DAF gifts. Mitch stresses how important it is for nonprofits to understand DAFs to unlock meaningful relationships with donors who use these funds. We also delve into the controversy around DAFs, including the lack of regulations that force DAFs to distribute a certain amount annually. Throughout the conversation, Mitch highlights the tools Chariot offers to ease the transfer of funds from DAFs to nonprofits and improve donor engagement.

The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to review your systems for marketing and fundraising. But as you evaluate your processes, it's equally important — if not more — to also evaluate how you measure success and improvement in your programs. Of course, it takes more than just logging into Google Analytics. In this episode of Fundraising Today and the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we're counting the Five Fundraising Measurement Mistakes to Avoid in 2024. Allegiance Group + Pursuant agency leaders Liz Murphy, EVP of Client Relationships, and Kim Richardson, AVP of Client Strategy, share what they've learned in their years of experience and with clients so you can better measure your digital channels. These are the most common pitfalls fundraisers and markets can fall into: 1. Not having a measurement mark 2. No system set up for channel attribution 3. No way to integrate data across platforms 4. Not having web analytics set up properly 5. Not being prepared for the ever-changing digital landscape

Two of the hottest topics in philanthropy are the declining number of donors and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI). In this episode of Fundraising Today and the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we bring these issues together in a stirring conversation with Nathan Chappell, author of The Generosity Crisis. As a founder of the Fundraising.AI collaborative, Chappell discusses the role of AI in the fundraising sector. He highlights the key elements that are necessary to ensure “responsible AI,” such as reducing bias, maintaining privacy and security, and adopting a sustainable approach. He also emphasizes the importance of embracing AI as a tool to improve both efficiency and precision.

Cheers to 2024! In our first Go Beyond Fundraising podcast of the new year, we're reflecting on the giving trends that emerged in 2023 and how they may impact the landscape in the year ahead. Is there still some uncertainty in the air? Or will things level out? And what can your organization do now to set itself up for a strong performance? Allegiance Group + Pursuant Chief Strategy Officer and President Trent Ricker led the conversation. He's joined by Alicia Lifrak, Executive Vice President, and Matthew Mielcarek, SVP of Analytics & Insights Strategy. Alicia shares what she's seeing through her interactions with clients, while Matthew brings the data points. In general, growth and revenue look flat; but as you'll hear, that may not tell the whole story of where fundraising is heading in 2024.

Giving USA's 2023 report on Charitable Giving, a cornerstone in tracking philanthropic trends, notably observed a 10.5% drop in giving year-over-year in 2022. While this data provides valuable insights, it's crucial to consider its alignment with the experiences of fundraising professionals and the true reflection of current giving trends. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, our Chief Strategy Officer Trent Ricker engages in a thought-provoking discussion with Jeffrey Cain, who authored a series of compelling articles challenging Giving USA's perspective.

In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Pursuant CEO and President Trent Ricker talks with Tim Arnold, whose work in leadership and team development focuses on helping leaders unleash the power of both/and thinking in an either/or world. Tim's latest book, Next-Level Teamwork: The 5 Tensions to Manage for High-Performance Teams, guides leaders through overcoming the five common tensions or dysfunctions that all teams face. In his conversation with Trent, Tim illustrates how, through a both/and approach, each dysfunction becomes a healthy tension that takes teams from unproductive to unstoppable. It's an episode that's chock full of practical advice that your team can start using immediately. The goal is to produce a team that is productive but also has fun together and enjoys their work.

Let's start with some astounding numbers: More than half of all U.S. households own stock, and about 5 million stockholders have portfolios worth millions of dollars. For these individuals, a major gift such as $10,000 to a nonprofit would be a drop in the bucket. But this amounts to $50 billion of potential charitable giving from the top stockholders alone. If you consider all stock owners, you could double the potential impact. So, with $100 billion of stock gifts at stake, it begs the question: why don't more nonprofits accept stock donations? In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Steve Latham, co-founder and CEO of DonateStock. Latham has been determined to make it easier for people to donate stock gifts for more than a decade.

In the highly competitive nonprofit world, your organization needs a way to show that you're a high-performing charity in your sector. Similarly, it can be hard for donors to find nonprofits that align with their values. Charity Navigator stands as a unique solution for both. Charity Navigator is the nation's largest not-for-profit rating organization. For more than 20 years, the free website has rated charities based on their 990 tax form information. However, recent changes to the rating system are giving users a more holistic view of a charity and leveling the playing field for smaller nonprofits. In this episode, we're talking with Laura Andes, Chief Program Officer for Charity Navigator, about the changes. We're also joined by Amy Warren, Associate Vice President of Product Solutions at Pursuant and Allegiance Group.

You know your organization's mission and likely have some successful programs. But when you step back and look at the big picture of what you want to achieve, are your programs moving the needle? Or is there a way you can make an even bigger impact, even if it means significant (and maybe scary) internal changes? On this Go Beyond Fundraising podcast episode, Whitney Norman, Pursuant's Vice President of Client Solutions, chats with Michelle Romero, Chief Strategy Officer at Dream.org. Michelle has been leading some meaningful conversations about what transformative change is and how organizations can approach it authentically. Let's dig in.

More than 50 years ago, Robert Greenleaf broke ground with his concept of servant leadership. And while this idea is still relevant today, we believe it's more than putting others first. In fact, author and self-proclaimed nonprofiteer Evan Wildstein says that by hyphenating the term, you become both — a servant and a leader. And that's where the magic happens. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Wildstein about his new book, “The Nonprofiteer's Fundraising Field Guide.” He outlines the 10 traits of a servant-leader that Greenleaf introduced and proposes a new way of looking at them that can help you grow your mission.

Steve Jobs famously wanted the iPhone design to be so simple that a child could use it just by picking it up. As a result, Apple set the standard for inclusive and accessible design. And in an age where our interactions grow more digital by the day, accessibility can't be overlooked. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we're talking with Stan Shinn, Mark Leta, Kacey Crawford, and Russ Chettiar on why accessibility matters and how nonprofits can achieve it. Now is the perfect time to ensure your digital campaigns and websites comply with accessibility standards. With end-of-the-year appeals being developed and sent out before you know it, you'll want to ensure that every piece is fully optimized for its target audience. Let's dig in.

Membership organizations are an interesting segment of the nonprofit world — “Join our club, and you'll get XYZ benefits.” We see this in the arts and culture realm, especially. Think museums, zoos, theaters, and other places that rely on philanthropy to operate and offer what's called a “visitation membership.” These organizations often see support come from three areas: members, donors, and member-donors. - Members pay a monthly or annual fee for a special perk, like free admission to your museum or a discount in your store. - Donors support you because they believe in your mission. They don't necessarily visit your organization and aren't interested in benefits. - Member-Donors are both. They likely started as a member and were effectively stewarded to becoming a donor through enriching and engaging experiences. Member-Donors are the goal. And in this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Pursuant's President Trent Ricker hosts a roundtable discussion with Debbie Merlino, Alicia Lifrak and Nicole Gardell on how your membership organization can compel more members to take the next step and become active donors.

Has this ever happened to you? Your nonprofit has a robust contact list, but general emails don't seem to go anywhere. You wonder if there's a better way to reach supporters, especially during critical giving seasons like the year-end campaign. You could benefit from creating targeted communications for different types of donors! By using the tools already at your disposal, narrowing down segmentation can be beneficial in meeting the needs of different types of donors. This week's installment of “Year-End in July” examines overlooked segments nonprofits can benefit from engaging with during year-end campaigns. Guests Ryan Carpenter and Colleen Patel join us for a special bonus installment.

When it comes to year-end campaigns, sometimes it's hard to know how to integrate digital fundraising alongside direct mail. How often should you post about a year-end campaign on each of your social media platforms? Is it okay to send donors, potential donors, and lapsed donors an email and a direct mail ask in November and December? How does your organization's website play a part in digital conversations? In this week's installment of “Year-End in July,” we'll answer these questions and explore how you can leverage digital fundraising with guests Ashleigh Lambert, Kacey Crawford, and Kim Richardson. After all, integration can seamlessly happen between all the different elements, and our team at Pursuant and Allegiance Groups are happy to guide you through the process.

In this episode of our series, we explore the importance of donor relationships and stewardship in ensuring a successful year-end fundraising season. We share strategies for donor retention, expressing gratitude, and building long-term engagement. Discover how to create meaningful connections with your supporters and cultivate a loyal donor base that continues to support your mission beyond the year-end campaign.