Responsive Fundraising

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Stephen Boudreau and Erik Tomalis from Avid to explore how fundraisers can actually use their data to drive meaningful action. From demystifying AI to scaling human relationships with technology, this conversation dives into the real challenges facing fundraisers today and how teams can stop drowning in spreadsheets and start making decisions with confidence. Erik shares lessons from 5,000+ donor visits and how tech can enable deeper generosity, while Stephen explains why the best fundraising teams are shifting from being data hoarders to decision-makers. Plus, they introduce Avid, a new fundraising operating system that helps nonprofits aggregate data, visualize insights, identify audiences, and deploy campaigns, all without replacing your existing tools. Learn more about Avid at https://www.avidai.com/ Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus bring you a featured session from the 2025 Responsive Nonprofit Summit. Erin McHugh, Chief Product Officer at Microsoft Tech for Social Impact joins Jason Van Lue, VP of Product at Virtuous, for a deep dive into what nonprofits need to be thinking about today to prepare for the future. From the future of AI and “digital colleagues” to practical data strategies, Erin outlines a clear, human-centered vision for tech innovation in the sector. You'll hear: Why strong data foundations are essential before adopting AI The difference between automating tasks and transforming systems Real-world examples from fundraisers, healthcare providers, and program teams How to balance innovation with ethics, trust, and human connection The concept of “frontier nonprofits” and how to become one Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus bring you a featured session from the 2025 Responsive Nonprofit Summit. Join guests Stacy Houston, Rebecca Barnard, Jonathan McCoy, Vivian Borja, Becky Endicott, and Dr. Tim Lampkin as they challenge outdated narratives in nonprofit storytelling and share how to co-create more authentic, dignified, and powerful stories with the communities you serve. Highlights include: Dismantling deficit-based narratives Honoring community voice in storytelling Why joy and complexity must be part of your mission narrative Tactical strategies for ethical co-creation Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Sterrin Bird, long-time fundraising leader and nonprofit executive-in-residence at Attain Partners, for a conversation on how technology can support—but never replace—the deeply human work of fundraising. Sterrin unpacks: Why so many orgs still get “donor-centricity” wrong How AI agents can support mid-level and major gift fundraising at scale Why donor trust is your most valuable currency—and how to protect it What truths about fundraising will never change, no matter the tools You'll walk away with clear direction on how to evaluate AI tools, use them to solve your biggest problems, and keep community, belonging, and authenticity at the heart of your work. Connect with Sterrin on LinkedIn or at https://sterrinbird.com/ Learn more about Attain Partners here. Learn more about Current here. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus bring you a featured session from the 2025 Responsive Nonprofit Summit. We're diving deep into one of the most overlooked assets in the nonprofit world: data. Fundraising veteran T. Clay Buck and neuroscience-PhD-turned-AI-CEO Tim Paris explore why clean data isn't just a tech concern, it's a fundraising necessity. From the dangers of messy data to the exciting frontier of predictive and agentic AI, Clay and Tim break down: • How poor data leads to lost revenue • Why every data point represents a real, generous human • What AI can (and can't) do without clean donor records • How to protect data privacy in an AI-powered world • Practical steps for nonprofits to build a data-first culture Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus are joined by Matt Scott—founder of CauseMic and nonprofit messaging strategist—for a candid conversation on aligning AI with your mission. Together, they explore the real (and often misunderstood) ways AI can amplify your message, improve team capacity, and deepen donor relationships without losing the human touch. Matt shares how nonprofits are already using AI to simplify strategic decision-making, scale their messaging with custom GPTs, and synthesize information for smarter execution. You'll learn why values-based AI guidelines matter, how to remix your messaging for different audiences, and what nonprofits get wrong when defining their value proposition. Discover more about CauseMic and download their CRM Guide at: https://causemic.com/nonprofit-crm-guide. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Brynne Krispin, founder of Cause Fokus, to talk about the power of an empathy-driven social strategy and how nonprofits can use content and platforms like LinkedIn and Instagram to foster trust, connection, and long-term donor retention. Brynne brings a decade of nonprofit social media experience — including her time at IJM — and explains how she pivoted toward empathy-based storytelling after realizing traditional tactics weren't cutting it. She shares how activating the personal profiles of nonprofit leaders, using emotional storytelling even when limited by privacy, and showing up with consistency can all work together to increase engagement and deepen donor loyalty. Claim your special listener discount on Brynne's brand-new ebook, Read the Room: Why Empathy is the Secret Sauce in Successful Branding. Get 50% off with the code VIRTUOUS here. Download the ebook Learn more about Cause Fokus Connect with Brynne on LinkedIn Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus bring you a featured session from the 2025 Responsive Nonprofit Summit. Virtuous Chief AI Officer, Nathan Chappell, explores why nonprofits aren't just competing for dollars anymore, they're competing for connection. Drawing from his decades of experience and his acclaimed book The Generosity Crisis, Nathan challenges fundraisers to confront today's tough questions: What if the donors you have today are the only donors you'll ever have? Are you building community… or playing a numbers game? You'll walk away with four actionable steps to build lasting donor relationships that grow generosity for years to come. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Scott Holthaus and Carly Berna sit down with email marketing consultant Katelyn Baughan of KB Digital to uncover what's broken in nonprofit email marketing and how to fix it. From donor retention challenges to the pitfalls of “spray and pray” messaging, Katelyn shares practical ways to move from broadcasting to relationship-building. Learn how to create a high-impact donor welcome series, set up automations that actually save time, and test your way into more effective fundraising emails. You'll walk away with: The top reasons nonprofit emails underperform — and how to measure success Practical tips for building a donor welcome series that inspires Smart automation strategies to deliver better stewardship at scale Examples of targeted emails that drive action One simple change you can make today to boost results Connect with Katelyn Baughan: LinkedIn: Katelyn Baughan Podcast: Inbox to Impact Sign up for her weekly email tips at https://katelynbaughan.com/ Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this episode of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, Sam Staley, Founder and CEO of Event.Gives, joins us to challenge traditional metrics of event success. From the power of personalized thank-you messages to the concept of “dollars in the room,” Sam shares actionable strategies nonprofits can use to grow giving long after the event ends. This episode is packed with real-world insights on how fundraisers can: Rethink event ROI with a lifetime donor lens Use integrated CRMs and event tools for faster, smarter follow-up Create automated drip campaigns that boost attendance and giving Identify and recover missed revenue through post-event data Build lasting donor relationships through continued engagement You can learn more about Event.Gives here.

What do you do when your nonprofit loses 75% of its budget overnight? In this episode of The Responsive Lab, fundraising veteran Barbara O'Reilly of Windmill Hill Consulting joins co-hosts Scott Holthaus and Carly Berna for a deeply practical and human conversation about leading through financial turbulence. From donor shifts and budget cuts to internal turmoil and board conversations, Barbara offers honest, tactical advice for nonprofit leaders facing hard realities including how to communicate transparently without overwhelming your supporters, how to prioritize donor retention over acquisition, and how to forecast when the future feels fuzzy. Whether you're navigating today's headwinds or preparing for tomorrow's, this episode will leave you with practical tools and encouraging perspective. Connect with Barbara at https://whillconsulting.com/ and on LinkedIn. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus bring you a featured session from the 2025 Responsive Nonprofit Summit. Join Christine Robertson from NPact and John Mark Vanderpool from Social Impact Solutions as they sit down with Virtuous DBA-in-residence, Kayla Schneider, to tackle one of the biggest challenges in nonprofit fundraising: donor retention. This episode dives deep into practical strategies for increasing donor loyalty by using better data, smarter segmentation, and personalized multi-channel outreach. From reducing duplicates and calculating your churn rate to aligning your entire team around shared goals, Christine and John offer tactical advice grounded in real nonprofit experience. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Brady Josephson, VP of Marketing and Growth at charity:water. Brady makes the case for long-term brand marketing in a nonprofit world obsessed with short-term returns. He unpacks how charity:water's latest initiatives — including their immersive Experience Lab and viral “Work from Bed” campaign — are using creativity and real-world touchpoints to increase future donor demand and loyalty. From the difference between performance and brand marketing to tangible ways nonprofits can create their own pattern interruptions, this episode is a practical and inspiring masterclass in modern donor engagement.

In this episode of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, we're joined by Emily Rasmussen, founder of Grapevine, the platform behind the growing Giving Circle movement. Emily brings over 15 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, impact finance, and community organizing. She shares how responsive fundraisers can shift from transactional giving to relational belonging. You'll hear: • What it actually means to build a donor community • Why collaborative giving is on the rise (and what's driving it) • How to recognize the real competition for donor attention • Why peer connections often build more trust than staff alone • How to scale relationship-building without scaling headcount The average across the nonprofit industry is that only 2% of new donations are set up to recur. On Grapevine, more than 50% of new donations are set up to recur. By inviting donors into genuine community (not just another appeal cycle) nonprofits can unlock generosity, deepen trust, and increase lifetime value. Connect with Emily & More Resources: • How to start a Giving Circle for your Nonprofit - it's a very fast and easy process to get started • Harnessing Collaborative Impact: How Giving Circles Elevate Nonprofits • Connect with Grapevine

In this data-packed episode of The Responsive Lab, Scott Holthaus and Carly Berna sit down with John Mark Vanderpool, co-founder of Social Impact Solutions, to talk all things Donor Lifetime Value (LTV). John Mark brings a unique perspective — combining nonprofit experience, impact evaluation, and business acumen — to help leaders rethink their fundraising strategy. In the episode, you'll explore how understanding and leveraging donor LTV can completely shift your acquisition strategy, communications, and ultimately, your impact. John Mark shares: Why LTV isn't just for startups anymore Balancing acquisition cost and donor value The case for quality over quantity in donor portfolios How to calculate and apply long-term net metrics Real examples of using social impact data to engage ideal donors Plus, you'll hear a powerful story of a nonprofit that drove 7-figure revenue through clever acquisition strategy without spending a dime on fundraising.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Heather Hiscox, social impact strategist and author of No More Status Quo, to unpack how nonprofits can lead organizational change with empathy, inclusion, and clarity. Heather shares the story behind her innovative PAUSE Framework — a practical, five-step method to navigate uncertainty and build sustainable change. From challenging the myths of startup culture to redefining change management through a lens of love, care, and equity, Heather reveals the tools nonprofit leaders need to stop defaulting to consultants or technology as a silver bullet — and start empowering their teams through behavioral change and continuous learning.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly and Scott sit down with Aidan Augustin, Co-founder and CRO at Feathr, to unpack how to turn your story into a strategy that actually drives donor action. Nonprofits are facing real headwinds — from declining trust to loud public skepticism. But Aidan makes the case that now is the time for nonprofit leaders to get louder, not quieter. With humor, clarity, and tactical advice, Aidan explains how digital marketing can fuel fundraising success and help change the narrative around nonprofit impact. You'll learn how to: Use storytelling to counter negative press and drive action Map your donor journey with a marketing funnel mindset Start with bottom-of-funnel wins like retargeting and work your way up Integrate marketing and fundraising for better results Measure ROI on marketing and prove its value to your board

Mid-level donors are often overlooked. But in this episode of The Responsive Lab, Jeff Schreifels joins co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus to explain why that's a costly mistake. As Principal at the Veritus Group and a recognized authority in major gifts, Jeff shares the pivotal role mid-level giving plays in a healthy donor pipeline. He breaks down the common roadblocks nonprofits unintentionally put in front of givers and offers practical guidance for teams ready to take their mid-level programs seriously.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, we're exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and human empathy with two visionary leaders at Virtuous: Gabe Cooper, CEO and Founder, and Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer. They unpack the myths, ethics, and incredible potential of AI to help nonprofits grow generosity at scale, without sacrificing what makes fundraising meaningful. From automating repetitive work to enabling truly personal donor experiences, this conversation reframes the future of fundraising not as human or machine, but human plus machine. Listen in as they explore: What ethical AI really means in a nonprofit context How AI can free up fundraisers to focus on what matters most Real-world examples of AI driving donor engagement Why the future belongs to responsive, data-driven fundraising teams Listen and learn how AI, when built for good, can help you do more of the right things for more of the right people. The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Get a copy of Gabe's book: https://virtuous.org/resource/responsive-fundraising-by-gabe-cooper/ Get Nathan's books: https://nathanchappell.com/books/ Explore Nathan's blog: https://nathanchappell.com/resources/ Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.

On this episode of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, Scott chats with Christine Robertson, Consulting Manager at NPact and expert in nonprofit CRM systems, to unpack the essential role that clean data, empowered teams, and thoughtful automation play in driving generosity. Christine doesn't just talk about data management; she shows how it can transform fundraising when done right. Topics covered: • Why maintaining your database is like cleaning your house—and how to tackle it one strategic step at a time • How to shift database teams from “back office” to strategic fundraising partners • Practical tips to build automation that saves time without sacrificing donor nuance • How to build repeatable systems that support personalized donor journeys at scale Learn more about Christine's work at NPACT or connect with her on LinkedIn. Ready to deepen your donor relationships and drive meaningful results? Learn more about Virtuous and how responsive fundraising can help your team grow generosity.

What does it really take to grow generosity in 2025? In this episode of The Responsive Lab, co-host Scott Holthaus sits down with Carly Berna, Fundraiser in Residence at Virtuous, and Gabe Cooper, CEO of Virtuous, for an in-depth conversation about the newly released 2025 Virtuous Nonprofit Fundraising Benchmark Report. You'll learn why these seven KPIs matter more than ever, what the data reveals about donor loyalty and mid-level giving, and how nonprofits can turn these insights into action, without overwhelming their teams. New this year: • “Days between first and second gift” metric • Ready-to-use board deck and health check tools • Real customer stories woven throughout

Fundraisers today are overwhelmed. Between short donor attention spans, economic uncertainty, and leadership pressure to meet ambitious goals, it's easy to feel stuck or burnt out. That's exactly why Beth Fisher, nonprofit consultant, strategist, and former Chief Advancement Officer, joined Scott and Carly to share a perspective that's as empowering as it is practical. In the episode, Beth gets real about: - What it means to be “tenaciously relational” - Why most fundraising feels inauthentic, and how to fix it - How to break through the noise with genuine connection - The balance between hitting budget numbers and building long-term donor trust - The one thing every fundraiser should do if they're feeling stuck Whether you're new to fundraising or leading a seasoned development team, Beth's advice will help you build donor relationships that actually last, and bring more joy to your work in the process.

In this episode of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, Scott talks with Glen Peck, SVP of Technology & Business Intelligence at the Lustgarten Foundation, about the often-overlooked elements that make or break a CRM transition. Glen brings deep insight into how large nonprofits can lead tech change with clarity, reduce disruption, and use reporting to make smarter decisions. He outlines how fundraising and tech teams can work together to build systems that actually grow giving. Topics Covered: • How to prepare your org for a CRM migration • Why it's time to rethink legacy workflows, not replicate them • The role of reporting in fundraising leadership • How tech teams can move from maintenance to innovation Learn more about The Lustgarten Foundation: https://lustgarten.org/ Ready to deepen your donor relationships and drive meaningful results? Learn more about Virtuous and how responsive fundraising can help your team grow generosity: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g

Are your events helping you grow relationships or just revenue? In this episode of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, Scott sat down with Trevor Nelson, Co-Founder of HGA Fundraising and host of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, to explore how nonprofit events can become a springboard for long-term donor engagement, not just a one-night success. Trevor is known for leading nonprofits to more profitable fundraising experiences through HGA's auction services, but what stands out most is his commitment to donor relationships after the event. In this conversation, you'll get key insights on things like: • Why many nonprofits leave donor potential on the table after events • What behavioral signals to look for to identify committed supporters • How auctions, raffles, and follow-up strategies can drive donor lifetime value • Why a responsive mindset is key to connecting donors with your mission beyond the ballroom Trevor reminds us that if you're only thinking about dollars raised that night, you're missing the real opportunity. Learn more about HGA Fundraising: https://hgafundraising.com/ Listen to the Hey Nonprofits podcast: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-podcasts/ Ready to deepen your donor relationships and drive meaningful results? Learn more about Virtuous and how responsive fundraising can help your team grow generosity: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Tim Lockie, founder of The Human Stack and longtime nonprofit tech strategist, to dig into a bold truth: technology alone won't save your nonprofit. Tim unpacks why so many digital transformation efforts fall flat, and what it takes to build a culture that embraces data, AI, and change without burning out your team. Key Takeaways: - Without aligned human behavior, the best systems won't lead to better outcomes. - Burnout often happens not from big changes, but from the accumulation of small ones. - Nonprofits need a people-first framework to truly adopt new tools. - There's a big difference between individuals using AI tools and organizations making it safe and strategic. - The success of your tools hinges on the trust and collaboration between people. To connect with Tim or learn more about his work at The Human Stack, visit https://thehumanstack.com/ or find him on LinkedIn. Learn more about Tim's AI For Everyone course at https://thehumanstack.com/academy/aiforanyone Meanwhile, discover more about The Responsive Lab at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Riley Young.

Donor acquisition is up, but retention is still a struggle. And your board? Supportive in theory, but silent in practice. Sound familiar? In this episode of Ask a Responsive Fundraiser, Barbara O'Reilly, CFRE — founder of Windmill Hill Consulting and a 30-year fundraising veteran — helps us unpack two of the most persistent challenges nonprofits face today. You'll learn: • Why first-time donors often walk away (and how to change that) • The real reasons board members freeze when it's time to fundraise • How to coach your board into confident, authentic fundraising advocates • What internal markers signal readiness for a capital campaign Barbara brings sharp insight, encouragement, and a practical mindset rooted in decades of experience with institutions like Harvard and the American Red Cross. Learn more about Windmill Hill Consulting: https://whillconsulting.com/ Ready to deepen your donor relationships and drive meaningful results? Learn more about Virtuous and how responsive fundraising can help your team grow generosity: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus chat with Christine Robertson, Consulting Manager at NPact, about what clean data really means for fundraisers—and why it matters more than you might think. Christine brings years of donor database expertise to a topic that too often gets overlooked or siloed. From CRM strategy to daily habits, she shares how data can be a tool for empathy, not just administration—and how development teams can think more relationally about the information they collect. Key Takeaways: - Why good data is the foundation for meaningful donor relationships - The top 3 data health issues most nonprofits miss—and how to fix them - How to maintain clean data without chasing perfection - Why “data is never done” and how to build healthy maintenance rhythms - Tips for fundraisers without a full-time DBA - Why CRMs should reflect relationships, not just transactions To connect with Christine or learn more about her work at NPact, reach out at crobertson@npact.com or find her on LinkedIn. Meanwhile, discover more about The Responsive Lab at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Riley Young.

In this episode, Scott sits down with Griff Bohm, co-founder and CRO of Momentum, for an "Ask a Responsive Fundraiser" with questions about how nonprofits can fuel generosity by creating personal, impactful donor experiences. Drawing on Griff's expertise at the intersection of behavioral psychology, AI, and philanthropy, this episode gives some practical strategies to rethink recurring giving and build lasting donor relationships, all while leveraging modern technology to scale generosity. What you'll learn in this episode: How to make recurring giving emotionally engaging and habit-forming. Strengthening donor relationships beyond simple transactions. Leveraging behavioral science to energize giving without exhausting your audience. Griff's advice is focused on creating truly personal connections at scale, increasing donor retention, and empowering teams to grow generosity with every interaction. Learn more about Momentum: https://www.givemomentum.com/ Ready to deepen your donor relationships and drive meaningful results? Learn more about Virtuous and how responsive fundraising can help your team grow generosity: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g

In this episode, we sit down with Mike Esposito, founder and lead fundraising strategist of Mike Esposito Fundraising, to explore practical strategies for small to mid-size nonprofits aiming to strengthen donor relationships and achieve sustainable fundraising growth. Drawing on his extensive experience, Mike shares insights on building effective fundraising systems, board engagement, and successful corporate partnerships. Topics we cover: • Developing a sustainable and repeatable major gifts strategy tailored for smaller fundraising teams. • Engaging board members in fundraising without overwhelming them. • Converting event attendees and volunteers into long-term, committed donors. • Approaching corporate sponsorships strategically to create meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships. Mike provides actionable advice fundraisers can implement immediately, highlighting the importance of personalized donor experiences, clear next-step engagement tactics, and strategic corporate outreach. Learn more about Mike Esposito Fundraising and how they help nonprofits build lasting fundraising success: https://www.mikeespositocfre.com/ Discover how Virtuous can support your nonprofit's growth: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity through personalized donor engagement. Their mission is to inspire nonprofits to build deeper connections with givers. Learn more at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Virtuous co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus talk with Diana Hoyt, founder of Formula for Fundraising. With over four decades in the nonprofit world, Diana shares her signature philosophy—”Know Your Numbers, Know Your Donors"—and how data and human connection can work together to boost donor engagement and retention. Diana offers practical tips for nonprofits looking to create meaningful donor experiences, segment effectively, and balance technology with personal touchpoints. She also shares how her journey into stand-up comedy has brought even more heart to her fundraising work. Key Takeaways: - Why personalization goes far beyond using a donor's name - How to segment donors by interest, geography, and giving patterns - The role of small VIP events in donor engagement - Where automation helps—and where it doesn't - Why notes, phone calls, and even front-desk conversations matter - How recurring giving and thoughtful stewardship increase retention To learn more or connect with Diana, visit Formula for Fundraising: https://www.formulaforfundraising.com Meanwhile, discover more about The Responsive Lab: virtuous.org/podcast The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode, we connect with Miriam Dicks, founder and CEO of 180 Management Group, to uncover strategies that help organizations streamline operations and enhance donor engagement. With over 20 years of experience, Miriam shares her expertise in transforming business processes in nonprofits and embracing change to foster long-term success. Topics we dive into: - How to identify and address the root causes of silos within your organization. - Improving team collaboration and creating a consistent donor experience. - Translating high-level strategic goals into actionable steps. - Encouraging accountability and action by developing a clear plan for leveraging data insights. Miriam provides actionable steps that fundraisers can apply immediately, emphasizing the importance of creating personal connections, enhancing communication, and using effective strategies to improve overall organizational efficiency. Learn more about 180 Management Group and their approach to organizational transformation here: https://www.180managementgroup.com Explore how Virtuous can aid your nonprofit growth: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this special podcast episode, we introduce "Ask a Responsive Fundraiser," where we take your questions to fundraising experts so you can grow generosity. In this episode, we connect with Josh Burns, CEO of Spark Collective, to explore digital marketing strategies that equip nonprofits to grow generosity and enhance donor engagement. Josh taps into his 15 years of experience to answer pressing questions fundraisers face, offering practical insights and actionable strategies. Topics we dive into: • How to strategically improve email marketing to convert subscribers into donors. • Problem-solving donation page conversion issues to encourage increased online giving. • Prioritizing digital marketing efforts effectively when resources are limited. Josh shares actionable steps fundraisers can immediately implement. Gain insights on fostering genuine connections, amplifying your resources, and using technology to drive meaningful donor experiences. Learn more about Spark Collective: https://www.sparkcollective.net/ Explore how Virtuous can aid your nonprofit growth: https://vrtuo.us/4hsSN6g

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, hosts Scott Holthaus and Carly Berna sit down with fundraising expert Gail Perry, internationally recognized keynote speaker, consultant, and author of Fired-Up Fundraising. With over 30 years of experience coaching nonprofits to achieve extraordinary fundraising results, Gail shares her insights on building a thriving major gifts program. Also in this episode, Gail shares: - How nonprofits can adapt their major gifts strategy in times of crisis - The power of a collaborative ask—and an example of it in action - How technology can enhance donor engagement while maintaining personal connections - The key metric fundraisers should track to drive success - Should board members be major donors? Tips on finding the right balance Don't miss this exciting conversation on transforming donor relationships and elevating fundraising efforts. Watch or listen at virtuous.org/podcast or wherever you get your podcasts. Meanwhile, learn more about Gail Perry and sign up for her newsletter at gailperrygroup.com. You can also reach out to Gail at gail.p@gailperry.com. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

What's the easiest way to grow as a fundraiser this year—without leaving your desk? In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, co-hosts Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus unpack exactly that. Drawing from their own time in the fundraising trenches, they explore how nonprofit professionals can grow right where they are—by staying curious, leaning into community, and choosing growth even in the busyness. And there's no better way to do that than the Responsive Nonprofit Summit, happening June 4-5, 2025! It's free, fully virtual, and designed to help nonprofit professionals grow their impact—without leaving their desk. Key takeaways from the episode include: - Why fundraisers struggle to make space for innovation - Where to find real-time inspiration in your work - How to grow in your role without burning out - What to expect from the Responsive Nonprofit Summit Reserve your free spot at the Summit: https://vrtuo.us/3RnQbMl Meanwhile, check out more episode of The Responsive Lab at: virtuous.org/podcast The Responsive Lab is brought to you by: VIRTUOUS Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, we conducted a webinar with experts from Allegiance Group Pursuant, Dunham and Company, RKD Group, and 5by5 Agency to explore how nonprofit fundraising has evolved in the five years since COVID-19. The pandemic accelerated the shift to digital-first engagement, forcing organizations to rethink donor relationships, embrace AI-driven fundraising, and adopt data-driven strategies. We discussed key trends shaping the sector, including: - The rise of online giving and automated fundraising strategies - How donor expectations have changed, emphasizing personalization and transparency - The power of data analytics and predictive modeling in improving donor retention As technology continues to evolve, nonprofits must stay ahead of the curve by investing in innovation, AI, and strategic donor engagement. For a deeper dive into these insights, download our report: 5 Years Since COVID: How Fundraising Has Changed: https://virtuous.org/resource/5-years-since-covid/?utm_campaign=10001227-%5B2025%5D%205%20Years%20Since%20COVID&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9XVOzJ_vdU2zi7j6gHNNXWA8vpC8l4tcM9pNB-tRft7rlWCCC8N0SlIQEu5Yi-EbAo7rgw Discover more at: https://virtuous.org/blog/5-years-since-covid-the-future-of-fundraising-in-a-digital-first-world/ Meanwhile, check out more episodes of The Responsive Lab at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by: VIRTUOUS Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly and Scott sit down with Chris Barlow, Customer Happiness Director at Beeline Marketing, to explore how nonprofits can break through digital noise and connect with the right audience. Chris shares insights on active listening, data-driven marketing, and how nonprofits can future-proof their fundraising strategies. Also in this episode, Chris shares: - His journey and his work at Beeline Marketing - How active listening helps nonprofits engage the right audience - The most important data signals nonprofits should track - Choosing the right marketing channels for better donor engagement - How nonprofits can build a sustainable marketing strategy for the future Watch or listen now for actionable insights on how nonprofits can refine their marketing approach and drive meaningful engagement: virtuous.org/podcast. The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly and Scott are joined by VP of Ministry Digital Growth at Salem Web Network, Brad Davies! This conversation unpacks what donor acquisition looks like in a digital-first world and how nonprofits can embrace digital media to fuel acquisition. Also in this conversation, they discuss: - Current trends Brad's seeing in fundraising acquisition that fundraisers should be paying attention to. - Some of the biggest mistakes nonprofits are making today in digital and how to fix them. - Best practices that bring the greatest success in digital acquisition. - How to measure donor acquisition and ROI in paid media. - What the future of digital media acquisition looks like. To learn more about Brad Davies, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daviesbrad/. Meanwhile, discover more insights in the Virtuous Nonprofit Benchmark Report: https://virtuous.org/benchmarkreport/.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, your Virtuous co-hosts, Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus, welcome Matt Scott from CauseMic for an exciting discussion about the importance of technology in the nonprofit sector. Matt begins by sharing his background and experience in helping customers choose the right technology to meet their needs. He explains what he sees as the biggest hurdle in overcoming technological barriers, and dives into the methodology behind nonprofit tech. Taking a look at the CauseMic CRM Guide, a resource designed to help nonprofits select the right CRM to fit their fundraising goals, Matt talks about the process that went into making the guide, identifying the primary “why” that originally motivated him to create the guide for nonprofits. Also in this episode, Matt shares: - Key features on the CauseMic CRM Guide that Matt was most impressed with. - A customer story highlighting how selecting the right technology made a significant impact on their organization's fundraising efforts. - A Mystery Question at the end! Discover more about CauseMic and download their CRM Guide at: https://causemic.com/nonprofit-crm-guide. Meanwhile, learn more about The Responsive Lab at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, your Virtuous co-hosts, Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus, welcome Imago Consulting founder, Purpose and Profit Podcast co-host, popular speaker, and best-selling author, Dave Raley! Dave begins the conversation by introducing his new book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving: How the Subscription Economy is Transforming Recurring Giving and What Nonprofits Can Do to Benefit, which recently became Amazon's #1 new release for Nonprofit Organizations and Charities ahead of its official launch date. He explains how the subscription economy has changed everything for nonprofits, and how it will continue to transform how people look at giving moving forward. Sharing key insights from his book, Dave offers nonprofit leaders the tools they need to adopt this new approach to giving. Key takeaways from this episode include: - Why sustainable giving matters - Lessons in subscription philanthropy - How to design and manage a thriving sustainer program - The future of sustainable giving Enter to win a copy of Dave's Book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving, by visiting: https://virtuous.org/daveraley/ Meanwhile, discover more about The Responsive Lab at: virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Nonprofit is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this special episode of The Responsive Lab, we're excited to welcome Scott Holthaus as your new co-host alongside Carly Berna! Scott's the Partner Marketing Manager here at Virtuous, where he helps nonprofits grow generosity and implement responsive fundraising. Before joining Virtuous, Scott spent 15+ years working in nonprofits and ministries in a variety of roles, including marketing and communications. He lives in the Chicago area with his wife and three kids. Discover more about The Responsive Lab at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, your Virtuous co-hosts, Carly Berna and Stephen Boudreau, bring in DonorSearch's head of AI, Nathan Chappell, for an exciting conversation about AI and how it can fuel generosity in your organization. Nathan begins by diving into his experience, which includes founding the Fundraising.AI collaborative, a 10,000+ member global think-tank responsible for publishing the world's first Framework for Responsible and Beneficial AI for Fundraising; as well as co-authoring The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity's Greatest Challenges. As he comes from an extensive AI background, Nathan shares varying ways that nonprofits can benefit (and have already benefited) from using AI, offering practical tips that nonprofits can implement from day one. Next, he explains the process of creating a culture of curiosity and how adaptability in any organization is key. Also along the way, Nathan shares: - How to use AI while still building personal connections with your donors - How technology can help build curiosity when looking to move the needle forward - How using AI actually gives you more time to be human - How AI can be used as a tool to scale generosity - How donors can use AI when selecting where to give and how it relates to fundraisers - And so much more + a mystery question at the end! Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, your Virtuous co-hosts, Carly Berna and Stephen Boudreau, are joined by Microsoft's Chief Product Officer and Tech for Social Impact Leadership Team member, Erin McHugh Saif. Erin begins by sharing her background, which includes experience working for big tech companies such as Blackbaud, Salesforce, and TIBCO. Next, Erin explains the nonprofit side of Microsoft and how philanthropy has helped to shape Microsoft over the years when it comes to connecting with its users, as well as the community at large. Also along the way, Erin shares: - How AI and technology have helped shape the nonprofit world, and what they have the power to achieve moving forward - The distinction between how nonprofits and for-profits use Microsoft as a service - For-profit trends that can be applied to nonprofits - Microsoft services that are currently being delivered to for-profits that present the biggest opportunities for nonprofits Discover more opportunities at Microsoft.com such as discounted offers for nonprofits, Microsoft Philanthropies, the AI governance tool kit, as well as Free AI skilling resources. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, your Virtuous co-hosts, Stephen Boudreau and Carly Berna, are joined by Jon McCoy and Becky Endicott from the podcast, We Are For Good. They begin by talking about how to measure success, giving examples such as tracking the various forms of engagement in one's organization. Next, they discuss the topic of activation. How do donors, listeners and supporters respond to calls to action, and what kind of pushback is there from nonprofits in this area? Later, they dive into the process of syndicating content, meaning spreading a message or an idea to multiple channels for different audiences. Sharing examples and tips from their success, Jon & Becky offer invaluable insights on how organizations can connect with their supporters through activation and harness the power of generosity in the current giving climate that we live in. More topics include: - The pitfalls of only measuring giving against other metrics in an organization's growth plan - How to engage dimensionally with your organization's supporters - How the Barbie Movie is a good example of what not to do in terms of activation - And so much more! Season One of The Responsive Nonprofit is brought to you by: VIRTUOUS Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, your co-host, Carly Berna, is joined by fellow Virtuous colleague, Scott Holthaus, for a special audio-only edition featuring Virtuous partner, OneCause. Included in the conversation are OneCause's CMO, Karrie Wozniak, and Director of Corporate Communications, Sarah Sebastian. Together, Karrie and Sarah share details from the 5th edition of OneCause's Giving Experience Research Study—a report that highlights the latest social giving trends in the nonprofit sector. This crucial report offers actionable insights to help organizations build deeper, lasting connections with their donors. Offering key finding from this report, Karrie and Sarah will also share: - The meaning of ‘social donor' and ‘social giving' - How nonprofits can use technology to build trust, ease, and connection with their donors - Effective strategies on how organizations can attract younger, more diverse donors - How nonprofits can best use the data from the report to make an impact on their organization Download the Giving Experience Research Study now at: https://www.onecause.com/ebook/giving-experience-study-fifth-edition/ Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by: VIRTUOUS Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Stephen Boudreau and Carly Berna are joined by industry leader, Trent Dunham, for an exciting conversation about the world of modern fundraising and how to become effective leaders in an ever-changing nonprofit landscape. Trent begins by dissecting some of the large-scale (or macro) trends in fundraising today, and lists some of the struggles that nonprofits may be facing in our current economic climate, highlighting some tools that they can utilize to overcome these challenges – such as AI technology and automation. Trent goes on to talk about what it means to properly define ‘success' and how to prioritize your organization's goals in order to achieve that success, emphasizing how leadership plays an important role in both prioritization and execution in an organization. Later, Trent talks about what it means to ‘Lead Up' as a means of furthering your organization's growth ability to push through obstacles. Other Topics Include: – How communicating priorities effectively provides clarity for accountability – How to strategically execute a plan that has been prioritized effectively – How to use technology in order to scale your organization – How providing solutions to problems rather than listing the problems themselves can help steer your organization in the right direction – A mystery question at the end! Learn more about Trent Dunham by visiting https://www.dunhamandcompany.com/. Discover more about The Responsive Lab at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by VIRTUOUS. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab podcast, Carly Berna and Stephen Boudreau are joined by executive coach, fundraising consultant, and host of the podcast What the Fundraising, Mallory Erickson, for an exciting conversation about the evolution of fundraising – plus, a sneak peak of Mallory's new book, What The Fundraising? Mallory begins by discussing the common obstacles faced by fundraisers today, and how to overcome them using strategies that Mallory explains in detail in her book. Later, they'll talk about the importance of mindset in fundraising and how adopting a positive and resilient mindset can lead to ultimate success – both professionally and personally. Also along the way, Carly, Stephen and Mallory will talk about: - Adopting the “courage over confidence” mindset - Building aligned donor relationships - Innovative fundraising techniques and how to implement them - The importance of self-care and mental health for fundraisers Lastly, Mallory is offering one lucky winner a FREE copy of What the Fundraising. Here's the link for more information and to add your name for a chance to win! http://virtuous.org/malloryerickson. Learn more about Mallory at MalloryErickson.com. Discover more about The Responsive Lab at: virtuous.org/podcast Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by: VIRTUOUS Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Stephen Boudreau and Carly Berna are joined by Executive Vice President at DickersonBakker, Andrew Olsen, for a discussion about nonprofit fundraising and how to give donors a better giving experience. They dive into the current climate of fundraising and discuss what it means to create a major-donor like strategy. They take an in-depth look at the ‘responsive' part of Responsive Fundraising and talk about what it really means to be personal with your donors when communicating with them. Andrew goes on to address the question of whether every donor should be treated as a major donor, or if they should be treated the way they prefer to be treated, as well as what it takes to embrace effective change for long-term success. Other Topics Include: - The changing demographics in the fundraising landscape - Why donors have started to lose trust in nonprofits, and how to overcome it. - Using data and technology to connect with your donors - The dilemma surrounding ‘mass customization' - How leadership can either make or break a nonprofits ability to embrace change Discover more at virtuous.org/podcast. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by: VIRTUOUS Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly Berna and Stephen Boudreau team up with nonprofit expert Taylor Shanklin for a lively deep dive into the art of scaling a nonprofit organization. Together, they unpack what growth truly means, explore how it differs for smaller organizations versus larger ones, and tackle the common hurdles that can keep nonprofits from reaching their full potential. Taylor shares real-world examples of what growth can—and should—look like, along with practical advice for nonprofits on scaling in a healthy, efficient way to seize every opportunity. Other topics in this episode include: -Taylor's personal story of growth -The role of technology -A mystery question at the end! Taylor is the founder of Berlele and Creative Shizzle, and is an experienced Storybrand Guide and Business Made Simple Coach, focusing on a dream to help purpose-driven companies and organizations communicate thrive. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Stephen and Carly are joined by Virtuous' very own CEO, Gabe Cooper, for a talk about Virtuous' first-ever Benchmark Report! Gabe begins by diving into not only the what, but the why behind benchmark reports, revealing how valuable they are in understanding your nonprofit organization, as well as your donor relationships. Gabe discusses the 7 crucial KPI's (Key Performance Indicators) included in Virtuous' benchmark report – Gross Donor Retention, Average and Median Gift Amount, Donor Expansion, Recurring Giving, Portfolio Balance, Donor Lifetime Value, and New Donor Acquisition – and highlights why each of these factors represent important key growth factors for nonprofits. In addition to dissecting each of these individual reports, Gabe, Carly, and Stephen touch on some key tactics and takeaways that you can implement in your nonprofit to drive your donor giving – because the Virtuous Benchmark Report isn't just a series of stats. It's a helpful tool that can be shared with and implemented by your nonprofit for a better, more healthy donor file. Other topics include: - The rise of subscription giving - The pre- and post-Covid donor landscape - Building relationships with first-time givers - The importance of creating multi-channel new donor welcome series - Constructing dynamic ask arrays - Using median gifts as an insight to upgrading donors Get more details about this year's benchmark report by downloading it for FREE. Simply visit: https://virtuous.org/benchmarkreport/ Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.

Welcome to the Responsive Lab, your new favorite podcast where innovation and impact collide to transform the nonprofit world! In this episode, your Virtuous co-hosts, Stephen Boudreau and Carly Berna, bring in special guest, Justin McCord of RKD Group. Justin is an industry-leading marketer, with more than a decade of guiding commercial and nonprofit organizations to success. Tying in Justin's background in the sports industry, Carly and Stephen highlight the value exchange that comes from watching your favorite sports team, and akin that to the feeling one gets when donating to nonprofits, showcasing not only their similarities, but practical implications when driving nonprofit success. Together, they discuss the pressurized state of the fundraising industry and how tension is at an all-time high among nonprofits today. They'll dive into the effects this has on company vs. donor expectations, and how nonprofits can translate the same passion that people may have for sports into their nonprofit donor experience. Additional topics include: -Technology as a vehicle for success, not the end-all answer -The evolution of the digital market from the pre-Covid era to present day -The top-down and bottom-up tensions in nonprofit organizations that lead to the pressurized nonprofit market, and how to work through that pressure in order to re-engage nonprofit passion. Season One of The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous. Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it's their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. Special thanks to editor and sound engineer Barry R. Hill and producer Abigail Morse.