Responsive Fundraising

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The Responsive Fundraising Podcast is a show where we talk with nonprofit leaders and fundraising experts to uncover how today’s top nonprofits craft remarkable donor experiences and build lasting relationships at scale.

Virtuous Software


    • Jun 3, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 34m AVG DURATION
    • 275 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from Responsive Fundraising

    EP 31: Breaking Through Donor Fatigue with Beth Fisher

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025 30:13


    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.

    EP 30: Avoiding the Hidden Risks in CRM Transitions with Glen Peck [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 29, 2025 12:01


    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

    EP 29: Turning Event Donors into Lifelong Supporters with Trevor Nelson [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 22, 2025 13:44


    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

    AI, Empathy, and the Human Side of Nonprofit Innovation with Tim Lockie

    Play Episode Listen Later May 20, 2025 44:25


    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.

    EP 27: Turning Donor Data into Actionable Journeys with George Weiner [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 15, 2025 9:15


    EP 26: Donor Retention, Board Engagement, and Campaign Readiness with Barbara O'Reilly [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 8, 2025 13:27


    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

    EP 25: Building Donor Relationships Through Thoughtful Data Practices with Christine Robertson

    Play Episode Listen Later May 6, 2025 33:31


    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.

    EP 24: Rethinking Recurring Giving: Behavioral Science for Better Donor Retention with Griff Bohm [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later May 1, 2025 8:02


    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

    EP 23: Building Sustainable Fundraising Growth Through Strategic Donor Relationships w/ Mike Esposito [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 30, 2025 7:58


    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.

    EP 22: The Formula for Fundraising Success with Diana Hoyt

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2025 35:25


    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.

    EP 21: Enhancing Nonprofit Efficiency with Collaborative Strategies w/ Miriam Dicks [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2025 7:48


    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.

    EP 20: Boosting Nonprofit Impact with Email and Donation Page Tips w/ Josh Burns [Ask a Responsive Fundraiser]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2025 15:34


    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

    Episode 19: Transforming Major Gifts Through the Collaborative Ask with Gail Perry

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2025 39:04


    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.

    Episode 18: [SPECIAL EPISODE]: The Easiest Way to Grow as a Fundraiser This Year [Without Leaving Your Desk]

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2025


    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.

    Episode 17 [SPECIAL EPISODE]: 5 Years Since COVID: How Fundraising's Changed and What It Means for You

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 1, 2025 59:47


    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.

    Episode 16: How to Listen to and Understand Your Donors

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2025 32:56


    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.

    The Future of Fundraising Acquisition with Brad Davies

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2025 45:51


    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/.

    Episode 14: How to Choose the Right Tech for Your Nonprofit with Matt Scott from CauseMic

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 25, 2025 41:10


    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.

    Episode 13: Sustainable Giving Unlocked with Dave Raley

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 11, 2025 38:18


    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.

    Episode 12: The Responsive Lab Welcomes Scott Holthaus!

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 4, 2025 19:29


    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.

    Episode 11: The Secrets of AI: Creating a Culture of Curiosity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 28, 2025 35:30


    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.

    Episode 10: Microsoft's Lessons for Nonprofits with Erin McHugh Saif

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 14, 2025 36:14


    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.

    We Are For Good's Keys to Successful Nonprofits

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 46:38


    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.

    S1 E8: The Giving Experience Research Study with OneCause

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2024 30:15


    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.

    S1 E7: Fundraising Trends & the Power of Leading Up with Trent Dunham

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 3, 2024 28:00


    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.

    S1 E6: “What the Fundraising?” A Look at Mallory Erickson's Latest Book

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 19, 2024 32:13


    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.

    S1 E5: How to Make Every Donor Feel Like a Major Donor with Andrew Olsen

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 5, 2024 31:30


    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.

    S1 E4: Scaling Your Nonprofit with Taylor Shanklin

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 22, 2024 38:50


    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.

    S1 E3: Virtuous' First-Ever Benchmark Report with CEO Gabe Cooper

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 8, 2024 34:03


    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.

    S1 E2: Turning Fans into Donors: Making the Nonprofit Connection

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 24, 2024 45:25


    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.

    S1 E1: Dana Snyder's Guide to Expanding Your Monthly Donor Program

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 10, 2024 40:22


    Welcome to Episode 1 of “The Responsive Lab,” the podcast where innovation and impact converge to transform the nonprofit world! In this episode, your co-hosts, Carly Berna and Stephen Boudreau, are joined by nonprofit fundraising expert Dana Snyder to talk about the dos and don'ts of achieving a healthy monthly donor program. Dana Snyder is the Host of Missions to Movements and Creator of the Monthly Giving Mastermind. She's also the author of the upcoming book Monthly Giving Mastermind: How to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. Dana dives into a discussion about her upcoming book and shares her 5 steps to successful monthly giving. Stay tuned at the end of the episode for a special giveaway offer! Visit virtuous.org/danasnyder to learn more! Other topics in this episode include: - The benefits of creating impactful landing pages - The use of technology and AI tools for fundraising - ‘Thank You' pages as the underutilized tools in the nonprofit's toolbox - Should you send receipts following monthly subscription sign ups? The realities behind the ‘abandoned cart' dilemma 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!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 2, 2024 9:31


    Welcome to "The Responsive Lab," your new favorite podcast where innovation and impact come together to transform the nonprofit world. Brought to you by Virtuous, this podcast explores how nonprofits can harness technology to supercharge donor engagement and make a lasting impact. In this introductory episode, your hosts—Carly Berna, Director of Product Marketing, and Stephen Boudreau, Vice President of Brand—introduce themselves and share what inspired the creation of this podcast. They explore how nonprofits can stay ahead of the curve and maximize their impact in an ever-evolving landscape. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, tech enthusiast, or someone who loves a good story, we invite you to step into our lab and join us on this journey of discovery. So grab your lab coat and your headphones, and let's get started! 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 and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist.

    The Evolving Landscape of Community Giving

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 23, 2024 45:26


    This week Jeff Conn, Co-CEO of NPact, and Gabe Cooper, CEO of Virtuous, join the conversation to discuss the evolving landscape of community-based giving, particularly focusing on the rise and significance of Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) and the role of community foundations. Historically, community foundations have played a key role in philanthropy but are now facing challenges and competition from commercial DAF providers. What can we learn from the rise of donor-advised funds to create more hyper-personal donor experiences and draw people into a bigger story about their impact? In the discussion, we explored: The challenges currently facing community foundations The rise of the donor-advised fund How technology can enhance donor experiences Strategies to meet the expectations of the modern donor

    Always On: A Holistic Approach To Digital Donor Relations

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2023 49:44


    What is your year-round brand message for your nonprofit? Most nonprofit marketing is about the offer - what we are asking a person to give. Yet the commercial space spends consistent time and resources on brand marketing. What does your organization believe in or stand for, what do you do, and what are the stories that showcase the world you are working to build? Responsive nonprofits are adopting marketing automation strategies and tools to maintain relevance and deepen relationships and engagement with donors. Mark Neigh, VP of Digital at Masterworks, suggests an “always on” approach to build awareness and affinity for nonprofits. Tune into this week’s episode to learn about the marketing automation strategies and the “always on” framework to stay top of mind for donors and supporters all year long. Bonus: this episode was recorded the week of Giving Tuesday. Mark and Bryan spend the first 15 minutes discussing the top lessons learned from Giving Tuesday, and how those lessons inform fundraising next year.

    How Marketing Automation Accelerates Philanthropic Impact with Abigayle Tobia

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2023 23:36


    This episode was originally featured on The NonProfit Voice Tech Series hosted by Mark Becker editorial advisory board member for NonProfit PRO. Spreadsheets can quickly become overwhelming for nonprofit marketers — and even if you think they’re working for your organization, you might be surprised by how much more organized and streamlined your efforts could be. That’s where marketing automation comes into play to remove administrative duties from your fundraisers’ day-to-day activities. “When we take away the 32 Excel spreadsheets, the manual reporting, the manual memorization of what emails need to go out — all of that — we free up those fundraisers to be out in the community, really doing the job that we want them to do with the most effectiveness,” Abigayle Tobia, vice president of philanthropy at Verland, said. In this episode, Abigayle shares how marketing automation can simplify tasks, such as pulling reports, reconciling donations, emailing a donor welcome series, bettering donor acknowledgment, making donor communications documentation accessible to all team members, and more. For Tobia, it’s saved her so much time, that she’s more able to pick up the phone now to call donors — as well as determine which donors warrant that additional point of contact — thanks to marketing automation.

    Generosity Reimagined: Helping Without Hurting with Dr. Bertrhude Albert

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 8, 2023 41:18


    In a world that is constantly changing, our generosity must also evolve. If we want to have a positive, long-lasting impact on local communities, we must rethink the ways we've traditionally addressed their needs. Dr. Bertrhude Albert will challenge you to dig deep and reimagine the ways we give and engage with those in need. She will share her personal story of how she found herself hurting those she intended to help in Haiti and how she uses that vivid experience to bring radical transformation to her homeland. Dr. Albert firmly believes that generosity has the power to change the world—if we allow it to change us first.

    The Downstream Impact Of Changing Technology Live With Mel Trotter Ministries

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 24, 2023 36:49


    The Virtuous team was onsite with the team at Mel Trotter Ministries, witnessing their work at the forefront of battling homelessness through community partnerships and innovative solutions. The organization adopted Virtuous CRM and Responsive Fundraising as both a technology solution and a strategic mindset shift to how they operate as a team and deliver their programs. And the results they've seen are transformational - including a 31% increase in overall individual giving. They've evolved the way they treat their program beneficiaries by embarking on a major innovation of their homeless shelter into a hotel that brings dignity to the experience of transitioning out of homelessness and welcoming their beneficiaries as guests. Beth Fisher, Chief Advancement Officer, calls this “the downstream impact of changing technology”.

    The Most Important Ingredient In Donor Retention with Nathan Hill

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 29, 2023 43:52


    Donor retention is broken. This is no surprise to anyone who has worked in the nonprofit industry for any length of time. Despite all the best practices tactics about sending thank you cards, making phone calls, investing in new technology, etc. – the average donor retention rate seems to be stuck around 45%. I n a brand-new research endeavor analyzing both the donor retention performance and the donor experience of 212 nonprofit organizations, the team at NextAfter has begun to uncover what may be the most important ingredient to keep donors around for the long term. The best part? This magical ingredient has nothing to do with your technology, your reach, or your budget. Instead, it has everything to do with why your donors give. Tune into the latest episode with Nathan Hill, VP of NextAfter Institute, to learn about their research-based strategies to increase donor retention.

    Practical Donor Engagement Insights: Top 3 Takeaways from the Giving USA 2023 Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2023 21:24


    This week we are featuring a conversation from The Beacon Podcast hosted by Lighthouse Counsel’s Director of Business Development, Ryan Woroniecki. This conversation with Ryan and our very own Erik Tomalis, Director of Business Development at Virtuous, have a follow-up conversation to the last episode’s discussion on the Giving USA 2023 report. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the practical donor engagement insights learned from the Giving USA 2023 Report. In this discussion, you’ll learn: The top 3 takeaways from the report The best way to build meaningful relationships with donors How organizations can counter a decline in total donors giving Learn more about the top 3 practical donor engagement insights here.

    Data-Driven Insights from the Giving USA Report 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2023 60:26


    Earlier this summer, the results came in from the Giving USA 2023 report, showcasing the current state of the philanthropic sector. In this conversation, nonprofit leaders across the sector gathered to discuss 2022’s biggest headlines, as well as what we can expect in 2023 in the current fundraising climate. The following nonprofit leaders joined us to discuss the biggest issues facing the nonprofit sector: Jason Wyssmann, SVP of Technology and Data Analytics at HonorHealth Foundation; Nathan Chappell, SVP at DonorSearch; and Meena Das, CEO of NamasteData. In this episode, you will learn how to: Navigate the evolving philanthropic landscape Leverage the insights to inform a data-driven fundraising strategy Apply practical, responsive fundraising strategies to engage donors effectively

    The Social Return On Investment: 8 Reasons Why We Measure Impact with John Mark Vanderpool, Co-Founder of Social Impact Solutions

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2023 48:09


    Responsive nonprofits harness measurement and data to increase generosity for their mission. A critical data point is measuring the short, mid, and long-term impact of your programs and showcasing to donors the power of the impact they create. John Mark Vanderpool, Co-Founder of Social Impact Solutions, shares his expertise and 8 reasons nonprofits should measure their impact. He’ll walk you through how to leverage technology to utilize impact data and communicate that impact to your donors for long-lasting effect. About Social Impact Solutions Social Impact Solutions helps you raise more money to advance your cause. They give nonprofits access to the best marketing and impact resources to help them communicate their value, accelerate their fundraising, and expand their reach. Are you looking to raise more money for your nonprofit? Take this online quiz to discover where your organization could be leaving money on the table.

    Reimagining Title Sponsorships with Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 3, 2023 38:49


    Society for Science was looking for a new title sponsor for the second time in their 100-year history. That’s when Maya Ajmera, President and CEO of Society for Science and Executive Publisher of Science News, decided to flip the traditional RFP model on its head. Society for Science announced its own RFP. They asked donors to pitch them on why they should accept their sponsorship to support the nation’s oldest and most prestigious science and math competition for high school seniors and champion the future STEM workforce of America. In this episode, you’ll learn how Maya pioneered a new RFP model to secure 50 applications from philanthropists, organizations, and corporations to select a new partner that aligns with their passion and vision for the future.

    Toby Weiss on Everything Responsive Nonprofit Leaders Need to Know About Technology to Effectively Maximize Organizational Impact

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2023 32:10


    This week, Toby Weiss - Founder & CEO of Rooted Software - joins Rob on the podcast to talk about all things tech. Toby has extensive expertise as a global nonprofit technologist and walks us through the steps of how to think well about the role of technology to scale impact for our missions. We operate in a digitally platform dependent space, and there are key decisions that must be made to strategically make progress for the good of all involved. Are you enjoying the Responsive Nonprofit Podcast and want to dive deeper into the framework and methodology growing nonprofits use to build deeper relationships with all donors to unlock mission transformation? I'd love to send you a free copy of our book, Responsive Fundraising, so you can get started today!

    Bill and Sarah TeDesco on Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Achieve Better Fundraising and Outreach Results

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2023 35:21


    In this episode, Bill and Sarah TeDesco of DonorSearch join Rob to talk about what nonprofit leaders need to know about deep tech as it pertains to the fundraising market. They double-click on the topic of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and ML (Machine Learning) and how any size nonprofit can utilize these technologies to enrich their supporter data and prompt actionable next steps. Are you enjoying the Responsive Nonprofit Podcast and want to dive deeper into the framework and methodology growing nonprofits use to build deeper relationships with all donors to unlock mission transformation? I'd love to send you a free copy of our book, Responsive Fundraising, so you can get started today!

    Katrina VanHuss and Otis Fulton on Social Fundraising and Mining the New Peer-to-Peer Landscape

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 23, 2023 43:20


    In this episode, Katrina VanHuss (Founder and CEO) and Otis Fulton (VP for Psychological Strategy) of Turnkey join Rob for an enlightening deep dive on peer-to-peer social fundraising. Not only do they have vast experience working with the largest nonprofits in the US, but they also apply psychology to fundraising and donor behavior resulting in significant thought leadership in this space. Katrina and Otis discuss best practices of fundraising with social media, the "Trifecta of Satisfaction," why you are most likely rewarding your volunteers wrong, and how to maximize peer-to-peer giving for any organization. Are you enjoying the Responsive Nonprofit Podcast and want to dive deeper into the framework and methodology growing nonprofits use to build deeper relationships with all donors to unlock mission transformation? I'd love to send you a free copy of our book, Responsive Fundraising, so you can get started today!

    Heather Hiscox on Dismantling the Status Quo

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2023 43:59


    In this episode, Heather Hiscox of Pause for Change, joins Rob and tackles what it means to dismantle the status quo to make true change in your organization. Using her PAUSE framework, she has helped countless social impact organizations address challenges in less time, using fewer resources, to achieve greater impact. Heather's insight is a must listen for any nonprofit leader.

    Ben Johnson on Transformational Growth Mindsets

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2023 38:58


    In this episode, Ben Johnson, Founder and Chief Strategist of Frontier Marketing joins us to talk about how to achieve transformational growth at your nonprofit. It's been thirteen years since he founded Frontier, and Ben has a wealth of knowledge that helps inform the necessary pivots that must be made in order to choose growth and organizational impact. Are you enjoying the Responsive Nonprofit Podcast and want to dive deeper into the framework and methodology growing nonprofits use to build deeper relationships with all donors to unlock mission transformation? I'd love to send you a free copy of our book, Responsive Fundraising, so you can get started today!

    Tony Martignetti on Demystifying Planned Giving for Your Nonprofit

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2023 34:14


    In this episode, Tony Martignetti joins us in a lively conversation around planned giving to your nonprofit. Tony's lifetime of experience helps to demystify planned giving and encourages us to spend just one hour a week to unlock countless people and monetary funds to propel our mission forward. You don't want to miss Tony. Trust us.

    Tania Bhattacharyya on Building Your Brand and Voice to Drive Change and Raise Revenue

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2023 31:57


    In this episode, Bryan and Rob sit down with Tania Bhattacharyya of Lumos Marketing to talk about how empathy can unlock generosity, the power of vulnerability in your storytelling, how to leverage multi-channel communications to build your brand and trust with donors, and how to authentically build a movement in this modern age of giving.

    Michelle Boggs on Classy's 2022 Why America Gives Report and What it Means for Nonprofits in 2023

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2023 43:35


    In this episode, Michelle Boggs from Classy joins Bryan and Rob to share about the recent findings from their 2022 Why America Gives Report and what this means for nonprofits to grow giving and generosity in 2023. To dive deeper into the insights discussed in this episode, download the 2022 Why America Gives Report today.

    Matthew Dildine on Relational Fundraising and Radical Partnership

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2021 39:54


    In this episode, Matthew and Noah discussed:Changing traditional models of fundraising to engage modern donorsGenerational shifts in expectations and wealthMonthly and recurring donationsShifting from traditional events to meaningful experiencesCreating partnerships with donorsMeasuring ROI

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