The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

In this special episode of The Fundraising Elevator, hosts Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim take listeners behind the scenes at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference in San Diego, California. Recording live from the red carpet studio, Kristin and Sam talk to industry leaders, gathering their insights on what fundraisers should focus on right now and where they are finding inspiration in the sector. 

Featured Guests:

In this special episode of The Fundraising Elevator, hosts Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim take listeners behind the scenes at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference in San Diego, California. Recording live from the red carpet studio, Kristin and Sam talk to two sector experts about their new books.

Behavioral science expert Cherian Koshy’s book Neurogiving: The Science of Donor Decision Making is a groundbreaking exploration of h...

In this episode, we hear from Alice Ferris, founder of GoalBusters and a veteran fundraiser with over 30 years in the sector. Alice shares her insights on helping small nonprofit teams navigate Federal funding cuts, organizational upheaval, and unprecedented change. She introduces a powerful framework for decision-making: distinguishing between problems (which can be solved) and conditions (which must be adapted to). Alice emphasiz...

In this episode Rhodes Perry, Founder and CEO of Rhodes Perry Consulting, joins us for a powerful conversation about building psychological safety and trust. Rhodes introduces somatics—a body-based practice that helps leaders move from reactive responses to intentional choices—and breaks down the ingredients of true belonging. He reveals the actual financial cost of exclusion and contrasts the old model of belonging (where individu...

What can an encounter with a person in a war-torn Iraqi village teach us about nonprofit storytelling? In this compelling episode, Chris Miano, Founder and CEO of MemoryFox, reveals how his military service unlocked the transformative power of stories—and why the nonprofit sector urgently needs to shift how we collect and share them. Chris defines ethical storytelling as an approach that elevates storytellers rather than extracting...

In this episode Brandon Lenzi, founder of Bowtie Strategies, shares his transformative approach to fundraising rooted in authentic relationships. Brandon defines fundraising as an opportunity for individuals to realize their vision for the community they want to live in, emphasizing the importance of sitting on the same side of the table with donors to solve problems together. He discusses navigating current challenges by focusing ...

In this episode we talk with Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, about what it really takes to launch a successful capital campaign. With over 25 years of experience in major gift fundraising, Amy shares practical advice for organizations ready to dream big—and fund those dreams sustainably.

Amy explains that a capital campaign is more than a fundraising goal, it’s a long-term investment in an organization’s...

In this powerful episode, hosts Kristin and Sam make an urgent case for why now is exactly the wrong time to cancel your fundraising events. They explore the neuroscience behind why gatherings work: shared experiences literally sync our heartbeats, create neural alignment that enhances trust and cooperation, and generate collective effervescence—that bubbly, transcendent energy that individuals simply cannot achieve alone. When we ...

In this power-packed episode, former NFL player turned professional benefit auctioneer Reggie Rivers tackles topics head-on: ditch the tall centerpieces that create barriers between auctioneers and donors, stop at $100 minimum gifts to train donors upward rather than nickel-and-diming them, and skip the fundraising thermometer unless you can set it with surgical precision. Most importantly he breaks down why the paddle raise is the...

In this special episode of The Fundraising Elevator, host Samantha Swaim takes listeners behind the scenes at the Raise Conference in San Antonio, Texas. Recording live from the Raise Nation Radio studio, Sam talks to six industry leaders, gathering their insights on what fundraisers should focus on right now and busting common fundraising myths.

Featured Guests:

• Barbara O'Reilly - Founder and Prin...

In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, we continue our fascinating conversation with neuroscientist and author Dr. Paul J. Zak, diving deeper into the brain science behind fundraising storytelling, donor engagement, and happiness. If you missed part one, be sure to start there, this continuation builds on insights into why stories inspire generosity and action in the nonprofit sector.

Dr. Zak explains his groundbreaking conce...

Welcome to Season Three of The Fundraising Elevator! In this special two-part opener, hosts Sam and Kristin sit down with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Paul Zak, a pioneer in neuroeconomics, neuromanagement, and neuromarketing. Best known for discovering oxytocin’s role in trust and human connection, Dr. Zak brings cutting-edge insights on donor psychology, empathy, and storytelling in fundraising.

In Part One, we explore the s...

In this episode Christine Campbell, the Marketing Manager at The AV Department, dives into strategies for effectively capturing and utilizing content from live events. Hear  insights on simple tools and techniques to ensure you maximize the value of your event content. Learn the fundamentals of capturing high-quality content during live events and why it's crucial for your marketing efforts. Find out how to repurpose event content ...

In this episode we talk to Jason Allen Champion, Vice President of National Partnerships for Winspire, to discuss how consignment auctions can be a strategic tool for nonprofit fundraising. Consignment auctions offer nonprofits a low-risk way to enhance fundraising efforts while creating memorable donor experiences that reinforce organizational missions. Jason shares his expertise on maximizing revenue through consignment auction p...

In this episode, we chat with Chef Kiara Hardy of Kitchen Killa Culinary Solutions about the powerful role food plays in creating unforgettable event experiences. Learn how to collaborate with your event caterer to design an immersive atmosphere that aligns with your vision and budget. Chef Kiara shares her expert insights on the seasonality of food, different types of service, venue kitchen logistics, and how to tailor your menu t...

In this episode our very own storytelling expert Kristin Steele explores the art and impact of storytelling in nonprofit fundraising. Discover how strategic storytelling can connect with donors on an emotional level, making your mission unforgettable and inspiring action at your next fundraising event. Kristin shares essential strategies for crafting relatable, emotionally driven narratives that can transform complex issues into po...

In this episode, we welcome Kimberly A.C. Wilson, Executive Director of Hedgebrook, to explore how hybrid events and radical hospitality are transforming fundraising. Hedgebrook, a writing residency for women-identified authors, has evolved its annual event, EQUIVOX, into a powerful hybrid experience that unites a global community of writers, readers, and supporters.

Kimberly shares insights into the impact of virtual accessibility...

In this episode, Kim Fountain from the San Diego LGBTQ Community Center discusses the profound importance of creating intentional spaces—both literal and figurative—where individuals can connect, belong, and thrive. Kim delves into the concept of "safe spaces," redefining them as co-created environments of respect, belonging, and creativity, where individuals are inspired to take risks—both personal and collective—that generate joy...

In this episode Mariah Monique of The Sponsorship Catalyst shares her expertise on nonprofit sponsorship strategies. Drawing from her experience on both sides of sponsorship relationships, Mariah brings great insight and strategy to event sponsorship. Despite economic uncertainties, sponsorship budgets are growing as companies recognize the value of experiential marketing. She advises nonprofits to diversify their sponsorship portf...