The Fundraising Elevator Podcast
The Fundraising Elevator: where we’re all headed up. Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele are using their decades of fundraising, event strategy and storytelling experience to help you change the world at your next event. Listen to conversations with industry leaders for insights and tools you can use to connect more people to your mission. New episodes drop every Wednesday.
Episodes
In this episode Yolanda F. Johnson—president of YFJ Consulting and founder of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy—brings her unique perspective to the world of philanthropy. As a leader in fundraising, philanthropy, and inclusion, equity and diversity (IED) and a sought-after classically-trained soprano and musician, Yolanda has successfully led fundraising operations for a wide range of nonprofit organizations, developi...
In this episode Steven Screen, co-founder of Better Fundraising Company and inventor of the "Ask, Thank, Report, Repeat" fundraising rhythm, talks about how nonprofits can navigate the current period of uncertainty affecting fundraising efforts. Today's landscape varies significantly across organizations. Some nonprofits face severe government funding cuts, others are benefiting from "rage giving," and many fall somewhere in betwee...
In this episode, theme park designer Ariel Ruiz shares her expertise in experiential design. The conversation reveals how Ariel’s background creating immersive rides translates to nonprofit events, where she approaches spaces as storytelling opportunities rather than mere venues. She explains that effective experiences are built around a clear narrative foundation, with every design choice—from lighting and color to sound and scent...
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...
In this episode with fundraising expert Dale Johannes of DC Auctions, we explore the recent resurgence of golf tournaments as effective fundraising vehicles. The conversation covers creative on-course fundraising strategies—from trivia contests sharing mission facts to "closest to the keg" competitions—that generate revenue throughout the day while introducing participants to your organization's work. Dale emphasizes that most atte...
In this episode we talk to Sabrina Walker Hernandez who brings over 30 years of nonprofit leadership experience to a conversation about effective board engagement. We look at the core functions of boards and Sabrina walks through the importance of transparency during recruitment, comprehensive onboarding led by existing board members, and implementing "board buddy" systems to mentor newcomers. The conversation shifts to her innovat...
In this episode we welcome Anne Murphy, founder of She Leads AI and Empowered Fundraiser Consulting and Coaching, to help nonprofits understand how to leverage artificial intelligence effectively and ethically. We explore:
What does the future of nonprofit fundraising leadership look like—and who’s shaping it? In this episode, we’re joined by Birgit Smith Burton, a nationally respected voice in fundraising and equity. As the founder of the African American Development Officers Network (AADO) and the first Black woman to chair the global board of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Birgit has been a tireless advocate for fundraisers of...
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 mental health advocate and nonprofit executive Ian Adair discusses psychological safety in nonprofit workplaces. Ian shares practical strategies for creating safer environments, including modeling vulnerability as a leader, encouraging risk-taking, providing constructive feedback, and recognizing contributions. He extends these principles to donor relationships, emphasizing the importance of understanding what other...
In this episode we join Bradley Martin, VP of Growth Marketing at Feathr—a digital marketing platform—to talk about the larger nonprofit landscape and how to respond to the changes taking place. Bradley shares his expertise on leveraging digital marketing strategies to accelerate fundraising efforts.
We cover shifting donor demographics, how nonprofits can effectively use retargeting to re-engage website visitors and convert them t...
Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, podcast host Kristin Steele presents a keynote on creating meaning for donors at your event. Stories are told in our event marketing, our event program, and even in our event design. They give our gathering intention and are the quickest path to connection, community building, and donor development. We’ll look at how to shape event stories for guests to create impact, connection, and me...
Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, hosts Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele moderate a powerful conversation with guest Diana Farias Heinrich, creator of the Equastory™ framework to address how to be equitable, thoughtful, and careful when we are sharing our nonprofit stories. Diana actively safeguards equality, respect, and dignity in nonprofit storytelling as the CEO of Habrá Marketing. Through the Equastory™ Framework,...
In this episode, we explore the critical shift from deficit-framed language to asset-based language in the nonprofit sector with special guest Frank Velásquez Jr. Leading with deficit often reinforces harmful stereotypes and systemic disparities, negatively impacting both organizations and the communities they serve. By embracing asset-based language, nonprofits can highlight strengths and opportunities, fostering transformative ch...
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, we welcome nonprofit digital strategist and author Julia Campbell to help us navigate the challenges and opportunities of social media. Julia shares insights on how nonprofits can conduct a social media audit, strategically decide where to engage, and avoid burnout while staying connected with their communities. We discuss the risks of jumping platforms, the importance of clear and empathetic messaging, and how org...
In this episode we dive into the shifting landscape of philanthropy with The Generosity Crisis author, Nathan Chappell. As a thought leader and one of the world’s foremost experts on the intersection of artificial intelligence and fundraising, Nathan explores the challenges nonprofits face in an era of declining donor participation and increasing transactional fundraising. Nathan shares compelling insights on why donor retention ra...
In this episode with Sammy Bliss we dive into the magic of live events, storytelling, and experiential marketing. We explore the transformative power of gathering people in a space to experience something unforgettable—whether it’s a theatrical performance, a high-energy DJ set, or a nonprofit fundraising event. For nonprofits, experiential marketing offers a powerful way to cultivate donor relationships. From innovative photo ops ...
In this episode, we explore innovation, efficiency, and the balance of human connection in the nonprofit sector with guest Cherian Koshy. As a transformative leader with over 25 years of experience, Cherian offers thought-provoking insights into the future of philanthropy, the role of technology, and how nonprofits can evolve to stay mission-focused in a rapidly changing world. He warns against an overemphasis on efficiency that ri...
In this special episode, Sam and Kristin dive into where fundraising events are and offer a top-10 for the ever-evolving landscape in 2025. From the rise of hybrid and virtual events to the importance of mission-centered experiences, this episode covers it all. Discover how emerging technologies, sustainability, and storytelling are reshaping the sector, and why staying consistent with donor engagement is more critical than ever. S...
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