Episode #62 | The State of Fundraising Events for 2025 with Kristin Steele + Samantha Swaim

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. Sam shares lessons from past crises, including the pandemic, while Kristin highlights the growing demand for more flexible, inclusive donor experiences. This packed discussion offers valuable insights, research, and actionable strategies to help you navigate the year ahead with confidence and resilience.

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This Episode Brought to You by: 
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events. 

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year. 

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

Speakers

Samantha Swaim

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

| RESOURCES |

Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consulting

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book

Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

Blackbaud Global Trends Giving Report: https://www.blackbaud.com/newsroom/article/blackbaud-institute-shares-spotlight-on-2023-trends-in-giving

Classy’s 2023 State of Modern Philanthropy Report: https://www.classy.org/state-of-modern-philanthropy/

Sprout Social’s 2024 Social Media Content Strategy Report: https://sproutsocial.com/insights/data/2024-social-content-strategy-report/

HubSpot State of Marketing Report: https://www.hubspot.com/state-of-marketing

Priya Parker: https://www.priyaparker.com/

TASTE for Equity: https://www.tasteforequity.org/

Bloomerang’s Nonprofit Technology Report: https://bloomerang.co/blog/nonprofit-digital-reports-showcasing-year-end-fundraising-efforts/

Millennial Impact Report: https://www.themillennialimpact.com/

OneCause Fundraising Outlook Report: https://www.onecause.com/ebook/2025-fundraising-outlook-report/

Eventbrite’s 2024 Event Statistics and Trends: https://www.eventbrite.com/blog/event-statistics-ds00/

Steven Screen and Jeff Brooks COVID Fundraising Report: https://betterfundraising.com/coronavirus-resource/

Giving USA’s 2024 Report: https://givingusa.org/

Podcast Episode with Jo Davis: https://elevatenonprofit.com/podcasts/episode-53-event-sponsorship/