The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Episode #76 | Golf Fundraising with Dale Johannes

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 attendees come through corporate sponsorships and may be unfamiliar with your mission.
Dale also shares his expertise on the critical post-tournament program. Whether you're planning your first golf event or enhancing an existing tournament, this episode delivers practical insights to maximize your fundraising potential.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Dale Johannes
Google: https://dc-auctions.com/
Gmail: dalejohannes@gmail.com
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 The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/
Connect with Dale: dalejohannes@gmail.com

Episode #77 | Increasing Board Involvement with Sabrina Walker Hernandez

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 innovative breakdown of the fundraising process which allows organizations to match board members to roles that leverage their natural strengths. Sabrina shares practical strategies to fire boards up and work with them in mutually beneficial and collaborative ways.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Sabrina Walker Hernandez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabrinawalkerhernandez/
| RESOURCES |Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#consultingLearn 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/#bookConnect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comConnect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/Kay Sprinkel Grace: https://www.kaygrace.org/Building Better Boards: https://www.buildingbetterboards.comBuilding Better Boards Podcast: https://supportingworldhope.com/category/podcast/The Fundraising Elevator Board Engagement with Susan Howlett: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wv-ST4_WJb8

Episode #75 | Understanding AI for Fundraising with Anne Murphy

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:
Making AI Work for Nonprofits: Anne explains why the social sector is uniquely positioned to guide AI adoption responsibly and ethically
Saving Valuable Time: Discover how AI can give fundraisers back hours of work through practical applications like creating event briefs and donor reports
"What If It Could Be Easy?": Learn Anne's philosophy on how AI can help us challenge our assumptions about work having to be difficult to be valuable
Protecting Your Data: Practical advice on maintaining privacy and security when using AI tools, including tips on handling confidential information
AI Accessibility: How AI tools can remove barriers for talented individuals who may not have traditional writing skills, allowing more diverse voices to contribute
Prompting Essentials: Anne breaks down how to effectively communicate with AI tools using the "super smart intern" approach
Ethical Considerations: Understanding the importance of responsible AI adoption in the nonprofit sector
Anne shares valuable insights on selecting platforms, protecting sensitive information, and developing effective prompting strategies that will help nonprofit professionals save time and enhance their fundraising efforts. This conversation offers practical guidance for incorporating artificial intelligence into your fundraising workflow while maintaining the human touch that makes the nonprofit sector special.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.
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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Anne Murphy
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-murphy-philanthropy/ 
| 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/
Empowered Fundraiser: https://empoweredfundraiser.com/
She Leads AI Academy: https://sheleadsai.ai/academy/
Open AI: https://openai.com/
Claude: https://claude.ai
Justice AI: https://justiceai.co/ Black GPT: https://blkgpt.com/

Episode #74 | Mentorship + Equity in Nonprofit Fundraising with Birgit Smith Burton

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 color and inclusive leadership.
Together, we explore: The evolving landscape of nonprofit fundraising leadership How mentorship creates lasting change The power of community in professional growth Insights from Birgit’s work at UNCF, Georgia Tech, and beyond Whether you're a new fundraiser, a nonprofit leader, or a seasoned development professional, this conversation offers both inspiration and actionable insights.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Birgit Smith Burton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/birgit-smith-burton/
| 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/
African American Development Officers Network: https://www.aadonetwork.com/
AADO Conference: https://www.aadoconference.com/
AFP ICON in Seattle: https://afpicon.com/
AFP: https://afpglobal.org/

Episode #73 | Easy Auctions with Jason Allen Champion

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 packages and provides insights on creating mission-aligned experiences that resonate with donors. We explore online auction strategies, creating packages, creative fundraising ideas, and the critical work of donor stewardship that can be a part of the experience of the packages they win at your auction.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Jason Allen Champion
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-allen-champion-802a7b13/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/teamwinspire/
| 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/
Winspire: https://www.winspireme.com/

Episode #72 | Creating Psychological Safety with Ian Adair

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 others might be experiencing before making requests.
In this conversation, we explore how prioritizing psychological safety not only improves organizational culture but also enhances overall performance and retention in the nonprofit sector. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, manager, or team member, these insights can help you create more supportive, open, and effective work environments.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Ian Adair
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianadair2010/
| 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/
Strategy 27: www.strategy27.com
Ian Adair’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ian_adair_the_intersection_between_leadership_and_mental_health_jan_2021
Center for Creative Leadership—Empathy in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-effectively-articles/empathy-in-the-workplace-a-tool-for-effective-leadership/
Hacking HR—Organizational Culture: https://www.youtube.com/live/CcEaqb7Ra6w?si=oByl_Ofl73e2FHnA
Upcoming FREE Webinar Stewardship Intensive April 23-24, 2025: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X9NB9kl_RtewHoqNoNag7w

Episode #71 | Evolving Strategy with Bradley Martin

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 to donors, strategic approaches to digital advertising that maximize limited budgets, and the importance of data-driven decision making in nonprofit marketing. Bradley offers practical tips that fundraisers can implement immediately, regardless of their organization's size or technical resources.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Bradley Martin
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bradleymartin83
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feathr.co/
| 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/
Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
For a Feathr discount, contact Sean Groleau and say Swaim Strategies Sent Me: sean.groleau@feathr.co
M + R Benchmarks Study: https://www.mrss.com/lab/category/benchmarks/
A Beginners Guide to Retargeting Ads: https://www.feathr.co/resources/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-retargeting-ads-for-nonprofits
Canva: https://www.canva.com/
Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/
FREE Stewardship Intensive Webinar on April 23 + 24: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_X9NB9kl_RtewHoqNoNag7w US Giving Reports: https://store.givingusa.org/collections/special-reports-spotlights

Episode #70 | Create Meaning Through Story with Kristin Steele

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 meaning.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/
Speaker
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/
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Script Template: https://swaimstrategies.com/product/script-template/
On-Demand Elevate Sessions: https://swaimstrategies.com/product/elevate-2025-conference-on-demand-recording/

Episode #69 | The Equastory™ Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich

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, she transforms how organizations share their impact while staying true to their values. She is also the visionary behind The Ethical Nonprofit Summit, leading the industry dialogue on ethical storytelling and fundraising practices to ensure that nonprofits can powerfully communicate their mission without compromising the dignity of the communities they serve.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Diana Farias Heinrich
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafariasheinrich/
| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Habrá Marketing: https://habramarketing.com/
Equastory™ Framework: https://habramarketing.com/informedconsent/
Ethical Nonprofit Summit: https://habramarketing.com/summit/
For an Elevate Discount use ELEVATE20 to save $20 on the ticket. 🎟️

Episode#67 | ENCORE | Say the Magic Words with Frank Velásquez Jr.

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 change.
Learn how adopting this approach engages donors from a place of support, strengthens connections to your mission, and drives sustainable impact. Discover actionable insights for moving your organization toward more empowering, community-centered storytelling. Register to join Frank at Elevate Conference March 12 + 13: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. 
This Episode Brought to You by: Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.comUtilizing 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
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.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/
Frank Velásquez Jr.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/4-da-hood-llc/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/4dahoodllc/
| 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: http://elevatenonprofit.com/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book
Ascending Leaders in Color: 4dahood.com/alc-fellowship
4 Da Hood: https://4dahood.com/
Access free introductory guide to using asset-based language: https://4-da-hood.ck.page/ca93d5f149
The Ethical Nonprofit Summit: https://habramarketing.com/summit/