The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Episode #34 | ENCORE | How To Tell Your Organizational Story with Kristin Steele

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on preparing an impactful program for your next event. This week Kristin Steele delves into the art of sharing organizational stories effectively by starting with the "why." From the importance of conveying mission to dissecting the elements of effective storytelling, we unravel the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives.
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. 
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/
Simon Sinek TED Talk: https://youtu.be/u4ZoJKF_VuA?si=W-m3RqbQPjouhWQ0

Episode #26 | ENCORE | The Power Of Data with Beth Sandefur

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on using your data to help you go to the next level. This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Beth Sandefur joins us to share the importance of a data-driven approach in planning and executing fundraising events. She discusses the pivotal role of data in shaping successful fundraising events and how understanding your donor base and tailoring events to their preferences is essential for success.
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. 
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/
Beth Sandefur
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethsandefur/
| 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/
Beth Sandefur Events: bethsandefur.com
Sign up for Beth’s Mailing List: https://bethsandefur.activehosted.com/f/1
@bigexcelenergy on Tiktok
Fathom Notetaker: ​​https://fathom.video/ ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/

Episode #5 | ENCORE | Registration Technology for Fundraising Events with Mary Elizabeth

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on how good data can make your fundraising event easier. On this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, we talk to Swaim Strategies’ Director of Operations, Mary Elizabeth, about registration technology and its transformative impact on fundraising events. Mary gives us tips on simplifying registration, optimizing event management, and elevating attendee experiences, while creating an engaging event atmosphere using data customization. Mary also addresses data security and privacy concerns so we’re empowered with the information we need to handle attendee information responsibly. We close out the episode with a future look at registration technology, predicting deeper integration with virtual and hybrid events and exciting advancements driven by AI-driven personalization.
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. 
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/
Mary Elizabeth
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-elizabeth8/
| 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/

Episode #8 | ENCORE |Now What? with Clay Buck

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on how to clean up and best utilize your data. In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, T. Clay Buck, Founder of TCB Fundraising and The Fundraiser's Planner, shares essential insights into the post-campaign phase of fundraising. Clay emphasizes the significance of post-campaign analysis, where we learn from past experiences and make data-driven decisions. He discusses the shift from campaign-focused thinking to fostering lasting donor relationships through storytelling and personalized communication. Clay explores the donor's journey beyond the initial donation and strategies for long-term donor engagement. Finally, we discuss the importance of adaptability in the ever-changing fundraising landscape. 
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. 
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/
Clay Buck
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclaybuck/
| 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/
The Fundraiser's Planner: http://www.myfundraisingplanner.com
TCB Fundrasing: https://tcbfundraising.com/services/
A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen: https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/
Use the code ELEVATOR at www.tcbfundraising.com to take an additional 25% off The Fundraiser's Planner

Episode #19 | ENCORE | Increase Fundraising In Your Paddle Raise With Samantha Swaim

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on turning your donor cultivation into increased fundraising at your next event. This week on The Fundraising Elevator our very own Samantha Swaim breaks down a successful event paddle raise. She dives deep into the art of storytelling and how emotion plays a pivotal role in driving donor engagement and contributions. She also provides practical strategies on optimizing timing your appeal and ways to recognize donors to foster long-term relationships.
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. 
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/
Special Appeal Demo: https://youtu.be/nx7vQEeya2c?si=Mk65YCjqXsyQrL10
“Why Inspiring Stories Make Us React: The Neuroscience of Narrative” by Paul Zak: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4445577/
“Future of Storytelling” by Paul Zak: https://youtu.be/DHeqQAKHh3M?si=97zPuQy-8t7GFbb9
“Audience Members Hearts Beat Together at the Theatre” article about the research of University College London Division of Psychological and Language Sciences: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/pals/news/2017/nov/audience-members-hearts-beat-together-theatre#:~:text=New%20research%20led%20by%20the,Joe%20Devlin%2C%20Dr%20Daniel%20C.
Derek Sivers’ TED Talk “How to Start a Movement”: https://youtu.be/gxFt1BZiMTw?si=41-Bie61A0LZrTsF
The Fundraising Elevator Episode 3: Storytelling with Kristin Steele: https://youtu.be/KiGdUuzVjeo?si=PEs3BY_gSz9Ki8qi

Episode #10 | ENCORE | Making the Ask with Juan Martinez

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on donor relationship building. This week we talk to one of the best development directors we know, Juan Martinez. With a long history in the nonprofit sector, Juan has made donor cultivation an artform and his asks for gifts feel like an amazing opportunity for donors to make their personal missions come true. Juan talks about some of the critical pieces for fundraising success and shares how he builds relationships with donors over time and keeps them invested in his organization’s work.
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. 
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/
Juan Martinez
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juanantoniomartinez1/
| 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/
Latino Network: https://www.latnet.org/
 

Episode #44 | Getting Ahead This Summer with Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim

As we wrap up season 1 on The Fundraising Elevator, hosts Kristin and Sam plant some seeds to maximize your summer to take time for yourself to recharge and implement strategies to get ahead on your event. From discussing the balance between big donors and the importance of building relationships, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies. 
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
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/
Chronicle of Philanthropy: https://www.philanthropy.com/
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout by Cal Newport: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/722732/slow-productivity-by-cal-newport/
Rich Roll podcast with Cal Newport: https://www.richroll.com/podcast/cal-newport-817/

Episode #43 | Finding a Great Venue with Tracey Lorts

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Tracey Lorts, venue manager at AVENUE, and tackle the crucial topic of finding the perfect venue for your fundraising event. No matter what style of gathering you are planning, the right venue can make or break the experience for guests.
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. 
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/
Tracey Lorts
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracey-lorts-73263a5a/
| 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/
AVENUE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avenueportland/
AVENUE website: https://avenueportland.com/
AVENUE on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/avenueportland
AVENUE is offering a free story wall upgrade—a $500 value!—to Fundraising Elevator listeners. Simply mention the offer when you contract your event at the space.

Episode #42 | Guest Experience at Events with Tanya Mikkelson

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to seasoned event producer Tanya Mikkelson about how to create an exceptional guest experience at fundraising events. At its most successful, this experience of your organization and its work can turn your guests into advocates for your mission long after the event is over.
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. 
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/
Tanya Mikkelson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanya-mikkelson-242720203/
| 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/

Episode #41 | Securing Grants with Susan Taylor

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Susan Taylor, founder and CEO of The Grant Lab, about the changing landscape of grant funding and what nonprofits should be thinking about now when they apply. We explore how to find good funding fits for your organization, what a compelling proposal looks like and follow-up strategies. 
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. 
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/
Susan Taylor
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-taylor/
| 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/
The Grant Lab: https://thegrantslab.com/