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

Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
Wednesday Apr 10, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator, we welcome Steve Johns, CEO of One Cause and author of "Fearless." Steve offers valuable strategies for nonprofit leaders to navigate the sector's evolving landscape, emphasizing the power of personalized relationships with donors, adaptability, resilience and the necessity to embrace fearlessness as a catalyst for innovation and growth.
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/
Steve Johns
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevejohns3/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/27191314
| 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/
ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/
Raise Nation: https://www.raise-nation.com/
“Fearless: Leadership Lessons at the Crossroads” by Steve Johns: https://a.co/d/aIkWgh5
OneCause: https://www.onecause.com/

Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
Wednesday Apr 03, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we sit down with Ryan Goodwin, a seasoned coach who has transitioned his vast experience in collegiate athletics to become a fundraising powerhouse at Swaim Strategies. Discover Ryan's unique approach to improving team dynamics and individual performance through action typing and strength-based coaching.
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/
Ryan Goodwin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-goodwin-114b797b/
| 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/
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Products-and-Services/Myers-Briggs
Concord Leadership Group: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/

Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
Wednesday Mar 27, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we explore the use of automation in streamlining fundraising efforts. Rachel Bearbower, founder of Small Shop Strategies and the newly launched Nonprofit Automation Agency, shares her valuable expertise on simplifying processes, enhancing communication with donors, and the tools that can help organizations thrive in their fundraising endeavors.
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/
Rachel Bearbower
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbearbower/
| 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/
Nonprofit Automation Agency: https://www.nonprofitautomationagency.com/
ConvertKit: https://partners.convertkit.com/vs5ja3rmf70f
Zapier: www.zapier.com
The Fundraising Template Shop: https://www.thefundraisingtemplateshop.com/
How to Write an Impact Statement: https://www.smallshopstrategies.com/podcast/creating-a-memorable-impact-statement
How to Talk Politics When You 'Can't Be Political': https://www.smallshopstrategies.com/podcast/getpolitical

Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
Wednesday Mar 20, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Sally Dadman Bixby discusses the critical role gratitude gatherings play in connecting communities and enhancing donor engagement. We explore the potential of appreciation events and explore how gratitude can serve as a cornerstone in cultivating deep, meaningful connections within our communities.
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/
Sally Badmun Bixby
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sally-dadmun-bixby-1a93a97/
| 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/
For a handout on how to host an appreciation gathering, email Sally at Sally@philstudiopdx.com
The People’s Nonprofit Accelerator: https://thepeoplesnonprofit.org/

Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
Wednesday Mar 13, 2024
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/

Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
Wednesday Mar 06, 2024
In a special episode of the Fundraising Elevator recorded live at the 2024 Elevate Conference, we talk to Zerik Samples, CEO of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, and Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions. Zerik and Kelly delve deep into how gratitude can play a transformative role in fundraising efforts and the transformative power of community.
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.
This episode is sponsored by Artisan Auctions: https://www.artisanauctions.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/
Kelly Russell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-russell-bb026750/
Zerik Samples
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zerik-samples-73a58a37/
| 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/
Artisan Auctions: https://www.artisanauctions.com/
Samples of Knowledge, LLC: samplesofknowledge@outlook.com
The Book on Fundraising Auctions by Kelly Russell: https://www.artisanauctions.com/fundraising-book

Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
Wednesday Feb 28, 2024
This week the Fundraising Elevator podcast, recorded at the 2024 Elevate Conference, features a presentation by our very own Samantha Swaim all about reimagining fundraising events, engaging donors and creating impactful gatherings. Sam shares insights on the changing landscape of events, the importance of centering missions and tips for successful fundraising appeals.
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.
Speaker
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
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/
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering
Start With Why TED Talk by Simon Sinek: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
Start With Why Book by Simon Sinek: https://simonsinek.com/books/start-with-why/
Immersion by Paul Zak: https://www.amazon.com/Immersion-Science-Extraordinary-Source-Happiness/dp/1544531958
The Book on Fundraising Auctions by Kelly Russell: https://www.artisanauctions.com/fundraising-book
Red Shoes Living by Lonnie Mayne: https://lonniemayne.com/book/
Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com/
OneCause: https://www.onecause.com/
Zoom: https://zoom.us/
Crowdcast: https://www.crowdcast.io/

Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
Wednesday Feb 21, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Floyd Jones, Director of Community + Partnerships at Givebutter and expert in peer-to-peer fundraising. We explore the heart of P2P fundraising which centers the power of community and relationships. Floyd walks us through practical ways to set up a successful campaign and what that impact can look like beyond the dollars. His enthusiasm for peer-to-peer in infectious and his insight can really help folks set up campaigns 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/
Floyd Jones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thefloydjones-/
| 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/
Stay connected with Floyd and BackBlack: https://poplme.co/ue5l6RDG
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Toolkit: https://givebutter.com/freebies/peer-to-peer-fundraising-toolkit-guide?&utm_source=elevate_fundraising&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=podcast
BackBlack: https://backblackmovement.org/
Givebutter: https://givebutter.com/
Back Black Impact Report: https://backblackmovement.org/impact

Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
Wednesday Feb 14, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator Beth McGorry, the Director of Donor Relations at St. Mark Youth Enrichment, shares the story of her work to steward donors which is a powerful reminder of the human element in fundraising. Her success is a blend of innovative event planning, a focus on personal connections and a deep-seated belief in the power of community.
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 McGorry
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-mcgorry-cfre-67655ab7/
| 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/
St. Mark Youth Enrichment: https://stmarkyouthenrichment.org/

Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
Wednesday Feb 07, 2024
This week on The Fundraising Elevator Rene Spears, a renowned Spiritual Life and Business Mentor and Spirit Guide Channeler, encourages nonprofits to reevaluate their approach to fundraising and mission alignment. We explore how, by adopting a mindset of abundance and focusing on the good stuff, organizations can have the potential to unlock new levels of success and fulfillment.
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/
Find Out More About Renee: https://www.abundology.com
The Abundology Podcast: https://abundology.podbean.com/