The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Episode #20 | The Guest Experience at Your Event with Michelle Holman

This week on The Fundraising Elevator Michelle Holman from Greater Giving shares the transformative power of event management software in improving the guest experience. She highlights how technology not only streamlines operations but also significantly influences the way organizations interact with their data, donors, and overall event strategy. This conversation sheds light on the nuances of creating memorable and impactful events, bridging the gap between technology and the human touch for successful fundraising.
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/
Michelle Holman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-holman-814a5414/
| 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/
Greater Giving: www.greatergiving.com

Episode #19 | Increase Fundraising in Your Paddle Raise with Samantha Swaim

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. 
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/
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 #18 | Hybrid Event Technology with Brooke Battle

This week on The Fundraising Elevator the spotlight is on hybrid event technology. Our guest Brooke Battle, Founder and CEO of Swell Fundraising, shares some practical implementation of these technologies by drawing on real-life examples and provides expert insight to help guide you in using event technology to maximize your 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/
Brooke Battle
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookebattle/
| 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/
Swell Fundraising: https://swellfundraising.com
“What is a Smart Party?” blog from Swell Fundraising: https://blog.swellfundraising.com/what-is-a-smart-party
Mention The Fundraising Elevator podcast and we will waive the new account setup fee for Swell Fundraising (value $149)

Episode #17 | Storytelling Tours With Tammy Zonker

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we take a look at how Storytelling Tours can bring donors, staff, board members and stakeholders into the heartbeat of your mission. Our guest Tammy Zonker, an international speaker and trainer in the discipline of transformational philanthropy, shares how leading free, one-hour tours of your work can transform your donor relationships and showcase the impact of your work in a unique and lasting way.
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/
Tammy Zonker
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyzonker/
| 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/
"Storytelling Tour" video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqXR8zauhzo
Fundraising Transformed: http://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/
Tom Ahern “Writing a Powerful Case for Support”: https://youtu.be/JUi6wQoFXW4?si=60D3s2-84PxIwGC0
Join the FREE Fundraising Transformer Community: https://tammyzonker.mykajabi.com/mentor
Special early bird offer for The Intentional Fundraising Plan Masterclass by 1/15/2024: http://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/masterclass

Episode #16 | Donor Texting with James Martin

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we explore the world of donor texting, a powerful tool in modern fundraising strategies. Our guest James Martin, Co-Founder and CEO of Rally Corp, brings a wealth of experience and insight into how organizations can effectively leverage text messaging to engage donors and elevate their fundraising efforts.
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/
James Martin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mrjamesmartin/
| 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/
Visit https://www.rallycorp.com/start to get started with texting for free.
Get 50% off your first month of Rally Corp with mention of The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Episode #15 | Board Engagement with Susan Howlett

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to nonprofit fundraising thought leader, Susan Howlett, all about how board engagement can be the secret sauce in the fundraising success at your organization.
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 Howlett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-howlett-3127005/
| 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/
"Boards on Fire: Inspiring Leaders to Raise Money Joyfully": www.susanhowlett.com
Tarnside Curve of Involvement: https://susanhowlett.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Tarnside-Curve-of-Involvement.pdf
Free shipping on books purchased on www.susanhowlett.com with the coupon code SWAIM.

Episode #14 | The Development Director Executive Director Relationship with Susan Ehrman

This week on the Fundraising Elevator, we had the privilege of gaining valuable insights from Susan Ehrman on the Executive Director-Development Director relationship. Take notes on navigating collaboration, fostering clear communication, implementing effective teamwork strategies, and achieving the delicate balance between vision and execution.
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/
Susa Ehrman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-ehrman-9323577/
| 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 #13 | Board Leadership with Lisa Watson

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk with Lisa Watson, a seasoned leader with over two decades of experience in operations, strategy, and team management, to explore the critical role of board leadership in successful fundraising initiatives. We talk about the scope of work for boards of directors and she sheds light on the dynamic relationship between effective board leadership and nonprofit staff that can lead to fundraising and organizational 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/
Lisa Watson
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisalovespdx/
| 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 #12 | Benefits Of A Benefit Auctioneer with Dale Johannes

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk with Dale Johannes, Benefit Auctioneer at DC Auctions, about how nonprofits and auctioneers can partner to maximize fundraising at an event. We talk about the power of collaboration and how auctioneers can create a dynamic bridge at your event between your mission and your donors.
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 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/
| 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/
DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/about/
See Dale in Action: https://vimeo.com/922301033/d340c03a00?share=copy

Episode #11 | Collaborative Leadership with Sarah Greenman

In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator we talk with Sarah Greenman, Executive Director of the American Leadership Forum of Oregon, about what a different approach to leadership can look like and how it can beneficially impact everyone at an organization—including donors. We jump into the challenges of the nonprofit sector and how aligning visions with goals in an organization can build a path to accountability 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/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/
Sarah Greenman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-greenman-creative/
| 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/
Sarah Greenman: https://www.sarahgreenman.com/
Creative Alchemy Podcast: https://www.sarahgreenman.com/podcast
Creative Alchemy Cycle: https://www.sarahgreenman.com/creative-alchemy-cycle
“Dreaming Accountability” by Mia Mingus: https://leavingevidence.wordpress.com/2019/05/05/dreaming-accountability-dreaming-a-returning-to-ourselves-and-each-other/
Catalyst Leadership Immersion with Anya Hankin Collaborative: https://www.anyahankin.com/leadership-immersion-2023
Learn more about the framework of Disability Justice: “Disability Justice” essay by Patty Berne: https://www.sinsinvalid.org/blog/disability-justice-a-working-draft-by-patty-berne
10 Principles of Disability Justice: https://code.as.ucsb.edu/files/2021/08/10principlesDJ2-final.jpg
Mia Mingus on Disability Justice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3cJkUazW-jw
Stacey Milbern and Patty Berne on Disability Justice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r0MiGWQY2g
ALF Oregon: alforegon.org