The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Episode #10 | Making the Ask with Juan Martinez

This week on The Fundraising Elevator 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 art form 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://latnet.org

Episode #9 | Mission-Centered Gala Themes with Shanon Doolittle

This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Shanon Doolittle, Chief Fundraising Strategist of Shanon Doolittle + Co., helps us choose a theme for our fundraising event. She shares her perspectives on building authentic relationships with donors, fostering donor trust and creating compelling narratives at your event. Shanon highlights the power of storytelling in fundraising and shares insights for crafting compelling narratives that inspire action, resonate with donors and leave a lasting impact.
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/
Shanon Doolittle: http://shanondoolittle.com/
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/
Gala Themed Goldmine eBook: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/gala-themes/
The Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan Gottschall: https://www.jonathangottschall.com/storytelling-animal
Empathy: Why It Matters, and How to Get It by Roman Krznaric: https://www.romankrznaric.com/empathy-a-handbook-for-revolution
Emotionraising by Francesco Ambrogetti: https://www.booksamillion.com/p/Emotionraising/Francesco-Ambrogetti/9781927375389
Dr. Paul J. Zak: https://pauljzak.com/
Future of Storytelling by Paul J. Zak: https://youtu.be/DHeqQAKHh3M

Episode #8 | Now What? with T. Clay Buck

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/
T. 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
Fundraising with Clay: https://tcbfundraising.com/services/
A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen: https://henrinouwen.org/read/a-spirituality-of-fundraising/
Offer: Use the code ELEVATOR at www.tcbfundraising.com to take an additional 25% off The Fundraiser's Planner

Episode #7 | Fundraising on Twitch Livestreams with Josh Boykin

In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, we talk with Josh Boykin, Founder and CEO of Intelligame and CritSave Consulting. We explore the potential of Twitch for fundraising, blending gaming, community engagement and charitable efforts and how to foster strong bonds between streamers and their audiences. We discuss the role of gaming in sparking engaging conversations, and Josh shares strategies for crafting compelling fundraising campaigns, leveraging influencer culture, and building community on Twitch.
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/
Josh Boykin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshboykin/
| 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/
Intelligame Newsletter: http://intgm.us/newsletter
CritSave Consulting: https://www.critsave.co/
Tiltify: https://tiltify.com/
Softgiving: https://softgiving.com/
Extra Life Streaming Toolkit: https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=cms.page&id=1602
National Council of Nonprofits Gift Acceptance Policies: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/fundraising-and-resource-development/gift-acceptance-policies
Open Broadcaster Software (OBS Studio): https://obsproject.com/
DrLupo: https://www.twitch.tv/drlupo
Ellie Joy Panic: https://www.twitch.tv/elliejoypanic

Episode #6 | Video Storytelling for Nonprofits with Zach Putnam

This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Zach Putnam of ZP Productions sheds light on the art of video storytelling for nonprofits. Learn how you can craft authentic narratives by centering your storytellers and using tried and true visual storytelling techniques. Zach shares the profound impact that video storytelling can have for nonprofits and how compelling narratives and visual elements have the potential to evoke emotions, drive engagement and inspire action.
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/
Zack Putnam
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachputnam/
| 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/
ZP Productions: http://www.zpproductions.com
ZP Reel: https://vimeo.com/zpproductions/review/785284702/492df7f76b
Canine Companions Jeanette and Fiji: https://vimeo.com/zpproductions/review/830214808/dd10e59ed5
Friends of Trees: https://vimeo.com/zpproductions/review/355087153/a04d47ce73
Whitney's Giant Ass Cinnamon Rolls: https://vimeo.com/zpproductions/review/592944449/106e0fb067
Ethical Storytelling: https://blog.greatergiving.com/ethical-storytelling-nonprofit-fundraising/
CDC's Guidelines on a Trauma-Informed Approach: https://www.cdc.gov/orr/infographics/6_principles_trauma_info.htm
Offer Every year, ZP Productions offers a grant for free video production to one nonprofit organization. Email Zach at zach@zpproductions.com to apply.

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

This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Mary Elizabeth, Director of Operations at Swaim Strategies, shares how you can use registration technology to improve your fundraising event. We dive into topics such as how to simplify registration, how to use data to customize attendee experiences and the future of registration technology. Mary introduces registration technology as a game-changer in the world of fundraising events. This technology streamlines the registration process, enhances attendee experiences and makes event management easier and more customizable.
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/
Greater Giving: https://greatergiving.com/
Give Lively: https://www.givelively.org/
OneCause: https://www.onecause.com/

Episode #4 | Livestreaming in Fundraising with Ryan Brothers

In this episode of The Fundraising Elevator, we dive into the dynamic world of livestreaming and its profound impact on fundraising events with producer Ryan Brothers. He shares how to use livestreaming to make real-time connections with donors and how to fundraise more effectively with hybrid events. He offers tips for creating content that centers your mission and engages your audience. Finally, he shares his visionary outlook that augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are the future frontier of immersive fundraising experiences. Tune in to find out how livestreaming can elevate your fundraising game.
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 AVENUE: https://avenueportland.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/
Ryan Brothers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryancbrothers/
| 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 #3 | Storytelling with Kristin Steele

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to host Kristin Steele about the power of storytelling to move your mission forward at your next fundraising event. She highlights the importance of storytelling in creating an emotional connection with donors, and explains how personal anecdotes and experiences can touch the hearts of supporters, leading to increased engagement and donations.
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/
Storytelling Animal by Jonathan Gottschall: https://www.jonathangottschall.com/storytelling-animal
Stories that Stick by Kindra Hall: https://www.storiesthatstick.com/
Wired for Story by Lisa Cron: http://wiredforstory.com/wired-for-story
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs: https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
Run of Show Template: https://swaimstrategies.com/shop/
Script Template: https://swaimstrategies.com/shop/
About the Event Arc: https://swaim-strategies.slab.com/posts/event-arc-for-in-person-galas-jrqaxeea
Emcee Best Practices: https://swaim-strategies.slab.com/public/posts/c6b2kgm6
Storytelling Best Practices: https://swaim-strategies.slab.com/public/posts/aomiuvxd
Camp Fire Columbia Org Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGPStrdYk4M&feature=youtu.be

Episode #2 | The Current State of Fundraising Events with Sam Swaim

This week host Kristin Steele interviews The Fundraising Elevator’s very own Sam Swaim all about fundraising events. Sam frames up what events look like now. She explores how donor engagement has shifted post-pandemic and what you can do about it to maximize support for your mission. She delivers the bitter truth that events are not the easiest way to raise money, but they also present an amazing opportunity to bring supporters into community with the organizations they’re passionate about and other donors who are too.
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/
Community Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/
Susan Howlett: https://susanhowlett.com/

Episode #1 | Introducing The Fundraising Elevator

Join us for the first episode of The Fundraising Elevator, where we’re all headed up. We’re excited to bring you a fundraising podcast where we talk with experts, visionaries and great idea people about how to impact the nonprofit sector for good. Your hosts Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele talk to each other about what inspires them about gatherings and how we can make them impactful for organizations and engaging for donors. They talk about the art of hosting for any gathering and how it can actually help close the distance between your fundraising event program and your audience in order to take donors into the heart of your mission.
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/
The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker: https://www.priyaparker.com/book-art-of-gathering
Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/674289/unreasonable-hospitality-by-will-guidara/
“The Secret Ingredients of Great Hospitality” TED Talk by Will Guidara: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwcyXcOpWVs