The Cause+Effect Podcast

Welcome to a special episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast ! Today, Trent Dunham is joined by his long-time collaborator and friend, Nils Smith. This episode explores the role of trust in leadership and how it shapes career transitions, business, and ministry. Nils reflects on his nine years at Dunham+Company, highlighting moments of growth and how trust has been a cornerstone of his unconventional...

Without a guest this time, Trent takes time to reflect on a meaningful and thought-provoking word that has shaped Dunham+Company at its core. Following the rebranding conversation from a previous episode, where the process of redefining Dunham+Company’s identity with the founder still involved was discussed, Trent takes a deeper look into the concept of resilience.   Why resilience? How is it diff...

On this episode of Cause+Effect, we’re exploring creativity in a way you've never considered before. Join host Trent Dunham as he welcomes Dan Sumpter, Chief Product Officer at Dunham+Company, and Dean Sell, founder of Red Leaf Brands, for a thought-provoking discussion on understanding and redefining creativity. Is creativity a skill reserved for only a select few? Not at all. The conversation di...

How has the media landscape changed in the past decade, and what does it mean for content creators today? Carey Nieuwhof, returning guest and renowned leadership podcaster, joins the Cause+Effect Podcast to discuss the major shifts in content creation and media consumption over the last 5-10 years.    From the decline of traditional blogging to the rise of video and short-form content, Carey share...

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Cause+Effect podcast featuring James Poulter, a global leader in AI and innovation. Together, Trent and James dive into how to thrive in the ever-changing environment of technology, foster creativity, and let go of outdated practices that hold us back. James shares powerful insights on how these principles can spark meaningful change in technology, ministry...

Welcome to this special episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast! Host Trent Dunham sits down with Rick Dunham, Founder and Chairman of Dunham+Company, to explore the crucial relationship between government policies and charitable giving. Together, they dig into the history of the charitable tax deduction and the recent legislation that has been introduced, proposing a universal charitable tax deductio...

Today, we’re excited to explore some fascinating insights and trends in donor psyche, brought to life by our special guest, Rick Dunham. A frequent visitor to the podcast, Rick joins Trent to unpack critical findings from the latest Donor Confidence Study – a resource the team at Dunham+Company commissions annually to better understand donors' mindsets as we head into a fresh year.   This year’s e...

This episode of the Cause+Effect podcast dives into the highlights of Trent’s presentation at our annual Summit. Featuring a dynamic discussion between hosts Trent Dunham and Nils Smith, this conversation is packed with insights to fuel your mission.    Trent’s iconic “Top 10 List” from the Summit takes center stage as he and Nils break down key trends, actionable recommendations, and best practic...

Join us for a special episode of the Cause and Effect Podcast , where Trent Dunham leads a discussion alongside Nils Smith, Rick Dunham, and Dan Sumpter. Together, they peel back the curtain on the rebranding process at Dunham+Company—offering invaluable insights into leadership transitions, organizational branding, and the art of patience and discernment.   Whether you're exploring a rebrand or e...

Ever wondered how charities can maximize their results on GivingTuesday—and beyond? This episode dives deep into GivingTuesday 2024 and provides actionable insights to set your organization up for success in 2025. Trent is joined by two returning subject matter experts from Dunham+Company—Danielle Rice, Chief Digital Officer, and Madison DeLage, Associate Director of Digital Strategy.   Together,...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the nonprofit world by providing tools for better outreach and engagement through personalized messaging and content delivery. In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, taped live at the Dunham-Company Annual Summit, James Poulter joins us to discuss the changes and speculate about the future of AI's impact on ministry work. He champions the int...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the ministry landscape and the team at Dunham+Company is constantly evaluating how these new tools can move your cause forward. On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Chief Technology Officer, Danielle Rice, and Chief Strategist Social Media+Innovation, Nils Smiths, join the show to discuss the creative ways non-profit organizations can harness the p...

In this episode, we tackle the vital topic of year-end planning for nonprofit organizations, churches, and any mission-driven group navigating the final stretch of the year. Join us as we explore insightful strategies to ensure your organization handles donors with care and integrity, paving the way for continued mission success. In this program we also discuss how recent events, like elections, i...

Welcome to this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, hosted by Trent Dunham with co-host Nils Smith. Today, we’re joined by Danielle Rice, the digital and data science lead at Dunham & Company, to explore the powerful role of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) in driving organizational growth.   In this insightful discussion, we break down what KPIs are and why they’re essential for any organiz...

In this episode, Dunham+Company’s Chief Creative Officer, Dan Sumpter, flips the script by interviewing our host, Trent, on a topic that resonates deeply with organizations today—how to grow in a healthy way. This isn't about personal growth but rather scaling organizationally without losing sight of core values and mission.   Join us as we explore the pressures and opportunities of growth, balanc...

In today's fast-paced digital world, where communication is often reduced to quick texts and bold social media statements, have we lost the art of nuance? Join Trent as he explores this crucial aspect of leadership that can shape not only the trajectory of our organizations but also enhance our personal relationships.   In this episode, learn how nuanced communication can guide leaders to make bet...

Join Trent in this eye-opening episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, featuring Rick Dunham, founder and chairman of Dunham and Company. They explore a timely and significant piece of research from the Generosity Commission, "The Shifting Landscape of American Generosity."   Discover how macroeconomic factors have influenced giving behaviors over the years, leading to a noticeable downturn in donor...

On this Cause+Effect episode, Nils Smith and Dan Sumpter join Trent in a discussion on rebranding your company. They review what a brand refresh is and how to figure out when it is time for your organization to consider implementing one. Whether you're a startup or an established organization, understanding the dynamics of a brand refresh can be crucial for staying relevant and competitive.   They...

In this episode of the Cause+Effect podcast, Trent and Nils Smith discuss the recent ruling against Google in a massive antitrust lawsuit and the resulting shifts in the social media landscape. They discuss how this could impact the ways you search on the internet in the future and give insights into the leading platforms that you should consider creating content on.   Nils highlights what he beli...

As you seek to grow the support for your organization, do donors know how their generosity is advancing the cause of your ministry? How your ministry is changing lives, advancing Kingdom work, and providing resources for those seeking answers?   This is where a Case for Support plays a critical role!   On this episode of the Cause+Effect podcast, Trent is joined by Rick Dunham, Founder and Chairma...

Dunham+Company Founder, Rick Dunham, returns to the show to unpack some very revealing research on Christian radio, specifically, listeners who have a favorite station. The study reveals who these ‘P1’ listeners are (those who have a favorite radio station), and why they do (or don’t) support their favorite station. What motivates them to tune in to a station? And further, what motivates their sup...

As a Fellow at the Cultural Research Center and Associate Professor of Humanities at Arizona Christian University, Dr. Adam Rasmussen draws upon his 25 years of experience in Christian education to inspire students to thrive under the Lordship of Christ in all aspects of their lives. With a passion for helping students connect their faith with reason and culture, he guides them to make meaningful...

It’s no surprise that stubbornly high inflation has impacted how donors are feeling. That’s why you need to understand the implications of the current economic climate.    On this episode Founder+Chairman of Dunham+Company, Rick Dunham, joins the show to discuss the latest iteration of our popular Donor Confidence Study, exploring the implications of the new findings.    To access the study, visit...

While raising capital to move a ministry’s strategy forward is important work, it can also create leadership anxiety and seem daunting and even overwhelming.   On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Erik Rogers, the Chief Strategist for Donor Advancement at Dunham+Company, joins the show to discuss the value of capital campaigns and the most common mistakes organizations make when trying to...

When it comes to digital advertising, the only constant we can count on is change. Thanks to Meta’s latest privacy policy updates, digital advertisers and marketers have been forced to shift strategies to maintain performance from previous years. Does this mean that the opportunity for a successful outcome is dead? In this podcast, Dunham Company’s Director of Digital Madison Farrell shares her le...