The Cause+Effect Podcast

In this thought-provoking episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast , host Trent Dunham dives into the fascinating and complex world of artificial intelligence with guest Drew Dickens. With over 25 years of ministry experience and a deep focus on the intersection of AI and spirituality, Drew brings a unique perspective on how AI is shaping our lives, our faith, and our organizations.   Together, they ex...

In this episode of the  Cause+Effect Podcast , host Trent Dunham welcomes back Rick Dunham, founder and chairman of Dunham+Company, for an insightful conversation on the latest giving trends and their implications for nonprofits.   Together, they unpack the Mid-Year Giving Update , exploring key data points from 2024 and early 2025, including donor participation trends, the impact of tax policy ch...

 In this insightful episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast , host Trent Dunham is joined by Joshua Crowther to explore the critical role of measurement in organizational growth and effectiveness. With over 17 years of experience, including a decade leading Dunham+Company’s Australian office, Josh brings a wealth of expertise to the conversation.   Together, they dive into why measuring outcomes matte...

Welcome to this episode of the  Cause+Effect Podcast , where we explore the fascinating dynamics of generational engagement in charitable giving. Host Trent Dunham is joined by two returning guests: Rick Dunham, founder and chairman of Dunham+Company, and Josh Crowther, Vice President of Dunham+Company. Together, they unpack the findings of a groundbreaking longitudinal study commissioned by Dunha...

On this episode, we’re bringing together a dynamic conversation at the crossroads of ministry, architecture, and strategy. Hosted by Trent Dunham, this episode features three incredible guests who offer unique perspectives on designing and funding spaces to better serve communities and ministries. Erik Rogers, Chief Strategist for Donor Advancement at Dunham+Company, kicks off with insight into ho...

Understanding the ebb and flow of charitable giving is crucial for nonprofits and ministries to thrive in a challenging economic landscape. Trent Dunham is joined by Rick Dunham to tackle a pivotal question many organizations grapple with: What do you do when giving isn’t awesome?     From the boom of 2021’s record-breaking donations to the flatlined trends of 2023 and 2024, this episode dives int...

We’re excited to have Brian Mountjoy, Chief Culture Officer at Dunham+Company, joining us today. With over a decade of experience shaping organizational culture, Brian brings valuable insights into what makes teams truly unified.   We explore the practical side of fostering a healthy workplace culture, where unity doesn’t mean the absence of challenges but rather handling those challenges in a con...

Dive into the latest episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast , where Trent Dunham sits down with industry experts Nils Smith, Madison DeLage, and Haley Johnson to discuss the cutting-edge tools and trends shaping the future of digital marketing and fundraising.   In this engaging conversation, the team tackles how AI is revolutionizing audience engagement, from predictive analytics to personalized con...

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...