The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

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.

Author

The Fundraising Elevator Podcast

Category

Education

Latest episode

Jul 8, 2026

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Episodes

Episode #8 | ENCORE |Now What? with Clay Buck 07.08.2024

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on how to clean up and best utilize your data. 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 sig...

Episode #19 | ENCORE | Increase Fundraising In Your Paddle Raise With Samantha Swaim 31.07.2024

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on turning your donor cultivation into increased fundraising at your next event. 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...

Episode #10 | ENCORE | Making the Ask with Juan Martinez 24.07.2024

During our summer break we are re-airing one of our favorite episodes to help you prepare for fall fundraising season. This week we're focused on donor relationship building. This week 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 artform and his asks for gifts feel like an amazing opportunit...

Episode #44 | Getting Ahead This Summer with Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim 17.07.2024

As we wrap up season 1 on The Fundraising Elevator, hosts Kristin and Sam plant some seeds to maximize your summer to take time for yourself to recharge and implement strategies to get ahead on your event. From discussing the balance between big donors and the importance of building relationships, this episode is packed with practical tips and strategies.  Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please s...

Episode #43 | Finding a Great Venue with Tracey Lorts 09.07.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Tracey Lorts, venue manager at AVENUE, and tackle the crucial topic of finding the perfect venue for your fundraising event. No matter what style of gathering you are planning, the right venue can make or break the experience for guests. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find...

Episode #42 | Guest Experience at Events with Tanya Mikkelson 03.07.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to seasoned event producer Tanya Mikkelson about how to create an exceptional guest experience at fundraising events. At its most successful, this experience of your organization and its work can turn your guests into advocates for your mission long after the event is over. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast....

Episode #41 | Securing Grants with Susan Taylor 26.06.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Susan Taylor, founder and CEO of The Grant Lab, about the changing landscape of grant funding and what nonprofits should be thinking about now when they apply. We explore how to find good funding fits for your organization, what a compelling proposal looks like and follow-up strategies.  Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and re...

Episode #40 | Event Day Staffing with Lauren Batterby 19.06.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we dive into the crucial topic of event day staffing with our special guest, Lauren Batterby, founder and CEO of LIFE Event Staffing. Lauren brings her wealth of experience and insights into the dynamics of managing staff on the big day of fundraising events. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other...

Episode #39 | Fractional Development with Erica Soto 12.06.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we talk to Erica Soto of The Cause Catalyst Co. about the idea of fractional development teams and how they can help build capacity and resources within nonprofit organizations.  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:/...

Episode #38 | Empowerment Over Exploitation with Jenna Watanabe 05.06.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we delve into the critical topic of empowerment versus exploitation in fundraising. Our guest, Jenna Watanabe, brings her expertise and insights from her experience as a storyteller in the nonprofit sector. Join us as we explore how organizations can continue to empower their beneficiaries and the stories they tell. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subs...

Episode #37 | Building a Development Team with Peter Drury 29.05.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator we're joined by Peter Drury, a seasoned expert in strategy and team development within the nonprofit sector. Peter's insights offer a roadmap for organizations seeking to build resilient and impactful development teams in today's dynamic nonprofit landscape. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other p...

Episode #36 | The Guest Perspective with Robert Goman 22.05.2024

This week, Robert Goman shares his experience and insights on what makes events successful and memorable from a guest perspective. 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.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and productio...

Episode #35 | Big Fundraising News from Seth Godin + Anne Marie Cruz 15.05.2024

This week, Seth Godin and Anne Marie Cruz discuss their innovative new auction platform, GOODBIDS as well as tap into their expertise on organizational development and the state of the nonprofit sector. 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://swaimstrategi...

Episode #34 | How to Tell Your Organizational Story with Kristin Steele 08.05.2024

This week Kristin Steele delves into the art of sharing organizational stories effectively by starting with the "why." From the importance of conveying mission to dissecting the elements of effective storytelling, we unravel the intricacies of crafting compelling narratives. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show. ...

Episode #33 | VR Storytelling with Rachel Bracker 01.05.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator Rachel Bracker joins our hosts to discuss the transformative potential of VR storytelling for nonprofits. She explores the ways in which VR can be used to enhance donor engagement, overcome geographic barriers and evoke empathy and emotional resonance through immersive experiences. VR offers a unique opportunity for nonprofits to immerse donors in their work,...

Episode #32 | Fundraising Auctions with Kelly Russell 24.04.2024

This week on The Fundraising Elevator, Kelly Russell of Artisan Auctions dives into the evolving landscape of fundraising auctions and activities. She shares the constants that remain unchanged post-pandemic and explores the need to balance gamification with inclusivity and mission alignment. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other peop...

Episode #31 | Fundraising Event Trends with Dale Johannes 17.04.2024

This week Dale Johannes returns to discuss the evolving landscape of fundraising events in 2024, emphasizing the importance of innovation, storytelling, and mission alignment in maximizing donor engagement and impact. He emphasizes the "less is more" approach, focusing on tighter programs and impactful storytelling to engage donors. Generational shifts in giving preferences are also influencing fu...

Episode #30 | Leadership Lessons with Steve Johns 10.04.2024

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 Fundraisin...

Episode #29 | Coaching Great Teams with Ryan Goodwin 03.04.2024

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...

Episode #28 | Small Shop Strategies with Rachel Bearbower 27.03.2024

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 Fund...

Episode #27 | Appreciation Events with Sally Dadmun Bixby 20.03.2024

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 r...

Episode #26 | The Power of Data with Beth Sandefur 13.03.2024

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...

Episode #25 | The Art of Gratitude with Zerik Samples + Kelly Russell 06.03.2024

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, r...

Episode #24 | Next Level Fundraising Events with Samantha Swaim 28.02.2024

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 Eleva...

Episode #23 | Mobilizing Funds with Floyd Jones 21.02.2024

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...

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