What makes a giving program successful? Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek into the first two crucial steps from my 5-step framework (which will be featured in even more detail in my book that comes out in September!) Step 1 - Create the Product Step 2 - Make It Easy Whether you are just starting OR looking to refresh or audit your current program, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to get you on the right track. I’m diving into the key questions you should ask around the wh...
Jun 12, 2024•29 min•Ep. 132
How can we make every gift transformational instead of transactional? Helen Quinn is an inspiring figure in the fundraising landscape, here to unveil how The CLEO Institute's "RISE" monthly giving program is rallying their community to face the urgency of climate action—one dollar at a time. As a client of my Monthly Giving Mastermind, Helen delves into the strategic branding and inclusive structure of the RISE program, tailored to resonate with every donor, especially local youth who are driven...
Jun 05, 2024•36 min•Ep. 131
How can a shift in mindset and a community of supporters revolutionize your nonprofit's funding strategies? Join me on my back patio for a candid chat about the upcoming Monthly Giving Summit on September 5th and 6th. Why is this summit important now? Because scaling recurring giving programs that sustain vibrant communities and provide predictable revenue for organizations can't wait. Day One is all about igniting your passion with behind-the-scenes insights, while Day Two offers personalized n...
Jun 03, 2024•5 min•Ep. 130
You have a monthly giving program… now what? Today’s episode will help you transform everyday community engagement into a powerhouse of support for your cause. Emily Teixeria, Executive Director of Politisit , is bringing a wealth of experience, from intelligence to grassroots politics, to our discussion on how her Childcare for Voters program is revolutionizing the way parents can participate in civic duties. Her journey is not just inspiring—it's a blueprint for nonprofits looking to connect d...
May 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 129
Today’s incredible case study is all about the power of LISTENING, with the guiding force behind Mission Partners , Carrie Fox. First, we’re going back in time as Carrie reveals the rebranding genesis of the Public Health Communications Collaborative (PHCC) during the pandemic, shifting from a COVID-19 centric initiative to a broad-based community platform. We’re covering all things public health messaging and tales from the trenches—the challenges they faced, campaigns led, and how they built t...
May 22, 2024•31 min•Ep. 128
The research is jarring. We spend upwards of five to seven hours a day on social media. But when women leave Instagram and TikTok, they generally feel worse about themselves. Imagine a world where scrolling online leaves you invigorated, rather than caught in a comparison trap. Andi Kay's foundation is on a mission to craft just that. Bloom Foundation is a nonprofit dedicated to helping girls build emotional resilience in a supportive community container. You scroll, but you leave feeling better...
May 15, 2024•23 min•Ep. 127
Gloria Umanah created a movement when she founded Hope Booth – shifting from dynamic event planning, to providing a beacon of hope to those facing loneliness during the 2020 pandemic. The Hope Booth remodels old telephone booths and provides individuals an innovative, interactive, and immersive experience to encounter hope, affirm their dignity, and serve as a connection point to finding local help and support for all of humanity; from the individual living on the streets to the CEO of a fortune...
May 08, 2024•29 min•Ep. 126
How can earned media create viral moments and drive impact? Today, we’re dissecting the evolution of earned media and how to measure success in the digital realm, especially for nonprofits. And there’s no one better to team up with for this conversation than Joe Quenqua, one of the most creative and brilliant communication professionals that I know! This episode is a revelation of what viral marketing moments mean and can look like in 2024. We analyze case studies featuring the Muppets, QVC, and...
May 01, 2024•36 min•Ep. 125
Francesca Orsomarso’s arsenal of digital strategies flips the script on traditional recruitment. In today’s case study, we’re breaking down exactly how Upstate Cerebral Palsy attracted 2,000 qualified applicants within a few months of launching a campaign with FMN Creative. Francesca shares their brilliant one page funnel strategy (and how it was a MAGNET for attracting job seekers), plus the targeted ad approach that resonated with potential recruits and generated awareness. Listen closely as w...
Apr 24, 2024•30 min•Ep. 124
If you have a controversial issue or topic that your organization focuses on, sometimes it’s difficult to figure out how to market and share your mission – especially if you're getting shut down and censored by platforms for sensitive or politicized material. Jayde Powell and Gbemi Maiyegun, co-founders of Weed for Black Women, GET IT. In fact, they've experienced it. Our discussion with Jayde and Gbemi dives into the heart of this evolution, as they recount their mission to reshape the stigmas ...
Apr 17, 2024•37 min•Ep. 123
How can a perfectly crafted cold email turn heads in the corporate world? Today, we're diving into the secrets of strategic content with the always insightful Chris Barlow. Specifically, you’ll hear how a human trafficking nonprofit managed to captivate corporate sponsors within 30 days by sending just TWO intentional emails. Chris breaks down the importance of finding “values alignment” in your outreach to other organizations, who to reach out to within the company, and how to find them. He sha...
Apr 10, 2024•29 min•Ep. 122
What’s the unique approach nonprofits have when it comes to landing press opportunities? In the current media landscape, we’ve been told it’s getting harder to stand out (but it doesn’t have to be!) Danielle Finck is a seasoned PR savant and the founder and CEO of Elle Communications . This episode peels back the layers of the media landscape's evolution, revealing how traditional forms of storytelling are vying for attention in a sea of content, and how brands and media are adapting to connect ...
Apr 03, 2024•32 min•Ep. 121
Is it time to reimagine your donor pipeline? With a track record of doubling crowds and quadrupling donors for the California Symphony, Aubrey Bergauer has been likened to the Steve Jobs of classical music. In her tenure from 2014-2019 as Executive Director, she walked into the role during a state of financial crisis and alarming churn rates. Why were 80% of first-time donors not renewing and 90% of first-time buyers not coming back to see another show? There had to be a better way. My conversat...
Mar 27, 2024•37 min•Ep. 120
Impact communications is so much more than a “buzzword.” What does it actually look like in practice? Tessa Danelesko is an expert in harnessing communication for social impact. She's not only an account director at Yulu , but also the Co-Executive Director of the Impact Communications Institute , and she brings a wealth of knowledge on creating narratives that resonate and foster societal change. In today’s case study, we’re uncovering the origin and evolution of the Audible Indigenous Writers'...
Mar 20, 2024•28 min•Ep. 119
How do you go from a transitional audience of Facebook followers to a level of deep engagement where you actually get to know them? I always love sharing interesting tech and tools, which is why I’m excited to introduce you to Nick Black and Jeremy Berman, the founders of GoodUnited . This dynamic duo are lifting the veil on their mission to transform nonprofit fundraising in the age of social media, turning passive followers into champions of change. Our episode opens up with a candid conversat...
Mar 13, 2024•40 min•Ep. 118
Celebrate with me as we mark two incredible years of Missions to Movements, and what a journey it's been! Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com/m2m I'm taking this special moment to extend my deepest thanks to you, the heartbeat of this podcast, for propelling us to stunning heights in podcast rankings and for enriching our space with your invaluable feedback and reviews. Today, we're not just talking milestones—we're unpacking the art of engagement, zeroing in on birthdays as a powerful touchpoin...
Mar 12, 2024•6 min•Season 1Ep. 117
If you think Facebook doesn't work to acquire donors anymore, this case study with Chelsea Edwards from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will prove you otherwise. For the past three years as the Senior Director of Peer-to-Peer Giving, Chelsea has been instrumental in amplifying their fundraising campaigns, like "Lead From Behind" , which harnessed celebrity influencers like Ryan Reynolds. Partnering with GoodUnited on their messaging and Facebook fundraising efforts last year resulted in 440 peopl...
Mar 06, 2024•27 min•Ep. 116
Meghan Walsh from Roots Ethiopia is back to bring a fresh perspective on how my Grow Your List Ads Challenge (and a killer lead magnet) helped them bring in over 800 email subscribers at $1.93 per lead! Together, we explore the creativity and collaboration behind Roots Ethiopia’s e-cookbook, which weaves together the allure of Ethiopian cuisine with the organization's heartfelt mission. We discuss the power of email marketing and how strategic timing, such as aligning campaign launches with end-...
Feb 28, 2024•43 min•Ep. 115
Do you think Facebook ads are challenging and confusing? Cassie Turczyn from the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is here to guide us through her journey of conquering the complexity of paid ads, resulting in over 21,000 impressions and 200+ new emails for their list! The last round of my Grow Your List Ads Challenge paved the way for MHIF to expand their reach and attract potential donors, so today, we’re sharing their tactical case study. Cassie walks us through the entire $375 ad campai...
Feb 28, 2024•28 min•Ep. 114
Navigating the intricate dance of brand partnerships and their ability to echo our deepest values is NO small feat. Enter Eric Bigger, a reality TV personality who has pivoted towards a profound mission in healing and personal development. Eric opens up in today’s episode about his Baltimore roots and spiritual awakenings, and how he harnesses his public persona to champion mental health and suicide prevention. Together, we dissect the profound impact it can have when our actions are aligned wit...
Feb 21, 2024•34 min•Ep. 113
How does a successful ad funnel thrive on Facebook and Instagram? Let's crack the code together with Jennifer Spivak, the powerhouse behind The Ad Girls Agency and a top Facebook Ads Manager to watch. Jennifer breaks down the importance of refining your offer and your messaging and why bold copy and creative REALLY matters. She’ll also dissect the strategies that have worked to skyrocket her client Pia’s business - and how she guides potential leads through a high-ticket sales funnel with pinpoi...
Feb 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 112
Today, we're exploring the depth and responsibility of trauma-informed storytelling with Maria Bryan, who will guide us through the intricate process of sharing these sensitive narratives within the nonprofit marketing world, ensuring that the dignity of those who have bravely lived these stories is not compromised. Maria's expertise in trauma-informed storytelling will light a path for marketers and communicators to follow as she breaks down the differences between story owners, storytellers, a...
Feb 07, 2024•24 min•Ep. 111
Prepare to be wowed by Cody Hays of Marketing Mission as he unravels the story of how he created a year's worth of emails in just 3 weeks. Plus, he was able to generate $61,000 (!) in revenue from ONE email. This episode zeroes in on Cody's revolutionary approach to time batching 50+ emails and how he harnesses automated email campaigns that are not just lucrative, but are also rooted in cultivating community bonds. We'll also break down his email funnel and paid ads strategy, and how it fosters...
Jan 31, 2024•34 min•Ep. 110
Today we're stepping into a world where technology meets humanity. My good friend Tim Lockie is here to break down his revolutionary concept "The Human Stack", that champions the integration of human elements into the nonprofit tech sphere, prioritizing meaningful connections and community building over mere data collection. In this episode, we'll navigate the differences between a tech stack vs. a human stack, the challenges small teams face when it comes to technology, and how you can galvaniz...
Jan 24, 2024•28 min•Ep. 109
Unlock the secret to standout nonprofit design (without breaking the bank!), as we sit down with the inspiring Bex Toms of Designed to Be Kind . She'll share how Canva's groundbreaking platform is reshaping the design narrative, proving to be a boon, not a bane, for industry professionals and novices alike. Canva's innovative tools are not only keeping budgets in check, but are also sparking a creative revolution, enabling anyone to craft visually compelling content with ease. Bex's path to spea...
Jan 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 108
Today we are talking about one of my favorite things - and that is monthly giving! Whether you want $1,000 or $5,000 recurring every month, your goals are your own. And the benefits are TREMENDOUS. But one of the reasons organizations get stuck starting a monthly giving program is coming up with a name. How do you come up with a name for your giving program? Is it important? In this episode, we'll have a mini workshop on unlocking the secrets to creating a monthly giving program that resonates w...
Jan 10, 2024•13 min•Ep. 107
In this episode, I share the four mindset exercises I used this New Year to start with a positive and renewed mindset! This show is brought to you by iDonate . Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action. Launch the interactive demo here and experience how a well-timed form captures donors in the moment they care most. Let's Connect! Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show! My book, The M...
Jan 03, 2024•10 min•Season 1Ep. 106
This episode will equip you with the tools and tactics needed to clean up your email list, manage your subscriptions, and declutter your Canva, all while gaining insights from your marketing efforts! We'll discuss the importance of analyzing growth, forms, emails, and even social media and podcast analytics. Plus, get a sneak peek into our future episodes in 2024! List of Resources from the Episode: Clean your email list with klean13 Go through your subscriptions with TRIM Hire a VA to take task...
Dec 13, 2023•14 min•Ep. 105
This episode is presented by Evertrue . Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks . Today's episode is a little sneak behind the feed of my own personal thank you strategy using ThankView, a versatile video platform that goes way beyond just thanking donors. I'll share how I used it to send a breezy 5-minute video to my email list that had a 44.7% open rate (more than double the industry ...
Dec 13, 2023•19 min•Ep. 104
This episode is presented by Evertrue . Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks . What if you could tap into the power of direct mail to drive success in your nonprofit organization? That's exactly what we're unpacking today with our special guest, Lauren Daley from Pledgemine. We dive into the intricacies of direct mail strategies, revealing how to effectively incorporate it into an om...
Dec 06, 2023•32 min•Ep. 103
