In this episode, Megan and Naomi dive into a holiday classic with a twist: Grab your Bailey's and coffee as we explore the past, present, and future of fundraising in our Year In Review! Relive the highs and lows of 2024 and look ahead to the exciting trends for 2025. 

(00:02:33) - Top 3 "Comeback Kids" of 2024

(00:11:24) - Biggest Fundraising Inconveniences of 2024

(00:20:28) - Impact of the Canada Post Strike on Giving Tuesday

(00:27:47) - Top 3 AI Tools of 2024

(00:42:25) - Top 3 Fundraising Myths Busted in 2024

(00:56:21) - Top 3 Epsiodes of Frontier FM in 2024

(01:05:05) - Trend Predictions for 2025

• Email Frontier FM YOUR fundraising questions - [email protected]! 
• Next After's Research on multi-channel donor value - https://www.nextafter.com/blog/advanced-guide-to-integrated-fundraising/
• Perplexity - https://www.perplexity.ai/
• Best AI caption creation tools of 2024 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JRTgBXWnEvI
• Google Search Console - https://search.google.com/search-console/about
• Suno - https://suno.com/
• Ethical Storytelling Episode - http://frontierfm.libsyn.com/ethical-storytelling-how-to-transform-fundraising-narratives-with-allison-rolle-mariya-glubrecht-ep-74
• Mike Berg Episode - http://frontierfm.libsyn.com/demystifying-ai-a-conversation-with-mike-berg-ep-71
• David Allison Epsiode - http://frontierfm.libsyn.com/beyond-demographics-harnessing-values-for-better-engagement-with-david-allison-ep-73
• Charity Water Testing - https://www.nextafter.com/blog/a-look-inside-testing-optimization-at-charity-water/
• Children of the Streets ad campaign - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exCGLf6NN_s&t=19s
• Fluvog - https://www.fluevog.com/community/
• Backpack Buddies - https://www.backpackbuddies.ca/
• NotebookLM - https://notebooklm.google.com/

• Follow Megan McCaffery - LinkedIn 
• Follow Naomi -  LinkedIn
• Website - https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/ 
• Frontier FM's NEW Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/frontier.fm/
• Frontier is back on Youtube! - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-tL0vsChb0InyvJcvZn_dA

Frontier.FM is produced by Megan McCaffery & the Frontier by Societ team

What's a non-profit to do with no mail for over two weeks?  In this episode, Megan and Naomi chat with Joanne Griffiths from Backpack Buddies to discuss some of the strategies they're trying as we head into their busiest giving season.

This podcast interview features Joanne Griffiths, co-founder of Backpack Buddies, a non-profit organization addressing childhood hunger. We explore Backpack Buddies growth over the last 13 years and talk about the challenges due to the Canada Post strike and explores alternative communication strategies to maintain donations.

(00:00:53) - The Origin of Backpack Buddies

(00:07:15) - Securing Essential Resources as a New NPO

(00:14:28) - Impact of the Canada Post Strike

(00:16:02) - Future of Direct Mail and Budgeting

(00:17:14) - Donor Awareness and Response to the Strike

(00:21:24) - Volunteer Mobilization and Alternative Strategies

(00:25:22) - Exploring BVMs and Text Messaging

(00:27:07) - Donor Stewardship and Thank-a-thons

(00:28:02) - Collecting Donor Contact Information

(00:30:38) - Tax Receipts and CRM Management

(00:31:36) - Revenue Predictions and Strike Impact

(00:35:24) - Exploring New Social Media Platforms

(00:37:01) - Threads, BlueSky, LinkedIn and Instagram

(00:47:42) - Pros and Cons of Event Fundraising

(00:55:00) - NotebookLM

(00:56:03) - Greatest Fears

• Email Frontier FM YOUR fundraising questions at [email protected]! 
• The latest on the Canada Post strike: https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canada-post-strike-four-week
• Check out these stratgies and more on our blog: https://www.frontier.io/resources/canada-post-might-go-on-strike
• Backpack Buddies: https://www.backpackbuddies.ca/
• Connect with Joanne [email protected]
• NotebookLM: https://notebooklm.google.com/

• Follow Megan McCaffery on LinkedIn 
• Follow Naomi on LinkedIn
• Website: https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/ 
• Frontier FM's NEW Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontier.fm/

Frontier.FM is produced by Megan McCaffery & the Frontier by Societ team

Canada Post gave a 72hr strike notice today, so what does that mean for your Year End fundraising? In this episode, Megan and Naomi dive into some strategies you can implement in the face of a looming strike, and a few ideas you can still execute on before Giving Tuesday. 

• (00:02:50) Stewardship, phone calls, and updating your CRM
• (00:06:00) Advertising in digital
• (00:06:55) Leveraging buckslips effectively
• (00:07:30) Matches and Match alternatives
• (00:11:05) Giving Tuesday, there's still time!
• (00:11:45) Video, BVMs, and SMS
• (00:21:29) Creating effective ad campaigns
• (00:29:41) The role of your webite in your Year End fundraising
• (00:31:15) Building a consistent donor journey   
• (00:36:21) Thanking Canada Post on your OEs 
• (00:38:30) Stewardship through video content
• (00:44:55) Will they stirke? What we saw in 2018

• Email Frontier FM YOUR fundraising questions at [email protected]! 
• The latest on the Canada Post strike: https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/cupw-canada-post-strike-1.7380827
• Check out these stratgies and more on our blog: https://www.frontier.io/resources/canada-post-might-go-on-strike
• Calm's election ad: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I4F8iGSCUyY
• ThankView: https://www.thankview.com/
• Cameo: https://www.cameo.com/
• Follow Derek on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/derekweiss/

• Follow Megan McCaffery on LinkedIn 
• Follow Naomi on LinkedIn
• Website: https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/ 

Frontier.FM is produced by Megan McCaffery & the Frontier by Societ team

In celebration of our LinkedIn Live event with NextAfter (and definitely NOT because we ran out of episodes in the queue) we are taking a dive into episodes past, pulling out some of our favourite moments from our time with our guests from NextAfter and their alumni!

• All About Testing with Nathan Hill from NextAfter, EP #70
• Discussing Digital Fundraising Trends with Brady Josephson, EP #53
• Tim Kachuriak of NextAfter Talks Online Optimization, the Digital Frontier, and Generosity, EP #25

• Check out our Linkedin Live event at https://www.linkedin.com/events/boostingyourcharity-semailsign-7242258572997222400/theater/
• Download the report at https://www.frontier.io/resources/unlocking-the-power-of-email-acquisition
• Email YOUR fundraising questions at [email protected]!

• https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frontiermarketingco/
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco
• Frontier on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frontiermarketingco/

Frontier.FM is produced by Megan McCaffery & the Frontier by Societ team

What do Taylor Swift, the Stanley Cup, and Spotify Wrapped have in common? They might just help you improve your fundraising! In this episode, Megan is joined by Wes Moon and some behind the scenes Frontier staff as they take a deep dive into the CanadaHelps 2024 Giving Report with special guests: Nicole Danesi from CanadaHelps and Jennifer Robins from Environics Analytics. This episode is packed with insights, data, and trends that are shaping the landscape of charitable giving in Canada. 

(00:00:52) Nicole Dainese's Background (00:01:25) Jennifer Robbins' Background (00:04:04) Profile of Jessica: A Representative Canadian Millennial (00:07:01) Social Connectedness and Giving Trends (00:10:01) Impact of the Pandemic on Social Networks (00:14:40) Monthly Giving Trends (00:32:06) Gap Between Concern and Action in Environmental Giving (00:40:06) Effectiveness of In-Person Asks and Door-to-Door Canvassing (00:46:31) Importance of Hope in Fundraising (00:48:08) The 1% Improvement Theory (00:51:20) Leveraging Leassons from the For Profit Sector (00:56:48) Surprising and Not So Surprising Insights From Giving Reports Past and Present  (00:59:20) Why are we Seeing Fewer Donors? (01:05:55) Giving Tuesday Best Practices (01:08:45) The Giving Report Personas  (01:11:50) Online Giving Trends & Talks of a Recession  (01:15:05) Pandemic Predictions vs Reality  (01:21:30) Identifying and Leveraging Donor Values (01:24:01) The Consequences of Relying on Major Gifts (01:26:13) Greatest Fears

• Email Frontier FM YOUR fundraising questions at [email protected]! 
• The CanadaHelps Giving Report
• The Theory of Marginal Gains
• Environics value reports
• Epsiode #73 on Valuegraphics
• How charities can maximize giving webinar
• Genwell

• Follow Nicole on LinkedIn
• Follow Jennifer on LinkedIn

• Follow Megan McCaffery on LinkedIn 
• Follow Wes on LinkedIn
• Website: https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/ 

Frontier.FM is produced by Megan McCaffery & the Frontier by Societ team

In this enlightening episode, Naomi takes a deep dive into the critical topic of ethical storytelling within the nonprofit sector with guests Allison Rolle and Mariya Glubrecht. Together they offer valuable insights into how nonprofits can honor and empower the individuals whose stories they share without compromising impact. 

(00:00:00) Meet Mariya and Alli

(00:02:14) Importance of Ethical Storytelling

(00:04:30) Honoring Stories in Nonprofits

(00:07:17) Addressing Power Imbalances in Storytelling

(00:13:05) Capturing the Right Voice

(00:19:33) AI and Ethical Storytelling

(00:31:00) Acknowledging the Past and Moving Forward

(00:35:47) EDI Misteps and Fails

(00:39:48) Oversimplification and Manipulation

(00:47:17) Helping Organizations Embrace Ethical Storytelling

(00:51:37) NPOs that are Doing it Right

(01:01:05) Alli and Mariya Share Their Greatest Fears

• Email Frontier FM YOUR fundraising questions at [email protected]! 
• Algorithms of Oppression 
• Automating Inequality 
• Stop the Pity
• Esther Lee

• Follow Alli on LinkedIn
• Follow Mariya on LinkedIn

• Follow Naomi Perks on LinkedIn 
• Follow Megan McCaffery on LinkedIn 
• Website: https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/ 

Frontier.FM is produced by Megan McCaffery & the Frontier by Societ team

Join Naomi and Megan as they are joined by the dynamic David Allison, a trailblazer in the field of value-based marketing and the mind behind Value Graphics Research Company.

David shared his journey from marketing to discovering that values, not demographics, are the key drivers of human decisions.

His research has led to the creation of a global inventory of values, changing how companies and nonprofits connect with their audiences. ]

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• [00:00:00] - The Origin of Valuegraphics
• [00:04:40] - Defining Values
• [00:14:08] - Cultural Differences in Value Graphics
• [00:17:42] - Uncovering Non-Profit Donor Segments Using Value Graphics 
• [00:32:29] - Understanding Values on a Budget
• [00:38:59] - Building Workplace Culture with Value Graphics
• [00:46:35] - Are Our Values Changing?
• [00:48:50] - Leveraging Valuegraphics for Personal Growth
• [00:55:15] - When to Use Demographics
• [01:00:57] - Values Focused Homeruns and Horror Stories 
• [01:12:55] - David's Greatest Fear

Resources & People Mentioned

• The Valuegraphics Belonging Index: https://belongingindex.bubbleapps.io/version-test
• The Valuegraphics Institute: https://valuegraphics.com/
• Buy David's Books: https://www.amazon.ca/stores/David-Allison/author/B07HGT8BT3
• Follow David on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidallisoninc
• Hire David to Speak: https://www.davidallisoninc.com/

Connect With Frontier

• Follow Naomi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-perks/
• Follow Megan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/meganmccaffery
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/
• Website: https://Frontier.io

Episode 72

With Megan McCaffery and Naomi Perks

Love is in the air, and so is the spirit of donor stewardship on this heartwarming episode of Frontier FM.

Join Megan as she welcomes Naomi Perks, a former client and the member of the Frontier family, for a deep dive into the art of showing appreciation to donors. In the spirit of Valentine's Day, they discuss the similarities between a good date and good stewardship, and surprisingly, Megan finds herself speaking fondly of SMS fundraising.

You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Naomi's transition from client to Frontier team member [00:00:45]

• The importance of balancing donor relationships without constant asks [00:03:53]

• Creative stewardship methods and the power of tangible communication [00:02:24]

• The innovative use of SMS for donor updates by Canadian Blood Services [00:07:01]

• The significance of stewardship across all donor levels [00:09:44]

• Parallels between stewardship and love languages [00:14:11]

• The economic perspective of stewardship and donor retention [00:25:26]

• Community building and the 'cult' of brand loyalty [00:47:53]

• Stewardship tools we love [00:51:08]

• Naomi's greatest fear [1:01:01]

Resources & People Mentioned

• Canadian Blood Services SMS campaign

• Really Good Emails customer appreciation

• Episode 47 with Jocelyn Kwok

• Out on Screen

Connect With Frontier

• Follow Naomi on LinkedIn

• Follow Megan on LinkedIn

• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/

• Website: https://Frontier.io

We used AI to write these show notes!

Dive into the depths of AI's current landscape and future possibilities with Mike Berg on this enlightening episode of Frontier FM.

In this episode, Megan engages in a compelling discussion with industry veteran Mike Berg, the Chief Technology Officer at System 3. Mike shares his wealth of experience in artificial intelligence, from his tenure at AltaML, Canada's leading peer-to-peer AI company, to his role in developing AI models for diverse applications in everything from feline diagnostics, to HR management.

You'll learn a little bit about why AI may or may not take over the world, which tools you could leverage today, and how to best set up your organization grow into the tools of tomorrow. You will want to hear this episode if you are interested in...

• Introduction to AI and Guest Mike Berg [00:33]
• AI in Executive Recruitment [02:10]
• Addressing Bias in AI Models [04:40]
• Demystifying AI and Its Overuse [06:53]
• Vetting AI Claims in Products [08:35]
• ChatGPT uses and Data Security [10:27]
• Prompts for Success [15:03]
• Considerations Around the AI Wars [19:37]
• Pitfalls of AI [24:40]
• AI Tools for Agencies and Nonprofits [34:00]
• AI in Feline Diagnostics, and How to Create an AI Model [40:49]
• The History of AI and Technological Roadblocks of the Past and Future [49:13]
• Preparing Your Organization for a Future with AI [54:30]
• Job Security and AI [01:06:33]
• Mike's Greatest Fear [01:10:10]

Resources & Mentions

• Email Frontier FM your fundraising questions at [email protected]!
• AltaML
• System 3
• OpenAI - ChatGPT
• Bard
• Gemini
• OpenAI - DALL·E
• Adobe Sensei
• Sylvester AI
• Llama AI
• Sam Altman on data training with OpenAI
• Wisely
• Copilot AI

Connect with Mike Berg

• Follow Mike on LinkedIn

Connect With Frontier

• Follow Megan on LinkedIn
• Frontier on LinkedIn

Sometimes the best way to innovate is to start with the basics. On this episode, Megan and Frontier ED, Derek Weiss sit down with testing guru and friend of the pod, Nathan Hill from NextAfter to discuss all things testing. Nathan shares his favourite test for charities in their A/B infancy, some surprising findings fresh from the NextAfter lab, and some common errors you should avoid while planning your end of year tests.

• Getting to know Nathan Hill and NextAfter [0:38]
• All about NIO [4:33]
• The problem with AI [14:07]
• Findings from our value proposition study [17:39]
• How to start testing [33:33]
• Finding great testing resources with Winston [40:45]
• Cautionary tales with testing [46:57]
• Things you can still do (and shouldn't do) before Year End [52:49]
• Nathan and Derek share their greatest fears [59:39]
• Free resources and how to get in touch [1:01:23]

• Email Frontier FM YOUR fundraising questions at [email protected]! 
• Winston Knows
• Decoding Generosity
• NIO Summit
• Carlos Whittaker's NIO talk
• Jon Lee's NIO talk

• Follow Nathan on LinkedIn 
• Email Nathan at [email protected]
• Sign up for Winston's Weekly

• Follow Megan McCaffery on LinkedIn 
• Follow Derek Weiss  on LinkedIn
• Website: https://Frontier.io
• Frontier on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/frontiermarketingco/