What if the strategies that win elections could also supercharge nonprofit fundraising?

DJ Koessler is a trailblazer in political marketing who has shaped campaigns for Barack Obama and Kamala Harris. Together, we’re unlocking the secrets of political messaging and exploring how these techniques can be adapted to energize nonprofit supporters, especially during Giving Tuesday.

How can we call in people who believe in us and want to support the causes we do?

How do we create campaigns for people to take action?

DJ shares his unique journey from nonprofit development to the political arena, why TikTok is emerging as the platform of choice for today's political campaigns, and the significance of personalized donor experiences.

Find out why it’s so important to “know who your most engaged reporters are” and how these grassroots connections can illuminate campaign strategies.

Through fascinating examples from the Harris campaign, we examine the risks and rewards of engaging with cultural phenomena, stressing the importance of authenticity and audience understanding.

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

Resources & Links

Connect with DJ on his website, KoesslerStrategies.com and on social media at @DJKoessler. 

Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take a screenshot of this episode and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you. 

This show is brought to you by GivingTuesday! GivingTuesday is a global generosity movement that started in 2012 with a simple idea: a day to do good.

This year, on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, join the conversation: share your favorite nonprofit’s campaign, volunteer for a cause you care about, share an act of kindness, or encourage your audience to do the same.

Use #GivingTuesday, tag @GivingTuesday, and visit GivingTuesday.org/Participate to get involved and inspire others!

Let's Connect!

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• My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.
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