Three of the most famous movements in history were built on marketing, storytelling, subcultures, and creating influence. Today, we’re going to explore how leaning into subcultures (rather than mass marketing), can be REALLY powerful and create sustainable impact for your nonprofit.

We’ll start by unraveling lessons from the Civil Rights Movement and Women's Suffrage. These movements thrived by uniting deeply connected communities. Your nonprofit can adopt similar strategies, focusing on smaller groups that resonate with your cause to create a lasting impact.

Storytelling plays a pivotal role in any movement-building strategy, and we'll explore its profound impact by examining the #MeToo movement.

When you're building your monthly giving program, what stories can you share to really connect with your audience?

Connecting with a specific subculture of survivors, #MeToo grew exponentially by sharing personal narratives. Hear how your nonprofit can harness this powerful approach for monthly giving programs, especially when you target subcultures that align with your mission.

As we approach the giving season, there's no better time than now to nurture those relationships.

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

Missed the Monthly Giving Summit? Get access to all of the keynotes and breakout sessions here.

Check out Episode 68 of Missions to Movements with Marcus Collins: How Culture Influences Marketing.

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!

• Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!
• My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.
• Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? Click here!