How can you use a quiz to elevate your nonprofit’s fundraising goals?

I’m excited to bring back Lauren Hanson from Every Shelter, to share the nuts and bolts of their successful GivingTuesday quiz that generated 170+ new contacts AND counting.

Inspired by The Adventure Project, who deployed a similar strategy (see Episode 7!), Lauren breaks down the easy-to-use quiz maker she used, and the 4-part email sequence that follows, inviting participants to join their monthly giving program, The Haven.

From crafting recycled billboard bags with Ugandan refugee tailors to painting a powerful mural in Brooklyn, collaboration is at the heart of all of Every Shelter’s campaigns, amplifying support for displaced refugees in East Africa. 

This episode proves that with a little creativity and a compelling quiz, nonprofits can create lasting impact and inspire change.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Every Shelter on their website and on Instagram. And don’t forget to take their quiz and get a FREE sticker! Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn.

Tune in to Episode 91: Increasing Monthly Gifts & GivingTuesday Ideas to hear my first conversation with Lauren.

Lauren’s GivingTuesday strategy was inspired by Episode 7: How To Attract New Donors with a Quiz and Social Media Ads with The Adventure Project’s Tesi Klipsch.

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

How can you use LinkedIn to boost your nonprofit’s visibility, partnerships and funding? 

In this episode, I’m sharing FIVE powerful tips that can help you maximize LinkedIn in 2025. 

We’ll cover how to craft an impeccable LinkedIn profile and company page that serves as your nonprofit’s “digital handshake”, using the “2-2-1” content strategy to captivate and connect, and the importance of experimenting with different post types (from videos, to polls, newsletters, and long-form articles) to see what resonates most. 

I also delve into the essential elements of creating a winning LinkedIn strategy, focusing on team involvement and how to create posts that spark real conversation and add immense value. 

If you’re ready to up your LinkedIn game this year and connect meaningfully with donors and supporters, this episode is your ultimate guide to leveraging this powerful platform to its fullest.

Resources & Links

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

Get ready to explore the vibrant world of ocean and beach conservation! Chad Nelsen, CEO of the Surfrider Foundation, leads one of the most impactful environmental nonprofit organizations.

Today, Chad shares his 27+ years of turning surfing culture into a powerful force for environmental stewardship, now with over 200 chapters and thousands of volunteers.

You’ll hear everything from how Surfrider aligned corporate partnerships with brands like Alaska Airlines, GoPro, and Pinterest, and how advanced technologies like Fundraise Up are helping them revolutionize their donor retention and monthly giving.

Chad’s mission-driven leadership led him to a life-changing speaking opportunity with TEDx, and he shares how he prepared for his 11-minute talk and WHY he hired a storytelling coach.

Using platforms like LinkedIn and the newly trending Bluesky, Chad also highlights how Surfrider has tapped into cultural moments to amplify its brand identity and impact.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Surfrider Foundation on their website and connect with Chad on LinkedIn or Bluesky.

Check out Chad’s TEDx talk, How To Scale Community-Led Advocacy.

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

When I was 23, I could not even fathom starting a nonprofit, but Courtney Johnson did just that. In this episode, she shares her extraordinary journey and how her father’s battle with long cancer inspired her to start Culinary Care, an organization dedicated to supporting cancer patients with nourishing meals. 

Fostering corporate partnerships have been a game changer for Courtney and she walks us through how hosting 20 of their interactive, culinary “cookoff” events resulted in $300,000! 

We break down the details of how companies can sponsor a cookoff, how Culinary Care partners with local restaurants, and her strategies for growing past 200+ monthly donors in their giving program.

Personal connections have also played a pivotal role in building their community and retaining donors, and we discuss how Courtney's personal branding and authentic storytelling have bolstered their mission. 

I love how Courtney's unwavering commitment and fearlessness has not only honored her father's memory, but created a compassionate support system for those fighting cancer.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Culinary Care on their website and connect with Courtney on LinkedIn, or at [email protected].

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

In 2025, can you dare to wonder? 

To kick off the new year, I’m sharing my word of the year, and what’s to come on the Missions to Movements podcast in 2025. The four core themes we’ll be diving into? Revolutionizing fundraising, monthly giving programs, personal branding and thought leadership, and creating unique partnerships.

In this episode, I also take a moment to reflect on my favorite moments from 2024, from writing a book to launching a successful virtual Monthly Giving Summit, and how these experiences taught me the power of collaboration and innovation. 

Guided by the theme of wonder, I encourage you to ask yourself "what if?" as we step into 2025, and challenge conventional practices.

Where can you let go of control, bring on supportive team members, or invest in tools that foster productivity and creativity?

What word is going to guide your nonprofit journey this year?

Plus, a very exciting new partnership with LinkedIn!

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

Could embracing the latest nonprofit tech trends redefine your fundraising strategy for 2025?!

Today I’m sharing a comprehensive, data-driven look at my top FIVE key trends and predictions that will transform how you connect with supporters in the new year… starting with AI!

We’ll explore how AI innovations like Claude and Perplexity are transforming grant writing and donor communication, with fascinating examples from the American Red Cross (who use AI for real-time disaster relief), to Greenpeace Australia and UNICEF, who leverage AI chatbots to streamline more complex donor interactions.

There are many other emerging trends, like the impact creator economy, and why it’s important to empower employees to become content creators - not only because these stories foster a deeper connection to your mission, but it’s great for attracting new talent, too.

Social purchasing is also taking center stage in 2025, with platforms like TikTok Shop revolutionizing how we connect with causes.

I’ll also discuss the emerging trend of building devoted donor communities through recurring giving and the strategic hiring needed to sustain these initiatives. (Oxfam and the International Rescue Committee are setting the precedent with roles focused on community engagement!)

As we wrap up the year, I encourage you to reflect on these trends and adapt your strategies to stay ahead. Happy holidays!

Resources & Links

Check out my recommended AI tools: Claude and Perplexity and my AI-generated “Gratitude Garland” here.

Learn the basics of AI with Tim Lockie’s course, AI For Anyone and use code EQUATION for 5% off.

More Than Giving - Virtual Assistants for Nonprofits

charity: water created an immersive experience in Franklin, TN combining storytelling and sensory-rich exhibits. Check it out here.

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

The Canada Post strike began on November 15th, and Shellie Power, the Executive Director of Hope Centre Ministries, is here to shine a light on the fascinating creative strategies she’s crafted to maintain crucial donor communications. (Hint: it’s pretty heartwarming!)

We talk about the strike's ripple effect that has been felt across sectors and how it’s challenging nonprofits to find innovative ways to keep fundraising efforts afloat.

Shellie turned these postal delays into a chance for personal connection with donors. By hand-delivering not just mail, but also cookies, they transformed a setback into a joyful engagement opportunity.

We dig into the logistics of their approach and how it led to increased donations and stronger relationships. This episode is a testament to the resilience and innovation that nonprofits bring to bear during crises, fostering community and connection even amidst adversity.

Resources & Links

Connect with Shellie on the Hope Centre Ministries website, on LinkedIn, or via email at [email protected].

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

Join The Sustainers, my Slack community for nonprofit professionals growing and scaling a recurring giving program.

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. 

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

In honor of the 12 Days of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to share 12 of my FAVORITE tools, services, personal treasures, and subscriptions that make my life easier, more productive, and more enjoyable.

Shop Dana’s Favorite Things

The Monthly Giving Mastermind Book (For a limited time, get the first two chapters for FREE!)

Flodesk

Nonprofit Automation Agency

Monthly Giving Summit Replays (Binge the replays for 50% off through 12/31/24!)

Buzzsprout

Podcasting for Creatives

Butter

Nuuly

LettrLabs

More Than Giving - Virtual Assistants for Nonprofits

Mission-Minded Merch

Pura Scent Diffusers

For a detailed description of each of my favorite things, click here.

Resources & Links

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

Join The Sustainers, my Slack community for nonprofit professionals growing and scaling a recurring giving program.

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. 

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

As a board member of the Impact Communications Institute (ICI), I am excited to share a thought-provoking conversation during one of our Impact Councils that we hosted in partnership with 3BL Media.

In this episode, we explore how open hiring and criminal justice reform can be woven into brand storytelling without objectifying those with lived experiences.

You’ll learn how purpose-driven companies like Greyston Bakery and Ben & Jerry's are turning their values into action and creating inclusive employment opportunities that resonate and drive change.

By focusing on potential rather than past barriers, these organizations are providing second chances while fostering a culture of respect and empowerment.

Whether you're aiming to implement open hiring practices OR seeking to anchor your brand in meaningful values, this episode will empower you to communicate your impact more effectively while creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

Resources & Links

If you are on the leading edge of using storytelling for changemaking, I would love to invite you to take the pledge with us.

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 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. 

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!

Leadership isn't just a title. It's about influence and building trust. And today's guest is someone who FUNDAMENTALLY shaped my career and even became a catalyst in my leap to entrepreneurship. 

Kristin Boehm was a pioneer in digital media at People Magazine and with an always sharp pulse on culture, is now a branding consultant. Known for her killer headlines and strategic mind, her superpower is also in building high-performing teams and nurturing talent.

We discuss Kristin’s transition to the digital landscape, and explore the importance of service industry skills, taking time off during transitions, and the power of listening to team input.

Leadership, of course, isn’t without its challenges, so we also get into what it’s like to build resilient teams in burnout-prone sectors like nonprofits, the complexities of hiring, and how to juggle wins with constructive feedback.

Resources & Links

Check out the other episodes in this Meet My Boss Leadership Series:

Nurturing Talent and Fostering Innovation with Lisa Bechtold
Building Thriving Cultures and Team Dynamics with Dave Nugent

Bloomerang is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

See how one team surpassed a $1M match and raised $2.25M for their mission with Penny, Bloomerang’s AI-powered fundraising strategist. Learn more at bloomerang.com.

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

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!