Do you know about Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs)?

This 3-letter word has been on a LOT of people’s minds, which is why I’m joined by Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to learn how these tax-advantaged accounts are reshaping charitable giving.

Mitch introduces us to the revolutionary DAF Pay, an innovation that simplifies the donation process to feel just like using a credit card, making it easier for nonprofits to connect with donors.

We also talk about the democratization of DAFs, driven by major players like Fidelity and Schwab, which has opened the door for everyday donors to make a difference without the hurdles of high minimums and grant sizes.

Even leading nonprofits like the Michael J. Fox Foundation are capitalizing on DAFs to inspire increased generosity!

From creating engaging content to educating donors on viewing DAFs as active charitable wallets, Mitch generously shares how organizations can maintain top-of-mind awareness and encourage frequent use of DAFs.

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 Mitch on LinkedIn and check out Chariot’s first ever DAF Fundraising Report and their blog for more education on Donor-Advised Funds.

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. 

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

As Hurricane Milton threatened Florida, I found myself grappling with anxiety and worry for my hometown of Sarasota. Traveling to Cincinnati for a keynote on the power of personal stories, I couldn't escape the shared trepidation at the airport, as travelers exchanged tales of loved ones caught in the storm's path. This collective concern spurred me into action, reaching out to Florida-based organizations to see how we could all lend a hand. The responses were heartwarming, offering a glimpse into how community and storytelling can become a beacon of hope during crises.

Join me in this special episode of Missions to Movements, where I illuminate the efforts of remarkable organizations like the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and the Treasure Coast Food Bank, both tirelessly distributing meals and supplies. Susan from the SPCA of Brevard shares the challenges faced by animal shelters, while the Community Foundation of Sarasota County unveils key initiatives like the Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund and the Season of Sharing campaign, focused on long-term recovery. Discover how you can contribute to these essential efforts and help rebuild communities ravaged by Hurricane Milton.

Get Involved & Donate here: 

1. Feed Hope Now
2. SPCA of Brevard
3. Suncoast Disaster Recovery Fund
4. Season of Sharing Campaign

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

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.

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

Mallory Erickson’s new book “What The Fundraising” is out TODAY, and I can’t wait to share her wisdom around “alignment fundraising” – specifically why prioritizing alignment over your monetary goals is transformative.

Mallory has done extensive research into the psychological and physiological responses of fundraisers, and you’re going to walk away with so many actionable steps for a holistic strategy that benefits both you and your supporters.

We discuss the crucial role of internal alignment and self-compassion in forming and maintaining successful partnerships, plus the magic and science of serendipity.

Discomfort is a big theme in our conversation. And it can stem from so many places - toxic environments, unfamiliar situations – even the tension between short-term relief and long-term alignment.

But what if discomfort could serve as a catalyst for your personal and professional growth? This episode will leave you with practical strategies for managing the uncertainty.

Be sure to pick up Mallory’s new book, What The Fundraising, and grab a copy for a friend, too!

Resources & Links

Connect with Mallory on her website and buy her new book, What The Fundraising. Follow her on LinkedIn or on Instagram at _malloryerickson. Mallory also hosts a podcast, What the Fundraising.

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. 

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

Why do some fundraising appeals succeed while others fall flat?

It all comes down to the power of language.

Dr. Emilie Socash, the visionary founder and CEO of the Nonprofit Help Center, is here to share groundbreaking findings from her research, including why donors are MORE generous when messaging emphasizes preventing negative outcomes.

We break down the psychological contrasts between promotion-focused and prevention-focused approaches, drawing from an eye-opening experiment involving 225 high-income adults.

Prevention-focused individuals are 53% more likely to increase their donations when they receive messages tailored to their motivational orientation!

Later, we go through Emilie’s incredibly actionable “Mad Libs” exercise to A/B test, analyze, and refine your appeals.

This episode is FILLED with impactful advice. Get ready to furiously take notes and have your pen and paper ready.

Resources & Links

Connect with Emilie on LinkedIn and learn more about the Nonprofit Help Center on their website, where they host hundreds of micro-learning courses.

Check out the free resource Emilie talked about in today’s episode: How To Say It And Speak Their Language (with promotion and prevention language examples!)

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. 

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

What if you could transform your entire donor engagement strategy from the ground up, 2x your fundraising goals, AND achieve a 64% open rate?

I’m excited to feature a conversation previously on The Purpose & Profit Club podcast featuring Wendy Faust, the trailblazing Executive Director of the Live Like Lou Foundation, and host Christina Edwards from Splendid Consulting.

Wendy takes us on an inspiring journey through her transformative work supporting ALS-affected families, funding innovative ALS research, and keeping Lou Gehrig’s legacy alive. You’ll hear about the viral success of the Ice Bucket Challenge and what it means for ongoing advocacy and funding efforts.

We also uncover the secrets behind tripling email frequency to achieve a 64% open rate, all through the lens of nonprofit storytelling. Plus, personalized thank-you notes, candid videos on TikTok, anniversary emails, and data platforms like Bloomerang helped revolutionize their approach.

Every connection and story shared can make a difference!

P.S. Sign up for FREE instant access to Christina’s masterclass, Email Goldmine: Monetize Your Email List.

Resources & Links

Connect with Wendy on LinkedIn and learn more about Live Like Lou on their website and Instagram.

Want to skyrocket your open rates and double your next fundraiser? Sign up for FREE instant access to Christina’s masterclass, Email Goldmine: Monetize Your Email List.

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.

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

What if the key to turning your mission into a movement lies in the power of video?

Shannon Fitzgerald from The Hooligans Agency is here to reveal how creative video content can revolutionize advocacy and nonprofit work.

And you DON’T need a massive budget to make a significant impact.

You’ll hear the incredible story behind two “fake” horror movie trailers designed with a scrappy budget in less than a week (!) for Gas Leaks Action, that educated audiences about the dangers of natural gas.

These ads received a TON of earned media attention, even landing in movie theaters during Halloween season.

Shannon has one heck of a resume, going from Hollywood to spearheading 80+ campaigns for democratic and climate initiatives.

You’re no doubt going to learn so many practical tips for aligning your creative projects with your core values, and why the “MAYA Principle” is so special (it will help your content resonate more deeply!)

This episode is for you if you’re ready to elevate your social impact mission with video.

P.S. Join me for my Book Launch Tour at the Kendra Scott store in Sarasota, FL on September 18th! RSVP here.

Resources & Links

Learn more about Shannon’s work on her agency website and connect with her at [email protected], or on LinkedIn.

Check out the video examples discussed in this episode: Silent But Deadly for Gas Leaks Action and Assume That I Can for CoreDown.

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 a

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

The Monthly Giving Summit is here! In less than 24 hours, over 1,500 nonprofits from all over the world are coming to the first online virtual event completely dedicated to monthly giving.

So what can you expect? Day 1 is focused on keynotes and panels, sharing stories about growth, retention, and fostering values-aligned partnerships. You’ll hear from the Head of LinkedIn for Nonprofits, Ariana Younai, and Marcus Collins, who wrote one of my favorite books.

Day 2 will feel like a mastermind. It’s time to come together and network, share your learnings and experiences, AND we’ll have two breakout sessions where you can get hot seat style coaching. Come prepared with your most burning questions!

Whether you are in the pre-launch phase of your monthly giving strategy, or you have over 100,000 monthly donors, this event is for you.

Join me on Sept 5-6 from 1-4 pm ET to learn how to build, grow and sustain subscriptions for good. RSVP for FREE here.

P.S. I am hitting the road this week! Join me for my Book Launch Tour at Kendra Scott stores in Atlanta, GA and Sarasota, FL!

RSVP for Atlanta on September 7th

RSVP for Sarasota on September 18th

P.P.S. Would an in-person monthly giving event in 2025 pique your interest? Send me a DM at @positivequation on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you.

Resources & Links

Special thanks to the Monthly Giving Summit’s growth partners: Neon One, iDonate, Givebutter, and

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

Get ready to unlock the secrets of nonprofit email marketing with Katelyn Baughan, a seasoned email expert who has worked with National Geographic and the Trevor Project.

Katelyn and I are diving into the nuances of nurturing new email leads with a well-crafted welcome series, (which is underutilized and CRUCIAL during the early stages of supporter engagement!)

We break down an optimal sequence of sending 4 emails over 12 days, including thank you notes, mission connections, storytelling, and a final call-to-action.

We also touch on the importance of key performance indicators (KPIs) and choosing the right email platforms and CRMs for your organization. Katelyn has so much wisdom to share on avoiding new subscriber overwhelm.

Plus, Katelyn is offering a bonus coaching call in my upcoming Grow Your List Ads Challenge, designed to help you attract new supporters. And if you join us, you’ll get her fully customizable email series welcome template!

P.S. My Monthly Giving Summit is coming up FAST! Join me on Sept 5-6 from 1-4 pm ET for the only free virtual event that is dedicated to helping you build, grow and sustain subscriptions for good. RSVP for FREE here.

P.P.S. Join me for my Book Launch Tour at Kendra Scott stores in Atlanta, GA and Sarasota, FL!

RSVP for Atlanta on September 7th

RSVP for Sarasota on September 18th

Resources & Links

Register for my Monthly Giving Summit coming up on Sept 5-6 from 1-4 pm ET - the ONLY virtual event designed to help nonprofits build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. RSVP for FREE here!

Sign up for my Grow Your List Ads Challenge to generate 100 subscribers in 7 days with Facebook ads. Get 4 live Zoom calls, plus a bonus group coaching call with email expert Katelyn Baughan.

Connect with Katelyn on LinkedIn and sign up for h

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...

What can we learn from the merger of two impactful nonprofits, and how can it reshape our approach to mission-driven work?

Join me as we welcome back Blythe Hill, the visionary founder of Dressember, who shares the inspiring journey of her organization’s partnership with the International Justice Mission (IJM). With limited resources and a challenging post-COVID fundraising environment, this strategic move opened up new opportunities AND expanded the reach of Dressember's mission to combat human trafficking.

You’ll hear about the emotional and practical challenges Blythe faced, how they announced the acquisition to their 200,000 contacts, AND the nitty gritty of the legal side.

This episode offers a transparent look at how to execute a successful strategic transition that ensures continued impact and support for nonprofit teams.

P.S. My Monthly Giving Summit is coming up FAST! Join me on Sept 5-6 from 1-4 pm ET for the only free virtual event that is dedicated to helping you build, grow and sustain subscriptions for good. RSVP for FREE here.

P.P.S. Join me for my Book Launch Tour at Kendra Scott stores in Atlanta, GA and Sarasota, FL!

RSVP for Atlanta on September 7th

RSVP for Sarasota on September 18th

Resources & Links

Register for my Monthly Giving Summit coming up on Sept 5-6 from 1-4 pm ET - the ONLY virtual event designed to help nonprofits build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good. RSVP for FREE here!

Learn more about Dressember on their website and follow them on Instagram. Connect with Blythe at [email protected] or on Instagram.

Tune in to Episode 3 for my first

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

LettrLabs helps nonprofits build lasting donor relationships through real, handwritten mail that’s fully automated - turning moments of intent into meaningful connection. From thank-yous to impact updates, they help you cut through with mail donors actually open, remember, and trust.

Join me and the LettrLabs team on March 30th at 1pm Eastern for a FREE webinar that will showcase even more examples and case studies of how direct mail can work for you.

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? ...