This week, there's another podcast I want to share with you: What the Fundraising.

Mallory Erickson is talking to Caitlin Wion, a data manager at Alzheimer's San Diego. And Caitlin is revealing ALL of her automation secrets to enhance donor engagement and make recurring giving work – with limited capacity and time.

Hear how a simple donation tracker in an email campaign led to an unexpected surge in donor sign-ups, the power of customization and segmentation, and the origins and evolution of Alzheimer's San Diego's recurring giving program.

Caitlin doesn’t hold ANYTHING back in sharing their best creative strategies for fostering a donor community (like heartfelt acknowledgment letters and special thank-you notes!), while their Visionary program celebrates major contributors annually.

This juicy episode underscores the broader impact of monthly giving on fundraising strategies, and should get your wheels turning while you plan this year’s Giving Tuesday and year-end campaigns.

P.S. I thought this was a perfect episode to share with you as 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 Alzheimer’s San Diego on their website and connect with Caitlin on LinkedIn.

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? ...

Could leveraging Facebook Messenger transform your nonprofit's fundraising strategy? In this episode, we sit down with Becca Lockhart and Ty Hyacinth from the Michael J. Fox Foundation to uncover the digital strategies that have catapulted their annual giving. Discover how their innovative use of Facebook Messenger campaigns, combined with integrated donor engagement tactics, has revolutionized their approach to funding Parkinson's research, leading to remarkable growth in revenue and donor interaction.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation's shift to Facebook fundraising, in partnership with Good United, offers a masterclass in authentic community-building. Join us as Becca and Ty reveal the power of personalized interactions and the critical role of staff members stepping into the spotlight with a conversational tone. Hear how ongoing engagement and expressing gratitude have been pivotal in fostering trust, belonging, and sustained support through various campaigns and challenges.

We celebrate the foundation's impressive achievements in 2023, particularly through their "Year in Review" report. Listen to how they've leveraged Facebook Messenger for transparency and impactful communication, creating an engaged community where members share personal stories and support each other. As we look forward to April's Parkinson's Awareness Month, Becca and Ty share their excitement for upcoming community efforts and advocacy. Don’t miss this episode packed with valuable insights and heartfelt stories from the front lines of nonprofit fundraising.

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? ...

Books can spark a movement.

And while I am in the midst of writing my first book (coming out in September!), I immediately knew we had to do a podcast episode about this entire process. Allison Trowbridge is the founder and CEO of Copper Books, who are revolutionizing the hybrid publishing model while focusing on mission-driven authors.

Get ready to be guided through the complexities of the publishing industry, from the financial risks traditional publishers take, to the entrepreneurial spirit required for successful self-publishing.

Plus, Allison explains her pivot to hybrid publishing for balancing professional support and author control, making it ideal for niche books with meaningful audiences (I’ll reveal why I chose this path over other options).

If you’re one of the 81% of people in the world who want to write a book and share your story, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of the financial aspects, marketing strategies, and the evolving landscape of book publishing.

P.S. Don’t forget to 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!

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

Learn more about Copper Books on their website or on Instagram. You can also connect with Alli on LinkedIn and Instagram. DM her to learn more about their Author Camp.

Check out Squibler, a supercharged AI story writing software.

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? ...

Is your nonprofit making the most out of email marketing in 2024? Open rates are no longer the gold standard for measuring engagement!

Today we’re uncovering the secrets to successful email strategies with Scott Cohen, VP of Strategy and Marketing for InboxArmy.

Scott shares his expert insights on the shift towards first-party data and his favorite tactics for re-engaging and retaining subscribers.

You’ll discover how to assess engagement with click-through and conversion metrics, and learn from a fascinating case study with 1-800-CONTACTS that illustrates the hidden value of “non-openers.” And as much as he hates them, pop-ups on entry or exit DO still work.

Scott also reveals the best email campaign he ever sent that generated $200,000 in ONE day.

P.S. Don’t forget to 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!

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

Connect with Scott on LinkedIn and check out his work on the InboxArmy website and new podcast!

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? ...

Today’s case study explores how an International Women’s Day fundraising campaign empowered local communities and drove meaningful impact across 140 stores.

I’m thrilled to have Amanda Young, the Marketing and Philanthropic Manager at Kendra Scott, here to spill her secrets behind successful nonprofit partnerships. We cover everything from setting up pop-up shops, creating custom gifts, and leveraging local contacts.

You’ll also hear about Kendra’s incredible origin story revolutionizing the jewelry industry with a scrappy $500 investment, to later striking a deal with Nordstrom and opening her first retail store.

This episode is a testament to the transformative power of perseverance and combining business success with a commitment to giving back. Amanda’s wisdom will offer a clear roadmap for nonprofits eager to maximize their fundraising efforts this year.

Kendra Scott's philanthropy has resulted in over $50 million dollars in donations since 2011!

P.S. Don’t forget to 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!

Resources & Links

Interested in partnering with Kendra Scott? Click here to learn more. You can also connect with Amanda on LinkedIn.

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? ...

Leveraging influential content creators, celebrities, and internet personalities, AND your board members can SIGNIFICANTLY boost awareness and fundraising for your organization.

So how did the American Lung Association do it back in 2021? You’re about to find out.

Nick Lynch, co-founder and CEO of Collidescope, and Maxine Tatlonghari, Development Director for the American Lung Association, are here to reveal the secrets behind their Champions Unite event, which evolved from a traditional gala into an online talent show.

In today’s case study, we’ll get into the nuts and bolts of creating successful virtual events and the critical role of data measurement in tracking influencer impact, even if you’re starting with an “ugly” spreadsheet!

Maxine and Nick share the importance of unique tracking links and aligning content around influencers' busy schedules.

They also discuss how their collaborative efforts helped educate and involve the board in this new digital approach, and how they selected influencers who were already mission-aligned, leading to a more cost-effective and impactful event.

P.S. Don’t forget to 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!

Resources & Links

Connect with Maxine on LinkedIn and follow @californialung on Instagram.

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn or via email at [email protected].

Learn more about Collidescope on their website.

Check out Nick’s new book, Impact Redefined: Transforming Partnerships, Social Moments, and Personal Connections to Drive Change.

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 connec

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 turn every event you host into an unforgettable experience that leaves attendees feeling inspired and connected?

I’m hanging out with Joey Goon today, President of Utopia Experience, and we’re  uncovering ALL the secrets to creating impact and genuine connections at events.

Joey takes us behind the scenes of a high-profile mastermind event in San Diego with celebrities and influencers, and how an event structure and schedule led to a successful impromptu $100,000 fundraising effort for a terminally ill girl.

Joey and I discuss why having a top-notch production team matters, and how integrating psychological safety and neuroscience principles into event planning can create transformative experiences.

Looking to elevate your virtual and hybrid events? We also explore effective strategies for using Zoom breakout rooms and how Joey approaches attendee matchmaking.

There are so many valuable tips in this episode for transforming your events into powerful, impactful experiences!

And, don’t forget to 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!

Resources & Links

Learn more about Utopia Experience on their website and connect with Joey on LinkedIn. You can also tune in to his podcast, Impact Roadmap on Apple and Spotify.

Check out the Unforgettable Events ebook for FREE and learn Joey’s powerful frameworks for creating memorable events.

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? ...

Monthly giving is not just about a donation. It is about giving people a way to channel their purpose consistently.

And in today's episode, we’re unveiling the secrets behind making compelling asks – and the most powerful strategies for recurring donation requests, so you can leverage initial contributions for maximum impact.

For example, 29% of first time donors who became recurring donors, did so within the first 90 days of their initial gifts (!)

From speaking opportunities at events, to the effectiveness of storytelling through long-form videos and influencer partnerships, you’ll find out how to engage supporters in meaningful ways.

We discuss critical retention techniques such as monitoring churn rates and using automated email sequences to keep donor engagement high.

This episode is packed with actionable advice to help you build lasting donor loyalty and even cultivate major gifts.

And, don’t forget to register for the 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!

Resources & Links

Tune in to the rest of this podcast series: Episode 133: Call In Your Believers and Episode 132: Build a Monthly Giving Program.

Check out Vik and Scott Harrison’s video on The Spring.

30 Podcasts to Pitch: https://positiveequation.com/podcastlist

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? ...

How do you magnetically attract your monthly donors?

In this episode, I am diving into step three of my Monthly Giving Framework, which is all about calling in your believers. If you missed steps 1 and 2, go back and listen to Episode 131.

We'll discuss the essence of crafting a giving program with inclusive and accessible copy, how to find aligned partners that will spread the word, and the importance of a lead generation strategy that’s “always on.”

Get ready to scribble down some serious strategies to help you generate a sense of belonging, identity, community, and connection, with examples from Miry’s List and Movember.

By embracing the power of storytelling and clear messaging, we can nurture donors into a joyful, grateful community that's here to stay.

And, don’t forget to register for the 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!

Resources & Links

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 makes a giving program successful?

Today, I’m giving you a sneak peek into the first two crucial steps from my 5-step framework (which will be featured in even more detail in my book that comes out in September!)

Step 1 - Create the Product

Step 2 - Make It Easy

Whether you are just starting OR looking to refresh or audit your current program, this episode is packed with insights and practical tips to get you on the right track.

I’m diving into the key questions you should ask around the why and structure of your program, what it means to create a “herd mentality”, and how to craft an irresistible identity that resonates with your mission and values.

You’ll also learn how to avoid gift abandonment by creating highly convertible, seamless, intuitive landing pages. Even a compelling headline, an uplifting image, and the strategic use of social proof will inspire action on your “Donate Now” button.

If growing your monthly giving is a priority this year, apply NOW for my Monthly Giving Mastermind that starts in July.

Resources & Links

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

Stuck on what to name your monthly giving program? Click here for my brainstorm guide: https://positiveequation.com/name or tune in to Episode 107: How to Name a Monthly 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? ...