Today, we're exploring the depth and responsibility of trauma-informed storytelling with Maria Bryan, who will guide us through the intricate process of sharing these sensitive narratives within the nonprofit marketing world, ensuring that the dignity of those who have bravely lived these stories is not compromised.

Maria's expertise in trauma-informed storytelling will light a path for marketers and communicators to follow as she breaks down the differences between story owners, storytellers, and story receivers, and why consent is so important.

You'll hear how Thistle Farms uses consent forms, the comprehensive resources you can find at Ethical Storytelling, and how nonprofits can empower individuals to share their experiences on their own terms with respectful and protective practices.

Resources & Links

Connect with Maria on her website and LinkedIn, and tune in to her podcast, When Bearing Witness, to further explore trauma-informed storytelling.

Visit Ethical Storytelling to access a free media consent form.

Maria recommends looking at Thistle Farms’ Instagram and specifically looking at this post. She also recommends the Love 146 Language & Media Guide.

Applications are closing soon for my Monthly Giving Mastermind program! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply here.

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. 

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

Prepare to be wowed by Cody Hays of Marketing Mission as he unravels the story of how he created a year's worth of emails in just 3 weeks. Plus, he was able to generate $61,000 (!) in revenue from ONE email.

This episode zeroes in on Cody's revolutionary approach to time batching 50+ emails and how he harnesses automated email campaigns that are not just lucrative, but are also rooted in cultivating community bonds.

We'll also break down his email funnel and paid ads strategy, and how it fosters a vibrant two-way dialogue that incorporates personalized video feedback.

Join us and unlock the potential to significantly amplify your nonprofit organization's marketing impact and client relationships!

Resources & Links

• Check out Cody’s vault of free resources and templates for nonprofits.
• Want to try out Flodesk? Take 50% OFF your first year! 

Applications are closing soon for my Monthly Giving Mastermind program! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply here.

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. 

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

Today we're stepping into a world where technology meets humanity. 

My good friend Tim Lockie is here to break down his revolutionary concept "The Human Stack", that champions the integration of human elements into the nonprofit tech sphere, prioritizing meaningful connections and community building over mere data collection.

In this episode, we'll navigate the differences between a tech stack vs. a human stack, the challenges small teams face when it comes to technology, and how you can galvanize a digital culture that's centered around people.

You’ll also learn the art of choosing the right digital tools, how to reevaluate them when necessary, and why you need a meticulously designed "request funnel."

Whether you're a one-person show doing #allofthethings or a medium to large organization, by the end of this conversation, you'll be on track to confidently maintain your data, manage systems, and drive digital culture in your nonprofit!

Resources & Links

Connect with Tim on LinkedIn and learn more about his work on The Human Stack website. You can also check out his self-guided course for nonprofits, Digital Driver’s Ed.

Applications are closing soon for my Monthly Giving Mastermind program! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply here.

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. 

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

Unlock the secret to standout nonprofit design (without breaking the bank!), as we sit down with the inspiring Bex Toms of Designed to Be Kind. She'll share how Canva's groundbreaking platform is reshaping the design narrative, proving to be a boon, not a bane, for industry professionals and novices alike. 

Canva's innovative tools are not only keeping budgets in check, but are also sparking a creative revolution, enabling anyone to craft visually compelling content with ease. Bex's path to spearheading a mission-driven design firm exemplifies the synergy of passion and purpose, and she's here to show us how that powerful combination can be reflected in your organization's visual storytelling.

This episode is brimming with practical wisdom on organizing and collaborating within Canva, making it a treasure trove for teams of any size. You'll get the scoop on Canva's latest features, from QR codes adding a tech-savvy edge to campaigns, to Canva's AI capabilities, including ChatGPT-powered design wizardry. Plus, we'll reveal the Enhancer app's magic touch that's setting a new standard for image quality. 

This conversation is your ticket to mastering Canva's full suite of features and starting the year on a high note of creativity and efficiency!

Resources & Links

Connect with Bex on LinkedIn and on her website, Designed To Be Kind.

Check out Canva and all of their new tools, plus their free Design School to learn how to design like a pro. Canva for Teams will help you scale your content production.

Applications are closing soon for my Monthly Giving Mastermind program! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply here.

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. 

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

Today we are talking about one of my favorite things - and that is monthly giving! Whether you want $1,000 or $5,000 recurring every month, your goals are your own. And the benefits are TREMENDOUS.

But one of the reasons organizations get stuck starting a monthly giving program is coming up with a name.

How do you come up with a name for your giving program? Is it important?

In this episode, we'll have a mini workshop on unlocking the secrets to creating a monthly giving program that resonates with donors and builds an enduring community. This brainstorming session is designed to help you uncover a name that encapsulates your nonprofit's spirit and purpose!

Plus, you can get my free brainstorming worksheet at positiveequation.com/name.

If you're ready to grow your community of recurring donors in 2024, my Monthly Giving Mastermind brings ALL the necessary experts together to provide YOU with a one-stop shop to launch an impactful recurring donor program in just 3 months! Doors are closing soon, so apply now.

Resources & Links

Applications are closing soon to join my Monthly Giving Mastermind program which starts in February! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply here.

Join my free webinar with EverTrue on January 16th to learn how to creatively use video campaigns, email, and direct mail to reengage your supporters! RSVP and start the New Year with me at positiveequation.com/thanks.

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. 

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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 this episode, I share the four mindset exercises I used this New Year to start with a positive and renewed mindset!

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

This episode will equip you with the tools and tactics needed to clean up your email list, manage your subscriptions, and declutter your Canva, all while gaining insights from your marketing efforts!

We'll discuss the importance of analyzing growth, forms, emails, and even social media and podcast analytics. Plus, get a sneak peek into our future episodes in 2024!

List of Resources from the Episode:

1. Clean your email list with klean13
2. Go through your subscriptions with TRIM
3. Hire a VA to take tasks OFF your plate. Book an informational call with More Than Giving - VAs for Nonprofits & Nonprofit Consultants

Want to work together in 2024? 

• I’ll be offering my Grow Your Email List Ads Challenge in March and September - it’s a small group experience where I’ll guide you step-by-step on setting up a lead generation FB & IG ads campaign. Sign up here: positiveequation.com/grow-your-list-challenge 
• If you’re interested in building or refreshing your monthly giving program > the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind will start in February!! FUN new additions, this will be the 4th round and I’ll be hosting 2 annual reunion calls for all mastermind alumni to meet and brainstorm together! Apply at positiveequation.com/mastermind
• A free monthly giving community is ALSO coming in Q1…..if that’s of interest to you, DM me on LinkedIn with the word: MONTHLY and I’ll make sure you’re notified! 
• Looking for a speaker for 2024 or to sponsor this show, I’d love to chat! Send an email to [email protected] OR DM me on LinkedIn! 

As we wind down the year, we wish you joy, health, and happiness for the holiday season. Here's to a year of inspiring conversations, insightful case studies, and valuable marketing insights!

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

This episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.

Today's episode is a little sneak behind the feed of my own personal thank you strategy using ThankView, a versatile video platform that goes way beyond just thanking donors.

I'll share how I used it to send a breezy 5-minute video to my email list that had a 44.7% open rate (more than double the industry average!) and the myriad of other possibilities with this tool, from choosing a template, adding recipients, perfecting the email message, and customizing a landing page.

Learn about the metrics that matter and industry averages for open rates and clicks, highlighting the significance of a compelling call to action. And as a bonus, you'll get my personal insights and takeaways from a successful campaign for my monthly giving mastermind program.

We'll also shine a spotlight on Pledgemind and EverTrue Studios, who offer free on-demand documentaries and podcasts for nonprofit professionals. And trust me, you won't want to miss out on my upcoming webinar with EverTrue on January 16th - you'll learn how to creatively use video campaigns, email, and direct mail to reengage your supporters! RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.

Resources & Links

Check out Episode 101: How To Scale Personalized Video Thank Yous with JD from EverTrue for more on this topic!

EverTrue Studios is like Netflix for fundraisers. Check out their catalog of on-demand documentaries and podcast episodes here.

Join my free webinar with EverTrue on January 16th to learn how to creatively use video campaigns, email, and direct mail to reengage your supporters! RSVP and start the New Year with me at positiveequation.com/thanks.

I’m hiring a Brand Partnerships Manager! Learn more here.

Applications are now open for 5 organizations to join my Monthly Giving Mastermind program which starts in February! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply her

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

This episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.

What if you could tap into the power of direct mail to drive success in your nonprofit organization? That's exactly what we're unpacking today with our special guest, Lauren Daley from Pledgemine.

We dive into the intricacies of direct mail strategies, revealing how to effectively incorporate it into an omnichannel approach while considering your donors' interactions and preferences. (Hint: Anniversary cards and QR codes are seeing a HUGE uptick!) Pledgemine plays a prominent role in revolutionizing direct mail campaigns by streamlining the entire process, from design to production to mailing.

We even venture into Lauren's fascinating journey from the wine and cheese industry to digital fundraising, for a delightful mix of insights and unique pairings.

We wrap up our discussion by exploring how digital communication intersects with direct mail and what will significantly boost retention rates. Lastly, we provide strategies for donor appreciation and delve into the concept of on-demand mail programs.

Direct mail doesn't have to be a daunting task - join us for this insightful conversation and transform your direct mail strategy today!

Resources & Links

Connect with Lauren on LinkedIn and learn more about Pledgemine to make the move to smarter direct mail campaigns.

EverTrue Studios is like Netflix for fundraisers. Check out their catalog of on-demand documentaries and podcast episodes here.

I’m hiring a Brand Partnerships Manager! Learn more here.

Applications are now open for 5 organizations to join my Monthly Giving Mastermind program which starts in February! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen together. Learn more and apply here.

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.

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!

This episode is presented by Evertrue. Set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long by joining my free webinar with Evertrue on January 16th. RSVP at positiveequation.com/thanks.

Are you ready to make your donors feel like the rockstars they are?

This episode will show you how to ramp up your thank you game, making your donors feel valued, appreciated and most importantly, connected to your cause. We’ll be sharing creative thank you strategies from the Calgary Zoo, Bentley University, and Cincinnati Children's that have left lasting impressions on their donors.

Whether you're using personalized video messages or sending out thank you videos within hours of receiving a gift, these strategies will ensure your donors know just how much they mean to your organization.

We’ll also be diving into the power of video in forging an emotional connection with your donors - and trust us, it’s more potent than you think! Witness the magic of Cincinnati Children's holiday video that featured children opening presents - a perfect example of how you can help donors visualize the impact of their contributions.

You'll also hear my favorite tips on how to gather video content throughout the year and the importance of timeliness and preparation in thanking donors.

Resources & Links

Check out the featured Thank You Videos from the Calgary Zoo, Bentley University, and Cincinatti Children’s. You can also search “Tip Top Tuesday” on YouTube to find more examples from Thankview.

EverTrue Studios is like Netflix for fundraisers. Check out their catalog of on-demand documentaries and podcast episodes here.

After GivingTuesday winds down, how can you set yourself up for higher retention rates all year long? Join my free webinar with EverTrue on January 16th to learn how to creatively use video campaigns, email, and direct mail to reengage your supporters! RSVP and start the New Year with me at positiveequation.com/thanks.

Applications are now open for 5 organizations to join my Monthly Giving Mastermind program which starts in February! Ready to build a dedicated community of recurring donors to generate consistent revenue? Let's make it happen toge

Already have a monthly giving program? The Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind starts in January and is just for you.

Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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!