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.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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 and share it on Instagram. Be sure to tag @positivequation so I can connect with you.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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 DonorPerfect.

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!

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. 

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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 her newsletter, where she shares weekly tips about nonprofit email trends.

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. 

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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 conversation with Blythe, The Power of Video.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...

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.

This episode is presented by The Monthly Giving Builder.  

With the Monthly Giving Builder, you can generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Save the date for our next Monthly Giving Summit on February 25, 2027. Apply to speak here!

Applications are now open for the 2027 Mini Monthly Giving Mastermind and Retreat. If you have built a monthly giving program, join our high-touch peer coaching community for nonprofit leaders who are ready to break through.

Supercharge your monthly giving program and apply for my Monthly Giving VIP Intensive session. Only 2 spots are available this fall!

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 even...