What’s the unique approach nonprofits have when it comes to landing press opportunities?

In the current media landscape, we’ve been told it’s getting harder to stand out (but it doesn’t have to be!)

Danielle Finck is a seasoned PR savant and the founder and CEO of Elle Communications. This episode peels back the layers of the media landscape's evolution, revealing how traditional forms of storytelling are vying for attention in a sea of content, and how brands and media are adapting to connect with their audiences genuinely. 

The art of PR is more than just a game of numbers, and there are NO shortcuts – it's about nurturing authentic relationships and human connections. Danielle shares so many incredible insights around how to stand out when pitching journalists, the surge of op-ed prominence and “news fatigue”, and the refreshing emergence of solutions journalism. 

The big takeaway? Human-centric stories are pivotal if you want to engage with more diverse audiences. 

Resources & Links

• Join me May 15-16 in Chicago at Collaborative by Classy to explore the future of fundraising, connect with like-minded leaders, and leave with proven strategies to raise more for your mission! Get your ticket here: https://bit.ly/49opxd0 Use code: POSITIVEEQUATION for 10% off
• Connect with Danielle on Instagram and on her website, Elle Communications.
• 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? ...

Is it time to reimagine your donor pipeline?

With a track record of doubling crowds and quadrupling donors for the California Symphony, Aubrey Bergauer has been likened to the Steve Jobs of classical music.

In her tenure from 2014-2019 as Executive Director, she walked into the role during a state of financial crisis and alarming churn rates. Why were 80% of first-time donors not renewing and 90% of first-time buyers not coming back to see another show? There had to be a better way.

My conversation with Aubrey is a MASTERCLASS in change management. We cover how she created a systematic customer journey for the symphony (without over soliciting), including her secrets to turning first-time attendees into lifelong patrons. Plus, we talk through her tech stack and how data was her most persuasive partner in piloting new fundraising ventures.

Aubrey's vision doesn't rest on data alone–it's about creating an all-encompassing experience for every symphony-goer. From UX overhauls to copy changes on their website, she details the subtle, yet powerful shifts in the user experience that helped increase their ticket sales by 20%.

Let’s hear how she made it all happen!

Resources & Links

Connect with Aubrey on LinkedIn and through her website. You can also check out her new book Run It Like a Business: Strategies for Arts Organizations to Increase Audiences, Remain Relevant, and Multiply Money – Without Losing the Art.

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? ...

Impact communications is so much more than a “buzzword.” What does it actually look like in practice?

Tessa Danelesko is an expert in harnessing communication for social impact. She's not only an account director at Yulu, but also the Co-Executive Director of the Impact Communications Institute, and she brings a wealth of knowledge on creating narratives that resonate and foster societal change. 

In today’s case study, we’re uncovering the origin and evolution of the Audible Indigenous Writers' Circle, a mentorship program that amplifies the voices of indigenous storytellers. The impact of the program has already resulted in 100 media stories, 16.8 million impressions, and 77,000 touchpoints!

You’ll hear how Tessa initially pitched the program, how they built trust on Facebook and worked closely with indigenous influencers to spread the word, culminating in an experience that honors the narratives that emerge from experiences of trauma and systemic racism. 

The Audible Indigenous Writers' Circle stands as a testament to the power of storytelling, and encourages a ripple of positive impact through media coverage and community engagement.

Resources & Links

Connect with Tessa through her work at Yulu PR and the Impact Communications Institute, where you can also take their pledge. Tessa can be reached at [email protected].

Check out the application for this year’s Indigenous Writers' Circle, which is open through April 1st. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities, email [email protected].

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? ...

How do you go from a transitional audience of Facebook followers to a level of deep engagement where you actually get to know them?

I always love sharing interesting tech and tools, which is why I’m excited to introduce you to Nick Black and Jeremy Berman, the founders of GoodUnited. This dynamic duo are lifting the veil on their mission to transform nonprofit fundraising in the age of social media, turning passive followers into champions of change.

Our episode opens up with a candid conversation about diversity and inclusivity, and the pivotal steps Nick and Jeremy are taking to prioritize these values across their upcoming events following a difficult wake up call.

Then, we get right into the nuts and bolts of Facebook fundraising campaigns - and how over time, Facebook has unlocked over 7 BILLION dollars in donations with their giving tools.

Don’t miss out on these massive opportunities for nonprofits, including the ability to directly connect with donors in Facebook Messenger and how you can leverage GoodUnited’s powerful messaging tools.

One messaging push resulted in 2,900 shares of a post in 18 hours!

We wrap with some fascinating case studies, dissecting campaigns from Puppy Rescue Mission and the American Heart Association's Kids Heart Challenge, and highlight the power of conversational messaging to engage and mobilize supporters.

Resources & Links

Connect with Nick on LinkedIn, and with Jeremy on LinkedIn and Instagram.

Nick and Jeremy’s book comes out March 26th! Click here to preorder One-Click to Give: Future Proof Your Fundraising with Social Media.

Want to make Missions to Movements even better? Take 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? ...

Celebrate with me as we mark two incredible years of Missions to Movements, and what a journey it's been!

Leave a review: ratethispodcast.com/m2m

I'm taking this special moment to extend my deepest thanks to you, the heartbeat of this podcast, for propelling us to stunning heights in podcast rankings and for enriching our space with your invaluable feedback and reviews. 

Today, we're not just talking milestones—we're unpacking the art of engagement, zeroing in on birthdays as a powerful touchpoint. 

I'll guide you through the strategies to seamlessly collect this personal detail from supporters and show you how it can transform your connections.

Discover the sweet spot between effortless donor experiences and meaningful post-donation engagement. I'm pulling back the curtain on how to capitalize on thank you pages and video tools that sync with your CRM to personalize your approach. 

Plus, I'm letting you in on my secret sauce: leveraging birthday month segmentation to tailor communications and build stronger bonds with our supporters. 

Tune in for these practical tips and learn how that little nudge, a simple "Happy Birthday," can fortify the allegiance to your mission.

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? ...

If you think Facebook doesn't work to acquire donors anymore, this case study with Chelsea Edwards from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance will prove you otherwise.

For the past three years as the Senior Director of Peer-to-Peer Giving, Chelsea has been instrumental in amplifying their fundraising campaigns, like "Lead From Behind", which harnessed celebrity influencers like Ryan Reynolds.

Partnering with GoodUnited on their messaging and Facebook fundraising efforts last year resulted in 440 people launching a campaign around “Blue Day'' and $3,705 raised, with $0 in ad spend!

Chelsea breaks down the details of their strategy, including the messaging and segmenting they used to engage donors and the analytics they paid attention to. Interestingly, Facebook Messenger drove higher click-through rates as compared to email.

We also explore the art of listening to your donors, using their stories to refine your strategies, ensuring that every click contributes to a narrative of hope and support.

March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month. Learn more about how to support the cause.

Resources & Links

Learn more about the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, including the upcoming ScopeItOut event in Washington DC. You can connect with Chelsea at [email protected] or on LinkedIn. 

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? ...

Meghan Walsh from Roots Ethiopia is back to bring a fresh perspective on how my Grow Your List Ads Challenge (and a killer lead magnet) helped them bring in over 800 email subscribers at $1.93 per lead!

Together, we explore the creativity and collaboration behind Roots Ethiopia’s e-cookbook, which weaves together the allure of Ethiopian cuisine with the organization's heartfelt mission. We discuss the power of email marketing and how strategic timing, such as aligning campaign launches with end-of-year fundraising, can keep supporters engaged and invested.

Meghan walks us through her email sequences that are garnering a 52% average open rate and how she plans to add even more value to her subscribers this spring.

This episode is a testament to how a well-executed lead magnet can do more than just grow an email list - it can build a community!

If you’re interested in learning more from Meghan about building monthly giving programs, check out Episode 38.

Resources & Links

Learn more about the incredible mission of Roots Ethiopia and check out their newsletter. You can also connect with Meghan on LinkedIn.

Check out Meghan’s first episode on Missions to Movements: 3 Months, 1 Monthly Giving Program Launch: How Roots Ethiopia’s Meghan Walsh Made It Happen.

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? ...

Do you think Facebook ads are challenging and confusing? Cassie Turczyn from the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation is here to guide us through her journey of conquering the complexity of paid ads, resulting in over 21,000 impressions and 200+ new emails for their list!

The last round of my Grow Your List Ads Challenge paved the way for MHIF to expand their reach and attract potential donors, so today, we’re sharing their tactical case study.

Cassie walks us through the entire $375 ad campaign, the audiences they targeted, how they used Canva for ad graphics, and how they harnessed the power of Facebook Ads to capture the attention of 250+ new email leads.

She also shares all the details around their email welcome sequence, and how they target and engage new subscribers.

P.S. Do you want to grow your email list with 100+ new email subscribers…in JUST 7 days?! Click here to join my Grow Your List March Challenge!

Resources & Links

Cassie would love to connect with you on LinkedIn and you can learn more about the Minneapolis Heart Institute Foundation on their website.

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? ...

Navigating the intricate dance of brand partnerships and their ability to echo our deepest values is NO small feat. Enter Eric Bigger, a reality TV personality who has pivoted towards a profound mission in healing and personal development.

Eric opens up in today’s episode about his Baltimore roots and spiritual awakenings, and how he harnesses his public persona to champion mental health and suicide prevention. Together, we dissect the profound impact it can have when our actions are aligned with our deepest truths.

How do you create authentic brand partnerships that build greater inclusivity and social resonance? Eric shares how true collaboration extends beyond the transactional - it's a harmonious blend of shared narratives and goals to create ripples of positive change.

We also delve into what “miracle season” is and what you can learn about yourself from life path numbers to strengthen your mind and spirit and earn even more opportunities.

Resources & Links

Eric invites you to connect with him at [email protected], or DM him on Instagram and X. Check out his Miracle Season merch.

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? ...

How does a successful ad funnel thrive on Facebook and Instagram? Let's crack the code together with Jennifer Spivak, the powerhouse behind The Ad Girls Agency and a top Facebook Ads Manager to watch.

Jennifer breaks down the importance of refining your offer and your messaging and why bold copy and creative REALLY matters. She’ll also dissect the strategies that have worked to skyrocket her client Pia’s business - and how she guides potential leads through a high-ticket sales funnel with pinpoint precision.

We’re spilling the secrets on free guides, webinars, and video sales letters that will captivate a niche audience and foster high-quality leads that will book a call with you. If you're battling to improve your ad campaigns, this conversation is your blueprint for success.

Resources & Links

Connect with Jennifer on Facebook and Instagram and learn more about The Ad Girls Agency.

The Meta Ad Library is a goldmine of examples. Search “Jennifer Spivak” to see what ads Jenn is running.

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? ...