At just 23 years old, Maddie Ward became Chief Operating Officer of End Overdose, a nonprofit that’s trained over 500,000 people to identify and respond to opioid overdoses. What began as a grassroots effort at UCLA has since EXPLODED into a powerful, youth-driven network spanning 70+ cities, fueled by data, creativity, and pure heart.

Maddie offers a fresh perspective on how she built scalable systems for leadership, recruitment, and sustainability to empower students to take ownership of their local chapters. What’s also been key to their growth? Standardizing operations and giving volunteers autonomy!

We also explore End Overdose’s creative marketing partnerships with Insomniac Events, Goldenvoice (the producers of Coachella and Stagecoach), and major musicians to spark life-saving conversations across the country.

Resources & Links

Learn more about End Overdose on their website and Instagram and connect with Maddie 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? ...

We explore the power of nurture campaigns as a critical strategy before launching year-end appeals. Sharing personal stories and gratitude before making asks creates deeper connections with donors and significantly improves engagement metrics.

• Previous bonus episodes covered LinkedIn thought leadership, making monthly giving the centerpiece of events, and getting featured in holiday gift guides
• Nurture campaigns should share stories and milestones without making asks
• Dana's personal case study of a National Nonprofit Day email generated 268 replies
• Simple, heartfelt gratitude emails with small engagement incentives build relationships
• Nurture emails boost deliverability metrics – subsequent emails reached 56-60% open rates
• Creative incentives can include digital guides, playlists, coffee gift cards, pins, or stickers
• Partnerships with local businesses can provide gifts for engagement incentives
• Interactive calls-to-action where supporters can choose gifts or share personal stories work particularly well
• Try implementing a nurture challenge with plain text, story-driven emails before year-end appeals

If you enjoyed this mini-series, please leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. The call for speakers is now open for Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26: https://www.monthlygivingsummit.com/

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 does recurring giving look like through a CFO’s eyes, vs. relying on grants and one-time gifts? It isn’t just good for cash flow – it’s the foundation for smarter, calmer leadership.

Fractional CFO Stephen Newland is here to make the financial case for monthly giving. With over 15 years of experience guiding nonprofits, startups, and Fortune 500s, he breaks down how recurring gifts build stability, reduce burnout, and give leaders the space to think beyond survival mode.

Stephen shares why forecasting is the single most underutilized financial tool in the sector, and walks through a simple, must-try exercise: take 50% of your year-end gifts and spread them evenly across 12 months. You’ll see your bank balance (and your confidence!) climb instantly. 

If you’ve ever wondered what percentage of your nonprofit’s budget should be recurring, how to reduce decision fatigue, or when to bring in a fractional CFO, you’ll find clear and actionable insights you can start applying today. 

Resources & Links

Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn and learn more about MoneyPath, Stephen’s fractional CFO services for nonprofits.

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? ...

Holiday gift guides present a powerful opportunity for nonprofits to position their monthly giving programs and symbolic gifts as meaningful alternatives to traditional presents. 

With millions of people searching for gifts that create lasting impact, now is the perfect time to pitch your nonprofit's offerings to publications, local outlets, and influencers who create "gifts that give back" content.

• Timing is crucial – editors are finalizing holiday gift guides between October and December
• Gift guides provide visibility through shares, links, Google searches, and now AI recommendations
• Being featured by third parties adds credibility and positions your offerings as giftable experiences
• Frame monthly giving as a "subscription gift" that delivers impact 12 times a year
• Prepare assets in advance including photos, sample copy, and quotes from leadership
• Target national publications, cause-specific sites, local outlets, and social impact influencers
• Don't discount yourself – your mission deserves to be featured in holiday gift guides

If you land in a gift guide, please tag me! I'd love to celebrate your feature and share it with my audience.

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? ...

Ready to transform your mission into something monumental? Promise yourself the tools to shake up nonprofit marketing and fundraising as you join me, Dana Snyder, on a journey from the heart of the nonprofit sector to the dynamic world of corporate agencies. This episode of the Missions to Movements podcast isn’t just about playing it safe—it’s about pioneering new paths with audacious strategies. If you're eager to craft a standout monthly giving program or want to boost your personal brand to unimagined heights, we’re setting the stage for innovation and growth like never before. From Atlanta to your ears, I'm bringing you insights that will redefine how you think about partnerships and impact.

Each week, my home studio becomes a hub for transformative ideas, featuring solo explorations and deep-dive conversations with industry thought leaders. Together, we'll tackle the tough questions and push the boundaries of what’s possible in the philanthropic world. This episode is your mastermind haven, a place where comfort zones are challenged, and the status quo is just the starting line. Prepare yourself for an infusion of inspiration as we embark on an exciting quest to magnify the reach and power of your mission. Let's turn those dreams of impact into reality and start building movements that the world will remember.

LettrLabs is the proud presenter of Missions to Movements. 

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

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

The Monthly Giving Builder: Generate your comprehensive monthly giving plan and build your program step by step - with a guided companion working alongside you from start to finish. 

Let's Connect!

• Send a DM on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know what you think of the show!
• My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.
• Want to book Dana as a speaker for your event? ...

The Values in Action Award from Home Agency is opening the door for organizations to transform their storytelling and digital presence in a big way, and ONE lucky nonprofit will win $100,000 in marketing services!

Marivi Bryant spent nearly 25 years of her life leading campaigns for major brands like JetBlue, New Balance, The NASCAR Foundation, and the Phoenix Suns. Today, as the founder of Home Agency, she brings a powerhouse perspective on marketing that blends sports, corporate, and nonprofit lessons.

In this episode, Marivi shares how growing up in competitive environments taught her discipline, resilience, and strategy, why marketing is often nonprofits’ biggest need and biggest gap, how this award can break the “hamster wheel” of underfunded storytelling, and what practical steps organizations can take to build stronger brands and lasting donor trust.

P.S. Applications for the Values in Action Award are open until October 15th, with the winner to be announced on Giving Tuesday. Apply today!

Resources & Links

Connect with Marivi on LinkedIn and learn more about Home Agency on their website and on Instagram.

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? ...

Transform your fundraising events from one-time giving opportunities into sustainable revenue generators by making monthly giving a centerpiece rather than an afterthought. 

We share practical strategies to create signature moments that convert event attendees into loyal monthly supporters while maximizing the long-term impact of your gatherings.


• Creating signature visual moments that attendees will remember long after the event ends
• Elevating existing monthly donors through special recognition, VIP experiences, or distinctive identifiers
• Capturing content during events for ongoing donor stewardship throughout the year
• Working with technology vendors to seamlessly integrate monthly giving options into event platforms

If you implement these strategies at your next event, tag me on LinkedIn or share your success in the reviews! I'd love to hear your creative ideas and possibly feature your story on a future episode.

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? ...

Did you know that only 11–12% of visitors who click “Donate” actually complete their gift? That conversion gap represents a massive missed opportunity for nonprofits, and Scott Cross, sales leader at iDonate, has the data and tools to help you capture more donor intent – especially on mobile.

Scott breaks down how simple A/B tests, mobile-friendly donation forms, and new pop-up giving tools are helping organizations see up to a 50% lift in completed donations and a 23% boost in recurring gifts. We also dig into how to simplify your donation page without losing storytelling power, AND the small tweaks that make a big difference during year-end campaigns.

For nonprofits of all sizes, this conversation is packed with ideas to make small, strategic changes to your online giving experience so you can yield dramatic results without requiring significant additional resources. 

Resources & Links

Connect with Scott Cross on LinkedIn, at the upcoming NIO Summit in Kansas City, or via email at [email protected]. 

Episode 196: Is Your Donation Page Leaking Donors? Here’s How to Fix It

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? ...

LinkedIn represents an untapped goldmine for nonprofit leaders seeking to grow recurring giving, with 80% of its billion-plus members wanting to give back. 

People are watching your content even when they don't engage, building relationships that can turn into donations, speaking opportunities, and partnerships when the time is right.

• Block 2-3 hours weekly to write and schedule LinkedIn content for consistency
• Think of posts as mini-newsletters that inspire conversation, consideration, or conversion
• Study nonprofit leaders like Tarika Barrett (Girls Who Code) and Courtney Johnson (Culinary Care) for effective examples
• Create a "three by three" content strategy with three pillars and three weekly posts
• Keep a running list of post ideas in your notes app to capture inspiration anytime
• Update your profile with a clear banner, accurate headline, and featured monthly giving page
• Remember that authentic storytelling resonates more than perfect marketing

Leave a review on Apple or Spotify if you enjoy this short-form tactical episode style, and stay tuned for upcoming episodes on event activations, PR opportunities, and email marketing strategies for year-end giving.

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? ...

From just 17 monthly donors in 2009 to nearly 400 today, the Cat Adoption Team (CAT) has built a creative and effective recurring giving program that has raised over $1 million dollars. In this episode, we’re chatting with Shanda Chroust-Masin, Development and Communications Director at CAT, to learn how their “Meow Team” has become an incredibly loyal base of brand ambassadors.

The most pivotal needle-mover? Leaning into playful, on-brand messaging (think “State of the Meownion” updates and “Cat Person” window clings), paired with strong volunteer engagement and donor stewardship.

Shanda shares ALL the tactics behind their growth: how they leverage volunteer relationships and embed monthly giving asks into evergreen experiences like adoptions and newsletters, plus their strategies for delighting donors with small but impactful touches. 

This case study is packed with lessons you can apply right away!

Resources & Links

Learn more about CAT on their website and check out their Meow Team. To connect with Shanda and the CAT team, email [email protected] or [email protected]. 

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? ...