In honor of the 12 Days of Christmas, I thought it would be fun to share 12 of my FAVORITE tools, services, personal treasures, and subscriptions that make my life easier, more productive, and more enjoyable.

Shop Dana’s Favorite Things

The Monthly Giving Mastermind Book (For a limited time, get the first two chapters for FREE!)

Flodesk

Nonprofit Automation Agency

Monthly Giving Summit Replays (Binge the replays for 50% off through 12/31/24!)

Buzzsprout

Podcasting for Creatives

Butter

Nuuly

LettrLabs

More Than Giving - Virtual Assistants for Nonprofits

Mission-Minded Merch

Pura Scent Diffusers

For a detailed description of each of my favorite things, click here.

Resources & Links

My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.

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. 

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

As a board member of the Impact Communications Institute (ICI), I am excited to share a thought-provoking conversation during one of our Impact Councils that we hosted in partnership with 3BL Media.

In this episode, we explore how open hiring and criminal justice reform can be woven into brand storytelling without objectifying those with lived experiences.

You’ll learn how purpose-driven companies like Greyston Bakery and Ben & Jerry's are turning their values into action and creating inclusive employment opportunities that resonate and drive change.

By focusing on potential rather than past barriers, these organizations are providing second chances while fostering a culture of respect and empowerment.

Whether you're aiming to implement open hiring practices OR seeking to anchor your brand in meaningful values, this episode will empower you to communicate your impact more effectively while creating a more equitable and sustainable world.

Resources & Links

If you are on the leading edge of using storytelling for changemaking, I would love to invite you to take the pledge with us.

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 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. 

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

Leadership isn't just a title. It's about influence and building trust. And today's guest is someone who FUNDAMENTALLY shaped my career and even became a catalyst in my leap to entrepreneurship. 

Kristin Boehm was a pioneer in digital media at People Magazine and with an always sharp pulse on culture, is now a branding consultant. Known for her killer headlines and strategic mind, her superpower is also in building high-performing teams and nurturing talent.

We discuss Kristin’s transition to the digital landscape, and explore the importance of service industry skills, taking time off during transitions, and the power of listening to team input.

Leadership, of course, isn’t without its challenges, so we also get into what it’s like to build resilient teams in burnout-prone sectors like nonprofits, the complexities of hiring, and how to juggle wins with constructive feedback.

Resources & Links

Check out the other episodes in this Meet My Boss Leadership Series:

Nurturing Talent and Fostering Innovation with Lisa Bechtold
Building Thriving Cultures and Team Dynamics with Dave Nugent

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

Caught in the beautiful whirlwind of Giving Tuesday, I found myself reflecting on a vital lesson learned from last year’s campaign.

Imagine the scenario: you pour your passion and effort into creating a memorable GivingTuesday, only to find that the connection with your donors dwindles as soon as the thank-you emails are sent.

This episode draws from my experience with a local animal organization and sheds light on the significance of maintaining donor engagement post-GivingTuesday. Each donation reflects a personal choice amidst millions, and understanding the 'why' behind it can yield invaluable insights for your nonprofit.

In this episode I share a straightforward email template to strengthen donor relations. It’s not about surveys or impersonal data collection, but about genuine curiosity and appreciation. 

By simply asking your donors what inspired their gift, you open the door to understanding their motivations, whether it’s a social media post that moved them or a personal connection to your mission. 

These stories are treasures that can energize your team and enrich your future campaigns. Tune in to discover how pausing to truly connect with your supporters can enhance both your organization’s narrative and its impact.

The Monthly Giving Summit is BACK February 26-27 - apply to speak and SAVE THE DATE: https://www.monthlygivingsummit.com/

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

Dave Nugent has known me for over a decade. A tech executive and serial entrepreneur, Dave jam-packs this episode with so many gems on leadership, from leadership styles and the dynamics of team building, to fostering a motivated workplace through honesty, transparency, and genuine care for team members.

When it comes to hiring, we discuss the boldness and initiative that distinguishes standout candidates, as well as Dave's perspective on cultural alignment in hiring, and the importance of crafting an authentic company culture.

In sharing one of my own personal stories in working with Dave, we unpack the importance of setting expectations and encouraging open communication, especially when it comes to working with younger staff.

Dave also shares the impactful work he’s doing with the Next League University program, which opens doors for aspiring professionals in the sports industry.

This episode will inspire you to build a thriving organizational culture and offer so many invaluable lessons to enhance your leadership approach or career trajectory!

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

Resources & Links

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn if you’re interested in the work he’s doing with Next League.

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

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

Lisa Bechtold, Executive Director of Take Stock in Children, was my first boss, and today, she’s here to share her transformative 24+ year journey in the nonprofit sector.

I’ll walk you through the serendipitous story of how I met Lisa, and why she took a chance on me at age 22, which completely jumpstarted my career.

We also discuss how Take Stock in Children increased its reach from supporting 100 to over 500 college students, plus Lisa’s practical strategies for fostering a supportive organizational culture with self-care.

Lisa is an exceptional leader on EVERY level, and we get into so many juicy leadership topics, from the dynamics of effective communication, leadership styles that promote inclusivity and conflict resolution and how personality assessments can create efficiency and harmony on a team.

This episode will ignite so many ideas on how to create a workplace culture that encourages risk-taking and innovation.

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

Resources & Links

Connect with Lisa at [email protected].

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 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.

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

Get ready to discover how to be a strong nonprofit leader with Dr. Kevin Sansberry, an esteemed organizational consultant and behavior scientist.

We’re hanging out in a park in Cincinnati recording this episode – and talking all about why you can’t actually move the needle with your messaging, strategy, and personal branding without effective leadership at the helm.

Hear about psychological safety (and empowering individuals at every level to demonstrate leadership), and how to set a foundation for building trust and sparking impactful movements.

Plus, there are specific traits that set the BEST nonprofit leaders apart, and we compare the unique distinctions between nonprofit and Fortune 500 leadership styles.

By tapping into specific subcultures and creating dedicated communities of supporters, nonprofit leaders can amplify their impact and drive their missions forward with a passionate and united front.

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

Resources & Links

My book, The Monthly Giving Mastermind, is here! Grab a copy here and learn my framework to build, grow, and sustain subscriptions for good.

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

How does culture play into the spirit of giving? And how should we think about calling in our believers and finding our super fans?

This is a special episode of a previously recorded keynote session from this year's Monthly Giving Summit.

None other than Dr. Marcus Collins is sharing his incredible expertise on the transformative role of cultural identity in marketing, revealing how small groups like Beatniks, Hippies, and Hipsters grew into influential subcultures.

Discover how aligning your nonprofit's mission with the core beliefs and values of your audience can transform your cause into a widespread movement.

And together, we’ll explore the fascinating interplay between culture and consumer behavior, and how our identities shape the brands we support and the causes we champion.

With his guidance, you’ll identify your personal and organizational beliefs, find your "believers," and build a network of brand evangelists who resonate with your vision.

Every time I hear Marcus speak, I am BLOWN away. I hope you leave this episode even more empowered to create meaningful change and amplify your organization's impact!

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

What if the strategies that win elections could also supercharge nonprofit fundraising?

DJ Koessler is a trailblazer in political marketing who has shaped campaigns for Barack Obama and Kamala Harris. Together, we’re unlocking the secrets of political messaging and exploring how these techniques can be adapted to energize nonprofit supporters, especially during Giving Tuesday.

How can we call in people who believe in us and want to support the causes we do?

How do we create campaigns for people to take action?

DJ shares his unique journey from nonprofit development to the political arena, why TikTok is emerging as the platform of choice for today's political campaigns, and the significance of personalized donor experiences.

Find out why it’s so important to “know who your most engaged reporters are” and how these grassroots connections can illuminate campaign strategies.

Through fascinating examples from the Harris campaign, we examine the risks and rewards of engaging with cultural phenomena, stressing the importance of authenticity and audience understanding.

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

Resources & Links

Connect with DJ on his website, KoesslerStrategies.com and on social media at @DJKoessler. 

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. 

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!

AI is already revolutionizing the way nonprofits operate and engage with donors.

And Diana Atero is at the forefront, having spent over nine years as a Senior Product Marketing Manager at Bloomerang, a hub of nonprofit tech innovation!

Together, we explore how AI is transforming wealth screening and donor segmentation to delivering personalized interactions that strengthen supporter connections.

With cultural shifts in donor expectations, nonprofits are leveraging sophisticated measurement tools to showcase their impact, ensuring transparency and fostering deeper relationships with their audience.

You’ll also hear about Bloomerang’s new integrated AI Content Assistant, a tool that will address common challenges like writer's block and time constraints.

P.S. Applications are now open for the next round of my Monthly Giving Mastermind. Visit positiveequation.com/mastermind to apply.

P.P.S. Are you a nonprofit leader running an established monthly giving program with 10,000 or more recurring donors? DM me @positivequation to learn more about my Monthly Giving Leaders Mastermind (with an in-person retreat!)

Resources & Links

Check out Diana’s recommended AI prompts to use with Bloomerang’s AI Content Assistant.

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. 

The Recurring Giving Workshop: A Working Session to Increase Online Donations - 9/24 @ 2 pm ET - RSVP HERE!

This show is brought to you by iDonate. Your donation page is leaking donors, and iDonate's new pop-up donation form is here to fix that. See it in action.

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!