Raise Nation

Exploring how smart digital strategy turns online interactions into lasting donor relationships.

SHOW NOTES:

December 4th, 2025 – Episode # 209

Clicks, Conversions & Connection: Building Donor Loyalty in a Digital World

On this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Jen Newmeyer, CFRE (a.k.a. Charity Jen), Senior Director of Digital Fundraising Strategy at PBS, for a deep dive into what makes digital fundraising work, and what holds many nonprofits back. Jen unpacks how to structure a digital strategy that captures attention, inspires giving, and keeps donors coming back. From mapping out email journeys to fine-tuning donation forms, she reveals the behind-the-scenes tactics that transform casual clicks into meaningful conversions.

Together, Dawn and Jen explore the evolving role of data, creativity, and clarity in today’s online giving environment. It’s a masterclass in how to think like a digital strategist, balancing design, messaging, and technology to make every interaction count.

Guest Reflection:

“Digital fundraising isn’t just about technology. It’s about creating clarity, connection, and confidence in every click.“ — Jen Newmeyer

Episode Highlights:

• How to structure a winning digital fundraising strategy.
• Why professional email campaigns can make or break engagement.
• The value of testing donation forms to boost conversion rates.
• How a clear value proposition drives donor trust and action.
• Why digital adaptability is the key to long-term success.

Connect with our Guests:

• Jen Newmeyer, CFRE

Episodes Resources:

• Charity Jen
• The Insider’s Guide to Online Fundraising: Finding Success When Surrounded by Skeptics
• Digital Fundraising Transformation: The Insider’s Guide to Revolutionize Your Strategy and Raise More

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Inspiring community spirit and wellness through philanthropy, partnership, and purpose.

SHOW NOTES:

November 20, 2025 - Episode # 208

Community in Bloom: Nurturing Wellness, Inspiring Giving, Building Stronger Communities

On this heartwarming episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Jonathan Maple, Executive Director of the Margaret Mary Health Foundation, to explore how a small-town hospital is making a big impact. From launching local health initiatives to preparing for the grand opening of a new hospital in 2026, Jonathan shares how his team’s passion for wellness, community, and compassion fuels transformational change. 

Listeners will be inspired by how the foundation turns fundraising into storytelling, where every gala, every volunteer, and every donation becomes part of a larger mission to nurture health and hope in Batesville, Indiana. Jonathan’s perspective on creating a culture of connection and FOMO-driven giving reminds us that when a community rallies for wellness, miracles happen every day. 

Guest Reflection: 

"When you see neighbors helping neighbors, giving isn’t just about money—it’s about heart. That’s what makes our community so special." -- Jonathon Maple

Episode Highlights: 

• How Margaret Mary Health Foundation champions community health and wellness 
• Behind the scenes of building a brand-new hospital for Batesville 
• Why “FOMO fundraising” inspires greater generosity and engagement 
• The power of community and volunteers in bringing the annual gala to life 
• The foundation’s vision for a healthier, more connected future 

Connect with our Guests: 

• Jonathon Maple 

Episodes Resources: 

• Margaret Mary Health Foundation 
• Meet the Team 
• Support 

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Transforming donor-advised funds into the next big wave of accessible, tech-powered philanthropy. 

SHOW NOTES:

November 13, 2025 - Episode # 207

Disrupting Donations: How Chariot is Powering the DAF Revolution 

On this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Steve Lausch sits down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to unpack the rise of donor-advised funds (DAFs) and how they’re reshaping the future of charitable giving. From simplifying complex donations with DAFpay to empowering nonprofits with instant donor data, Chariot is redefining the donor experience and making generosity more seamless than ever. 

Mitch and Steve explore how DAFs are becoming democratized, no longer reserved for the wealthy few, but open to everyday givers who want impact at their fingertips. The conversation dives into how technology, transparency, and timing are changing the fundraising landscape, proving that innovation and philanthropy can go hand in hand. 

Guest Reflection: 

"When we make giving easier, faster, and more personal, everyone wins - donors, nonprofits, and the causes they care about most." -- Mitch Stein

Episode Highlights: 

• How Chariot’s DAFpay bridges the gap between modern donors and nonprofits. 
• Why DAFs are growing faster than any other charitable giving vehicle. 
• The average DAF gift and what it means for fundraising strategy. 
• What’s next for Chariot and the future of DAF-driven giving. 

Connect with our Guests: 

• Mitch Stein 

Episodes Resources: 

• Chariot 
• DAF Fundraising Report 
• Complete Guide to Donor-Advised Funds 
• DAFpay by Chariot 
• Case Studies 

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Crafting donor experiences that feel like art, because emotional intelligence is the new campaign currency.

SHOW NOTES:

November 6, 2025 – Episode # 206

The Color of Giving: Painting Fundraising with Emotion & Intelligence

Peeling back the curtain on the true art of fundraising, this episode of Raise Nation Radio invites you into a bold, brainy, and beautifully human conversation with Bill Crouch, Founder & CEO of BrightDot. Host Dawn Lego unpacks how the most effective fundraisers today are leading with emotional intelligence, leveraging donor psychology, and tapping into creativity to deeply connect with high-wealth individuals.

This isn’t your typical fundraising talk. Bill challenges fundraisers not only to know their donors but also to feel with them, think creatively, and train with intention. From the power of visual storytelling to the resilience needed after rejection, this episode is both a masterclass and a motivational nudge for anyone seeking to raise more by connecting deeper.

Guest Reflection:

“You don’t ask people to give because of what you need; you ask because of what they believe in. Every gift is a reflection of how deeply you’ve made them feel that they matter.“ — Bill Crouch

Episode Highlights:

• Exploring the difference between data and wisdom in fundraising.
• Why emotional intelligence is the secret sauce in donor engagement.
• The psychology behind why high-wealth donors give, and why they don’t.
• How visual communication outperforms text when influencing major gifts.
• Strategies to recover emotionally after a ‘no’ and stay mission-driven.
• The importance of creative coaching and personalized training for nonprofit success.

Connect with our Guests:

• Bill Crouch

Episodes Resources:

• BrightDot
• Nonprofit Mentorship Program
• Aspiring President’s Club
• Blog

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Empowering the next generation of Latino leaders to create lasting change.

SHOW NOTES:

October 30, 2025 – Episode # 205

The Power of Us: Strengthening Latino Leadership, Amplifying Community Impact

In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Elizabeth Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and Latino pride. From empowering the next generation through scholarships to uniting communities at their annual fundraising gala, Elizabeth shares how the foundation turns purpose into progress. Together, they explore the vibrant intersection of culture, community, and philanthropy that fuels the foundation’s mission.

Guest Reflection:

“When you invest in a Latino student, you’re not just changing one life — you’re uplifting an entire community.“ — Elizabeth Gutierrez

Episode Highlights:

• The Foundation’s powerful mission to foster Latino leadership and education.
• How a scholarship program transforms futures and inspires community pride.
• Behind the scenes of their signature fundraising gala and its lasting impact.
• Debunking myths: Philanthropy is alive and thriving in the Latino community.
• The growing role of technology in connecting and empowering donors.

OneCause Customer Profile:

• Customer Success Manager: Ahilen Bernal
• Fundraising Software: OneCause Fundraising Platform
• Signature Event(s): 4th Annual Gala: Our Wings, Our Legacy

Connect with our Guests:

• Elizabeth Gutierrez

Episodes Resources:

• Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
• Support
• Rapid Response Program

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Inspiring hope and health through powerful stories of community and compassion.

SHOW NOTES:

October 23, 2025 – Episode # 204

Miles of Hope: Walking Together Toward Awareness and Healing

On this heartwarming episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Pari Forood, Executive Director of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, to honor the stories, strength, and spirit behind breast cancer awareness. From financial assistance to patient advocacy, Pari shares how her small but mighty team turns compassion into action – empowering survivors, supporting families, and funding education programs that create real change in the fight against breast cancer.

Together, Dawn and Pari remind listeners that awareness doesn’t stop when October (breast cancer awareness month) ends. It’s a year-round commitment to health, community, and early detection.

Tune in to hear how one foundation’s miles of effort have turned into miles of hope. And ladies—consider this your friendly reminder: please schedule your annual mammogram today.

Guest Reflection:

“Every step we take, every dollar we raise, brings us closer to a world where no one faces breast cancer alone.” — Pari Forood

Episode Highlights:

• Turning Awareness into Action: Understand how early detection saves lives and strengthens communities.
• Power of Purposeful Giving: Discover how creative, community-driven fundraising translates into real-world impact.
• Hearts that Heal: Meet the volunteers who transform compassion into connection, one act of kindness at a time.
• Hope for the Next Generation: Learn how scholarships for students affected by breast cancer are rewriting stories of loss into legacies of love.
• $4 Million and Counting: Explore the ripple effect of Miles of Hope’s remarkable fundraising efforts, and how every dollar raised restores dignity, courage, and care.

OneCause Customer Profile:

• Customer Success Manager: Tyler Tranberg
• Fundraising Software: Peer-to-Peer
• Signature Event(s): Miles of Hope Walk

Connect with our Guests:

• Miles of Hope Leadership

Episodes Resources:

• Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation
• Grants
• Get Involved

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

October 16, 2025 – Episode # 203

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 8

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 8th episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Erin Kienzle – Giving4Good
• Bradley Martin – Feathr
• Louis Murad & Marty Murad – Murad Auctions

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You’ll Take Away:

• Creating Buzz and Bids: Use story-driven videos to grab attention, inspire giving, and elevate your gala – right from your iPhone.
• Pixels and Pints: Unlock digital tactics that prove real marketing ROI.
• Game On! Auction Strategies: Energize your auction with games and strategies that drive engagement and bigger bids.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

October 14, 2025 – Episode # 202

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 7

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 7th episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Kristen Bowles – National MS Society
• Christina Jones – Battered Women Justice Project
• Erik Tomalis – Avid

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You’ll Take Away:

• Campaigns That Transform: Innovative strategies for storytelling, community building, and leading multimillion-dollar initiatives.
• Social Media That Raises Millions: How to turn LinkedIn and Instagram activity into five- to seven-figure gifts.
• Fundraising That Connects: Why personal relationships and donor engagement matter more than transactions.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

October 9, 2025 - Episode # 201

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 6

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 6th episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Steve Lausch - OneCause

• Frances Brooks, CFRE - Indiana University Foundation

• Kevin Spykerman - Auction Packages

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You'll Take Away: 

• Innovation, Recognition & Connection: Dive into Raise highlight, innovation in action, award-winning nonprofits, and the deep community connections that spark inspiration.

• Trends that Drive Results: Discover sizzling travel experiences, emerging auction trends, and techniques to elevate engagement, bidding, and event performance.

• Powerful Calls to Action: Explore how evaluating personal motivations, deepening mission alignment, and cultivating shared values build trust, strengthen teams, and create psychological safety.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!

Big Ideas. Bold Voices. Fresh from Raise 2025!

SHOW NOTES:

October 7, 2025 - Episode # 200

Turned Up Raise Series: Part 5

Lights, energy, impact…Raise 2025 is a wrap! But the bold ideas and breakthrough moments from the conference are still rolling. From the backdrop of the San Antonio Riverwalk, our Raise Amplifiers captured powerful conversations, bold perspectives, and fearless fundraising strategies, delivering the magic from the stage straight to you.

In the 5th episode of our special Raise Nation Radio series, we’re spotlighting dynamic voices offering fresh ideas, expert knowledge, and practical insights to drive fundraising forward.

• Colleen Carroll - Double the Donation
• Reggie Rivers - The Gala Team
• Susan Kramer - Susan Kramer Consulting

Get ready for fundraising fuel that’s equal parts practical and inspiring. Stream this episode on your favorite podcast platform or catch the full series on the OneCause YouTube Channel.

Highlights You'll Take Away: 

• Matching gifts significantly boost fundraising. Explore best practices for communication strategies that inspire action.
• Supercharge your paddle raise. Top tips and quick strategies for raising more at your next event.
• Your next major donor is closer than you think! Learn strategies to uncover hidden giving potential.

Meet the Raise Amplifiers:

• Dawn Lego — OneCause & Raise Nation Radio
• Kevin Spykerman – Auction Packages
• Samantha Swaim – Swaim Strategies & The Fundraising Elevator
• Trevor Nelson – HGA Fundraising & Hey Nonprofits
• And the production team: GSF Media

Resources and Upcoming:

• Watch Raise 2025 On-Demand
• Save the date: Raise 2026, August 31 – September 1, Chicago, IL
• Raise 2026 presale tickets launch this October!