Raise Nation

Fresh perspectives and authentic insights from extraordinary leaders and advocates in a transformative discussion on the history of 1863.

SHOW NOTES:

Step into the world of Crystal Hall, the Planning and Strategy Manager at OneCause. Beyond her daily contributions to support her teams and empower nonprofit organizations to achieve fundraising success, Crystal is a vibrant force within the OneCause culture. As an active member of the DEIB Committee, she embraces her true self and advocates for change. With unwavering passion, Crystal inspires pride both within and beyond the company. She embodies her values, standing up and showing up for what she believes in. Join her in the 4th Annual Juneteenth Celebration on Monday, June 19, 2023, hosted by Fisher’s High School Future Black Leaders, as Crystal continues to make a lasting impact that fills her children and everyone around her with pride.Introducing Tracey Clark, the dynamic Virtual and In-person Event Manager at OneCause. With an unwavering passion for nonprofits, special events, and empowering fundraising success, Tracey shines as a true leader. Her authentic voice and commitment to speaking her truth make her a standout advocate. Beyond her professional expertise, Tracey’s deep knowledge of history and her ability to shed a positive light on the present and future add a unique flair to her vibrant personality. Balancing multiple careers and fulfilling personal life, Tracey exemplifies the go-getter spirit. Join Tracey in celebrating Juneteenth at the remarkable Juneteenth Jubilee: A Celebration of Education on Sat, Jun 17th in Columbus. For her peers and friends in the greater Indianapolis area, Tracey shares a special message: Discover the Greater Indianapolis Juneteenth Information by searching “Juneteenth Indianapolis” for details on the Peace Walk, the Eiteljorg Museum, and other exciting events throughout June. Be sure to visit indyjuneteenth.org for the grand parade and festival experience. This dynamic duo embodies a profound appreciation for the Juneteenth celebration, advocating for a positive attitude, inclusive festivities, and the values of a purpose-driven company.

Highlights include:

• Embracing a living culture, not mere words
• Setting the records straight
• Celebrating Juneteenth
• Engaging at any stage
• Reflecting on the past and forging ahead

A Heartwarming Connection: A Simple T-Shirt Design and Beautiful Story Unite a Company with Pride

SHOW NOTES:

June 8, 2023 - Episode # 91 Wearing Pride featuring Nate Cox

Meet Nate Cox, a Custom Success Manager at OneCause, who finds immense fulfillment in his role of supporting remarkable causes and facilitating their fundraising success through powerful software solutions. Working at OneCause not only fills Nate’s bucket professionally but also personally, thanks to the inclusive and diverse culture that the company fosters. Nate actively contributes to the DEIB committee, championing Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging. However, Nate’s talents don’t stop there—he is also an incredible opera singer and performer.But there’s even more to Nate than meets the eye. His vibrant passion for life, love, and his values and beliefs truly define him. This passion was evident during a special t-shirt contest hosted by OneCause People & Culture and the DEIB committee. The contest aimed to create the annual PRIDE t-shirt, a highly coveted item at OneCause, in celebration of PRIDE month in June. Employees at OneCause submitted numerous designs, each one more beautiful than the last. Among the incredible entries, Nate’s design emerged as the winner, which was a moment of great significance. Yet, what makes this even more extraordinary is the inspiring story behind the design.

Highlights include:

• Love is love... and acceptance
• Being yourself, unapologetically
• Living under the rainbow
• Celebrating PRIDE
• Culture of belonging
• Dedicating a design

Discover the untapped potential of AI in revolutionizing your donor prospecting efforts.

SHOW NOTES:

Identifying high-impact donors beyond a nonprofit’s current pool is a challenging yet essential task. If development teams possessed a secret formula for prospecting, the culture of generosity would flourish. While personalized messaging, segmentation, and donor profile research offer valuable tips, the primary barrier is time. The extensive effort required for these tasks and individual outreach is overwhelming, especially considering limited resources, staffing, and the multitude of responsibilities nonprofit development teams juggle. As a result, the outcomes often fall short of expectations.In today’s technological landscape, AI is no longer a distant concept, but a powerful tool that can revolutionize donor prospecting. Instead of fearing it, it’s time to embrace the possibilities it brings. In this episode, Shawn Olds, Co-founder, and Chief Executive Officer at boodle AI & the creator of boodle GPT explains how getting started with AI is easier than you may think. Learn how even a small sample database can provide valuable insights and pave the way for donor acquisition.boodleAI is a developer of a predictive analytics platform designed to democratize data science for nonprofits through the power of enriched analytics. The company is disrupting the traditional norms of donor acquisition and retention by applying large language models to predict and model donor behaviors. achieving unprecedented increases in donations, engagement, and lifetime retention rates. Their innovative approach to donor prospecting has revolutionized the nonprofit sector, offering nonprofits direct access to high-quality, mission-aligned donor prospects. Leveraging seamless advertising solutions, boodleAI simplifies the process of converting these carefully curated AI-generated prospects into lifelong donors.“The best time to plant a tree was 30 years ago. The second best time is now.”

Highlights include:

• Leverage 100 donor profiles to get started with AI Donor Prospecting.
• Harvest bespoke data to understand core donors.
• Create unique prospects lists to acquire net new donors.
• Identify and optimize affinity groups.
• Build and strengthen donor relationships based on machine learning.

Donor stewardship plays a vital role in the success of nonprofits. While a simple thank you and handshake are important, it’s time to aim for something more impactful. Go beyond the ordinary and leave a lasting impression that transforms gratitude into a thriving culture of generosity.

SHOW NOTES: Donor stewardship is a cornerstone for every nonprofit organization, and it’s no secret that it holds critical importance. From thank you emails and holiday greetings to impactful stories, nonprofits strive to engage donors and express gratitude. While messaging often revolves around donors, their contributions, and the resulting impact, there’s still much room for innovation in this area. Despite the rapid advancements in digital channels, social media, and nonprofit technology, the landscape of donor stewardship remains relatively unchanged. It’s astonishing to consider that such a vital aspect of donor retention and recurring donations has seen limited evolution. However, there’s a question that lingers: What more can be done?Robert Sellman, Sr. Vice President of Growth & Partnerships at omnially, challenges some of those assertions. Omnially is the creator of The Digital Donor Engagement System℠, representing the next-generation evolution of digital donor walls. Their digital donor recognition walls are not only intuitive, modern, and flexible but also exude an undeniable allure. The productivity they bring is equally impressive. According to Robert, revenue growth is a direct outcome of fostering a genuine connection between donors and an organization’s mission, something that every nonprofit aspires to achieve. Omnially has ingeniously combined digital storytelling, impact statements, timelines, and donor recognition to create an exceptional solution: an engaging, exciting, and interactive digital wall.Indeed, donor recognition walls have experienced a remarkable evolution. Tune in to this episode and prepare to be amazed.

Highlights include:

• Learn about a powerful tool for donor stewardship.
• Cultivate and transform the culture of generosity.
• Explore digital-first donor recognition strategies.
• Captivate audiences with compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact.
• Elevate storytelling with immersive visuals, interactive elements, and personalized experiences.
• Leverage digital donor recognition walls for major gift strategies and build nonprofit corporate sponsorships.

Have you ever wished for a more effective approach to procuring auction items? Well, your wish has come true. Hannah Yang, Founder & CEO of TheShareWay, has revolutionized the process with an online portal that’s a complete game-changer.

SHOW NOTES:

Nonprofit development centers on connecting people to causes. Nonprofits have a range of options to achieve this, such as events, campaigns, direct mail appeals, social strategies, and board engagement. However, there is a secret sauce that many nonprofits are unaware of, and it’s free! Auction fundraisers are another highly effective way to raise funds for your cause and connect supporters to your mission. Whether held as a stand-alone event, online, or as part of a signature gala, auctions can be a fun and engaging way to raise money. They offer donors the excitement of bidding while broadening your reach to a wider audience, especially when you have the right mix of items. However, organizing an auction can be a lot of work. The most challenging part is often procuring the items. Your committee must compile a wish list, send solicitation letters, and make countless phone calls to secure donations. Tracking and following up with potential donors can also be daunting. Despite weeks of hard work, it’s not uncommon to end up with very few items for your auction. Hannah Yang, CEO & Co-Founder of TheShareWay, revolutionized the item procurement process for nonprofits. In this episode, Hannah reveals an easier way to find companies willing to donate. TheShareWay is a comprehensive online community and directory that provides a vast selection of food, beverages, auction and raffle items, and more. TheShareWay simplifies item procurement into 3 easy steps:

Discover - Browse through a diverse range of local, regional, and national donors offering a wide inventory of items.

Apply - Streamline your process and avoid wasting time pursuing the wrong avenues by learning about deadlines, restrictions, cause focus, and other pertinent information.

Track - Abandon spreadsheets and embrace an interactive dashboard that displays your progress.

TheShareWay is a game-changer for nonprofits, making it effortless to secure top-quality items for your next auction or fundraising event. Soliciting donations just got fun!

Highlights include:

• Learn about TheShareWay Story. and how the concept became a reality.
• Receive valuable community feedback, tips, and advice about the most promising donors.
• Explore a diverse range of over 400 companies, from Whole Foods to Disney, that accept online donation requests.
• Access rankings and reviews of potential donors to inform your decision-making.
• Foster and cultivate new long-term business relationships with potential donors.

In the nonprofit world, deepening donor relationships is paramount. However, it doesn’t have to be a difficult, complicated, or costly process. Join Matt Bitzegaio, Co-Founder and CEO of DonorDock, who offers - the solution is actually quite simple: technology should align with your workflow.

SHOW NOTES:

At the core of every nonprofit organization lies a crucial tool: CRM software. With the abundance of tasks that need to be managed, CRM software should not only serve as a means of managing donor data, but it should also be able to provide real-time, comprehensive insights into donor activity, facilitate donor engagement, and help nonprofits develop deeper relationships with their supporters.A CRM system that is flexible, scalable, and agile can streamline day-to-day nonprofit activities, synchronize with fundraising and accounting platforms, and support various functions such as email marketing, campaign and gift management, volunteer and grants tracking, and membership management. Analytics and reporting are also important features, as well as data privacy and security.This complexity makes CRM software the lifeblood of a nonprofit organization, but it begs the question, is there a simpler solution to a critical necessity?Matt Bitzegaio is a passionate advocate for nonprofit organizations, believing that software should enable rather than hinder their growth. As CEO and Co-Founder of DonorDock, he is determined to revolutionize the industry by providing innovative technology that empowers nonprofits to fulfill their missions and make a meaningful impact. In this episode, you’ll hear Matt’s inspiring story, learn why he decided to launch DonorDock in a crowded market, and discover his plans for supporting nonprofits for years to come.

Highlights include:

• Next-level donor data management.
• Solutions designed especially for small-mid-sized nonprofits.
• Simplicity without compromise to innovation.
• Tracking hub concepts for donor interactions.
• Products designed and developed with empathy.

As society progresses, so does our understanding of disability. Despite this, it wasn’t until 1975 that children with disabilities were granted the right to public school education. Today, we continue to ask important questions like whether we should use the term “disability” or “different-ability.”Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a condition that affects social skills, communication, sensory differences, and behavior. Because it is a spectrum disorder, each person with autism has a unique set of strengths and challenges. We should recognize that these differences make society stronger. But how can we change our mindsets to value neurodiversity and foster inclusivity?April marks Autism Appreciation Month, a time when we celebrate and promote unity, collaboration, and understanding for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It’s an important opportunity to raise awareness, share stories, and foster global support towards creating a more inclusive world. However, our responsibility to build an inclusive society goes beyond this designated month. It’s a year-round commitment that benefits everyone in our communities. By embracing diversity, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities for all, we can build a society that celebrates the unique strengths and talents of every individual.In this podcast episode, you will hear from two remarkable guests: self-advocate and attorney, Haley Moss, ESQ, and Autumn Ziemba Mackenzie, the Community Relations Manager of Milestones Autism Resources. They will share their unique experiences and perspectives on how to create a more inclusive society where autistic individuals can thrive as integrated members of their community.You will hear about important topics such as disability rights, closing gaps in services and support, listening to autistic voices, and empowering individuals with autism. You will also get a brief history lesson from Haley!. Based in Warrensville, OH, Milestones Autism Resources is a non-profit organization that provides lifelong strategies and support for autistic individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals through education, coaching, and connection to trusted resources.

Highlights include:

• Understanding Autism Appreciation and what it means to be a truly inclusive society
• Embracing neurodiversity in our communities
• Progressing Disability Rights
• Changing mindsets and the way the world views autistic individuals
• Serving autistic individuals of all ages, stages, and abilities
• Communicating without words

In today’s digital world, nonprofits rely heavily on technology to stay competitive, manage and engage supporters, and launch successful fundraisers. However, with a wide range of software options available, navigating the complex web of technology can be challenging and often leads to more problems than solutions. Despite the promises of technology to streamline processes and create efficiencies, many nonprofits face a confusing maze of software options that don’t work well together resulting in duplication, manual efforts, errors, and wasted technology.

It’s essential for nonprofits to take control of their tech stack to ensure that their software solutions work in harmony. In this episode, listeners will hear from Debbie McCann, CEO, W4Sight, who shares her expert insights on creating a practical plan for technology acquisition and implementation. Debbie and her team specialize in helping nonprofits develop a tech strategy that works for them by asking the tough questions.Since 2009, W4Sight has been committed to empowering nonprofits and mission-minded organizations with the power of technology. With a team of multidisciplinary consultants, they focus on how nonprofits can use software tools to do their most impactful work.  Through a pragmatic mindset and a comprehensive evaluation of the entire ecosystem, W4Sight takes a holistic approach to assessing nonprofit software, comparing it with the organization’s unique methods of operation, and devising a plan to help nonprofits get the maximum benefits from their technology.

Highlights include:

• Embracing operations truthfulness to identify areas for improvement.
• Balancing projects to ensure that all areas of the organization are moving forward efficiently and effectively.
• Pushing the pause button when necessary to reassess and adjust the course.
• Setting guardrails to guide decision-making and ensure alignment with organizational goals.
• Investing in the process to create a strong foundation for growth and success.

• Measuring results to track progress and make data-driven decisions.

Event fundraising is a well-explored topic, and for good reason - the advice is always beneficial. However, in order to truly ignite a movement and garner support for your mission, it all boils down to the nitty-gritty of bringing people together and creating experiences.

SHOW NOTES:

You have a mere four hours to pull off the fundraising event of the year and raise vital funds for your mission. The sheer number of details to consider can be overwhelming. Countless hours have been spent brainstorming unique and imaginative themes, but it’s easy to get bogged down in the minutiae of the event. Will you opt for a band or DJ? And what about the dessert selection? White or ivory napkins? Let’s not forget about the critical photo opp moment. The devil is certainly in the details.More important are the fundraising options. As the mastermind behind the operation, you’re juggling committees and sub-committees, volunteers, and corporate sponsors, all with the aim of keeping each group content. While keeping a watchful eye on the silent auction, item procurement, and starting bids, you also have to strike the perfect balance for the live auction - not too many items, and not too few. The question of whether or not to hold an opportunity drawing looms large. And there’s the ever-critical stage presentation.But you know this already.In this episode, we introduce you to a game-changer in the nonprofit world. Samantha Swaim, Owner & Strategic Director, Swaim Strategies, isn’t just any nonprofit thought leader; she’s a top 10 nonprofit fundraising thought leader to follow!With over 20 years of event planning and fundraising expertise, Samantha founded Swaim Strategies, a fundraising event consultancy, in 2004. Since then, she’s been working with nonprofit organizations worldwide to produce events that create an impact and move missions forward. But that’s not all - Samantha’s passion for bringing people together to build communities and create shared experiences stems from her background in theatre and TV production. She knows that collaboration is key and believes that we are stronger when we work together. Get ready to be inspired by Samantha Swaim - a true visionary in the nonprofit space.

Discussions of this show include:

• Events designed for purpose and impact.
• Intentional themes.
• Messaging before the event.
• Storytelling strategies.
• Ways to optimize giving.
• Engaging guest experiences.