The Fundraising Elevator Podcast: Elevating Your Impact
Welcome to The Fundraising Elevator—the podcast that lifts nonprofit professionals to new heights in fundraising, strategy, and donor engagement. Hosted by Sam Swaim and Kristin Steele, this podcast brings real conversations, expert insights, and actionable advice to help you create meaningful donor connections and successful fundraising events. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, practical strategies, or just a little inspiration, The Fundraising Elevator is here to take your impact to the next level. Tune in and join the conversation! Browse our episodes wherever you listen or watch your podcasts.
Check out the latest episode
Episode #73: Easy Auctions with Jason Allen Champion
In this episode, we sit down with Jason Allen Champion, Vice President of National Partnerships at Winspire, to explore how consignment auctions can serve as a smart, strategic approach to nonprofit fundraising. These auctions give organizations a low-risk opportunity to boost revenue while offering donors unforgettable experiences that align with their mission. Jason shares expert tips on selecting and promoting consignment packages, building mission-forward experiences, and generating greater donor engagement. We also dive into online auction strategies, package curation, creative fundraising ideas, and the importance of donor stewardship woven into the experiences your winners walk away with.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
Browse Previous Episode
Episode #72: Creating Psychological Safety with Ian Adair
In this episode, mental health advocate and nonprofit executive Ian Adair joins us to talk about the importance of psychological safety in nonprofit work environments. He shares actionable strategies for fostering trust and openness—like modeling vulnerability, encouraging healthy risk-taking, giving constructive feedback, and celebrating team contributions. Ian also connects these practices to donor relationships, reminding us that empathy and understanding should guide our asks. This conversation is a must-listen for nonprofit leaders, managers, and team members who want to build stronger cultures, improve performance, and boost retention by putting people first.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
- Book Consulting with Sam or Kristin
- Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Event
- Planning a Successful Major Donor Event
- Connect with Swaim Strategies
- Connect with The AV Department
- Strategy 27: www.strategy27.com
- Ian Adair’s TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/ian_adair_t…
- Center for Creative Leadership—Empathy in the Workplace: https://www.ccl.org/articles/leading-…
- Hacking HR—Organizational Culture: https://www.youtube.com/live/CcEaqb7R…
- FREE Stewardship Intensive Webinar on April 23 + 24: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regis…
- US Giving Reports: https://store.givingusa.org/collectio…
Episode #71: Evolving Strategy with Bradley Martin
In this episode, we sit down with Bradley Martin, VP of Growth Marketing at Feathr—a digital marketing platform built for nonprofits—to explore the evolving nonprofit landscape and how organizations can adapt. Bradley brings a wealth of insight on using digital strategies to boost fundraising outcomes. We dive into topics like shifting donor demographics, smart retargeting tactics to convert website visitors into donors, and cost-effective digital advertising approaches that stretch tight budgets. He also emphasizes the power of data-driven decision-making in nonprofit marketing. Whether you’re part of a small team or a large organization, Bradley shares actionable tips you can put to work right away.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
- Book Consulting with Sam or Kristin
- Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Event
- Planning a Successful Major Donor Event
- Connect with Swaim Strategies
- Connect with The AV Department
- Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ For a Feathr discount, contact Jeff Rose and say Swaim Strategies Sent Me: jeff.rose@feathr.co
- M + R Benchmarks Study: https://www.mrss.com/lab/category/ben…
- A Beginners Guide to Retargeting Ads: https://www.feathr.co/resources/blog/…
- Canva: https://www.canva.com/
- Fiverr: https://www.fiverr.com/
- FREE Stewardship Intensive Webinar on April 23 + 24: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/regis…
- US Giving Reports: https://store.givingusa.org/collectio…
Episode #70: Create Meaning Through Story with Kristin Steele
Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, podcast host Kristin Steele delivers a powerful keynote on how to create meaningful donor experiences through storytelling. From event marketing to program design, every element of your event tells a story—and those stories are the fastest route to connection, community, and donor engagement. In this episode, we explore how to craft intentional event narratives that leave a lasting impact on your guests.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
Episode #69: The Equastory™ Framework with Diana Farias Heinrich
Recorded live at the 2025 Elevate Conference, this episode of The Fundraising Elevator brings together hosts Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele for a compelling conversation with Diana Farias Heinrich, creator of the Equastory™ Framework. As the CEO of Habrá Marketing, Diana champions equity, respect, and dignity in nonprofit storytelling, helping organizations share their impact while staying true to their values.
In this discussion, Diana explores how nonprofits can be more thoughtful and ethical in the stories they tell, ensuring their narratives empower rather than exploit. She also shares insights from The Ethical Nonprofit Summit, a movement she leads to advance ethical storytelling and fundraising practices. Tune in to learn how to craft stories that inspire action while honoring the dignity of the communities you serve.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
Episode #68: Radical Hospitality with Kimberly Wilson
In this episode, we sit down with Kimberly A.C. Wilson, Executive Director of Hedgebrook, to explore how hybrid events and radical hospitality are reshaping the fundraising landscape.
Hedgebrook, a renowned writing residency for women-identified authors, has transformed its annual event, EQUIVOX, into a dynamic hybrid experience that connects a global community of writers, readers, and supporters. Kimberly shares how virtual accessibility has expanded donor engagement, the role of storytelling in successful fundraising, and the powerful connections fostered between writers and audiences.
We also dive into how Hedgebrook’s hybrid approach helped raise over half a million dollars, breaking geographical barriers and setting a model for other organizations.
Plus, get an exclusive preview of this year’s EQUIVOX, featuring speakers Claudia Castro Luna, Jacqueline Woodson, and Dr. Seema Yasmin—and find out how you can tune in for free.
Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, event planner, or arts advocate, this episode is packed with valuable insights on creating immersive, inclusive fundraising experiences.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
Episode #67 ENCORE: Say the Magic Words with Frank Velásquez Jr.
In this episode, we dive into the powerful shift from deficit-framed language to asset-based language in the nonprofit sector with special guest Frank Velásquez Jr. When organizations focus on deficits, they risk reinforcing harmful stereotypes and systemic inequities, ultimately affecting both their work and the communities they serve. By adopting an asset-based approach, nonprofits can spotlight strengths, inspire opportunity, and drive meaningful change. Learn how this shift engages donors through a lens of support, deepens connections to your mission, and fosters lasting impact. Tune in for practical strategies to transform your storytelling into a force for empowerment and community-centered progress.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
Episode #66: Social Media for Nonprofits Now with Julia Campbell
Air Date: February 26, 2025
In this episode, we welcome nonprofit digital strategist and author Julia Campbell to explore the challenges and opportunities of social media. Julia offers insights on how nonprofits can conduct a social media audit, make strategic decisions about where to engage, and stay connected with their communities without burning out. We dive into the risks of platform-hopping, the power of clear and empathetic messaging, and how organizations can use social media as a natural extension of their mission—without succumbing to digital fatigue. Whether you’re reassessing your social media strategy or seeking fresh ways to engage your audience, this episode is full of practical, actionable advice.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
- Book Consulting with Sam or Kristin
- Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Event
- Planning a Successful Major Donor Event
- Connect with Swaim Strategies
- Connect with The AV Department
- JC Social Marketing: https://jcsocialmarketing.com/
- Nonprofit Nation Podcast: https://jcsocialmarketing.com/podcast/
- Nonprofit Social Media Summit: http://www.nonprofitsocialmediasummit…
- Storytelling in the Digital Age by Julia Campbell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1938077792/
- How to Build and Mobilize a Social Media Community for Your Nonprofit in 90 Days by Julia Campbell: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0692867120?…
- Hootsuite 2025 Social Media Trends Report: https://www.hootsuite.com/research/so…
Episode #65: Giving Crisis with Nathan Chappell
In this episode, we explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy with Nathan Chappell, author of The Generosity Crisis. As a leading expert at the intersection of artificial intelligence and fundraising, Nathan unpacks the challenges nonprofits face amid declining donor participation and the rise of transactional giving.
He offers powerful insights into why donor retention rates are plummeting, how AI is reshaping the future of philanthropy, and why building authentic, long-term relationships—not just securing donations—is essential for sustainability. Nathan also emphasizes the need for nonprofits to rethink organizational incentives, shift from short-term revenue goals to long-term engagement, and foster a culture of generosity that transcends traditional fundraising models.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.
- Book Consulting with Sam or Kristin
- Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Event
- Planning a Successful Major Donor Event
- Connect with Swaim Strategies
- Connect with The AV Department
- The Generosity Crisis: https://www.chappell-crimmins.com/
- Donor Search: https://www.donorsearch.net/
- fundraise.ai: https://fundraising.ai/
- Furniture Bank of Toronto: https://www.furniturebank.org/
- Nonprofit AI (forthcoming): https://www.amazon.com/Nonprofit-Comp…
Episode #64: Designing Immersive Experiences
Air Date: February 12, 2025
In this episode with Sammy Bliss we dive into the magic of live events, storytelling, and experiential marketing. We explore the transformative power of gathering people in a space to experience something unforgettable—whether it’s a theatrical performance, a high-energy DJ set, or a nonprofit fundraising event. For nonprofits, experiential marketing offers a powerful way to cultivate donor relationships. From innovative photo ops to leveraging influencers and social media, we unpack creative strategies to turn attendees into engaged advocates.
Resources from this episode
The Fundraising Elevator podcast offers a wealth of resources tailored to enhance nonprofit fundraising efforts. Here’s a glimpse into some of this week’s episode and the valuable insights and tools presented here.