Swaim Strategies

What if your next major gift didn't come from your biggest event of the year but from a carefully curated dinner for ten? In this fan-favorite encore episode, co-host Samantha Swaim steps into the guest seat to make a persuasive case for small, intentional gatherings as one of the most underutilized fundraising strategies in the nonprofit world.
From a seven-week dinner series that re-engaged an entire lapsed donor base to a whiskey tasting that turned a board member's passion into a major gift moment, this episode is packed with real examples of what intimate events can unlock for your organization.
In this episode, you'll learn:

Why small, curated events are the antidote to the "connection recession" hitting nonprofits right now
How donors consolidating their giving to fewer causes makes intimate gatherings more strategic than ever
Real examples of small event formats that have generated major gifts and re-engaged lapsed donors
How to assess whether your organization is ready to step back from big events and what to do instead
How to design a small event for a specific audience so everyone in the room has a reason to be there
The fears nonprofits have about smaller events (leaving money on the table, smaller reach) and how to reframe them
How to make an ask at an intimate gathering that feels easy, specific, and natural not transactional

This episode gives you both the permission and the practical blueprint to start smaller, go deeper, and raise more. Essential listening for development directors, executive directors, and major gift officers looking for a fresh approach to donor cultivation.
🎧 Subscribe to The Fundraising Elevator so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/
⭐ Leave a review it helps other nonprofit professionals find the show.
The Fundraising Elevator is a production of swaimstrategies.com sponsored by The AV Department, Bloomerang, and Feathr.

What separates a forgettable fundraising event from one guests are still talking about months later? In this fan-favorite encore episode, seasoned event producer Tanya Mikkelson breaks down exactly what it takes to create a guest experience so exceptional it turns first-time attendees into long-term advocates for your mission.
If you're planning a gala, auction, or any nonprofit fundraising event, this episode is your blueprint for getting the details right.
In this episode, you'll learn:

How to understand your audience and tailor your event to different donor demographics
Interactive and innovative engagement strategies that keep guests invested in your cause
How to use technology to elevate the guest experience without losing the human connection
The small, thoughtful touches that have an outsized impact on guest satisfaction
Common event planning pitfalls and Tanya's practical solutions for avoiding them
How to collect and actually use guest feedback to improve future events
Real-life success stories from Tanya's career as a professional event producer

Whether you're a first-time event planner or a seasoned development professional, this episode will help you think beyond logistics and start designing experiences that deepen donor relationships and extend your organization's reach long after the event ends.
🎧 Subscribe to The Fundraising Elevator so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/
⭐ Leave a review it helps other nonprofit professionals find the show.
The Fundraising Elevator is a production of swaimstrategies.com sponsored by The AV Department, Bloomerang, and Feathr.

Thinking about scaling back or canceling your next fundraising event? The science says don't. In this fan-favorite encore episode, hosts Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim make a compelling, research-backed case for why in-person fundraising events are more powerful than ever, and how to run them in a way that actually moves donors to give.
From the neuroscience of shared experiences to the psychology of collective giving, this episode will change the way you think about every event you host.
In this episode, you'll learn:

The neuroscience behind why gatherings work — including how shared experiences literally sync heartbeats and build trust
What "collective effervescence" is and why it's your most powerful fundraising tool
Why oxytocin, neural alignment, and social proof all work in your favor when donors are in the same room
How to use storytelling strategically and why trying to showcase every program in one night backfires
Why removing transactional clutter leads to stronger donor connection and higher satisfaction
The counterintuitive reason skipping the ask actually tanks donor satisfaction scores
How to host with intention so your event builds the long-term donor relationships your organization depends on

This episode is essential listening for nonprofit event planners, development directors, and executive directors who want to stop running events out of obligation and start running them as a genuine community-building and fundraising strategy.
🎧 Subscribe to The Fundraising Elevator so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/
⭐ Leave a review it helps other nonprofit professionals find the show.
The Fundraising Elevator is a production of swaimstrategies.com sponsored by The AV Department, Bloomerang, and Feathr.

What if one strategic gift could double the revenue of your next fundraising event? In this fan-favorite encore episode, Brandon Lenzi, founder of Bowtie Strategies, shares the exact approach he used to transform a $500,000 event into a million-dollar fundraiser and shares how you can apply the same framework to your organization.
Brandon also reframes the way nonprofit professionals think about donor relationships entirely: fundraising isn't about asking, it's about inviting donors to realize their vision for the community they want to live in.
In this episode, you'll learn:

How to use an anchor gift strategy to create collective giving momentum
Why fundraising is a flywheel — not a water pump — and what that means for your year-end campaign
How to sit on the same side of the table as donors and solve problems together
The case for radical transparency with donors about funding gaps
How to navigate a challenging giving environment by doubling down on individual donors
Why donors are consolidating their giving and how to make sure your org makes the cut
Authentic storytelling strategies that turn donors into true team members

This episode is a must-listen for development directors, executive directors, and fundraising professionals preparing for year-end giving season or looking to level up their next fundraising event.
📊 Breakdown of the Million-Dollar Strategy: https://swaimstrategies.substack.com/p/how-to-turn-your-fundraising-event
🎧 Subscribe to The Fundraising Elevator so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/
⭐ Leave a review it helps other nonprofit professionals find the show.
The Fundraising Elevator is a production of swaimstrategies.com sponsored by The AV Department, Bloomerang, and Feathr.

Is your nonprofit board showing up for fundraising — or just showing up? In this fan-favorite encore episode, Susan Howlett breaks down exactly how to activate your board before, during, and after your next fundraising event so your team isn't carrying the weight alone.
Whether you're heading into fall fundraising season or planning your next gala, auction, or annual appeal, this episode gives you a practical roadmap for turning passive board members into active fundraising partners.
In this episode, you'll learn:

Why fundraising is everyone's job, not just the development team's
How to align board members with your organization's fundraising goals
Practical strategies to boost board engagement and participation
How to run more effective board meetings that actually drive action
The case for building a culture of philanthropy from the top down
How to leverage each board member's unique network and strengths
Ways to recruit and retain a more diverse, effective board
How to measure board engagement and celebrate wins

This episode is essential listening for nonprofit executive directors, development directors, and fundraising professionals who want more from their boards — not just attendance, but real commitment.
🎧 Subscribe to The Fundraising Elevator so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/
⭐ Leave a review it helps other nonprofit professionals find the show.
The Fundraising Elevator is a production of swaimstrategies.com sponsored by The AV Department, Bloomerang, and Feathr.

In the season three finale, we sit down with Andy Dowsett of The AV Department, a technical project manager with over a decade of experience helping nonprofits deliver high-impact live, virtual, and hybrid events. Andy shares how his audio engineering background shaped his belief that great sound is the foundation of any successful fundraising event—if guests can't hear the emcee, auctioneer, or a donor's story, the emotional connection needed to drive giving won't happen. He emphasizes prioritizing high-value, low-cost solutions with quick setup times, and how getting technology "out of the way" lets emcees and speakers shine.
The second half explores a case study: a 650-person gala for The San Diego LGBT Community Center, where the team used a handheld gimbal camera, remote ASL interpretation via Zoom, live captioning, and a donation thermometer tracking gifts. Andy walks through the technical elements and how they can enhance an event. The episode closes with his best advice: vet your AV team carefully and choose partners who can help tell your story with the least technical friction.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.

This Episode Brought to You by:
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.

Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw
Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.

Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/

Andy Dowsett
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andydowsett/

| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

In this episode, Bob Speltz, Senior Director Community + Public Relations at The Standard, offers a rare 360-degree view of the nonprofit sector as a corporate funder, board member, and personal donor. Bob breaks down current trends in corporate philanthropy, from strategic alignment and CSR integration to employee-driven giving programs and a shift toward longer-term, hyper-local partnerships. He shares practical advice for standing out in a crowded field of nonprofits competing for corporate dollars: research the company beforehand, ask direct questions, stay transparent about your own challenges, and build real relationships instead of only reaching out once a year with an ask.
The conversation also covers giving beyond cash, like board service, skills-based volunteering, and leasable space, plus what makes fundraising events and nonprofit boards actually work well. Bob shares a personal story about the capital campaign gift that meant the most to him, and closes with his elevator advice: never be afraid to ask questions, since curiosity and authenticity are what build lasting partnerships.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.

This Episode Brought to You by:
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.

Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw
Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.

Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/

Bob Speltz
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-speltz-501b261/

| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with The Standard: https://www.standard.com/

In this episode, Mario Galeano of Union Station Homeless Services in Pasadena explores marketing that made the difference for his organization. Mario explains how the Eaton Fire, which hit neighboring Altadena, tested strategies in real time. With about 8% of the organization's major donors affected, the usual fundraising playbook didn't work. The team segmented outreach by geography and impact status, suppressing communications to affected donors while activating unaffected supporters, and personally calling everyone in the burn zone to check in. The result was deeply impactful fundraising, including funds raised for fire recovery.
The conversation then expands into Mario's framework for how communications, marketing, and fundraising work together: communications builds trust, marketing drives action, and fundraising converts that trust into revenue. He grounds this in examples like a geofenced campaign tied to Union Station's Rose Parade float and the strategy behind Masters of Taste, the organization's signature Rose Bowl fundraiser. He closes with advice to move past vanity metrics, be honest about team capacity, and treat marketing as a revenue strategy rather than a support function, since sustainable fundraising starts long before the ask.
Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.

This Episode Brought to You by:
Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.

The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.

Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw
Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.

Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/
Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Substack: https://substack.com/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Substack: https://substack.com/

Mario Galeano
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marioegaleano/

| RESOURCES |
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/
Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam
Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling
Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Union Station Homeless Services: https://ushs.org/
Follow Union State Homeless Services: https://www.instagram.com/ushsnews/
Learn More About Masters of Taste: https://mastersoftastela.com/