7 min readI've read a lot of appeal letters over the years, and I can usually tell within the first two sentences whether it's going to work. The ones that don't work almost always start the same way: a mission statement, a program overview, maybe a stat about how...
7 min readI was talking with an executive director a few months ago who was really proud of the monthly giving program they'd launched the year before. And she should have been — they'd gone from zero to about 80 monthly donors in twelve months. Then I asked how many...
7 min readHere's a number worth sitting with: nearly one-third of all charitable giving in the United States happens in December. One. Third. Of the entire year. That's not a coincidence — it's a combination of year-end tax deadlines, holiday generosity, and the...
6 min readWe talked in an earlier post about why donor retention matters — the leaky bucket, the math, the case for investing in keeping the donors you already have. If you haven't read that one, go back and start there. But today I want to get practical. Because...
6 min readCan I be honest with you for a second? Most of the nonprofits I work with are doing way too much manual fundraising work. They're sending every email by hand, personally following up with every donor, rebuilding their campaigns from scratch every year. And I...
6 min readI was on a call recently with a development director who was frustrated. She'd spent months rebuilding her organization's website, cleaned up the donation page, even switched to a new payment processor. And her online giving had barely budged. "I don't...
Are you spending weeks creating fundraising campaigns that could be done in hours? In this episode, I sit down with Russell Van Broecklen, a New York State Senate-funded dyslexia researcher and founder of dyslexiaclasses.com, to explore how artificial intelligence can...
Are you struggling to attract more visitors to your nonprofit's website? In this episode, I sit down with Steven Schneider, co-founder and CEO of Trio SEO, to explore the power of search engine optimization (SEO) for mission-driven organizations. We discuss why SEO is...
Are you looking to boost your nonprofit's fundraising efforts and connect with more donors? In this episode, I sit down with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, to explore the power of event fundraising in 2025 and beyond. Roger shares his wealth of...
Are you struggling to connect with major donors and secure those game-changing gifts for your nonprofit? In this episode, I sit down with Ellen Christine Ruiters, a nonprofit leadership and fundraising consultant who has helped great causes raise over a billion...
Are you struggling to cut through the noise and truly connect with your donors? In this episode, I sit down with Jake Sukoff, founder and CEO of Patient Procure, to explore the art of crafting compelling impact stories that resonate with your audience. Jake shares his...
Are you considering building a website for your nonprofit but feeling overwhelmed by the options? In this episode, I sit down with Becky Launder, co-founder of Oh My High, to discuss the essential factors you should consider before embarking on your website journey....
Are you struggling to attract the right donors and volunteers to your nonprofit? The secret might lie in your organization's vision and mission statements. These foundational elements are more than just corporate jargon - they're powerful tools that can transform your...
Are you looking to create a steady stream of income for your nonprofit? Monthly giving programs might be the answer you've been searching for. In this episode, I'm joined by Katherine Lacefield, a seasoned philanthropic consultant with over 20 years of experience, to...
Can you believe it? We've hit a major milestone - 300 episodes of the Digital Marketing Therapy Podcast! To celebrate this incredible journey, I'm taking you on a whirlwind tour of our top 15 episodes, packed with actionable insights and strategies to elevate your...
In a world dominated by digital marketing, it's easy to overlook the power of traditional methods. But what if I told you that one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience is sitting right in your mailbox? Direct mail remains a potent tool for...
As your nonprofit grows, the question of how to manage your marketing efforts becomes increasingly crucial. Should you hire a contractor, bring marketing in-house, or maintain a mix of both? In this episode, we explore the intricacies of building and expanding your...
Are you struggling to engage visitors on your nonprofit's website? You're not alone. Many organizations find it challenging to tell their story effectively online, often missing the mark when it comes to showcasing the true impact of their work. In this episode, I'm...
Are you considering starting a podcast for your nonprofit but feeling overwhelmed by the process? You're not alone. Many organizations recognize the potential of podcasting as a powerful marketing tool but struggle with where to begin. In this episode, I sit down with...
Are you feeling uncertain about your nonprofit's digital marketing strategy? Wondering if you should stick with your current plan or pivot to something new? You're not alone. In today's rapidly changing digital landscape, it's crucial to strike a balance between...
Andrew Laws, the founder of yeseo.io, an SEO agency. Andrew is a total pro when it comes to all things digital marketing, and he's here to share his expertise on leveraging the Google Ad Grant to promote your nonprofit. Whether you're brand new to the Google Ad Grant...
Patrick Kirby has been a guest multiple times on the Digital Marketing Therapy podcast and has partnered with The First Click on many different projects and programs. Now, Sami is excited to be joining his program, Do Good YOUniversity. This bonus episode talks about...
Navigating the world of government grants can be stressful. But funding isn't just in the grants you apply for. Guest Matthew Lesko has been helping individuals and nonprofits access little-known government resources for over 30 years, and he's here to share his...
Celebration sounds good in theory, but who has time for it! There is always something else that is around the corner, another thing to add to the to-do list, another board meeting. Making time to celebrate your wins and your teams wins, sometimes feels like a waste of...
Do you struggle with making the ask? You don't need to struggle anymore. Change your mindset and go for the nos instead of worrying about the nos. When we use data to our advantage we can set ourselves, and our team, up for success. Remove the pressure and give...
We all love a good planning session, but putting that plan into action can be a whole different beast. This has always been our biggest struggle. Consistency is key and creating excitement around the plan goes. along way. Learn ways to keep the team (and yourself)...
It's that time of year again - planning season! It's one thing to put together your strategic goals for your organization, it's another to put a marketing strategy together that will support that. Whether you're launching a new initiative, gearing up for a capital...
Fundraising is more fun with friends. Bring along your volunteers, team, board, and more to help carry the load and make the most of your year end giving. What you'll learn: → How to engage your board, volunteers, and donors to support your year-end campaign→ Specific...
The year-end giving season is a busy time for nonprofits, with donations pouring in and teams scrambling to keep up. But the real work begins after the gifts are received - it's all about following up with donors to show your appreciation and nurture those...
It's that time of year again - year-end giving season is just around the corner! In this episode, we're thrilled to have Vanessa Chase Lockshin, a fundraising expert specializing in digital fundraising and storytelling, share her top tips for executing successful...
Let's go on a journey through the essentials of blogging and content creation. If you're at the starting line or aiming to refine your current process, there's something valuable here for you. You'll learn why content is so important, why your whole team should be...
Are you looking to take your nonprofit's corporate partnerships to the next level? Join us as we explore the ins and outs of corporate sponsorships with Brandon Barnum, a master in forging powerful relationships that lead to significant funding. In this episode, we'll...
In today's digital age, it's easy to overlook the power of a tangible message in your hand. That's why we're diving into the world of direct mail with Robert Lee, a seasoned digital marketing guru who knows how to make an impact beyond the screen. In this episode, we...
Ever wonder how some nonprofits seem to always be in the news? It's not magic - it's PR! In this episode, we dive into the world of press releases and media relations with PR expert Mickie Kennedy. Learn how to craft compelling stories, build relationships with...
Ready to supercharge your nonprofit's donor stewardship game? In this episode, we're joined by the amazing Sabrina Walker Hernandez, a board management guru with over 25 years of nonprofit experience. Sabrina dishes out practical tips on how to engage your board in...
We're thrilled to have Howard Levy, a renowned expert in behavioral science, with us. Howard brings a wealth of knowledge on how nonprofits can tap into the principles of human psychology to boost their fundraising efforts. During our conversation, Howard explains the...
Welcome to our latest episode where we dive deep into the power of collaboration! Teaming up with other groups can open doors to new opportunities and amplify your message, reaching hearts and minds far and wide. But it's not just about shaking hands and combining...
When you're a guest on someone else's podcast you are put in front of an audience that already trusts you. They are listening to what you have to say because they already enjoy the podcast you're guesting on. It is an opportunity for you to share your expertise and...
Getting donors is tough work. So why don't fundraisers spend as much time retaining them as they do on getting new ones? When it comes to your monthly donors, being connected to them is so important. It's not about you though, it's about how they want to be connected...
Most fundraisers don't think of themselves as sales people. And while "sales" in the nonprofit space might look a little different, the foundation of taking them on a journey that ultimately leads in a donation, is still the same. Paying attention to how you you reach...
Funnels aren't just for sales teams. They are a way to understand how people become donors so you can get more of them! Funnels can help you create better donor and customer experiences while automating many of the actions. Learn how to set up a funnel, how to test...
Building value into your monthly giving program is so important. It helps to create a deeper connection and build community. This helps your donors stick around longer, and hopefully increase their gifts over time. Managing the stewardship of these donors can be...
When you think about sales how does it make you feel? For most people they feel icky and greasy. Sales doesn't have to be that way. You can implement a sales strategy into your fundraising approach so that you have a constant stream of people coming into your network...
Do you plan your marketing first or your fundraising first? For me, the answer is always your sales or fundraising goal. Marketing is meant to support your organizational goals. Don't get lost in the trap of working in silos where one isn't supporting the other! What...
Your year end giving campaign is a big part of your overall annual fundraising. But what all goes into a successful campaign? It starts with messaging and then spreading it out amongst all the different channels your donors exist on. What you'll learn: → the...
Email is a big part of your year end giving campaign. But what do you actually put in those emails? This episode gives you a glimpse into what to put in them to get more people to engage and donation to your organization. What you'll learn: → importance of...
Year end giving is a stressful. Getting as much done as early as possible is going to make it easier to reach your goals. This episode will give you some resources for putting your campaign together. You'll know what to put together based off of the goals you have for...
Bonus Episode 1Bonus Episode 2Â Bonus Episode #1 This episode was featured on Easy Style with Sami and is all about creating your dream personal and professional life. It's critical to build in time for yourself. As leaders in our organizations, that means setting the...
Credit card processing is a cost of doing business, it's something we all accept. Did you know that you can negotiate rates and that not everyone pays the same rates for the processing? Understanding what your contract is is crucial. Working with consultant who can...
Do you know how to craft content that speaks to your potential donors where they are? Not everyone reads your stuff and is ready to give you their money. It's a matter of having a combination of pieces that reach them where they are. This helps with engagement and...
How do you get monthly donors to join you? There are several ways you can marketing your monthly giving program and we're sharing a few here on this episode. Getting people to join is an ongoing job. With each new donor you're increasing your monthly gifts and that...
When you have a thriving monthly giving program you aren't just building in financial sustainability for your organization, you're also increasing the number of people you can have conversations with for other opportunities. So what do you do with all these contacts?...
How do you know what your audience wants when it comes to a monthly giving program? It can be easy to be in our own heads. Today's guest is Tiffany King and she's bringing her perspective of creating value for her business members to her Chamber of Commerce. While a...
Monthly giving programs are a great way to support your fundraising efforts and manage cashflow. Plus, your monthly donors are your biggest fans, often giving extra gifts on top of their monthly contributions. There are so many different ways you can craft your...
Yes you can put your sponsors logo on your website, that's easy. However, there are so many other fun and unique ways you can feature your sponsors on your website. What makes it even better is that these ideas also allow you to gain more visibility for your upcoming...
When you're in a quieter time of the year, what do you do? Do you relax and just stop doing everything because you're so burnt out? Or do you spend time nuturing your audience and continuing to spread awareness of your organization? The off-season is a great time to...
Targeting Gen Z might feel a little crazy. The oldest is only 25 years old after all. The sooner you create some conversations with your gen Z audience the better your long term success. Gen Z is creating new ways to earn money, build success and share causes that are...
Kpop is all over my household. I'm constantly amazed at how they keep their fans engaged and extremely loyal. I have witnessed so many different Kpop groups come into our household and am really impressed with the marketing engine they have. How does this relate to...
When you're growing or just starting out it can be scary. Figuring out what to do first and how to keep your mind on growth and abundance feels like it might be impossible. Gauri is here to share ways that you and your team can stay postivie and come from an abundance...
Marketing is a task that is ongoing for the sustainability of your organization. It helps to bring in donors, volunteers, board members, and awareness to the community you serve. Setting up your marketing committee for success can not only help kep the board...
Giving Tuesday isn't too far off. I'm sure you'r working on all the things you need to promote, but are you taking into consideration what their experience is when they land on your website? Keeping it clear and simple will help get more conversions from all the hard...
How can you build unique donor experiences into the mix to get donors to keep coming back? It may take a little extra time but much of it can be automated and streamlined to make it easy on an ongoing basis. This is a long term strategy but will really help with...
When you utilize your digital marketing to bring in new leads regularly it can help you with your long term fundraising strategies. You'll have a bigger pool to talk to as they donor history increases with you. Alex Oliveria is here to share some ways to think about...
Surveying your audience is a great way to learn more about them and inform your marketing decisions. You can learn more about what your donors really care about, how they think you're doing and what would help them be more engaged. You can learn more about your...
Wouldn't it feel amazing to not have anxiety when you show up to a networking event or a conference? There are so many things that come into our heads when we show up but a few simple mind flips can really help with creating a better experience for you. Brendan has...
When you put similar tasks together you get more done in less time. This is because you're not wasting brain energy on thinking about different tasks and switching between the resources to get them done. You might be wondering what that means as far as types of tasks...
We all know we need to market to our target market, but so many conversations stop at figuring out who they are. How do you go about then marketing to them and testing what's working and what's not. That's what we discuss in this episode of the podcast. It's time to...
Who you surround yourself is so important. We all know that! You don't want to be the smartest person in the room right, that's not how you grow. But how do you go about finding the people to surround yourself with? That's the tricky part and what we are covering in...
When you see commercials like the ASPCA, WWF, and St. Jude Children's Hospital have you ever realized how similar they are to each other? There is definitely a formula that they use to engage, convert and retain their donors that are viewing the commercial. This...
The big question is, how do you find more donors? That's what marketing is all about. Get in front of more audiences and get them to convert and become your customers. In this episode, I discuss ways to find donors within your existing audience. Tune in to learn more...
So websites are much like brick and mortar, you build it, they don't necessarily come. And there are billions of websites out there, and 1000s of them offering the same services that many of the nonprofits that you work with have, right. And so you're competing for...
I think that we often overlook the value of really good messaging, like, ultimately messaging is part of what makes the campaign cohesive and consistent, especially if it's happening over many weeks, or many channels, like you want people to feel like they're getting...
Please know that we say this with love. Repeat, repeat, repeat. Because it's the organizations that get really confusing when every five minutes they get tired of not waiting for something to hit or you don't get enough likes. Tne then they change the messaging. And...
Being a generation that appreciates instant gratitude, sometimes we tend to stop whatever we are doing when we see things not just going to our expectations. Today, I’m gonna tell you why showing up continues to matter and how it’s still going to continue to build...
In my direct sales business, back in the day, I was selling children's books, and I was volunteering with a nonprofit to spread literacy in schools in our neighborhood. And after volunteering with them, I realized, gosh, I have this opportunity. I'm selling children's...
I think that it was a really safe bet before to really rely on one to one in person relationship building, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. I think that was a totally fine approach. And now, in part due to the pandemic, I don't think it's a fine approach...
In this episode you'll learn: → the power in storytelling.→ why it's important to really understand the goals of your event.→ how to leverage video you create for your event.→ why follow up is so important Resources Facebook CommunityWe love creating the podcast. If...
Yeah, and even if it is something where, you know, hey, here's where your money is going here is providing, you know, if I'm making a donation, and it's it's feeding 100 families that month, reminding me that you just fed another 100 families this month, that's really...
Having conversations with your donors is so important when it comes to retention. But with more and more of them coming to you online it can be tricky to have the interaction you used to when it came to your inperson events and fundraisers. Daryl Hatton of Fundrazr is...
Last year we had Staci West join us to talk about how the United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties was taking their Festival of Trees event online. Now she's back to tell us what they learned, how it went and what they'll do this year with the event. In this episode...
The average millionare has seven different streams of income. This allows you to have more stability in your financials and feel more confident in your growth. Does your nonprift have multiple streams of income? I'm sharing some ideas for ways you can create more...
Why do some organizations get people to share on social but you don't? Why do some organization have an easier time getting their donors to give again, or volunteer more often? The easiest answer is this....THEY ASK!! If you ask for what you ned then you're much more...
WOW! 100 episodes!! I can't believe it and am so thankful for all of you that listen each week. We've had some amazing episodes over the years so I'm sharing a few that have been the most popular and stood out to me. Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:...
When it comes to your mindset around your organization do you feel like you're spinning your wheels trying to retain your donors? Creating a great customer experience and thinking about your organization like a for-profit business can make a big impact. In this...
One of my mentors, and I've used this, I've used this thing that he said, forever. For the longest period of time, one of my fundraising mentors said, Never ask for a major gift unless you know the name of your donors dog. And he said it now like it was in passing,...
