Elevate: Fundraising Events

07/30/2025

Welcome to the final episode of Season 2 where co-hosts Samantha and Kristin sit down to talk about the evolving landscape of fundraising events. They reflect on the trends shaping nonprofit events today—from the resurgence of in-person gatherings post-pandemic to the essential role of celebration, community-building, and authenticity. You'll hear about the growing importance of intentionality in event programming, from centering joy and resilience to designing donor experiences that build real relationships. They also offer a roadmap for revenue strategy by looking at sponsorship, table sales, and partnership development.
This episode is a celebration of what’s possible when we gather and a love letter to the power of mission-driven storytelling, leaving us with a call to be the architects of events that don’t just raise money—but raise the collective spirit.
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.

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Be a Guest on the Podcast: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/
Raise Conference use code AMPLIFIER25: https://raise.onecause.com/
Nonprofit Storytelling Conference: https://nonprofitstorytellingconference.com/

07/23/2025

In this episode Meena Das—CEO, speaker, and consultant at Namaste Data—explores AI through a critical lens grounded in ethics, equity, and humanity. Known for her deep expertise in equitable research design and data capacity building for nonprofits, Meena brings a powerful perspective on how the nonprofit sector can and should engage with AI. Rather than rushing into tools and tasks, Meena invites us to pause and dream. What would it look like if nonprofits started with their mission, their people, and their vision for community impact—and only then looked to AI as a tool to support that vision? What if every staff member had a seat at the table, contributing ideas not just about what tech can do, but what it should do?
The conversation challenges the sector’s scarcity mindset, and the unchecked race to implement AI without deeper reflection. Meena takes us deep into the heart of her work, the AI Equity Project. This bold, multi-year research is an effort to uncover how nonprofits are engaging with AI and, more importantly, how they could be—ethically, equitably, and collaboratively.
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.

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Meena Das
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meenadas/

| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Connect with Namaste Data: https://www.namastedata.org/freebies
Join AI Advancement Lab for the August cohort: https://data-is-for-everyone.teachable.com/p/ai-advancement-lab
AI Equity Project: https://aiequityproject.my.canva.site/2025

07/16/2025

In this episode we’re joined by AI educator, strategist, and nonprofit veteran Josh Hirsch. With nearly two decades of experience in the sector and a deep background in digital communications, fundraising, and training, Josh brings both wisdom and cutting-edge insights to a conversation that’s all about demystifying AI for nonprofits. We explore how generative and predictive AI are transforming everything from fundraising strategy to donor communication, programming, and internal operations. But more than that, Josh helps us understand how to talk to the tools—and why that’s the secret sauce for unlocking their full potential.
From building donor personas and campaign strategies to brainstorming new solutions in a time of federal funding loss and organizational uncertainty, this episode offers a hopeful and practical roadmap to what’s possible.
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.

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Josh Hirsch
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshahirsch/
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thedudecreates

| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Fundraise Up Institute: institute.fundraiseup.com
The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Nathan Chappel: https://youtu.be/IbzBcMvMTpY
The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Anne Murphy: https://youtu.be/qOegycFoLsw
The Fundraising Elevator Episode with Mallory Erickson: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xImo3K5P1I
Napkin: https://www.napkin.ai/
Hemingway App: https://hemingwayapp.com
Fundraising.AI: https://fundraising.ai/
Midjourney: https://www.midjourney.com
Chat GPT: https://chatgpt.com

07/09/2025

In this episode, Sharon Papo of Indigo Skies Consulting and LGBTQ eLearning explores the complexity and necessity of DEI, and what it means to stay true to your values in today’s climate. From legal ambiguity to organizational values, she talks about how nonprofits can remain mission-aligned while navigating increased scrutiny, shifting language, and growing political pressures. Sharon also dives into the data-backed benefits of DEI in the workplace, including improved employee morale, retention, and belonging—particularly among younger generations.
You’ll also hear reflections on ethical giving policies, the emotional labor of fundraising, and the importance of radical self-care in high-stakes conversations. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, board member, or passionate advocate, this conversation will leave you with a renewed commitment to values, courage to lead through complexity, and strategies to keep the work—and the people doing it—thriving.

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.

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Sharon Papo
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-papo/

| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/

Guidebook for Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/

Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/

Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com

Check out Success Redefined: https://sharonpapo.com/purchase

See Upcoming Conversations on Navigating DEI and LGBTQ Inclusion in the Workplace: https://www.lgbtqelearning.com/

2025 Edelman Trust Barometer: https://www.edelman.com/trust/2025/trust-barometer

Bowling Alone by Robert D. Punam: https://www.powells.com/book/bowling-alone-revised-updated-the-collapse-revival-of-american-community-9781982130848?gad_source=4&gad_campaignid=19630551777

Indigo Skies Consulting: https://sharonpapo.com/

07/02/2025

In this episode we’re joined by longtime sector leader, coach, and truth-teller Marc A. Pitman, founder and CEO of Concord Leadership Group. We explore the surprising (and sobering) origins of nonprofit structures and productivity tools—from the legacy of slavery and colonialism to outdated industrial-era mindsets still embedded in our systems. Marc helps us see how practices like time management, donor stewardship, and organizational hierarchy often mirror extractive systems that were never designed to honor human wellbeing—whether that’s the donor, the community served, or the staff. He offers a reframing that honors the goodness and generosity at the heart of the sector and points toward leadership rooted in humanity, curiosity, and compassion.
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.

Greater Giving: https://go.greatergiving.com

DC Auctions: https://dc-auctions.com/

Speakers
Samantha Swaim
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Kristin Steele
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaimstrategies/

Marc A. Pitman
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcapitman/

| RESOURCES |
Book Consulting Time with Sam and Kristin: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/

Learn More About Elevate and the Elevate Conference for Your Fundraising Events: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/
Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/
Connect with The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/
Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com
Connect with Concord Leadership Group: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/
The Surprising Gift of Doubt Book: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/giftofdoubt/
Value Inventory Tool: https://concordleadershipgroup.com/values/
Decolonizing Wealth Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/588996/decolonizing-wealth-second-edition-by-edgar-villanueva/
Community-Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/

06/25/2025

In this episode Kelly Russell, benefit auctioneer and author of "The Book on Fundraising Auctions," discusses current fundraising trends and strategies. Kelly stresses early planning as the biggest success factor. For revenue maximization, Kelly insists every event must include a paddle raise with p...

06/18/2025

This episode explores Mallory Erickson’s new book "What the Fundraising," which argues that declining donor participation and fundraiser burnout are connected problems, both driven by transactional fundraising practices that feel horrible to everyone involved. Mallory's primary hope is that fundra...

06/11/2025

In this episode Yolanda F. Johnson—president of YFJ Consulting and founder of Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy—brings her unique perspective to the world of philanthropy. As a leader in fundraising, philanthropy, and inclusion, equity and diversity (IED) and a sought-after classica...

03/14/2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in Elevate 2025!

This is "Elevate 2025 Sizzle Reel" by Swaim Strategies on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

10/21/2024

When Portland marched Devin picked up a camera. And now this award winning filmmaker sits down with us in The Fundraising Elevator to talk about ethical storytelling and utilizing story to mobilize your movement.

In this episode we dive deep into the world of video storytelling for nonprofits with acclaimed documentary and short film creator Devin Boss. Discover how s...

06/26/2024

Tune into today's episode of The Fundraising Elevator with Susan Taylor of The Grant Lab, Inc. for some great coaching to nonprofit grant professionals.

10 seconds · Clipped by The Fundraising Elevator · Original video "Episode #41: Securing Grants with Susan Taylor" by The Fundraising Elevator

06/20/2024

40 weeks ago... Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim launched The Fundraising Elevator Podcast with the help of our friends at The AV Department. This week we hit 1M Impressions and 10,000 listeners. Help us grow to 100,000 listeners! If you haven't already subscribed click below to become a subscriber on YouTube. Then go to your favorite podcast streaming channel and subscribe or follow us on Soundcloud, Apple Podcast or Spotify. And if you've tuned in... drop a review while you're there. We appreciate your help in spreading the word! Special thanks to guests: Mary Elizabeth, Ryan Goodwin, Jenna Watanabe, Life Event Staffing, Erica Soto, Peter Drury, Robert Goman, Seth Godin, Ann Marie Cruz, Rachel Lee Bearbower, Dale Johannes, Kelly Russell, Artisan Auctions, OneCause, Steve Johns, Hungry Mantis, Sally Dadmun Bixby, Beth Sandefur, Zerik Samples, Floyd Jones, Beth McGorry, Renee Spears, Michelle MacCuish Holman, Greater Giving, Swell Fundraising, Brooke Battle, Tammy L. Zonker, Fundraising Transformed, James Martin, Susan Howlett, Susan Ehrman, Lisa Watson, Sarah Greenman, Juan Martinez, Shanon Doolittle, Clay Buck, Josh Boykin, Zach Putnam, ZP Productions, Ryan Brothers and Avenue Portland for helping us to launch. Next up tune in for Susan Taylor, Tanya Mikkelson, Tracey Lorts and Community-Centric Fundraising with Rachel D'Souza of Gladiator Consulting.

Watch as Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele join nonprofit experts in conversation to help you change the world with your mission. In their conversations with industry leaders, they break down the science of giving and actionable tools you can use to start fundraising more effectively at your next ev...