Raise Nation

Families are created in many ways; sometimes it takes an angel. SHOW NOTES: The journey for foster children and their families is fraught with challenges that leave a lasting impact. Foster children endure the heartache of separation from their biological families, moving from one foster home to another, each transition deepening their emotional wounds. Feelings of abandonment, identity crisis, and a longing for stability tear at their young hearts. Meanwhile, foster families bravely navigate a labyrinth of bureaucratic hurdles, striving to meet the emotional needs of their vulnerable children while often facing financial strain.Amid this turmoil, Angels Foster Family Network is a beacon of hope and love. Dedicated to providing safe, stable, and loving homes for infants and toddlers in foster care throughout San Diego County, Angels passionately and collaboratively care for foster children. They work with diverse and exceptional families who dedicate themselves to each child’s well-being.In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, we welcome Carla Dobbs and Danielle Tolbert from Angels Foster Family Network. They share how the organization ensures that infants and toddlers in foster care receive the best start in life. Inspired by their founder, Cathy Richman, a former Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer with the San Diego County foster system, Angels Foster Family Network is driven by a deep desire to improve the lives of young children in foster care. Cathy believed that children were best served when they remained with one family until permanency was determined, allowing them to form deep and meaningful connections. She also believed that infants and toddlers in foster care deserved focused attention. Thus, she established the expectation that each Angels family would care for only one child, or sibling, at a time.Angels Foster Family Network provides foster children and their families hope for a brighter tomorrow.Joining us as a co-host for this episode is Nate Cox, Angel’s Customer Success Manager at OneCause, who applauds the organization’s mission and fundraising efforts and highlights that it truly takes a village. In this episode:

Revitalizing volunteer opportunity and capacity. SHOW NOTES: As nonprofits, we understand the importance of activating groups aligned with our organization. While it may seem straightforward since they are part of our community, engagement often eludes us, especially concerning volunteer groups. However, volunteers are a crucial affinity group to prioritize, given that volunteering is the #1 signal for affinity or the likelihood of donating. Reports also indicate that between 76% and 79% of donors volunteer at the same organizations to which they donate.Despite these clear benefits, effectively engaging volunteers can be challenging. Personalized communication is essential, but it’s also difficult to consistently engage with volunteers. Gathering and centralizing data can be challenging, and volunteers often face issues with logging hours and connecting with each other. Moreover, resources or growth opportunities for volunteers are often lacking.Given these challenges, how can nonprofits create meaningful and rewarding volunteer programs that benefit both the organization and its volunteers?Geng Wang, CEO of Civic Champs, joins Raise Nation Radio to discuss how nonprofits can enhance their volunteer programs and impact. He explains how innovations like the Civic Champs platform automate volunteer management, streamline service & event coordination, and convert volunteers into donors, making it easier for organizations to build capacity and create meaningful opportunities for volunteers. In this episode:

Emerging fundraising trends and new ideas straight from the heart of the action. SHOW NOTES: Join Raise Nation Radio on tour as we bring you coverage from AFP ICON 2024, live from the OneCause booth at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. Tune in for exclusive insights into conference highlights, innovation, and the latest fundraising trends. Listen to interviews with your peers, nonprofit professionals, thought leaders, speakers, and more!Whether you missed the conference this year or simply didn’t have time to explore all the sessions and exhibitors, this episode has you covered with all the must-know happenings From AFP ICON.Guests from this episode include: Cherian Koshy, Vice President of Product Strategy, Kindsight; David Quirk, Development Officer, Deaconess Pregnancy & Adoption; Kim Hales, Director of Client Services, Soukup Strategic Solutions; Annie Tukman, Director of Sales, TapKat Solutions.

DESCRIPTION: Emerging fundraising trends and new ideas straight from the heart of the action. SHOW NOTES: Join Raise Nation Radio on tour as we bring you coverage from AFP ICON 2024, live from the OneCause booth at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto, Canada. Tune in for exclusive insights into conference highlights, innovation, and the latest fundraising trends. Listen to interviews with your peers, nonprofit professionals, thought leaders, speakers, and more! Whether you missed the conference this year or simply didn’t have time to explore all the sessions and exhibitors, this episode has you covered with all the must-know happenings From AFP ICON. Guests in this episode include: Jodi Stoken, CFRE, CAP, Chief Development Officer, Make-A-Wish Arizona; Kelly McKeever, Event Specialist, Make-A-Wish Arizona; Janelle Hinds, Founder & Executive Director, Helping Hands; Steve Lausch, Director, Product Marketing, OneCause

Emerging fundraising trends and new ideas straight from the heart of the action.

Driving focused fundraising and engaging events. SHOW NOTES: There’s been a lot of buzz about optimizing events and exploring every avenue to maximize impact and revenue. The prevailing trend is to assess your resources and ensure you’re capitalizing on them fully. The initial step along this path is to produce a high-quality, mission-focused event. Following that, it’s important to understand the various groups involved and how to mobilize, motivate, and engage them effectively.Volunteer groups, in particular, warrant significant attention as they can significantly drive revenue. Consider the diverse range of volunteers engaged in your event, including honorees, corporate sponsors, survivors, check-in and check-out teams, young professionals, supporters unable to attend the event, and those eager to contribute more but unsure of how to do so. Each one plays a pivotal role that could lead to substantial revenue gains if they are empowered and equipped with the right tools.Facing the fear surrounding asking volunteers to take on additional roles, especially fundraising, can be unnerving, yet it is a crucial step in maximizing event revenue. Event expert Darren Port and his team at Powered by Professionals have perfected the art of enhancing total event performance. His agency prioritizes the activation of groups as a fundamental aspect of the process. As the CEO and Founder of Powered by Professionals, Darren draws from his personal journey of volunteerism and philanthropy, leveraging his experiences to coordinate events and optimize revenue generation for his clients. In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, Darren shares insights into his strategies and how he coaches clients toward fundraising triumphs. In this episode:

Maximize fundraising potential through donor purchases. SHOW NOTES: Every day, fundraisers encounter a myriad of challenges. From limited resources for implementing impactful fundraising programs to navigating tech exploration and learning curves, the obstacles seem endless. There’s the constant struggle with limited bandwidth, along with the need for creative ideas to attract younger generations. Plus, there’s the ongoing effort to engage audiences, establish connections with impact, and address concerns related to acquisition, retention, and sustainability.It’s hard to imagine a single program that addresses all these challenges, but nonprofits have reason to rejoice. Enter shopping programs. Free, easy-to-deploy, fun, and engaging, shopping programs offer significant benefits for nonprofits aiming to boost incremental monthly revenue and attract supporters from multiple generations. They provide a steady stream of income with minimal attention required. Essentially, nonprofits can earn a percentage of purchases made by their supporters at no extra cost to the buyer. This passive income model allows nonprofits to diversify their revenue streams effectively.Meet Shaun Kulesza, the mastermind behind ShopRaise, a shopping program tailored to the needs of nonprofits and their donors. In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, Shaun unpacks the benefits of shopping programs and provides actionable insights on how nonprofits can get started today. With $1.137 billion spent on e-commerce annually in the US alone, this is promising news for nonprofits. In this episode: Shopping programs unpacked Target audience and generational Involvement Activation with minimal time commitment Gift card purchases to support in-person shopping Cost-free option for nonprofits

Ensuring nonprofit customers maximize the value of their software investment. SHOW NOTES Technology permeates our lives, connecting us to the world and one another. For nonprofits, technology serves as a vital conduit for fostering connections between their mission and their donors. While technological advancements have significantly accelerated in the nonprofit sector over the past decade, the pace of innovation shows no signs of slowing.Nonprofits are focused on navigating this landscape, conducting thorough research, assessing solutions, and updating their tech infrastructure to remain competitive. Yet, the journey doesn’t end once the technology is adopted. Software companies have an important role beyond implementation; they must support their customers in optimizing the value of their software investment. This is the true meaning of customer success.Meet Customer Success Managers Ashley Sanregret and Ryan Love. They know a thing or two about nonprofit success having come from organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Make-A-Wish. Their passion, empathy, and leadership drive the service and support they deliver to their customers. Fueled by creativity and determination, they are committed to helping customers achieve fundraising success, serving as their greatest cheerleaders.Tune in to discover their journey to OneCause, their strong collaborative spirit, as well as their pride and humility. Learn about their innovative ideas for maximizing the potential of the OneCause Fundraising Platform. Plus, find out how Ryan met the show’s host! With Ashley and Ryan committed to fundraising success, OneCause customers are in excellent hands. In this episode: Explore Ashley and Ryan’s favorite features of the OneCause Fundraising Platform Dive into inspiring customer success stories shared by Ashley and Ryan Discover unique and innovative ways OneCause software is being deployed Learn about actions that OneCause customers should be taking but might be overlooking

Personal stories fostering empathy, connection, and an unwavering commitment to customer success. SHOW NOTES: Two words that carry immense importance and expectation, particularly for software and nonprofit customers. Implementing new software and optimizing its performance can be overwhelming. And no one appreciates automated responses and long wait times that can feel disconnected.But at OneCause, it’s different. It’s the people that set the company apart. The OneCause customer success team isn’t just about solving problems; it’s about empowering fundraising success. Rooted in passion, helpfulness, and curiosity, OneCause has supported over 70,000 fundraising campaigns, helping nonprofits raise $6.5 billion on the OneCause fundraising platforms since 2008. The backbone of the OneCause customer experience is an award-winning service and support team.In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, meet Customer Success Managers Ashley Bennett, Kaitlin Lannon, and Missy Marchant. They share their driving “why” and the passion that fuels their unwavering commitment to customer success. Within this talented group, there’s a shared mission - powering nonprofits to build better tomorrows. Tune in for their heartwarming stories that truly exemplify the impact of the team’s dedication to going above and beyond for OneCause customers. In this episode:

Efficient giving, exponential growth. SHOW NOTES: Attention, nonprofits! Every giving season brings new opportunities amid evolving technology. This year, Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) take center stage. With $230 billion sitting in DAF accounts, yet only $52 billion distributed last year, the potential is limitless. Unlike trends like crypto and stock giving, DAFs are becoming a staple, with donor-advised funds increasing by 20% year over year. Seen in modern-day benefit packages, they resonate with a new generation focused on impact. While their flexibility is unparalleled, integrating DAFs into nonprofit strategies can feel daunting amidst a sea of technology options.Introducing Chariot, a trailblazing tech company spearheading a new era of philanthropy. Founded by Aaron, Salo, and Drew, united by their passion for giving back. Together, they embarked on a mission to transform charitable contributions. Their brainchild, Chariot, revolutionizes the landscape by simplifying DAF donations to the ease of everyday credit card transactions. Their journey resonates with countless others driven by a shared commitment to making a positive impact. Now, their vision transcends personal giving, empowering individuals and organizations worldwide to streamline their philanthropic endeavors.Join Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, on Raise Nation Radio as he decodes the power of Donor Advised Funds, unraveling the mysteries behind this rapidly growing vehicle of giving. In this episode:

Generative AI is set to redefine everything. Embrace the era of transformation! SHOW NOTES: Spell-check and Grammarly? Pfft, who needs ’em when you’ve got ChatGPT, Claude, Bard, and a whole gang of AI buddies! But seriously, what are these tools, and do they come with a manual? They sound pricey and time-consuming. Can’t I just ignore them and hope for the best? Oh wait, is my job on the line here? Prompt, prompt, prompt... Wait, am I supposed to be good at prompts now? And what exactly does that mean? Generative AI is taking over faster than a UFO invasion, and I’m feeling more out of place than ever. Send help before the aliens replace us all!Sound familiar?Generative AI is reshaping almost everything, and yeah, it can feel pretty unsettling. Remember when you first Googled ChatGPT? We’ve all been there. But it’s not some distant sci-fi notion anymore—it’s here, it’s potent, and it’s changing the game. So why not hop on board now and make the most of it?Shawn Olds, Co-founder and CEO at BoodleBox, is a tech visionary with a deep passion for cutting-edge technology and leadership in tech adoption. Alongside his co-founder, he boasts an unparalleled track record, having generated over $600 million in revenue, raised millions in nonprofit donations, and positively impacted thousands of lives. With over a decade of expertise in building powerful technology, Shawn and his team at BoodleBox have empowered hundreds of teams to harness the power of AI. From promising startups to established enterprises, he has spearheaded successful technology transformations across various sectors. Through his platform BoodleBox, Shawn assists team leaders in accelerating GenAI adoption, collaboration, automation, and integration.Shawn Olds joins Raise Nation Radio to demystify Generative AI, highlighting its simplicity, efficiency, and collaborative potential. He introduces the groundbreaking BoodleBox platform, facilitating team collaboration by integrating AI Helpers and AI Coworkers to enhance productivity and spark innovation. In this episode:

DESCRIPTION: Expert advice for aligning your event with the ideal benefit auctioneer. SHOW NOTES: Auctioneer Matchmaking featuring Erin Ward and Bobby D. Not all benefit auctioneers are cut from the same cloth. There’s more to the role than meets the stage. Behind the scenes, a skilled benefit auctioneer must possess agility, quick thinking, and an intimate understanding of the nonprofit’s mission, story, and goals. However, that only scratches the surface. Today’s auctioneer needs to be forward-thinking, creative, well-versed in event trends—if not pioneering them—and fully embracing innovation and technology to optimize their stage program.Selecting the ideal benefit auctioneer shouldn’t be rushed or based solely on past fundraising achievements. Success hinges on various factors, making it imperative for nonprofits to approach the hiring process methodically. Treat the auctioneer role with the gravity it deserves, akin to a formal job search. Invest time in crafting a detailed description and conducting thorough interviews until you find the perfect match.Erin Ward and Bobby D., a dynamic husband-and-wife duo sharing a career and passion, are popular and respected benefit auctioneers. They emphasize the importance of nonprofit/auctioneer matchmaking. The pair know how to drive results and exceed fundraising goals. With a legacy spanning multiple generations, Erin continuously hones her skills by blending traditional best practices with modern engagement strategies. Bobby D. is pioneering new standards and advising nonprofits on ambitious endeavors.Joining Raise Nation Radio, they spill the tea and share insights, amusing anecdotes, and groove to “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge, underscoring the importance of adaptability in the world of benefit auctioneering. In this episode:

Inspiring communities with data-driven storytelling. SHOW NOTES: Effectively conveying the social impact of a nonprofit is a multifaceted challenge. This complexity stems from the diverse nature of nonprofit activities, spanning various sectors. Crafting a coherent narrative from these diverse initiatives requires a delicate balance—avoiding the appearance of boastfulness while highlighting meaningful achievements.Social impact is often qualitative, involving changes in individuals or communities. Expressing these qualitative transformations in tangible, measurable results is intricate. And the call for real-time, transparent reporting introduces another challenge, necessitating accuracy while ensuring accessibility. Navigating this landscape demands that nonprofits continually balance conveying comprehensive impact with maintaining simplicity and transparency in their communications.John Mark Vanderpool and the Social Impact Solutions team empathize with nonprofits struggling to convey their value. While nonprofits passionately believe in the change they inspire, there’s a common frustration that donors and stakeholders might not fully grasp their impact. Battling this perceived undervaluation, they yearn to communicate, saying, “Don’t you understand what we do?”In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, John Mark addresses this challenge. He provides clear communication strategies and concise impact metrics, guiding nonprofits to articulate their value effectively and advance their noble causes. In this episode:

Easy, convenient, and fun ways to make a meaningful impact. SHOW NOTES: In the tapestry of human aspirations, a common thread binds us: a genuine desire to give and contribute to building better tomorrows. Corporations, acknowledging a deeper responsibility, embrace social impact as more than a mere checkbox. Within this landscape of shared values, nonprofits yearn for their communities to grow and flourish.On the surface, it might seem effortless to connect these dots, given the common desires and needs. However, the reality, as most nonprofits would attest, is far from easy. Building a community is a challenging endeavor.Meet Ashlee Green, the visionary behind Service and Jam. Her ethos revolves around finding avenues to impact communities—be it through time, money, effort, talent, or creativity. Ever curious about the absence of kindness in everyday interactions, she pondered why random gestures and volunteering were so scarce. Asking the simple question, “Why don’t people volunteer more?” uncovered insightful responses—lack of time, competing priorities, and uncertainty about opportunities. Thus, Serve and Jam was born, transforming helping others into a delightful and convenient experience.Serve and Jam goes beyond bridging social and service gaps; it’s a nexus of interactive events and digital technology, generating tangible resources for nonprofits and communities in need. So, what’s your jam? In this episode:

Once-in-a-lifetime travel experiences not only spin the world but also craft enduring memories and fuel meaningful impact. SHOW NOTES: January 25, 2024 - Episode # 120: Passport to Impact: Transformative Travel Experiences featuring Kevin Spykerman Auctions wield immense fundraising power for nonprofits, yet their logistics can be overwhelming. Enter travel experiences, the prized jewels of auctions, raffles, and sweepstakes, injecting excitement into both online and in-person events. They captivate supporters, drive impressive bids, and create unforgettable moments. However, crafting an enticing travel package demands intricate details, posing a risk for nonprofits. The good news: risk-free options exist, allowing nonprofits to effortlessly fundraise while focusing on revenue maximization. On Raise Nation Radio, Kevin Spykerman, Director of Business Development at Auction Packages, unravels the nuances of elevating fundraising through travel consignment. With a rich 17-year background, he shares pivotal insights, emphasizing factors like diversified auction travel portfolios, risk-free experiences, no upfront costs, and streamlined planning and booking. Kevin outlines key considerations for engaging travel consignment providers, including fundraising expertise, a solid track record, consultative services, and trust. Travel is more than an auction element; it’s the gateway to impactful and sustained fundraising success. Now, wow supporters and boost bids without breaking a sweat! In this episode:

Exploring trust challenges in nonprofit communities and the power of gratitude to rebuild connections. SHOW NOTES: Despite public charities’ established credibility, nonprofits grapple with a trust deficit affecting donor relations and long-term sustainability. Amid a myriad of challenges, the question arises: how can nonprofits regain trust while juggling multiple priorities? Surprisingly, the answer lies in simplicity—cultivating gratitude. Nicholas Kristock, a true servant leader, is the epitome of gratitude. He has woven a legacy centered on giving thanks. As the founder of Fleece & Thank You, a pioneering 501(c)3 organization, Nicholas dedicates himself to providing psychosocial support and programs to children in hospitals. Fleece & Thank You extends comfort to 22 children’s hospitals and units across Michigan. Nicholas has also expanded his impact through Grateful Human, an apparel brand tailored for those passionate about sharing their gratitude. Beyond his philanthropic ventures, Nicholas serves as the Founder and CEO of KindKatch, a personalized video engagement platform designed to captivate audiences and foster connections. Tune in as Nicholas takes the mic on Raise Nation Radio, diving into distinctive opportunities within the nonprofit sector, living with purpose, and navigating the dynamic digital landscape. As automation and tech take the forefront, it can feel daunting. Nicholas offers a comforting reminder, channeling Dr. Seuss: Anything is possible because there’s no one your than you. In this episode:

Step confidently into 2024 with fascinating research from fundraisers like you! Sarah Sebastian and Steve Lausch of OneCause unveil insightful data to steer nonprofit priorities and elevate fundraising success in the New Year. SHOW NOTES: As nonprofits step into 2024, they encounter both familiar and new challenges. Yet, this year is a pivotal moment—an opportunity to take control, reflect, proactively address issues, and innovate with fresh fundraising ideas. The 2024 Fundraising Outlook, drawing insights from over 900 fundraisers, provides strategies for donor-centric approaches, rebuilding trust, and embracing advanced tools. In its 6th year, this study guides nonprofits through top concerns like donor acquisition, sustainable giving, retention, and the evolving digital fundraising landscape. Join Sarah Sebastian, Director of Corporate Communications, and Steve Lausch, Director of Product Marketing at OneCause, as they dive into the key findings, emphasizing the enduring significance of event and online fundraising, growing confidence with in-person events, integration of tools like artificial intelligence, and the readiness to explore innovative fundraising methods. Tune in to empower your nonprofit for a successful year of giving! The 2024 Fundraising Outlook explores: