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Your organization’s mid-level donors are already fueling your mission by giving as much as 10x more than entry-level supporters. These donors are loyal, passionate, and just one intentional moment away from becoming major givers.
However, these donors often fall through the cracks. With donor acquisition getting harder and more expensive – and retention rates around 43 percent – it’s time to rethink your strategy.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and VP of Client Success Ryan Carpenter explore how you can unlock the full potential of mid-level donors through smart segmentation, behavioral insights, and tailored engagement. They share how organizations can tap into this powerful donor pool and scale growth with AGP’s Mid-Level Accelerator Program. -
Think about an exceptional experience you’ve had with a commercial brand. Did it seem to know precisely what you needed and when you needed it? Did its team go above and beyond to discover what you like for a more customized experience?
Most for-profits do an excellent job of providing a personalized, engaging experience to their customers, who reward them with lifelong loyalty. It’s time for nonprofits to do the same, building heartfelt connections that lead to long-lasting support.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and VP of Client Success Ryan Carpenter outline why your response to a donor’s first gift is critical. They also share how to welcome new supporters in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued, kicking off a lifelong relationship that’s a win-win for you both. -
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The challenges have come quickly in 2025, leaving many nonprofits at risk of losing funding. Donors could be impacted, too, amid job loss, tariffs, and inflation. The next step forward may not be obvious, but one thing is clear: this is no time to stand still.
On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Allegiance Group + Pursuant CEO Trent Ricker about how nonprofits can navigate the economic and social uncertainty this year has brought. He explains why leaning into this moment is critical to emerge stronger on the other side.
As we learned with COVID and the Great Recession, challenges often reveal opportunities to do things differently. Ask how you can meet this moment for your constituents. Look for ways to build trust and invest in your brand to build lasting donor relationships. -
Many nonprofits focus only on digital or direct mail, but you don’t have to choose — nor should you. Donors crave cohesive, consistent experiences across multiple touchpoints, and getting your digital and direct mail efforts in sync can help you deliver.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we’re talking with David Sacchetti, AVP of Client Strategy, about how a direct mail strategy backed by a complementary digital campaign can help solve the myriad challenges today’s fundraisers face. No matter where you are with each channel, David offers actionable advice for leveling up.
We discuss the importance of storytelling across channels to guide donors toward giving, with David sharing the digital trends that fit perfectly into a direct mail–first campaign. We also cover why your fundraising and marketing teams must work together to ensure brand impressions become donations. -
The recent sweeping cuts to USAID and other federal programs have rattled fundraisers across the country and in all sectors. Uncertainty is widespread as nonprofit leaders wait to see just what the fallout will be.
Whether your organization was impacted or is anticipating a budget shortfall, scaling back on riskier strategies like acquisition can be tempting. In fact, media spending, testing, and other efforts that help you reach potential donors are often the first things to go. But if you’re not seeking new donors, how will you replace those you lose through natural attrition? What about the ones who have to give less due to their own financial hardships?
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we’re making the case for prioritizing acquisition — especially when you’ve been hit with unexpected budget cuts. Two Allegiance Group + Pursuant AVPs, Erin Robertson and J.C. Bouvier, share how you can use this difficult time to attract new prospects. And if the budget crunch hasn’t hit yet, they have tips to help you prepare.
By staying true to your mission and leading into your opportunities, you can weather this storm -
Video can bring your nonprofit’s message to life, making it more engaging for donors and other audiences. Finding the right people to communicate your mission doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Creating high-quality, compelling video content may be more straightforward than you expect.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we sit down with Pat Taggart, Founder and Chief Creative at SkyBlue Creative and a twenty-year veteran of impact video. Along with practical tips, Pat shares how creating authentic video content hinges on getting people to relax on camera and creating space for them to speak from their own experiences. Ditching the script is key to building more meaningful content.
Empowering people impacted by what you do is one of the best ways to drive support for your mission – which Pat illustrates with storytelling. Revealing some of his most successful tools, Pat explains how cell phones have leveled the playing field, putting one of the best tools for high-quality content creation at your fingertips. In fact, your cell can be instrumental in generating a potent mix of candid and professional imagery. -
Nonprofits operate in a fast-paced world. To navigate the rapid changes in technology, social behaviors, and how we exchange information, it’s time to think like an entrepreneur.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, our CEO, Trent Ricker, talks with Tom Ulbrich, President and CEO of Goodwill of Western New York. Tom has extensive entrepreneurial experience, having owned and grown multiple businesses. He also ran the Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership at the University of Buffalo and was an Assistant Dean at the Schools of Management and Social Work, where he worked on social innovation.
Throughout this conversation, Tom and Trent share characteristics of entrepreneurs that nonprofit leaders can adopt to help them grow revenue and build sustainable programs. They also explore business best practices that enable organizations to better communicate their impact as they seek funding and recruit talent. -
Does your organization struggle to engage donors behind gifts from donor-advised funds (DAFs)? Have you received a generous DAF gift but wondered how to thank the anonymous donor and build a lasting connection? Engaging DAF donors can be challenging, especially when anonymity creates a barrier. However, with thoughtful strategies, your nonprofit can foster gratitude, retention, and deeper donor relationships, even with DAF contributors.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Ryan Carpenter, VP of Client Success at GivingDNA, tackles the challenges nonprofits face with DAF giving. Ryan shares practical strategies to build stronger relationships with DAF donors, despite anonymity, and highlights ways to simplify the process of accepting and stewarding DAF gifts.
With the average DAF contribution exceeding $1,100—five to twenty times higher than traditional gifts—it’s essential to position your organization to make the most of this powerful giving vehicle. Ryan explores common misconceptions about DAFs, offers actionable insights to streamline DAF gift acceptance, and demonstrates how technology can bridge the gap between your organization and anonymous donors.
Join us as we discuss:
How to proactively communicate that you accept DAF contributions.
Effective strategies for engaging DAF donors and their sponsoring organizations.
The role of technology in donor profiling and identifying untapped opportunities
Whether you’re new to DAFs or looking for ways to optimize your approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you deepen connections with DAF donors and amplify your impact. -
Did you know Gen Z is 10 times more likely to share their donations on social media compared to Baby Boomers? Passionate, tech savvy and socially connected, Gen Z is an audience nonprofits can’t afford to ignore.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Michelle Boggs, Senior Advisor for Nonprofit Fundraising and Development at Classy by GoFundMe, about the surprising new research in the latest Social State of Giving report, highlighting Gen Z's significant engagement with social media for philanthropy and what that means for nonprofits.
The report found that 41% of Gen Z, 25% of millennials, and 20% of Gen X are motivated to donate by social media content. We discuss impact creators and why they are crucial for reaching younger donors, as well as leveraging AI to drive future social giving trends.
We also take a dive into new tools like Meta integration and GoFundMe profiles that enhance the donor experience and tap into the power of social sharing.
Curious about what’s next in fundraising? Connect with some of the sector’s most forward-thinking minds at the upcoming Collaborative, presented by Classy by GoFundMe. This interactive and inspiring event is your chance to expand your network and gain fresh insights into the future of fundraising. -
About a decade ago, we partnered with Drs. Adrian Sargeant and Jin Chang to sponsor their research on relationship fundraising. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Allegiance Group + Pursuant’s Chief Strategy Officer, Trent Ricker, revisits that research to see what lessons still hold — and where there’s room to grow.
With donor acquisition and retention becoming more challenging, nonprofits must move beyond transactional fundraising and forge deeper connections with their supporters. By doing so, they can build long-term support and boost their donors’ lifetime value.
This conversation explores how relationship fundraising helps nonprofits increase donor loyalty and longevity, retain more supporters, and attract younger generations. We also share strategies fundraisers can use to turn one-time transactions into long-standing relationships with donors who care about your cause.
Want a deeper dive? Download a free copy of “How Relationship Fundraising Works” to unlock the potential of donor-centric fundraising in your organization. -
Don’t sleep on incorporating SMS, or text messaging, into your future fundraising campaigns. While many nonprofits use this powerful tool it’s growing in popularity and effectiveness, especially with the decline in traditional telemarketing.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Stephanie Drahan, Vice President of Account Management, and David Sachetti, Associate Vice President for Client Strategy, about SMS, why it’s an important tactic, and how it can be leveraged in fundraising campaigns.
SMS can function as a bridge between online and offline fundraising by adding an additional touchpoint for donors. Nonprofits new to SMS can start with a peer-to-peer program for smaller audiences, such as event registration, while those with larger audiences may deploy a blast or broadcast SMS campaign to reach thousands.
It’s simple to use, less intrusive than other forms of marketing, and let’s face it – almost everyone has their cell phone nearby. Another bonus? It’s easy to personalize and create a one-on-one experience. -
End-of-year giving is officially wrapped! You may have planned a matching gift campaign to finish the year strong, but promoting matching gifts throughout the year can boost both giving frequency and amount.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Amelia Baumann, Partnership Success Specialist at Double the Donation, about the crucial importance of ensuring donors know if their employers offer a matching gift program. Need proof? About 84% of donors are more likely to give if they see a match is offered, and 70% more donors respond to fundraising appeals that mention matching.
We discuss the many benefits matching gifts can bring your organization. We’ll also share best practices to help you maximize awareness of this strategy. With more visibility, your donors can double or triple their gift — and your impact — at no extra cost to them. Listen now. -
Your website is the hub of your digital presence. Depending on the size of your organization, your site could have anywhere from hundreds to thousands of pages — that’s a significant amount of content to manage. A content management system (CMS) simplifies this process so you can unlock new opportunities to connect with your audience.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with three of Allegiance Group + Pursuant’s web experts, Russ Chettiar, Ren John, and Mark Leta, about how a CMS can make your website more efficient and effective.
If you’re in the market for a new website or CMS, this episode is for you. We break down precisely what you should look for in a CMS and offer quick tips to help you begin the search process in the right direction.
Get ready to bring your data and content together for a dynamic and engaging web experience that drives meaningful interactions with your supporters. -
If you’re struggling to create new content for your website, consider this your permission to stop. More blog posts won’t help you stand out in search engine results; high-quality, evergreen articles updated regularly will.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with TJ Peeler, Director of User Experience, and Meredith Berents, a Digital and SEO Analyst, about how updating current content can help you build a stronger SEO strategy and bring more organic traffic to your site.
They discuss:
The value of comprehensive content
How to identify high-performing content through an audit
The online tools that can help you pinpoint your audience’s search intent
Practical steps for updating your content
When new content can be valuable -
It’s more important than ever to be transparent about how you use donations in your organization. Next-generation donors especially want an immediate return on their dollars. But there’s more to it than sending a thank-you email; getting creative with technology can make a significant difference.
In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Chief Strategy Officer Trent Ricker talks with Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at charity: water, about how the nonprofit’s 100% model is driving donor loyalty and long-term support. Christa also discusses her switch from startups and what nonprofits can learn from B Corps companies with social good built into their business models.
Facing increasing competition from for-profit do-gooders, Christa explains how nonprofits can utilize technology like virtual reality and GPS mapping to draw a distinct connection between donations and impact. She also gives a sneak preview of an innovative and immersive experience charity: water will launch soon. -
The digital landscape constantly evolves. Changing algorithms, shifting audience preferences, and privacy concerns can be challenging to sort through.
Paid media can help you solve this puzzle. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Allegiance Group + Pursuant’s Chief Strategy Officer, Trent Ricker, talks with VP of Advertising Laura Hinrichsen about how nonprofits can use paid media tactics to build a strong digital presence.
They discuss:
-The core components of digital fundraising and marketing
-How your owned media can help you launch a paid media strategy
-Why it’s crucial to get your marketing and development teams on the same page
-How even small nonprofits with limited budgets can make a big impact through paid media
Your owned media will help you maintain awareness with your constituents, but paid media is the key to jumpstarting deep donor relationships. -
How is your nonprofit's brand significant in the lives of your loyal users?
That's the question branding expert Cynthia Round asks every organization that works with her. The reason? Studies have shown that building and maintaining an emotional connection with your users is what inspires their loyalty.
In this episode, learn how Cynthia has worked with some of the nonprofit industry's most distinguished institutions to ensure they remain relevant in the lives of their most valuable supporters. Along the way, you'll discover:
- Successful strategies for discovering what your donors care about beyond surface metrics
- Tactics for creating an emotional connection with your audience
- Ways to encourage buy-in of a new brand identity across your entire organization -
As you grow your channels to meet donors where they are, you must also measure your performance in each medium. But with an omnichannel approach, that’s way easier said than done. Did the email prompt a gift, or was it a social media post? Your direct mail piece or the text message?
Measuring an omnichannel campaign gives a holistic view of your engagement and performance. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we break down the attribution methods that can best help you wrangle all the metrics you’re tracking so you can more clearly communicate your ROI.
Learn the difference between direct, indirect, and time-based attribution models, then put them to work in your presentations to executive leadership and board members. And if this all sounds too complex, we offer three easy tips to get you started. -
Omni-channel fundraising strategies are the foundation of every nonprofit we work with. But to ensure you’re reaching the right donors with the right messaging, you need to step back and evaluate every constituent relationship and communication.
A touchpoint audit is part of a larger journey-mapping exercise that lays out the many ways donors and leads interact with your organization. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, Matthew Mielcarek, SVP of Analytics & Insights Strategy, walks us through this valuable tactic.
You’ll learn:
How to begin journey mapping
Why it’s important to put on your “donor hat”
How the donor vortex comes into play
How touchpoint audits differ for new leads vs new donors
Why it all comes down to stronger donor relationships -
As fundraisers, we’re trained to focus on the response to each campaign or effort. Every channel collects and analyzes data so you can optimize your messaging.
But can you accurately say that a donor who doesn’t scan your postcard’s QR code doesn’t want direct mail? What about the person who received a text and then donated via email — is email really their preferred channel?
An omni-channel approach might muddy the attribution waters, but it’s crucial for a comprehensive view of the series of touchpoints that led to a gift. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, our tech experts break down the tools you need to unify your data and build a successful omni-channel strategy.
Mark Leta, VP of Technology, and Stephanie Drahan, an AVP on the Client Experience Team, share tips and best practices to help you overcome the challenges of managing multiple channels. They also discuss the steps your team should take as you move toward omni-channel marketing and fundraising so you can deliver a more consistent and engaging donor experience. - もっと表示する
