Podcast Summary: The State of Fundraising Events in 2025 with Samantha Swaim

Introduction

In the March 12, 2025 episode of Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell, host Julia Campbell engages in a comprehensive discussion with Samantha Swaim, co-host of the Fundraising Elevator podcast and a seasoned consultant with over two decades of experience in nonprofit fundraising events. The episode delves into the evolving landscape of fundraising events in 2025, exploring trends, strategies, and challenges faced by nonprofits in maximizing both impact and financial success.

The Evolving Landscape of Fundraising Events

Timestamp: 04:00

Samantha Swaim opens the conversation by emphasizing the fundamental role of gatherings in fostering community and connection within the nonprofit sector. She reflects on the pre-pandemic view of events as just one tool among many, highlighting how the COVID-19 pandemic underscored their essential nature for maintaining donor and volunteer engagement.

“All social justice movements are built on gathering. All religions are built on gathering because it creates a shared language, it creates a shared sense of community, it creates a shared investment.”
– Samantha Swaim [04:35]

Swaim discusses the transition from in-person events to virtual and hybrid models, noting that while virtual spaces provided continuity during the pandemic, the return to physical gatherings has rekindled the neurological and emotional connections that drive donor commitment and community support.

Enhancing Attendee Engagement and Ensuring Safety

Timestamp: 07:24

Julia Campbell shares her personal longing for in-person interactions, particularly after experiencing isolation due to health issues. She inquires about effective strategies nonprofits are employing to boost attendee engagement while ensuring safety amid various concerns, including political tensions and personal anxieties about public gatherings.

Samantha addresses these concerns by distinguishing between general engagement strategies and specific safety measures. For engagement, she advocates for:

1. Timely Gatherings: Hosting quick, responsive events such as town halls to address current issues and mobilize community action.
2. Hybrid Accessibility: Incorporating virtual elements to allow broader participation, thereby increasing accessibility and inclusivity.

Regarding safety, Samantha underscores the importance of proactive measures:

“Safety comes in lots of forms... We can simply say, if you're not feeling good... please stay home.”
– Samantha Swaim [09:15]

She recommends practical tools and resources, including partnerships with the ACLU for legal protections, clear event signage, and alternative security measures tailored to the specific needs of the community and event type.

Integrating Virtual Components for Enhanced Accessibility

Timestamp: 13:58

Samantha delves into the advantages of hybrid events, highlighting their ability to democratize access and reduce production costs. Key strategies include:

• Live Streaming: Utilizing AV teams to effectively broadcast events online.
• Interactive Participation: Engaging virtual attendees through chat features and real-time interactions.
• Integrated Giving Platforms: Implementing tools like Give Lively to facilitate seamless donations from both in-person and virtual audiences.

She also introduces innovative technologies like Sync Words for multilingual and ASL interpretation, enhancing inclusivity and broadening the event’s reach.

“Technology has made a lot of things more accessible.”
– Samantha Swaim [17:56]

These integrations not only widen the audience but also foster a sense of unity between in-person and virtual participants.

Attracting Younger Donors and Supporters

Timestamp: 20:26

Addressing the challenge of engaging younger demographics, Samantha explains that younger donors prioritize mission impact over transactional incentives. She observes a shift towards:

• Mission-Centric Themes: Designing events that directly reflect the organization’s impact and societal issues, such as climate change or housing insecurity.
• Leveraging Peer Networks: Encouraging younger board members and volunteers to utilize their social media platforms for broader outreach and authentic engagement.

Samantha notes that hybrid events have been particularly effective in attracting younger supporters by offering low-barrier participation options, such as free virtual attendance with opportunities for small donations.

Innovative Event Themes for Memorable Experiences

Timestamp: 23:54

Samantha emphasizes the importance of aligning event themes with the organization’s mission to create memorable and impactful experiences. She provides examples of creative themes that resonate deeply with donors:

• The Chair Fair: For a furniture bank nonprofit, the event centered around furniture resources, featuring interactive elements like decorating trucks to showcase impact and highlighting essential items like silverware.
• Animal-Centric Themes: Events such as the Fur Ball or Whisker Wonderland that directly tie into the mission of animal welfare organizations.

“Themes that directly tie back to your impact and work... really resonate with donors.”
– Samantha Swaim [25:35]

These theme-driven events not only engage attendees but also vividly illustrate the nonprofit’s mission, fostering a deeper emotional connection.

Navigating Legislative Changes and Funding Uncertainties

Timestamp: 29:16

Samantha discusses the impact of legislative shifts on nonprofit funding, particularly the fluctuating support from corporate sponsors amidst changing political landscapes. She advises nonprofits to:

• Diversify Funding Streams: Reducing reliance on any single source of funding to mitigate risks associated with legislative changes.
• Storytelling and Transparency: Sharing narratives about lost and gained sponsors to maintain donor trust and highlight steadfast partnerships.

“Embarking on storytelling at the event to say, 'We lost two of our sponsors... but here's who stands with us.'”
– Samantha Swaim [30:16]

Additionally, she underscores the importance of strengthening individual giving cycles through events to ensure financial resilience.

Adjusting Fundraising Strategies Amid Economic Challenges

Timestamp: 31:57

In light of economic uncertainties, Samantha outlines strategies for nonprofits to adapt their fundraising events:

• Extended Campaigns: Incorporating ongoing donation drives alongside events to provide multiple avenues for support.
• Budget Reassessment: Streamlining event costs to allow for greater inclusivity, such as offering free tickets to ensure broader community participation.

She highlights the necessity of flexible budgeting and innovative fundraising models to accommodate the evolving financial landscape and donor capabilities.

Collaborative Efforts Among Nonprofits

Timestamp: 33:34

Samantha champions the idea of collaboration over competition within the nonprofit sector. She shares successful examples where organizations have worked together, demonstrating collective strength and shared goals to donors. Such collaborations lead to increased donor trust and a unified approach to addressing community issues.

“When organizations collaborate, all organizations benefit, and donors respond by supporting all because they're pieces of the same puzzle.”
– Samantha Swaim [34:08]

This collective strategy not only amplifies impact but also fosters a supportive ecosystem where nonprofits can thrive together.

Conclusion and Resources

Timestamp: 35:03

As the episode concludes, Samantha provides listeners with valuable resources to enhance their fundraising events:

• Website: swamstrategies.com – Offers webinars, downloadable tools, and information about the upcoming Elevate Conference.
• Give Lively: A free text-to-give platform designed to simplify the donation process for both in-person and virtual attendees.
• Sync Words: A tool for multilingual and ASL interpretation, enhancing event accessibility.

She invites listeners to join the Elevate Conference on March 12-13 in Portland, Oregon, offering a deep dive into fundraising event strategies amidst current challenges.

Final Thoughts

Julia Campbell expresses gratitude for Samantha’s insights, noting the practical tools and innovative strategies discussed. She emphasizes the importance of in-person gatherings and looks forward to future collaborations and learning opportunities.

“People will never forget how you made them feel... that impact is what drives lasting connections.”
– Julia Campbell [27:43]

The episode concludes with Julia encouraging listeners to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast, furthering its mission to support and empower nonprofits worldwide.

Key Takeaways

• Hybrid Events: Combining in-person and virtual elements to maximize reach and inclusivity.
• Safety Protocols: Implementing comprehensive measures to ensure attendee safety and comfort.
• Mission-Driven Themes: Crafting event themes that directly reflect and enhance the nonprofit’s mission.
• Younger Donor Engagement: Tailoring strategies to align with the values and preferences of younger supporters.
• Legislative Preparedness: Diversifying funding sources and strengthening individual giving to navigate funding uncertainties.
• Collaborative Networks: Building partnerships within the nonprofit sector to amplify impact and donor trust.

Resources Mentioned

• Give Lively: givelively.org
• Sync Words: syncwords.com
• Samantha Swaim’s Website: swamstrategies.com
• Elevate Conference: swamstrategies.com/conference

For more insights and strategies on building impactful fundraising events, tune into future episodes of Nonprofit Nation with Julia Campbell and explore the resources provided by Samantha Swaim.