Podcast Summary: The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast

Episode 114. The Truth About Monthly Giving: Top 5 Myths Exposed
Released: January 21, 2026
Hosts: Jim Dempsey and Jason Galasinski

Overview

In this episode, hosts Jim and Jason tackle one of the most discussed and often misunderstood topics in nonprofit fundraising: monthly giving. Through candid discussion and real-life examples, they debunk the five most prevalent mindset myths surrounding monthly donor programs. Rather than focusing on the technical aspects or mechanics, the episode provides nonprofit leaders with a realistic understanding of what monthly giving can and cannot do for their organizations, emphasizing relational strategies, proper expectations, and actionable encouragements.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Myth #1: Monthly Giving Is a “Silver Bullet” to Fundraising Success

• Main Idea: Many believe that building a solid base of monthly donors removes the need for future fundraising.
• Key Insight: Monthly giving is powerful, but it is not a magic solution to all funding problems. You cannot simply automate relationships and stop doing the work of donor cultivation.
  • “It’s strong, it’s solid, but…it’s not gonna be that one thing that’s gonna literally change the direction of your ministry.” (Jason, 02:03)
• Relational Approach:
  • Fundraising must be transformational, not transactional.
  • Regular, heartfelt connection is required to keep monthly donors engaged.
  • Analogy to marriage: consistent nurturing is essential.

2. Myth #2: Monthly Partners Are Guaranteed for Life

• Main Idea: Once a supporter signs up as a monthly donor, they will never stop giving.
• Key Insight: There are no guarantees in fundraising. Ongoing communication, gratitude, and connection are crucial to keeping donors on board.
  • “There are no guarantees in life, and especially no guarantees with monthly giving programs.” (Jim, 07:05)
• Donor Retention Tactics:
  • Maintain regular contact (calls, thank you notes, updates).
  • Proactive relationship-building helps when administrative needs arise (like card expirations).
• Fear of Contacting Donors:
  • Scarcity mentality is unfounded; donors are not “waiting to cancel.”
  • Consistency in communication can sustain donor relationships for decades.

3. Myth #3: People Hate Monthly Giving

• Main Idea: Donors are weary of recurring subscriptions; it is pushy or burdensome to ask for monthly support.
• Key Insight: In reality, many donors appreciate the ease and impact of monthly giving—if they are reminded of its tangible results.
  • “People do like giving monthly…sometimes people love the convenience…” (Jim, 15:45)
• Addressing Skepticism:
  • Some reluctance stems from personal financial variability, not dislike.
  • Regularly highlight impact—what monthly gifts accomplish—through stories and reports.

4. Myth #4: You Need Fancy Software to Run Monthly Giving

• Main Idea: The technical hurdle of finding and managing the perfect software paralyzes organizations from starting monthly giving.
• Key Insight: Excellence does not equal complexity. Choose a reputable software and iterate as needed; don’t let perfection stop progress.
  • “Don’t let something like the right software…throw you into a tailspin. It’s not that complicated.” (Jim, 19:29)
• Practical Advice:
  • Use basic research (Google, ChatGPT, peer recommendations) to select a platform.
  • Migration between platforms, if necessary, is manageable with vendor support.
  • “It’s better to just do something than to sit in your chair and just think, ‘oh, I don’t know how this is going to work,’ and just be kind of gripped by fear.” (Jason, 23:01)

5. Myth #5: Just Give the Option—People Will Give

• Main Idea: Merely having a monthly giving button available ensures people will choose it.
• Key Insight: Monthly giving requires active promotion and clear communication of its impact. Donors follow your lead and expectations.
  • “You have to push a monthly giving program. You have to give people that option…putting that out there is just so important.” (Jim, 23:37)
• Offer Both Options:
  • Single and monthly giving options should always be presented.
  • Tailor the giving ask to the donor’s comfort and readiness.
  • “Development is about options, and there is no one size fits all…” (Jim, 28:15)
• Fundraising Event Example:
  • When using their “Perfect Vision Dinner,” they encourage both one-time and recurring gifts, increasing engagement and donor flexibility.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Transactional vs. Transformational Giving:
  “Fundraising is more focused on extracting money…treating them…like an ATM…Transformational giving…[develops] a long, deep, lasting relationship…where they’re co-owners in the ministry.” (Jason & Jim, 03:34–04:25)

• On Donor Retention:
  “If you build the relationship, if you show them the impact that they’re having, then…they could stay giving monthly forever.” (Jason, 06:20)

• On Scarcity Mindset:
  “Scarcity mentality says that people are sitting there waiting by the phone for you to call so they can cancel and stop giving to you. And there’s nothing further from the truth.” (Jim, 10:24)

• On Impact Storytelling:
  “If…people are looking at it as, ‘oh, this is just another thing, money is leaving my bank account,’…they’re not thinking about the impact. One of the ways…is by just reminding people regularly of how the impact of a monthly gift is having.” (Jason, 17:27)

• On Getting Started:
  “Just pick one [platform], start it, get it set up and integrate it…Don’t sweat it, just pick one, start it…” (Jason, 21:36)

• On Flexibility:
  “You got to have both. You got to have the single gift option, and you got to have the monthly gift option…not one is better than the other.” (Jason, 28:09)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:55] – Introduction of the "Top 5 Myths" Framework
• [02:03] – Myth #1: Monthly Giving as a Silver Bullet
• [06:46] – Myth #2: Monthly Donors = Lifetime Donors
• [10:24] – Fears about Contacting Monthly Donors
• [14:23] – Myth #3: People Hate Monthly Giving
• [18:19] – Myth #4: Need for Fancy Software
• [19:29] – Approaches to Choosing Software
• [23:19] – Myth #5: Just Add the Option, They’ll Give
• [28:09] – Importance of Offering Both One-Time and Monthly Giving
• [30:18] – Final Words on Monthly Giving’s Importance

Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders

• Monthly giving is valuable but not automatic; consistent cultivation is key.
• Donors appreciate convenience, but impact and communication matter most.
• Don’t let the fear of imperfect tools or donor reactions stall your progress.
• Always offer and promote both one-time and monthly giving.
• Testing, personalization, and maintaining human connection set apart top fundraising programs.

Want more practical tips and strategic frameworks for nonprofit development? Check out previous and upcoming episodes of The Fundraising Masterminds Podcast.