Sustainable Giving

What does it take to build a recurring giving program inside an organization with 80+ years of history, deep donor relationships, and a mission that literally flies people to the ends of the earth?In this episode, Dave Raley sits down with Tracey Werre, Director of Growth & Digital Experiences at Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), for a candid, behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to grow sustainable recurring revenue, not in a vacuum, but inside a complex, multi-model organization with a lot of heritage and a lot of heart.Tracey brings over two decades of marketing expertise, a background that spans fashion to aviation (yes, really), and 16 years of deep nonprofit fundraising experience at MAF. She's built a recurring giving program called Flight Crew from the ground up, and she's not done yet. From a scrappy MVP launch in 2020 to a full-scale 5.0 revamp, Tracey shares the wins, the walls she hit, and the wisdom she's picked up along the way. If you've ever wondered what it looks like to actually commit to recurring giving — not just test it once and move on — this conversation is for you.Key Topics They Talk About:Tracey's Unconventional Path into Nonprofit Fundraising — Tracey went from fashion and e-commerce to MAF after the dot-com bust, bringing her digital marketing chops into a sector that needed them. She sees a fascinating parallel between that early internet disruption and today's "subscription economy" moment and believes we're entering a new era of maturity in recurring giving.MAF's Unique Funding Model and the Challenge of Building a General Fund — MAF is funded three ways: organizational revenue, career staff missionary support, and fees for service. For years, monthly giving was tied primarily to individual missionaries, not the general fund. As staff tenures shortened and retirement waves hit, Tracey and her colleague Mickey saw the writing on the wall: it was time to invest seriously in organizational recurring giving.The Birth of Flight Crew: Human-Centered Design Meets Nonprofit Fundraising — Rather than guessing, MAF partnered with Alan Thornburg (now of Sublimity) to talk directly to donors and run concept tests. The name "Flight Crew" emerged because it put donors in the story. They're not passive supporters, they're part of the crew. Early feedback confirmed it: members said they felt like they had a "bird's eye view" of the mission, like a co-pilot on every flight.The Evolution from Launch to 5.0 — What Changed and Why — Flight Crew launched in fall 2020 (COVID year, no less) with four times the expected signups. But growth eventually plateaued. Tracey shares candidly what prompted the 5.0 revamp — new human-centered design research, upgraded donation platform technology (hello, Fundraise Up), and a fresh storytelling angle tied to MAF's documentary Ends of the Earth. The payoff? A 20% jump in recurring donors since last fall.What Reliable Recurring Revenue Actually Makes Possible — For MAF, this isn't just a fundraising metric. It's Ebola flights in the Congo. Emergency medevacs from conflict zones. Fuel price volatility. Having thousands of Flight Crew members means the work doesn't stop when the unexpected happens, and it frees leadership to think strategically rather than scramble for immediate cash.What's one thing your organization could do in the next 90 days to make it easier for donors to give monthly? Key ResourcesMission Aviation Fellowship (MAF)Ends of the Earth DocumentaryThe Rise of Sustainable Giving by Dave RaleySublimity (Alan Thornburg)Fundraise UpThe Center for Sustainable GivingSpecial thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Michelle, Victoria, Kirsten, and Abigail.

In this special live episode of Sustainable Giving, host Dave Raley convenes a powerhouse lineup of researchers, practitioners, and sector leaders to explore why the charitable world is at an inflection point. With donor behavior shifting, subscription models reshaping the economy, and a $10 to $20 billion annual opportunity sitting on the table, recurring giving is no longer reserved for organizations with traditional membership or sponsorship models. It's now accessible to the 75% of nonprofits historically left behind.Joined by Samir Kahn (GivingTuesday), Dr. Sanjay Bindra (GOSUMEC Foundation USA), Chris Free (The Joshua Fund), Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy (We Are For Good), and Erica Waasdorp (A Direct Solution), Dave unpacks the research, the real-world results, and the global perspectives that prove sustainable giving can transform any organization willing to believe it's possible.Key Topics They Talk AboutSamir Kahn shares fresh GivingTuesday research revealing a $10 to $20 billion annual opportunity. The median organization has just 4% of donors on recurring schedules, 40% of charities had zero new recurring donors from first gifts, and monthly donors carry a median annual value of $275 versus $100 for non-recurring donors, nearly 3x higher.Dr. Sanjay Bindra of the zero-staff GOSUMEC Foundation explains how removing transactional pressure (no Giving Tuesday, no urgency campaigns) and building the "Give Arc" framework of Gratitude, Impact, Voice, and Engagement produced a 98% retention rate for recurring donors. Recurring giving, he argues, is "not a payment plan, it's an identity shift."Chris Free of The Joshua Fund describes going all in on recurring giving and doubling revenue from $7.2M to $14.4M in 18 months. Recurring donors grew 116% (from 1,885 to 4,080), new donors increased from 7,528 to 13,609 in 13 months, and digital recurring revenue reached 48%. Belief, he says, precedes growth.Becky Endicott and Jon McCoy of We Are For Good reflect on more than 708 nonprofit leader interviews and what sustainability actually means: resourced leaders who can dream again instead of keeping the lights on, organizations shifting from donor pyramids to donor communities, and recurring revenue understood as "recurring trust."Erica Waasdorp draws on 30+ years of international monthly giving expertise to highlight benchmarks from Norway, Spain, Australia, Europe, and Canada. She shares proven tactics like SMS/texting, face-to-face fundraising, and integrated digital campaigns, plus the powerful connection between monthly donors and legacy giving (recurring donors are 6x more likely to leave estate gifts, with average legacy gifts of $50,000).Also in this episode, they talk about:Two trends reshaping recurring giving: 95.8% of Americans have a subscription, the average person has 12 of them, and 52% of millennials prefer monthly donations over single large gifts.The critical "invitation gap" facing nonprofits, with new recurring donor acquisition flat at roughly 2% and donor bases aging out without replacement.The supplemental and legacy gift opportunity: 30% of recurring donors give additional gifts that are 2 to 3x their recurring amount.The Center for Sustainable Giving's dual approach of educating leaders and walking alongside organizations through deep-dive assessments and 2-year roadmaps.Why January 1st can move from the worst day of the year to a stable funding day when sustainability is built into the model.Key ResourcesGivingTuesday recurring giving research: givingtuesday.orgGOSUMEC Foundation USA: gosumec.orgWe Are For Good podcast: weareforgood.comThe Joshua Fund: joshuafund.comErica Waasdorp's books on monthly giving: adirectsolution.comGet free 30-day access to The Rise of Sustainable Giving audiobook: SustainableGiving.org/giftRegister for the upcoming Workshop in Seattle: SustainableGiving.org/workshopExplore the deep-dive assessment for your organization: SustainableGiving.org/grow

What if the donors who could sustain your mission year-round have been waiting, and you just haven't asked them the right way?This week on Sustainable Giving, host Dave Raley sits down with Kathy Coady, Chief Development Officer, and Melissa Tagg, Marketing & Communications Manager (and USA Today bestselling author!) from Hope Ministries Iowa. Together, they share the story of how a rescue mission that had quietly left monthly giving on the table completely transformed its approach and saw double-digit growth in sustainers within just eight months.Hope Ministries has served the homeless, hungry, abused, and addicted in central Iowa for over 110 years. Their need is 24/7, 365, but their recurring donor support had been flat for years. It was a checkbox, not a strategy. That changed when Kathy and Melissa decided they were done starting every fiscal year at the bottom of the mountain. This episode is full of practical wisdom and honest reflection for any leader wondering whether recurring giving could really work for their organization. Spoiler: it can.Key Topics They Talk About:The Recurring Giving Wake-Up Call: For years, Hope Ministries treated monthly giving as a passive option rather than a priority. The turning point? A benchmark report showing they were hitting every metric except sustainer revenue. Kathy and Melissa, both self-described competitive spirits, decided then and there: "We're going to fix this."The Accelerator Campaign That Changed Everything: The first move Hope Ministries made was an accelerator email campaign: eight to nine emails in three weeks. Melissa admits it scared her. She remembers when sending one email a month felt risky. But the results were stunning. New monthly donors came in fast, and people who hadn't given in over a decade showed up and said yes. They've now run three of these campaigns and are planning a fourth.Messaging That Clicked: The New Women & Children's Center: The key to their campaign's success was specificity. Hope Ministries had just opened a new center for women and children, tripling capacity from 30-35 to 100 people at one time. That milestone became the campaign message: a clear, timely, and compelling reason to give monthly right now, rather than a generic ask.Making Monthly Giving a Whole-Organization Priority: Before this work, monthly giving was one item on a long menu. Now it's woven into everything -- the website relaunch, event planning, donation platform decisions, and everyday team conversations. As Kathy puts it: "It's part of our conversation now." That shift from "one option among many" to "strategic priority" is what separates organizations that grow sustainers from those that stay flat.Results That Speak for Themselves: Over eight months, Hope Ministries gained approximately 90 new monthly donors, well into double-digit percentage growth. The average monthly gift also increased as they added donors -- something Kathy did not expect. They recovered their investment within the first few emails of the first campaign, and they're now aiming for 25% of total revenue from monthly donors long-term.Also in this episode, they talk about:The "Base of the Mountain" ProblemStewardship as PartnershipData Cleanup and Hidden GemsAdvice for Hesitant LeadersWhat Gives Them HopeIf your most loyal donors could give every month, automatically and joyfully, for years, what is standing between them and that commitment?Key Resources:Learn more about Hope Ministries Iowa (Consider joining Team Hope!)Connect with Kathy on LinkedInLearn more about Melissa TaggConnect with Melissa on LinkedInLearn more about Dave’s workConnect with Dave on LinkedInSpecial thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Victoria, Kirsten and Abigail.

What if the future of generosity looks a lot more like the subscription economy?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with subscription economy pioneer Amy Konary for a fascinating conversation about recurring revenue, customer relationships, and what nonprofit leaders can learn from the companies that helped build the modern subscription model.Amy has spent her career studying the shift from one-time transactions to long-term customer relationships. As the founder of the Subscribed Institute at Zuora, she works with hundreds of organizations navigating the transition to recurring revenue. And as one of the earliest analysts to help define the category of “SaaS,” she has had a front-row seat to the massive transformation that has reshaped entire industries.In this conversation, Dave and Amy explore the parallels between the subscription economy and sustainable generosity. They unpack why recurring models require a deeper shift than simply changing pricing, what separates organizations that successfully scale recurring revenue from those that stall, and how nonprofits can create lasting donor relationships built on ongoing value and trust.Along the way, they also look ahead to trends like subscription fatigue, retention-first strategies, and the growing role of AI, and what they might mean for the future of fundraising.Key Topics They Talk About:Why subscriptions are more than just a pricing modelAmy explains how the shift to subscription-based businesses fundamentally changed how companies operate, moving from one-time transactions to ongoing value delivery and long-term relationships with customers. Lessons from the early days of the SaaS revolutionDrawing from her early career studying software companies, Amy shares how pioneers like Marc Benioff and Tien Tzuo helped reshape the industry, and why their approach offers powerful parallels for nonprofit leaders today.What actually makes recurring revenue workThe most successful recurring models are not “set it and forget it.” They rely on ongoing communication, delivering real value, and helping customers or donors clearly see the impact of their relationship over time. 4. The rise of subscription fatigue and what it meanAs subscriptions become more common, expectations are rising. Amy explains why organizations must prioritize transparency, flexibility like pause or downgrade options, and clear value to keep people engaged. 5. Why leadership commitment is the biggest factor in successRecurring revenue is not just a tactic. It is a cultural shift. Amy explains why organizations that succeed usually have leaders who fully commit to the model and align teams, metrics, and strategy around long-term relationships. Also in this episode, they talk about:How nonprofits can better understand and segment their donorsThe importance of showing ongoing impact to recurring supportersCreative ways organizations can build community with supportersWhy recurring models can be better for people, products, and the planetHow AI may shape the next evolution of subscription-based organizationsKey Resources:Connect with Amy on LinkedIn.Connect with Dave on ⁠LinkedIn⁠.Learn about Dave’s new program, ⁠RISE.Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Kirsten, Victoria, and Abigail.

What if the future of generosity isn’t about giving more, but about giving differently?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot, to explore one of the most important (and misunderstood) shifts happening in philanthropy right now: the rise of Donor-Advised Funds, and what they could unlock for sustainable, recurring generosity.This isn’t a technical DAF explainer or a tax-policy deep dive. Instead, Dave and Mitch zoom out to look at how modern donor behavior is changing, why friction—not generosity—is often the real blocker, and how DAFs, recurring giving, and better infrastructure might help nonprofits plan with more confidence and resilience. Along the way, Mitch shares his unconventional path from Goldman Sachs to startup founder to philanthropy innovator, and what seeing the sector from the outside taught him about what’s broken and what’s possible.Top 5 Topics They Dive Into:From Wall Street to Social Impact Innovation Mitch shares how being “too creative” for traditional finance ultimately led him to philanthropy, and why founders shaping the future of generosity often didn’t start in the sector at all.Why Donor-Advised Funds Are Rising Right Now DAF growth isn’t random. We unpack the cultural, economic, and psychological forces behind their rise, from complexity fatigue to trust gaps and the “set aside now, decide later” mindset.Donor-Advised Funds as Infrastructure, Not Just a Tax Tool What changes if nonprofits stop thinking of DAFs as accounts and start thinking of them as behavior-shaping infrastructure? And what are leaders still getting wrong about how donors actually use them?The Overlap Between DAFs and Recurring Giving DAFs and recurring giving aren’t competitors but cousins. We explore how DAFs can act as a generosity reservoir and what that means for long-term sustainability and donor commitment.What DAFs Could Make More Sustainable in the Sector From forecasting and retention to stewardship and planning, we look at how better DAF integration could reshape how nonprofits operate, and what risks exist if systems don’t evolve alongside scale.Also in this episode, they talk about:Why friction, not intent, is often the real barrier to generosityThe difference between recurring cash flow and recurring commitmentHow nonprofits can better identify and steward DAF donorsSimple mindset shifts leaders can make without adding new techWhat nonprofit leaders should stop assuming about DAF donorsSo what’s the one question nonprofit leaders should be asking themselves this year as generosity continues to evolve?Key Resources: Learn more about Mitch’s work at ChariotConnect with Mitch on LinkedInRead TIME Magazine's Best Inventions of 2025: Chariot DAFpayConnect with Dave on LinkedInLearn about Dave’s new program, RISESpecial thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Tom, Victoria, Kirsten, and Abigail.

What if the key to long-term impact isn’t raising more money, but building giving that actually lasts? Is monthly giving still being treated like a side tactic when it should be core strategy?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley welcomes fundraising pioneer Harvey McKinnon, one of the earliest and most influential voices in the recurring giving movement. With more than 40 years of experience, and decades of data to back it up, Harvey brings clarity, candor, and perspective to a conversation many nonprofits urgently need to revisit.Together, Dave and Harvey explore how monthly giving became foundational to sustainable philanthropy, why so many organizations still hesitate to fully invest in it, and what leaders can do, whether they’re just getting started or ready to scale. From emergency response moments to lifelong donor relationships, this conversation is both practical and deeply human.Key Topics They Cover:Why Monthly Giving Is Foundational to Sustainable Philanthropy Harvey shares what led him to write How to Create Lifelong Donors Through Monthly Giving and the moment he realized recurring giving wasn’t just a tactic, but essential infrastructure.The Compounding Power of Lifelong Donors Why monthly donors consistently give more per year, stay longer, and upgrade more often, and how those effects multiply over time.Scaling vs. Starting: Two Very Different Journeys Clear guidance for leaders looking to scale an existing recurring program, alongside simple, high-leverage starting moves for organizations at ground zero.Persistent Myths That Hold Monthly Giving Back From short-term thinking to internal silos, Harvey names the misconceptions that keep organizations from investing wisely in recurring revenue.Recurring Giving Across Borders: Canada, the U.S., and Europe What geography and culture reveal about donor behavior, and what North American nonprofits can learn from global approaches.Also in this episode, they talk about:Turning emergency response into long-term donor relationshipsWhy investment mindset matters more than tacticsHow leadership incentives can unintentionally block progressThe importance of ease, urgency, and perceived impactWhy monthly donors are your strongest legacy giving prospectsWhat would change if your organization treated monthly giving as essential, not optional?Key Resources:Visit Harvey's WebsiteConnect with Harvey on LinkedInGet Dave’s book, The Rise of Sustainable GivingConnect with Dave on LinkedInSpecial thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Victoria.

How could giving circles reshape the future of philanthropy — and what might they unlock for your nonprofit?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, Dave sits down with Emily Rasmussen, Founder & CEO of Grapevine and one of the leading voices in the modern collective giving movement. From her early life as a professional ballet dancer to her work in microfinance in rural India to now building the largest platform dedicated to giving circles, Emily brings a truly unique perspective to what generosity can look like when people do it together.This conversation moves fast (in the best way!) as Dave and Emily dive into the resurgence of community-driven philanthropy, the psychology behind recurring generosity, and why giving circles just might be one of the biggest under-the-radar bright spots in the entire fundraising landscape.If you care about connection, recurring giving, and the future of generosity… this one’s for you.Key Topics They Cover:1. Emily’s Unexpected Journey to PhilanthropyFrom professional ballet to global arts leadership to microfinance in rural IndiaHow her early work in hyper-local, community-led financing became a blueprint for her later work in philanthropyThe common thread: using creativity and community to unlock impact2. The Deep Roots of Collective GivingGiving circles: newer term, ancient conceptCultural traditions like tontines, susus, and self-help groups as early modelsWhy doing good together is resurging now — and how it answers today’s loneliness + disconnection crisis3. What Giving Circles Actually Are (and Why They Matter)A clear, simple definition (100 people × $100 → $10,000 grant)How members nominate, vote, learn, and build lasting relationships“The Four C’s”: Community, Collective Resources, Collaboration, and ContinuationWhy giving circles create real belonging, not transactional giving4. The Powerful Connection Between Giving Circles & Sustainable Recurring GivingStunning data:Only ~2% of new nonprofit donations are set to recur (GivingTuesday Data Commons)50–80%+ of new giving-circle donations on Grapevine recurWhy recurring giving is “baked in” to the giving circle modelHow collective models build trust, accountability, and long-term donor loyalty naturally5. How Nonprofit Leaders Can Tap Into the Giving Circle MovementHow to find circles already giving in your region or cause areaWhy nonprofits should ask their donors whether they’re in oneThe rise of nonprofit-created giving circles + group-based donor communitiesHow giving circles can supercharge board engagement, next-gen donors, and mid-level givingThey Also Talk About:The role of trust, transparency, and “the five T’s” of generosityHow Grapevine supports giving circles with infrastructure, community tools, and the global directoryThe surprising overlap between giving circles and workplace givingHow companies are experimenting with employee-led giving circlesWhy generosity evolves with culture — and why that’s actually encouragingSo… what might happen if your community had a giving circle of its own? Or if you joined one yourself?Watch or Listen:Watch this episode now by clicking the video above, or by visiting Apple Podcasts or Spotify.Key Resources:⁠GivingTuesday Data & Research“Growing Giving” ResearchExplore GrapevineConnect with Emily on LinkedInGrab Dave’s book, The Rise of Sustainable GivingDiscover more episodes of the Sustainable Giving podcastRegister for the Sustainable Giving WorkshopConnect with Dave on LinkedInSpecial thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Victoria.

What does it take to build an organization — and a life — that can go the distance?In this episode of The Sustainable Giving podcast, host ⁠⁠Dave Raley sits down with Chris Free, Senior Director of Communications & Advancement at The Joshua Fund, to unpack what it really looks like to build endurance — both personally and organizationally.From his beginnings as a filmmaker and storyteller to leading one of the most remarkable transformations in recurring giving we’ve seen, Chris shares the inside story of how The Joshua Fund grew from $5.3M to $18.6M in five years, with 47% of their revenue now coming from recurring donors.They dig into the heart behind the data, exploring how storytelling, discipline, and faith intersect to create something truly sustainable. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or simply someone who cares about long-term impact, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about what it means to build something that lasts.Key Topics They Discuss:The Power of Storytelling in Generosity How Chris’s early career as a filmmaker shaped his passion for purpose-driven storytelling, and how that foundation now fuels The Joshua Fund’s mission and donor engagement.From Campaigns to Continuity The pivotal “aha moment” when Chris realized recurring giving wasn’t just a tactic. It was a mindset shift toward long-term sustainability.Building Systems that Sustain The real-life process of implementing sustainable giving practices, from adopting Fundraise Up to reworking donor experiences and automating communication flows.Transformation & Tangible Results How The Joshua Fund nearly doubled its recurring giving program and grew overall revenue 2.5x, and what that stability means for impact, planning, and peace of mind.Endurance for the Long Run Parallels between marathon running and leadership: the discipline of consistency, learning to pace yourself, and the courage to keep going when you “hit the wall.”Also in this episode, they talk about:Lessons from The Sustainable Giving Accelerator and how it reshaped The Joshua Fund’s culture.The importance of data over ego — why objective insights always win.How crisis moments can drive innovation in fundraising.The role of automation in scaling meaningful donor relationships.Why January (or September!) doesn’t have to be scary when half your revenue is already recurring.What if your organization could move from reaction to rhythm; from chasing donations to cultivating generosity that lasts?Additional Resources: ⁠The Rise of Sustainable Giving Book⁠⁠The Sustainable Giving Workshop 2026Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Victoria.

What if the biggest opportunity in fundraising has been quietly waiting all along — hidden in plain sight?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley chats with Erica Waasdorp, President of A Direct Solution, longtime champion of monthly giving, and self-proclaimed “Philanthropyholic.” From her early career at Reader’s Digest in Amsterdam to 30+ years helping nonprofits grow recurring giving programs around the world, Erica has seen it all, and she’s here to share the lessons that last.Together, Dave and Erica dive into what’s changed (and what hasn’t) in the world of recurring giving, from the first direct-debit donors in Europe to the digital subscription era today. They unpack the tactics, mindset, and global insights that help organizations build sustainable, recession-resistant revenue, and what the next generation of fundraisers needs to know.Whether you’re just getting started with recurring giving or looking to take your program to the next level, this conversation is packed with wisdom, wit, and plenty of inspiration.Key Topics They Cover:The Evolution of Recurring Giving: How monthly giving has transformed from mail and phone to digital-first—and why some organizations are still playing catch-up.The Commitment Gap: Why many nonprofits still treat monthly giving as an afterthought—and how shifting from a “single-gift mindset” to a sustainability mindset changes everything.Tactics That Still Work: Erica’s go-to strategies, from adding a simple “Give Monthly” button to leveraging donor testimonials, direct mail, and even the humble thank-you letter.Lessons from Around the World: What generosity looks like in different cultures—and why human behavior (and the desire to help) is far more universal than we think.The Next Generation of Sustainable Fundraisers: What today’s leaders can do to invest in recurring giving, mentor the next wave, and build long-term programs that inspire both donors and staff.Also in this episode, they talk about: How Dutch directness inspired A Direct Solution, and why honesty matters in fundraisingWhy smaller monthly gifts can lead to major legacy gifts laterThe underrated power of direct mail and phone calls in a digital worldWhat European fundraisers got right decades ago, and what the U.S. can learnThe simple truth behind “Just start—and keep going”If recurring giving is the key to sustainability, what’s stopping your organization from planting that first seed today?Additional Resources: Register for the 2026 Sustainable Giving Workshop.Pick up a copy of Dave's book, "⁠The Rise of Sustainable Giving⁠."Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Victoria.

What if your donors felt just as essential to your mission as the people you serve?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with Tina Hudgins, a seasoned fundraiser, consultant, and educator who has spent her career helping organizations build donor-centric cultures that spark lasting generosity. From her days pioneering sustainer programs at International Justice Mission to her current work with Philanthropy and Fundraising of North America (PFNA), Tina brings a wealth of insight, energy, and heart to the conversation.Together, Dave and Tina explore how recurring giving isn’t just a strategy. It’s a movement. They talk about the power of sustainer programs to weather economic storms, the lessons from bold experiments in event-based giving, and how nonprofits can reframe their culture to honor donors as much as beneficiaries.Here are the top 5 takeaways from this episode:Sustainer Giving as “C²R²”: Tina’s mantra — cash consistent, recession resistant — and how monthly giving creates stability and freedom for planning and innovation.Event-Based Acquisition in Action: The powerful story of the IF:Gathering event, where IJM invited thousands of women to become Freedom Partners through a deeply integrated, mission-driven experience.The Freedom Partner Journey: How IJM cultivated monthly donors — from $5 givers to $5,000/month partners — through storytelling, access, and intentional community.Donor-Centric Culture: Why nonprofits must treat donors as equally important as beneficiaries, and how this shift transforms revenue, retention, and relationships.Budgets & Boldness: Tina’s framework for acquisition, retention, and innovation budgets, and why learning itself should be considered a KPI.Plus, a few more gems you won’t want to miss:Why asking major donors for recurring gifts actually deepens commitment (without reducing larger gifts).How to make events more than “one-time fundraising moments” by embedding them in your mission story.What it looks like when every staff member is equipped to tell your organization’s story, even in a 14-floor elevator ride.Why cultural transformation is the secret to long-term growth (200–1000% revenue gains over time!).So, how can your organization start seeing itself through the eyes of your donors?Key Resources: Learn more about the work that Tina does.Get to know Tina.Get to know Dave.Pick up a copy of Dave's book, "The Rise of Sustainable Giving."Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Victoria.

What if the best glimpse into the future of fundraising isn’t found in trend reports or tech forecasts, but in the story of someone who’s already lived it?In this episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, host Dave Raley sits down with Ken Burnett—legendary fundraiser, author of Relationship Fundraising, and one of the earliest champions of “regular giving.” Nearly 50 years ago, Ken stood where we are now, facing questions about how to engage donors for the long haul. What followed was a movement that reshaped generosity across the UK and Europe—and offers us a powerful preview of what’s possible for the future of giving everywhere.From ActionAid’s early embrace of monthly donations to Greenpeace’s global regular giving campaigns, Ken shares lessons from the past that point straight toward the future of sustainable generosity. It’s a fun, thought-provoking conversation filled with wisdom, wit, and practical insights for every fundraiser who wants to build something that lasts.Key Topics They Cover:The origins of regular giving in the UK – How ActionAid’s embrace of monthly giving in the late ‘70s turned a small startup into one of Britain’s top charities.UK vs. North America giving culture – Why regular giving is the norm “across the pond” and what’s holding the North American sector back.The power of direct debit (EFT) – Why it beats credit cards for retention, and how inertia can actually be a fundraiser’s best friend.From retention to legacy – How loyalty leads to bequests, and why focusing on the donor experience is the fastest path to long-term impact.The leadership gap – Why short-term thinking and underinvestment in fundraisers is costing the sector dearly, and how to change it.Also in This Episode, They Talk About:Stories of face-to-face street fundraising that had people lining up to give.How to delight donors so much they never want to leave.The surprising mental and physical health benefits of being a donor.Why fundraising history matters, and how not to waste time “reinventing the wheel.”Key Resources:Discover more about Ken’s workRegister for the Sustainable Giving WorkshopPick up a copy of Dave’s book, “The Rise of Sustainable Giving”Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, and Grace.

What if one of the key secrets to sustainable giving isn’t more staff or bigger budgets, but a better rhythm?In the latest episode of the Sustainable Giving podcast, Dave Raley sits down with Dr. Sanjay Bindra, a full-time cardiac electrophysiologist and co-founder of the zero-staff GOSUMEC Foundation USA. Together, they explore how Sanjay is combining medical insights, personal passion, and data-driven experimentation to help small nonprofits succeed in the world of recurring giving.Sanjay’s foundation supports scholarships for medical students at his alma mater in India – but his vision goes far beyond a single cause. He’s launching The GIVE Study, a first-of-its-kind research project designed to uncover how small, under-resourced nonprofits can thrive in recurring giving without a full-time team or flashy tech. If you're part of the 92% of nonprofits operating under $1M, this episode is for you!Key Topics They Discuss:The GOSUMEC Origin Story: A Phone Call, A Birthday, and a Bold IdeaLearn how a single conversation on his wife’s birthday sparked a nonprofit built on gratitude, legacy, and long-term thinking.Why Small is Mighty: Debunking the “Miniaturized Large Nonprofit” MythSanjay challenges conventional wisdom by highlighting the unique needs and power of small, zero-staff organizations, and why they deserve their own playbook.The GIVE Study: What Happens When You Apply Medical Rigor to Fundraising?With a research-backed framework rooted in gratitude, impact, voice, and engagement, this 12-month prospective study is designed to test recurring giving strategies for small nonprofits.The 4S Framework: Storytelling, Smart Tech, Simplicity, and Supportive Community Sanjay outlines the four pillars driving GOSUMEC’s success, and how any nonprofit can replicate them with minimal resources.Recurring Giving as Trust Giving More than a monthly donation, recurring giving is a relationship. Sanjay makes the case that “trust is the rhythm” that keeps a nonprofit’s heart beating strong.More Resources: Givebutter → A community-driven fundraising tech platform partnering with GOSUMEC on the GIVE Study.MemoryFox → A storytelling platform that supports authentic, consent-based video collection from both donors and recipients.Additional Links:- Discover More: sustainablegiving.org/podcast- Grab Dave’s book: https://sustainablegiving.org/Special thanks to our team at Sustainable Giving: Abigail, Tom, Kirsten, Grace, and Christeen.