Advertise on podcast: Go Beyond Fundraising: The Podcast for Nonprofits

What happens when charitable giving reaches record highs, but the number of donors continues to decline? In this special Giving Outlook discussion, AGP CEO Trent Ricker sits down with Matthew Mielcarek, author of the latest Giving Outlook report, along with sector experts Sarah Hartke, Liz Lowe, and Alyssa Boger to unpack the trends shaping nonprofit fundraising today. Together, they explore why fundraising growth is increasingly concentrated among fewer donors, what that means for organizations across sectors, and why stewardship, donor experience, and retention have become critical drivers of sustainable revenue growth. The conversation examines emerging opportunities in donor-advised funds, monthly giving, mid-level giving, and planned giving, while also addressing the challenges nonprofits face as donor behavior evolves. The panel shares practical insights from food banks, healthcare organizations, public media programs, and national nonprofits, discussing how organizations can reduce donor friction, strengthen relationships, improve retention, and build pathways that turn generosity into long-term support. Whether you're a fundraising executive, nonprofit marketer, or organizational leader, this episode offers actionable takeaways to help you move beyond short-term acquisition and build a fundraising program designed to compound over time. As the panel argues, the future belongs to organizations that can not only receive generosity, but retain it. Listen now to learn what the Giving Outlook means for your organization and where the biggest opportunities for growth may be hiding.

For many, AI can still feel like an enormous opportunity and overwhelming new frontier. But using AI effectively doesn’t mean you have to be an expert – or hand over the human work that makes your mission matter. In this conversation, AGP CEO Trent Ricker and Ren John, Vice President of AI Strategy and Solutions, explore practical ways nonprofits can put AI to work in their everyday workflows from using it as a thought partner to talking instead of typing and tapping into AI tools to build small efficiencies to add gains in time and productivity. They offer a simple framework for identifying what requires human hands, human heads and, most importantly, human hearts from fundraising workflows, donor stewardship and personalization, grant writing, event follow-up and internal operations. The goal is for organizations to use technology to create more capacity for the work only people can do – building relationships, connecting with supporters and advancing the mission.

For many nonprofit organizations, omnichannel has become shorthand for digital marketing. But that definition misses the bigger picture. In this conversation, AGP CEO Trent Ricker and Laura Hinrichsen, Senior Vice President of Integrated Media Solutions, discuss how nonprofits can move beyond isolated digital tactics to build full funnel, omnichannel strategies that support awareness, acquisition, upgrade, retention, and long-term growth. True omnichannel fundraising includes online and offline marketing — every way an organization connects with its community — from direct mail, telephone outreach, canvassing, and events to email, websites, paid media, and social platforms. The goal is to create a coordinated strategy where each touchpoint reinforces the next and moves supporters toward deeper engagement. They also address common misconceptions about paid media, explain why organizations of every size can benefit from integrated campaigns, and make the case for greater transparency, flexibility, and collaboration between nonprofits and their agency partners. Whether an organization is considering its first paid media campaign or looking to strengthen an existing campaign, the discussion offers a practical framework for thinking beyond individual channels.

Where Does Mid-Level Giving Fit? Building Donor Relationships Between Acquisition and Major Gifts by Nonprofit Fundraising & Marketing Podcast by Pursuant

Nonprofits may be using AI, but how can they go beyond the surface level of basic prompts to leverage the tools necessary to make an impact on their missions and achieve their goals? In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and Raney John, VP of AI Strategy and Success, dig into what it means to move beyond AI experimentation and begin using it as a practical, mission-driven tool. From donor stewardship and grant research and writing to volunteer training, reporting, and website strategy, Trent and Ren break down real-world ways nonprofits are already using AI to create efficiency, increase capacity, and strengthen human connection – without replacing it. The discussion also explores leadership, organizational culture, governance, and the importance of staying curious as AI tools evolve at a rapid pace. Wherever your organization is with AI, this conversation offers practical insights, examples, and leadership advice to help nonprofits navigate one of the biggest technology shifts in decades.

In this episode, we explore one of the most pressing challenges facing nonprofit leaders today: how to navigate growing polarization while staying true to mission, donors, and community. Trent Ricker, CEO and Chief Strategy Officer at AGP, and Tim Arnold, leadership development expert and best-selling author, examine why traditional either/or thinking falls short – and what it looks like to lead with a more nuanced both/and mindset in today’s complex environments. Tim shares how leaders can often feel unequipped to unify teams and stakeholders across differing perspectives. From board dynamics to internal teams to donor communications, the discussion highlights where these tensions show up most and how leaders can navigate competing priorities like innovation versus stability, without losing focus. The conversation offers practical guidance for applying this both/and mindset in real-world situations, including how to approach donor messaging in a polarized environment and why curiosity and connection are critical leadership skills. Whether you’re leading an organization, managing stakeholders, or shaping communications, this episode provides a grounded perspective on how to move forward without deepening division.

In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, we talk with Alyssa Boger, Executive Vice President of Client Experience, and Jennifer Lomax, Senior Executive Director of Direct Response at City of Hope, one of the largest and most advanced cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., to break down how annual giving can create scale, connect patient experiences with philanthropy, and help establish the foundation for sustainable growth. They discuss how hospital annual funds are more than just a line item – they’re the engine that can fuel donor pipelines, nurture lifelong relationships, and drive transformational giving. From data-driven KPIs to stewardship strategies that honor every gift, discover why investing in annual funds isn’t just good practice – it’s essential for long-term mission impact.

In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, we talk with Debbie Merlino, AGP’s Executive Vice President of Client Relationships, to unpack the unprecedented funding challenges facing public media. With federal and state cuts reshaping station budgets, leaders are asking: what’s next? Debbie shares how stations are navigating the immediate influx of donor support, the risks of relying on that short-term crisis giving, and the critical need to reframe this moment as a “new reality” rather than a temporary hurdle. She outlines strategies for sustaining momentum – stewardship that deepens trust, digital-first acquisition, and data-driven, mid-level upgrades that unlock donor potential. She talks about why closer collaboration among development, finance, and leadership is essential for resilience — and how proven tools like GivingDNA, staff augmentation, and AGP’s Mid-Level Accelerator can help stations not only stabilize but thrive. Whether you lead a station, steward its donors, or build fundraising strategies, this conversation offers practical insights for moving beyond survival and into long-term growth.

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.

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.