Info

The ENGAGE Podcast

Subscribe to The ENGAGE Podcast to hear experts from across the social good community share best practices, tips and must-know trends that will help organizations increase their impact. Formerly called The sgENGAGE Podcast.
RSS Feed
The ENGAGE Podcast
2023
July
May
April
January


2022
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2021
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2020
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2019
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2018
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2017
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


2016
December
November
October
September
August
July
June
May
April
March
February
January


Categories

All Episodes
Archives
Categories
Now displaying: 2017
Sep 5, 2017

On today’s podcast episode, we are talking about how to be a manager, a badass coach, and a fundraiser all at the same time. My guest today, is the Fund Diva Kishshana Palmer. She is the founder of Kishshana & Co. Today, she shares how to be a manager and coach while achieving her mission of helping fund raising organizations grow.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • The importance of management and people skills
  • Making sure your people have the tools for success
  • Being strategic and creating clear goals and vision
  • Bouncing ideas and helping to create a roadmap
  • Generational differences and defining roles and responsibilities
  • Time management and allowing space to manage and fund raise

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

Blackbaud - Facebook

Kishshana on Instagram

Kishshana on Twitter @FundDiva

Kishshana & Co

Kishshana on Facebook

Quotes:

“When my team does well, I do well as a manager.” Kishshana Palmer

“I try to find what my team needs to see and hear to succeed and then enable them.” Kishshana Palmer

“As a manager, you have to be able to have balance and set expectations early on.” Kishshana Palmer

Aug 22, 2017

Today’s episode is all about Change Management and how you can better your organization by implementing change at all levels. My guest is Tiffany Getch, an Organizational Change Manager at Blackbaud, and she is an expert at creating data-driven solutions while defining and improving processes for non-profits. Join us as we cover specific tactics and resources you can use to create change and improve efficiency at your organization.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Project management and adding new workflows
  • Productivity and organizational tools
  • Process mapping and milestones
  • Identifying and managing stakeholders
  • RACI diagrams and user training
  • Getting the team to work together

Resources:

Trello

Smartsheet

Basecamp

Tiffany on Twitter - @Tiffany_getch

Danielle on Twitter - @DJVermenton

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

 

“When driving a project, collaboration is key. Bring the whole team across the finish line.”

 

“The biggest thing about change is to bring everybody along.”

 

“Process mapping is an incredible exercise to get clarity of the things you were doing, things you thought were getting done and and things that still need to be done.”

Aug 15, 2017

Our topic this week is the intersection of major gifts when it comes to online and offline tactics. Many organizations resist the idea that major gifts can be done online, so we will go over how it works and what the concerns are. My guest to discuss is Jerusha Schmalzel, a Customer Success Manager at Blackbaud’s Arts and Cultural Verticle. She has over 10 years experience working with nonprofits and Arts and Cultural organizations as a VP of Development and Major Gifts Officer. Join us as we share the variety of ways major donors can be engaged online and increase the impact of your mission.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Why the resistance towards online for some aspects of major gifts
  • The pitfalls of making assumptions about donors
  • Using technology for stewardship and efficiency, not just asks
  • Visually showing donors your mission with video content
  • Making unique content for major donors
  • Removing ego from major donor work

Resources:

Jerusha on Twitter - @jschmalzel

Danielle on Twitter - @DJVermenton

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

 

Quotes:

“Any time we make assumptions about people we’re just removing an entire group of human beings from a certain channel that might be really appealing to them.” - Jerusha Schmalzel

“People are more apt to giving to your organization when they are currently experiencing your mission.” - Jerusha Schmalzel

“Every time you convert people into that online channel, you’re freeing up more of your time to get out there and have those one to one relationships.” - Jerusha Schmalzel

“Any tool in our toolbox we should be deploying.” - Jerusha Schmalzel

Jul 19, 2017

On today’s episode we’re talking about our unfiltered end of the year campaign checklists - the things we need to stop doing and things we should be doing instead. My guests to discuss are Scarlett Bauman, Director of Marketing at Air Force Enlisted Village, and Brock Warner, Senior Manager of Fundraising at War Child Canada. Listen in as they share what their end of the year planning looks like and give us great advice on campaign organizing.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • When and how to start end of the year planning
  • Building content and planning stories
  • Coordinating end of year plan scheduling
  • Common campaign mistakes to avoid

Resources:

Air Force Enlisted Village

War Child Canada

The Unforgettable Photograph by George Lange

Scarlett Bauman on Twitter

Brock Warner on Twitter

Fundraising Robot on Twitter

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

Quotes:

“What do we have, what can we use and how can we extend that story out into a journey over the course of the year end campaign.” - Brock Warner

“I found that having as many people around the table at the early stages is a lifesaver.” - Brock Warner

“When they receive that email I want them to open it up...and I want them to see a compelling photograph that tells a story.” - Scarlett Bauman

Jul 5, 2017

Today’s topic is about local Giving Days that don’t fall on Giving Tuesday - how does an organization decide which day to focus on? My guest to discuss is Amy Daly, Director of Marketing and Communications for Project Angel Heart. Her organization participates in Colorado Give Day and she shares how they balance their popular local event with the global Giving Tuesday movement. Listen in as she shares marketing and communication tips around Give Day campaigns. 

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • Creation of a state-wide Giving Day in Colorado
  • Incorporating Giving Tuesday into a local campaign
  • Consistent messaging on Give Days
  • Metrics and segmentation strategy
  • Stewardship for Giving Day donors
  • Things to consider when deciding which day to focus on
  • Project Angel Heart and storytelling 

Resources: 

Project Angel Heart

Amy on Twitter - @amykdaly

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook 

Quotes: 

“This is bigger than just us, and participating in this allows us to be part of something that’s exciting and gets people really jazzed about giving.” - Amy Daly

 

“I don’t think it’s jumping on the bandwagon to participate in something that’s successful, that’s working and it’s getting people excited.” - Amy Daly

 

“If you see people getting excited about something, get excited with them!” - Amy Daly

Jun 21, 2017

Welcome to the Raise + Engage podcast where we help organizations with online communications and development. Today, I am talking about the important topic of email deliverability with Ryan O’Keefe, Product Manager at Blackbaud. There are a lot of misconceptions with how email is delivered because the process is handed off to so many different entities. Listen in as we go over the ins and outs of email delivery, and how to ensure that your communications reach your target audience.  

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • How and why ISPs filter emails based on past history
  • Configuration and user engagement influence deliverability
  • Gmail is using open rates to judge email quality
  • Opens, clicks, downloads and any action influence engagement
  • How Blackbaud monitors everything to ensure deliverability
  • Putting the effort into re engagement campaigns
  • Give users a way to agree to receiving email
  • Offer users other ways to stay engaged outside of email 

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

Blackbaud - Facebook

npENGAGE

@whoisryanokeefe on Twitter

@DJVermenton on Twitter

DanielleJohnson@Blackbaud.com 

Quotes:

At Blackbaud, we set everything up according to the best industry email practice.” Ryan O’Keefe

“Organizations need to adjust their policies for sending out email. Stop targeting inactive subscribers.” Ryan O’Keefe

“Target your most engaged users to get your biggest return at the end of the year.” Ryan O’Keefe

Jun 6, 2017

On today’s podcast episode, we are talking about behavior based email marketing for nonprofits with Jessica Sotelo the director of online marketing at the World Wildlife Fund. Jessica oversees the email marketing and fundraising at WWF. Listen in as we discuss how email marketing approaches change over time, and how to take a more thoughtful approach to crafting email campaigns that create lasting engagement.  

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Creating engagement by sending emails to smaller segments
  • Swim lanes and defining the levels of engagement
  • Having an unwelcome series as a last ditch effort to get opens
  • Shifting focus to acquiring subscribers through advocacy
  • Collaborating with different teams within nonprofits
  • Trusting your decisions when defining email segments

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

Blackbaud - Facebook

World Wildlife Fund

Jessica Sotelo

@jayrayfray on Twitter 

Quotes:

“Instead of sending a large email blast to everyone, focus on interaction and send emails to a smaller group.” - Jessica Sotelo

“Smaller email segments have higher open and higher engagement rates.” - Jessica Sotelo

“We are going to start sending reactivation emails to unresponsive groups three times a year.” - Jessica Sotelo

May 24, 2017

On today’s episode we are talking about storytelling and why so many organizations are struggling with this. Our guest today is Vanessa Chase Lockshin, the President of The Storytelling Non-Profit and the author of The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness. Listen in as we discuss Vanessa’s techniques for teaching non-profits how to raise awareness by telling their stories.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Reasons why non-profits have trouble telling their stories
  • How overthinking can trip up people in organizations
  • Why a culture that lacks collaboration makes storytelling difficult
  • Importance of using a natural tone and cadence in fundraising copywriting
  • Writing from a micro level vs. a macro level
  • Starting small with content audits
  • Data gathering to create audience personas
  • How stories help donors see the impact of their donation

Resources:

Blackbaud

 

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

 

Blackbaud - Facebook

 

The Storytelling Non-Profit

 

Vanessa Chase Lockshin - Twitter

 

The Storytelling Non-Profit: A practical guide to telling stories that raise money and awareness

 

npENGAGE

 

Quotes:

 

Introduce donors to the big picture without overwhelming them. Vanessa Chase Lockshin

 

Create context for donors to understand and relate to the cause using narrative Vanessa Chase Lockshin

 

Lack of collaboration can make it difficult for people in non-profits to find stories to tell. Vanessa Chase Lockshin

May 10, 2017

On today’s podcast episode we are talking about Website Design Trends for 2017, including visual design, content and mobile. Our guests are Aga Siuda and Jay Schultz, design leads at Blackbaud who design responsive websites for nonprofit clients. Listen in as we discuss the hottest design strategies and trends for nonprofits today.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Visual design elements and focusing your message
  • Information architecture and planning your site map
  • Imagery and branding with quality visual content
  • Inserting personality through design
  • Testing websites and user experience
  • Mobile responsive design, wearables and optimization

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #nofilternonprofit

Blackbaud - Facebook

Google Analytics

Aga’s Twitter

Apr 25, 2017

How you tell a story on your website will determine whether or not your site visitors take action and what kind of action they take. Whether you're looking for email sign-ups, donations, volunteers, or something else entirely, engagement doesn't just happen; you have to make it happen! Join Raise + Engage host Danielle Johnson Vermenton with all-star guest Ben Wong as they brainstorm ways that you can entice all your different audiences to take action online.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • How to create a “slam-dunk” website
  • The spectrum of website engagement
  • Basic metrics to measure engagement online
  • Strategic social listening
  • Personalizing engagement to the audience

Resources:

Quora.com

Reddit.com

Data Driven Nonprofits

Ben Wong - Twitter

Danielle Johnson Vermenton - Twitter

http://nofilternonprofit.blackbaud.com/

Blackbaud - Twitter

Blackbaud - Facebook

 

Quotes:

 

“Everybody is trying to stand out and get noticed, but to get noticed you have to have good content that does something for the audience.” - Ben Wong

 

“A ‘brochure site’ is the lowest level of engagement” - Ben Wong

 

“By design, what are the opportunities we’re giving for engagement? Do we have a like button, is there a sharing option, is there a place for comments?” - Ben Wong

Apr 4, 2017

Our guest on today’s episode is Melissa Bank Stepno, a Practice Manager with Blackbaud’s Target Analytics team. She has spent the last decade as a nonprofit consultant in predictive modeling and wealth segmentation programs, and she is here to share what she has learned during her time in the industry. Listen in as we learn how to identify the best prospects for major gift donations.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Common challenges of Development Offices
  • Wealth screening v. predictive modeling
  • Defining predictive modeling and wealth segmentation
  • Identifying prospective major gift donors

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

melissa.stepno@blackbaud.com

Quotes:

“Most organizations have a larger database than what they can focus on for major gift purposes.” - Melissa Bank Stepno

“The age of big data is upon us.” - Melissa Bank Stepno

“At the end of the day, data itself doesn’t raise dollars. An organization still needs to take action.” - Melissa Bank Stepno

Mar 21, 2017

On this episode, we’re talking to guest Steve MacLaughlin about data and the growing need for analytics in the nonprofit space. Steve is the Vice President of Data & Analytics at Blackbaud with over 20 years experience in the field. He is the author of Data Driven Nonprofits, a bestseller in 2016. Join us as he shares the top lessons learned from data analysis of current trends in nonprofit fundraising and how to apply these for future growth.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Important data and warnings from Blackbaud’s 2016 Charitable Giving Report
  • Metrics to assess current trends and make accurate projections
  • Data driven decision-making and increasing engagement
  • Getting started with data and avoiding “analysis paralysis”
  • Current technologies available to nonprofits

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

Blackbaud’s 2016 Charitable Giving Report

Data Driven Nonprofits by Steve MacLaughlin

npENGAGE Blog

Steve MacLaughlin at the Huffington Post

Quotes:

“Data and statistics analytics answer that fundamental question: Is something working, or is it not?” - Steve MacLaughlin

“There are multiple paths to being successful with the use of data.” - Steve MacLaughlin  

“The nonprofit that creates the shortest distance between the gift and the expected outcome, wins.” - Steve MacLaughlin

Mar 7, 2017

Today’s podcast topic is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising. The landscape for non-profit peer-to-peer fundraising is changing rapidly with technology, and we discuss actionable tips and scaleable strategies you can use right now. I’m speaking with Robin Mendez, Senior Peer-to-Peer Product Marketing Manager at Blackbaud, as she shares wealth of expertise on the top Peer-to-Peer technologies out there today.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Current Peer-to-Peer landscape and portfolio style approaches
  • Novel ways of engaging with fundraising participants
  • New technologies and tools in the donor space
  • Virtual events and DIY fundraising
  • Changing donor demographics
  • Tips for getting started in new peer-to-peer fundraising strategies

Resources:

Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

Emily.Popson@blackbaud.com

https://mymarathon.bhf.org.uk/

Quotes:

“You have now inserted yourself as an organization into their day-to-day routine.” - Robin Mendez

 

“We’re trying to get the people who have an affinity towards us to more deeply engage and to think about our organization.” - Robin Mendez

 

“You’re providing an outlet for someone to fundraise that meets their need more specifically.” - Robin Mendez

Feb 20, 2017

On today’s episode we discuss the importance of harnessing an online community from your network of constituents, alumni and clients to connect, engage and mobilize them. Our guests today are Joe Prosperi, Director for Digital Strategy for Relay for Life at the American Cancer Society, and Holly Herbert, Community Manager at Blackbaud. Joe has been with the American Cancer Society for 13 years, and currently oversees online fundraising, social media and other digital strategies. Holly has been bringing people together online for the past 15 years, and joined Blackbaud 3 years ago. Join us as we discuss strategies to create and grow a community that will benefit and accelerate your organization.

Topics discussed this episode: 

  • Defining an online community and why it’s important
  • How to create an online community
  • Connecting to and serving your community
  • Strategies to grow and engage your community
  • Segmenting community members for targeted content
  • Easy engagement opportunities
  • Social media channels versus official organizational online communities
  • Advice to people starting or struggling to build their communities

Resources:

Relay Nation

Blackbaud Community

#NoFilter NonProfit Blackbaud

Blackbaud - Twitter #raiseandengage

Blackbaud - Facebook

Emily.Popson@blackbaud.com

"Groundswell: Winning in a World Transformed by Social Technologies" by Charlene Li and Josh Bernoff

Image of engagement pyramid  - Source: Free Connection

Quotes:

“Creating an online community allows you to foster engagement with those audiences and gather those stories.” -Joe Prosperi

“Community is not just a place on a map. Community is a digital space where activity happens for your organization.” -Joe Prosperi

“Even if you’re not engaging in your digital space around your brand, people are already out there talking about it.” -Holly Herbert

Feb 7, 2017

On this episode, we’re taking on the topic of Advocacy: the changing role of Advocacy in social media and how this can be harnessed tactically for non-profits. Our three expert guests today are Jeanette Russell, Caroline Stuart-Freas and Sally Heaven. Caroline is a Senior Advocacy Customer Success Manager at Blackbaud, helping non-profit clients succeed in their online advocacy and fundraising goals. Jeanette is a Product Marketing Manager for Blackbaud with 25 years of experience and has a special focus on advocacy and social media engagement. Sally works in Client Success at Blackbaud, helping customers to achieve success with seven years of online advocacy experience directly engaging supporters.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • Current trends in the Advocacy scene
  • How to break through the noise and think outside the box
  • Harnessing citizen supporters to make an impact
  • Giving up control and messaging to supporters
  • Lessons learned through the recent US election
  • New tools in online advocacy

 

Resources:

http://nofilternonprofit.blackbaud.com/

https://www.indivisibleguide.com/

https://attentive.ly/power-to-your-people/

https://attentive.ly/reach/

Blackbaud - Twitter

Blackbaud - Facebook

Emily.Popson@blackbaud.com

 

Quotes:

“Strategy coupled with smart tactics, which are the tools, can scale change much faster.” - Sally Heaven

 

“We are in a new and exciting place in the world of online advocacy...we have so many tools at our disposal” - Caroline Stuart-Freas

 

“Citizen movements are having an enormous role in leading change.” - Jeanette Russell

Jan 31, 2017

On today’s episode, we discuss the important topic of Leadership with our guests Rachel Hutchisson and Mark Pitman. Rachel is a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) executive at Blackbaud, heading up volunteerism and philanthropy efforts at the leadership level. Mark Pitman is the CEO and Founder of Concord Leadership Group, Fundraising Coach and Non-Profit Academy. Join us for our open discussion on the state of leadership within non-profit organizations and how to develop talent to fill current and future leadership gaps.

Topics discussed this episode:

  • What makes a good leader?
  • Leadership in a non-profit organization
  • Investing in infrastructure and professional development
  • Leadership gaps and talent management
  • Recent reports on leadership trends within non-profits

Resources:

Blackbaud - Rachel Hutchisson

Rachel Hutchisson - Twitter

Concord Leadership Group

Mark Pitman - Twitter

Non-Profit Academy - Mark Pitman

Fundraising Coach - Mark Pitman

Danielle Johnson Vermenton - Twitter

Danielle Johnson Vermenton - Facebook

Blackbaud - Twitter

 

Quotes:

“We come to work everyday as a complete person, not just a business person, with the desire to do good and make change in the world.” - Rachel Hutchisson

 

“It’s a much better journey when you’re not the smartest person in the room.” - Mark Pitman

 

“Professional development is not extravagant.” - Rachel Hutchisson

 

“Honesty and integrity are the best fundraising tools.” - Mark Pitman

1