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Nonprofits can turn fundraising events into more efficient, donor-friendly, revenue-generating experiences that support long-term growth. Most events are full of potential, but this learning session makes it clear that the strongest galas are no longer built around chaos, long lines, and overworked staff.

In this energizing conversation, Justin Goodhew, Co-Founder and CEO of Trellis, makes the case that event success is not just about what happens in the ballroom. It starts before the event with better use of donor data, stronger integration with internal systems, and smarter choices about where staff time should go. He explains that many organizations stop doing galas not because events no longer matter, but because the process drains team capacity. By simplifying check-in, reducing friction, and using technology that connects with existing CRM and finance systems, nonprofits can free staff and volunteers to focus on donor relationships rather than administrative bottlenecks.

He also brings a strong business lens to revenue strategy. Instead of piling on low-yield activities that consume time, Justin encourages nonprofits to focus on the highest net return, such as paddle raises, major auction items, and thoughtfully designed upsell options. As he puts it, “We’re actually really a fundraising and a donor retention platform disguised as an event platform.” That perspective shifts the conversation from event logistics to donor value and lifetime engagement.

One of the key takeaways is Justin’s emphasis on what happens after the event. Fast follow-up, integrated donor data, and immediate action are what turn a one-night attendee into a future supporter. He also shares that strategic auction upsells can produce “about 6 to 7% increase in revenue” simply by giving donors another easy, mission-aligned way to give.

This session is a smart reminder that nonprofit events do not need to disappear. They need to evolve. With the right systems, intentional design, and a stronger focus on donor experience, galas can become more productive, more profitable, and far more sustainable for nonprofit teams!

00:00:00 Welcome
00:02:24 What Trellis.org Does for Nonprofit Events
00:04:29 Growing Event Revenue With Limited Staff
00:06:32 Faster Check-In and Better Donor Experience
00:12:40 Turning One-Night Guests Into Long-Term Donors
00:16:04 Modern Event Upselling That Increases Revenue
00:17:41 Why Paddle Raises Matter So Much
00:24:01 Why Tech-First Events Are Outperforming Traditional Models
00:26:23 Less Staff Strain More Mission Engagement
00:28:10 A New Mindset for Nonprofit Events

#TheNonprofitShow #NonprofitFundraising #EventStrategy

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Second-home ownership may sound like a lifestyle topic, but this episode makes it clear that it is also a major nonprofit business opportunity. Jeffrey Glebocki, Founder and Lead Advisor of Strategy Plus Action Philanthropy, shares first-of-its-kind research on how second homeowners think, give, volunteer, and connect with causes in the communities where they spend part of the year. The scale alone is eye-opening. Jeff explains that there are about 6.5 million second homes in the United States, representing roughly 5% of the nation’s housing stock. Even more striking, half of those second homes are concentrated in just eight states: Florida, California, New York, Texas, Michigan, North Carolina, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. For nonprofits operating in these areas, this is not a niche audience. It is a significant and often underused segment of philanthropic opportunity!

Jeff explains that second-home owners bring substantial giving capacity. Their liquid available assets ranged from $250,000 to more than $100 million. More importantly, they are not simply passive residents. Many are interested in building relationships, finding meaning, and supporting local organizations once they feel connected to the place. That connection usually takes time. According to the research, donors often wait two to three years before making gifts in their second-home communities, but once engaged, they can become generous supporters, volunteers, and even board members.

One of the most exciting takeaways is that these donors are not looking for a hard sell. They respond to invitations from trusted people, easy entry points, and meaningful social experiences. Jeff puts it plainly: “If we don't know about you, if we don't hear about your group or your cause, we can't give to you.” That insight alone is a wake-up call for nonprofits that want to expand their visibility and strengthen local communications.

The lively conversation also reveals that donor values tend to remain steady across both primary and second-home communities. Yet donors often adapt their giving to local realities, whether that means environmental concerns, housing pressures, disaster response, or border issues. As one donor quoted in the research said, “Our money here has more impact, period.” That sense of direct, visible results can deepen trust and grow long-term support.

This is a smart, practical conversation about donor behavior, local engagement, and how nonprofits can better position themselves to welcome a high-capacity audience already living among them part of the year.

#TheNonprofitShow #Philanthropy #FundraisingStrategy

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Find us Live daily on X: @Nonprofit_Show

Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

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Donor retention is a measurable strategy, not just a fundraising hope. Plus, how to calculate donor retention for nonprofits. On this episode of Fundraisers Friday, Julia Patrick and Tony Beall take on one of the most serious business challenges in the nonprofit sector: donor retention. Their conversation makes clear how fundraising success is not only about bringing in new names, it’s about keeping the people who have already said yes to your mission and building systems that help them stay connected.

The discussion begins with a hard truth: average donor retention is far too low, and many organizations are not even measuring it consistently. Julia frames the issue in plain terms, calling it “a crisis,” while Tony brings context by showing how retention can vary by subsector. Faith-based groups and higher education may see stronger rates, while arts, culture, and human services organizations often face a steeper climb. That contrast alone reminds nonprofit leaders that benchmarking matters, but strategy matters even more.

One of the most focused parts of their conversation is the simple donor retention formula. Julia makes the case that this number belongs in board meetings, CEO reports, and regular management conversations. Retention is not a side note. It is a core operating measure. As she puts it, “It should be present with everyone so that you know what is going on.”

Tony then moves the conversation from math to management. He explains that donors leave for understandable reasons: delayed thanks, weak impact reporting, too many asks, and too little human connection. His line captures the heart of the episode: “We’re not talking about transactional fundraising. We’re talking about relationship-driven fundraising.” That idea turns donor retention from a development task into an organizational discipline.

They also link retention to stewardship cost, long-term donor growth, monthly giving, and next-generation philanthropy. Monthly donors, in particular, are shown as a promising path for building a more stable base. Julia and Tony encourage leaders to study patterns, review donor journeys, and make practical choices with limited resources.

00:00:00 Welcome to Fundraisers Friday
00:02:31 Why Donor Retention Is a Nonprofit Crisis
00:03:14 Retention Rates by Nonprofit Sector
00:06:18 Why Donors Stop Giving
00:08:00 Relationship-Driven Fundraising Strategies
00:10:10 The Donor Retention Formula
00:12:44 Using Data to Find Donor Patterns
00:16:16 Why Keeping Donors Costs Less
00:20:20 The Business Value of Monthly Giving
00:23:07 Donor Journey and Strategy Shifts
00:25:07 Planning Beyond a Big Fundraising Year

#TheNonprofitShow #FundraisersFriday #DonorRetention

Find us Live daily on YouTube!

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Our national co-hosts and amazing guests discuss management, money and missions of nonprofits!
12:30pm ET 11:30am CT 10:30am MT 9:30am PT

Send us your ideas for Show Guests or Topics: HelpDesk@AmericanNonprofitAcademy.com
Visit us on the web:The Nonprofit Show