Money to Give – Details, episodes & analysis

📄 Episode Summary: In this inspiring episode of Money to Give, Rick Peck sits down with Jason Ellinger, co-founder of Beard and Bowler, to explore how storytelling can transform the way nonprofits connect with their audiences—and ultimately, how they inspire action. Jason shares his personal journey from covering tragic news stories as a photojournalist to founding a storytelling agency focused on positive, life-changing narratives. Through real-world examples and a behind-the-scenes look at their proven framework, Jason breaks down the essential ingredients of powerful nonprofit storytelling—and why following the right structure matters more than ever in today's world of information overload. Whether you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or marketer, this episode will change the way you think about how your story is told—and why getting it right can make all the difference. 🔑 Key Takeaways: Stories must follow a proven structure. Hero, problem, guide, plan, action, and resolution—in the right order—to keep audiences engaged and motivated. Tension is critical. If you resolve the problem too soon, your audience will mentally "check out." Video storytelling is no longer optional. It's a fundamental tool for connecting emotionally and authentically with donors and supporters. Storytelling reveals your ‘why’. Powerful stories don’t just move external audiences—they also inspire internal teams and volunteers. Quality storytelling requires a team. Great video isn’t just about cameras—it's about combining narrative expertise, technical skill, and emotional authenticity. 🎬 Resources Mentioned: Beard and Bowler Website StoryBrand by Donald Miller (recommended reading for understanding story frameworks) 🔔 Listen & Subscribe: Don’t miss upcoming episodes of Money to Give! Follow us wherever you get your podcasts and leave a review if you enjoyed today’s conversation. #MoneyToGive #Storytelling #NonprofitLeadership #VideoMarketing #Philanthropy #StoryBrand #DonorEngagement #BeardAndBowler #FundraisingStrategy #ImpactStorytelling

Episode Overview In this powerful and eye-opening episode, Rick sits down with Alex Ellis, a service coordinator at Upper Valley Haven, to discuss the growing crises of housing and food insecurity in Vermont and New Hampshire. With deep compassion and practical insight, Alex shares stories from the frontlines, highlighting the real-life challenges people face—and the often unseen systems that keep them from getting back on their feet. From rising housing costs and no-cause evictions to emotional barriers like shame and fear, Alex paints a vivid picture of what it means to be vulnerable—and what it takes to rebuild stability and dignity. They also discuss the Haven’s new initiative, the 608 Center, a first-of-its-kind resource hub designed to streamline services and offer hope for people experiencing crisis. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Eye-opening statistics about hunger and homelessness in the Upper Valley The role of a service coordinator—and why it’s about more than just connecting services The emotional toll of navigating poverty and the power of compassionate support How systems like housing and mental health access create barriers—and how the Haven helps people overcome them Personal stories of resilience, including one man’s inspiring journey from shelter to self-sufficiency A behind-the-scenes look at the 608 Center, the Haven’s new resource hub for people in crisis Resources & Links: 🔗 Upper Valley Haven: https://www.uppervalleyhaven.org 📣 Support the 608 Center Campaign: Learn how you can contribute to the Haven’s newest initiative to centralize care and provide a one-stop support center. 📬 Need Help or Want to Refer Someone? The Haven offers walk-in hours, phone, email, and online support options. Share & Subscribe If this episode inspired you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who cares about building more compassionate communities. ➡️ Follow us on LinkedIn, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your shows. 🎧 Listen to all episodes of Money to Give at: https://feeds.transistor.fm/money-to-give

What are the key factors that motivate people to donate?  Motivations DO differ from other financial decisions like buying products or investing in the stock market.  And in the modern age of eroding trust, how is charitable effectiveness actually assessed?  Some charities are astronomically more effective than others.  Psychological research can be the key that helps donors understand their own motivations and the eternal dilemma of the “head vs. heart.”  Learn from Harvard researcher Matt Coleman, PhD about the power of motivation and how it impacts giving today!

With nearly $250 billion in donor-advised funds, DAFs are often criticized as vehicles for parking assets.  But, new models are addressing this concern.  Innovations are emerging to make DAFs more accessible and appealing to lower-level donors rather than being primarily tools for ultra-high-net-worth individuals.  Wealth managers are increasingly interested in philanthropic solutions for their clients.  And, cryptocurrency donations offer opportunities for expanding the philanthropic landscape. The next generation of donors—especially millennials and Gen Z—are showing different values---and different assets---when it comes to philanthropy. How are we as professionals catering to these new philanthropic trends, and what role does technology play in this shift?  Alexis Miller from Endaoment gives insight on all of this---and more.

Relationships are everything.  So, why is it that nonprofits often come to donors with the never-ending ask, as if the donor or potential donor is simply an ATM?  What donor wants THAT kind of relationship with a nonprofit?  How do we shift our traditional fundraising methodology to something that feels more authentic and long-term, working with donors as valued partners, rather than simply short-term and transactional---to create overarching success---from both the donor's AND the nonprofit’s point-of-view?  Author, donor, and charitable giving expert Lisa Zola Greer tells compelling stories about how it feels to be excluded from meaningful conversations---and what nonprofits can do to change that.  See the link to Lisa's new book here: The Essential Fundraiser’s Handbook: A Guide to Maximizing Donations, Retaining Donors, and Saving the Giving Sector for Good – Lisa Greer

What is a community foundation?  Why do they matter?  Many people have heard of them but could not quite tell you what they do, despite there being about 700 of them in the United States---and likely one near you!  Community foundations know their locales very well: they help facilitate millions in gifts to nonprofits focused on behavioral health, food scarcity, the environment, education, housing, and so many more themes.  How can you learn more about community foundations and their impact, including how they can use donor-advised funds for impact?  Chris Beach, Senior VP at The Minneapolis Foundation, passionately relays the importance of what community foundations bring to the table and how donor-advised funds play a critical role. 

Tax reform.  Tax Super Bowl.  Taxmageddon.  The expiring tax cuts of 2025 are getting people anxious!  There is a lack of education and understanding that members of Congress and their staff have about what the philanthropic sector really does.  Worse, threats to the sector are NUMEROUS and a bit unknown until election day on November 5, 2024.  And, U.S. legislators may be looking to nonprofits as a source of revenue!  Yikes!  What is to happen?  How will things look a little different from the 2017 “pro-growth” mindset of legislators seven years ago?  What can we collectively do about that?  Hear from Sara Barba, expert federal policy consultant and lobbyist for charities, as well as a principal at Integer, LLC, about her thoughts on what can happen next.  You can also e-mail her at sbarba@integerpolicy.com or visit the philanthropy portion of her website at integerpolicy.com/philanthropy-policy/ 

They call it the Great Wealth Transfer.  Baby Boomers and the Silent Generation could pass down a combined $84.4 trillion in assets to younger generations.  With current tax law sunsetting at the end of next year, how does this affect taxes?  How will families be affected?  And, how will philanthropy fit into this?  Listen in while bipartisan advocacy and lobbying expert Sandra Swirski offers timely thoughts and concerns that you will want to hear!

Getting the dollar amount of an ask right---in a gift solicitation---is incredibly important.  It saves time and face with a donor!  Are you presently going into gift conversations shooting from the hip---and/or burdened by your own biases around money?  Can you avoid the awkwardness of inappropriate ask amounts: either too high or too low?  How can you help donors you know make the right level of donation to make the maximum impact they can?  Larry Raff, creator of the Abacus Major Donor Ask Calculator, LLC---link here: PRICING | Free Trial - Abacus Major Donor Calculator (donorabacus.com)---schools us on the Science of the Ask, and how to laser-focus on the amount you SHOULD be asking for!

Internationally focused nonprofits have the same challenges U.S.-based nonprofits do---but sometimes those challenges are even more complex!  How do you build relationships with donors, be accountable to them, focus on innovation, use technology well, and transform critical partnerships all over the planet?  How does a global org juggle all these necessary tactics of fundraising?  Will it all fall apart without proper strategic leadership and execution?  Join us for a unique conversation to learn how Stephanie Guzman---VP of Development and the U.S. Director for the Kenya Education Fund---puts all the pieces together!