An Incrementally Better World: Conversations On Philanthropy

Susan Yarad, Director of Development and Communications at Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, speaks with me about switching her gala to virtual back in March. Music by @matthias.dewilde

Lindsay Landman Events speaks with me about the importance of thinking and strategizing Beyond the Benefit. (IG is @beyondthebenefit). Music by @matthias.dewilde

Empire Entertainment recently worked on the Webby Awards, which is just one of the many impressive virtual events they have been involved in these last three months. I spoke with Empire's President and CEO, J. B. Miller, about what non profits can do in the virtual space to move forward with fundraising, and the lessons he's learned since the second week of March, including this comprehensive guide.

I spoke with Sarah Walko,  the Director of Education and Community Engagement at the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey, about their Art and Healing outreach program. Music by @matthias.dewilde

Kelly Velasquez-Hague, VP of Content Marketing at One Cause, takes us through non-profit regional differences, the range of virtual fundraisers, social and challenge fundraising, corporate sponsorships, and the importance of mission messaging. Music as always by @matthias.dewilde

Jason, of PXT Studio in LA, co-produced the Civilians Benefit last week. Using the live streaming software vMix, he elegantly interwove multiple live presenters, recorded performances, an auction, and a "Pledge Moment," all across nearly 90 minutes of highly engaging programming, He basically gave us much of what we have come to expect from our favorite venues — a beautiful and thoughtfully designed place to come together and support  a cause we love. The following conversation explores how he was able to pull that off in under a week, and what he sees as the potential for this medium going forward. He can also be found on instagram and facebook. Music be @matthias.dewilde

Kristi Saucerman, founder of Auction Frogs, discusses the success her company has had hosting virtual fundraising events over the last two months. We go into strategy, pricing, case studies, and what she has learned along the way. Music by @matthias.dewilde

Hannah Mook discusses the the success of her "Virtual Barn Dance," a fundraiser for the Journeys School in Jackson, WY.

Today I spoke with Kelsey Woodworth, content marketing manager at GiveSmart.  We discussed blended events, recurring giving campaigns, low entry ways to give, leveraging volunteers, and "cutting through the noise." And we agreed that the data is showing us that despite the current difficulties, donors appear to be more generous than ever. Music by @matthias.dewilde

Ben Erwin knows online charity auctions better than anyone alive. With a decade of experience at Charitybuzz, he is now overseeing the company's efforts to help non-profits pivot away from their live auctions to the virtual realm.  He is also the Chief Revenue Officer at Charity Network, the umbrella company that includes — alongside Charitybuzz — Prizeo and Global Philanthropy Group. We discuss the specific fundraising challenges facing non-profits and how his team is helping clients like mine raise more money than ever. Music by @matthias.dewilde