Fundraising Unfiltered

Ep 6 - Self-Love and Leadership

In this episode, I’m diving into a topic that nonprofit leaders don’t talk about enough: burnout, energy depletion, and what it actually costs us to keep pouring from an empty cup. I sat down with Lori Spivey, founder of Energgirl LLC, to talk about what’s really happening in our bodies when we’re exhausted, overwhelmed, and constantly giving to everyone else. Lori shares her powerful personal story of healing after a traumatic brain injury and how that led her into energy work and holistic wellness. If you’ve ever felt like you’re running on fumes but still expected to show up at 100%, this conversation is for you. 💡 Key Takeaways include: * Burnout often shows up physically first. This can include disrupted sleep, headaches, mood swings, and even illness. * You cannot operate at full capacity if your “energy tank” is already half empty. * Self-care is not a luxury. It directly impacts your ability to lead effectively. * Saying “yes” to everything creates resentment that your body eventually holds onto. * Healing and energy management is a practice, not a one-time fix. * Even small steps, like a 5-minute breathing exercise, can start to reset your nervous system. Subscribe to my email newsletter. [https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j1x9w1] Share this with a nonprofit leader who needs this reminder. 🔗GUEST’S LINKS & RESOURCES ✨ Energy Assessment Quiz Not sure where your energy levels are right now? Start here: https://quiz.theliven.com/en/9854_qbydc/quiz [https://quiz.theliven.com/en/9854_qbydc/quiz] CONTACT OUR GUEST 🔗 LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/in/lori-spivey-05911a12] – Lori Spivey 🌐 Website [https://www.energgirlllc.com/] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088849162421] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/energgirl/] ▶️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@loriberry8487] 【ꚠ】Tiktok [https://www.tiktok.com/@lorispivey71] 📩 Email: lorireeseberry@gmail.com WORK WITH ME (DANIELLE LOCKE) 📅 Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call [https://scheduler.zoom.us/daniellemlocke-philanthropic-partner/discovery-call]Complete a Client Interest Form [https://www.lockestep.com/application] Courses & Downloads [https://www.lockestep.com/nonprofit-training-programs] 🌐 www.LockeStep.com [https://www.lockestep.com] 📩 Email me to get it: Danielle@LockeStep.com [Danielle@LockeStep.com] 📱 LET’S GET SOCIAL 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemlocke/] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daniellemlocke/] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lockesteppartners] ▶️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleMLocke]

Ep 5 - Monthly Donor Magic!

In this episode, I sit down with Ronald Pruitt, Founder of 4aGoodCause, to unpack why monthly (recurring) giving is one of the most powerful tools for small nonprofits. We dive into how monthly donors tend to stay longer, give more over time, and create a stable, predictable revenue stream. I also share how to remove the fear around asking for recurring support, the tools that make it simple to set up, and how to invite your donors into something bigger, a community of committed, long-term supporters. 💡 Key Takeaways include: - Average monthly gift between $24 and $36, that’s between $288 and $432 a year! - 6% of monthly donors make at least one extra gift during the year, when asked - 12% of monthly donors upgrade their monthly gift once a year, when asked - Monthly donors are 6 (six) times more likely to leave you in their will. - Monthly giving does not replace events or year-end giving,  it complements them. - Simplicity and automation are key to making recurring giving sustainable. A good platform matters. Not all platforms let you leave with your monthly info! - Monthly giving is an invitation to join a community of like-minded supporters. Subscribe to my email newsletter. [https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j1x9w1]  Share this with your nonprofit bestie who needs the pep talk! Here’s the link [https://4agoodcause.com/?via=danielle47] to avail 4aGC’s free month when you sign up. 🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES FROM OUR GUEST 4aGC 3 "pillar articles" on monthly giving: * Monthly Giving Programs: The Guide to Convincing Yourself, Team, and Board That You Need One [https://4agoodcause.com/monthly-giving-programs-why-have-one/] * How to Start a Monthly Giving Program: The Clarity You Need to Finally Do It [https://4agoodcause.com/blog-how-to-start-a-monthly-giving-program/] * How to Get Monthly Donors and Grow Your Recurring Giving Program [https://4agoodcause.com/blog-how-to-get-monthly-donors/] 4aGC Donation Page Audit Checklist Use this resource to see how well your donation form is optimized. [https://4agoodcause.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Donation-Page-Audit-Checklist.pdf] Why Our Charity Needs a Monthly Giving Program slide deck (from 4aGC) Link to the slide deck. [https://www.canva.com/design/DAGhDhJSh0s/rNgFW-vHFRUHSeCL7zY7rg/view] CONTACT OUR GUEST 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-pruitt-78930028] – Ronald Pruitt 🌐 Website [http://4agoodcause.com] – 4 a Good Cause WORK WITH ME 📅 Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call [https://scheduler.zoom.us/daniellemlocke-philanthropic-partner/discovery-call] Complete a Client Interest Form [https://www.lockestep.com/application] Courses & Downloads [https://www.lockestep.com/nonprofit-training-programs] 🌐 www.LockeStep.com [https://www.lockestep.com] 📩 Email me to get it: Danielle@LockeStep.com [Danielle@LockeStep.com] 📱 LET’S GET SOCIAL 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemlocke/] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daniellemlocke/] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lockesteppartners] ▶️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleMLocke]

Ep 4 - “Crack the Code to a Successful Year-End Fundraising”

How to Finish the Year Strong (Without Losing Your Mind) Summary: Overwhelmed by all the “shoulds” of year-end fundraising? Take a breath — Danielle Locke’s here to help. In this episode, she walks you through how to use what you already have — your stories, your donors, your mission — to create a heartfelt, high-impact campaign. Because effective fundraising isn’t about doing it all. It’s about doing what matters most, with purpose. In this episode, you’ll learn: * How to focus on what truly drives donor engagement. * The art of reusing and recycling content that still resonates. * Tips for building urgency without pressure or burnout. * Why skipping Giving Tuesday might be the smartest move this year. * How to approach Q4 planning with clarity and confidence. Subscribe to my email newsletter.⁠ [https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j1x9w1] Share this with your nonprofit bestie who needs the pep talk! FREE RESOURCE✅⁠ - Online Donation Systems & CRMs - an oldie but a goodie! ⁠ [https://www.lockestep.com/post/online-donation-software-and-crm-list] WORK WITH ME📅 ⁠Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call⁠ [https://www.lockestep.com/book-online] ⁠⁠ [https://www.lockestep.com/book-online] 📱 LET’S GET SOCIAL🔗 ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemlocke/]📸 ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/daniellemlocke/]📘 ⁠Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/lockesteppartners]▶️ ⁠YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleMLocke]🌐 ⁠www.LockeStep.com⁠ [https://www.lockestep.com] 📩 Email me to get it: Danielle@LockeStep.com #FundraisingTips #NonprofitStrategy #YearEndAppeal #YearEndFundraising #DonorRetention #NonprofitGrowth #CampaignPlanning #EmailMarketingForNonprofits #GivingSeason #NonprofitLeadership #DonorStories #MarketingForGood #FundraisingPodcast #DanielleLocke #Lockestep

Ep 3 - Tech Tools That Actually Save You Time (Even If You're Not Techie)

🎧 Episode 3 – “Tech Tools That Actually Save You Time (Even If You're Not Techie)” Think you’re too busy—or too “non-techie”—to use AI and tech tools in your nonprofit? Think again. In this episode of Fundraising Unfiltered, I'll break down the no-fluff, real-life tech tools I actually use in my day-to-day to save time, stay organized, and build stronger donor relationships. From AI note takers and file sharing to CRMs and ChatGPT, sharing the practical ways tech can help you do more without doing the most. 💥 If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the tech talk, this one’s for you. 🎯 You’ll learn: * The #1 AI tool that saves hours on meeting notes * How to stop the version-control nightmare and collaborate better * Why CRMs aren’t just for big orgs (and which low-cost one to start with) * How AI can give you a 75% head start on your next grant or appeal Subscribe to my email newsletter. [https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j1x9w1] Share this with your nonprofit bestie who needs the pep talk! FREE RESOURCE ✅ - Online Donation Systems & CRMs - an oldie but a goodie! [https://www.lockestep.com/post/online-donation-software-and-crm-list] WORK WITH ME 📅 Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call [https://www.lockestep.com/book-online] https://www.lockestep.com/book-online 📱 LET’S GET SOCIAL 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemlocke/] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daniellemlocke/] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lockesteppartners] ▶️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleMLocke] 🌐 www.LockeStep.com [https://www.lockestep.com] 📩 Email me to get it: Danielle@LockeStep.com

Ep 2 - There's Still Money, Honey: Funding Sources You’re Overlooking

In this eye-opening episode, we’re unpacking where the real money is hiding—and spoiler: it’s not just federal grants. We’re talking about underestimated goldmines like churches, local businesses, small family foundations, giving circles, and service clubs that are still giving generously. Whether you’re new to fundraising or a seasoned pro, this episode is your reminder: If you’re not asking, you’re not getting. 💡 Takeaways include: • Why individual donors still lead in giving • Small family foundations are everywhere—are you looking? • Local businesses, churches, and Rotary Clubs want to support you • Fundraising isn’t begging—it’s inviting people to invest in impact ⁠Subscribe to my email newsletter.⁠ [https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/j1x9w1] Share this with your nonprofit bestie who needs the pep talk! ✅ FREE RESOURCE New Donor Brainstorming Worksheet! Use this creative tool to unearth prospects you never thought of. Even better? Assign it as Board homework! 📩 Email me to get it: Danielle@LockeStep.com WORK WITH ME 📅 Book a Free 30-Minute Discovery Call [https://www.lockestep.com/book-online] 🎓 Check out the mini course: [https://www.lockestep.com/programs] “All the Places You Can Ask for Money” for even more gems 📱 LET’S GET SOCIAL 🔗 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniellemlocke/] 📸 Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/daniellemlocke/] 📘 Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/lockesteppartners] ▶️ YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@DanielleMLocke] 🌐 www.LockeStep.com [https://www.lockestep.com]