Are you looking to boost your nonprofit's fundraising efforts and connect with more donors? In this episode, I sit down with Roger Devine, co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, to explore the power of event fundraising in 2025 and beyond.

Roger shares his wealth of experience in helping organizations create successful fundraising events, from galas to golf tournaments. We discuss why events are becoming increasingly important for nonprofits of all sizes, especially in an uncertain funding landscape.

Crafting Events That Resonate
Discover practical strategies for:
- Tailoring your event to your specific audience
- Balancing cost-effectiveness with donor expectations
- Leveraging technology to streamline your auction process

Maximizing Impact Without Breaking the Bank
Roger offers insights on:
- Creative alternatives to traditional galas
- Engaging donors through interactive experiences
- Using data to inform your event planning decisions

Building Long-Term Fundraising Success
Learn how to:
- Create a sustainable event strategy that grows with your organization
- Use software to build institutional memory and improve year-over-year results
- Balance the needs of different stakeholders in your event planning process

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or new to event planning, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you create memorable experiences that inspire generosity and build lasting relationships with your supporters.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
05:40 Tailoring Events to Your Audience Learn how to research and design events that resonate with your specific donor base.

12:15 Leveraging Technology for Better Results Discover how software can help you track data, improve decision-making, and streamline your event processes.

19:30 Creative Fundraising Ideas Explore unique event concepts that can energize your supporters and set you apart from traditional galas.

26:45 Building a Sustainable Event Strategy Understand how to create an event program that grows with your organization and adapts to changing donor needs.

Roger Devine
Roger Devine has led a life based on service, communication, education, and entrepreneurship. As the co-founder of SchoolAuction.net, he has spent the past 20 years assisting and advising local and national nonprofit organizations and charities on how to grow their programs and ensure financial stability through fundraising events, such as gala auctions, golf tournaments, and trivia nights.

In addition to assisting organizations across the country, Roger has personally chaired dozens of fundraising events for his kid's schools, his Rotary Club, and Pacific Northwest nonprofits focused on causes such as building schools in rural communities, matching US military veterans with service dogs, and pandemic relief.

Learn more at schoolauction.net

Sign up for a FREE Trail: https://my.schoolauction.net/registrations/new?product_id=281&aff_id=firstclick

https://www.facebook.com/SchoolAuction
https://www.pinterest.com/schoolauction/
https://www.instagram.com/SchoolAuction/
https://twitter.com/schoolauction?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the buzz around AI and wondering how it fits into your nonprofit's digital strategy? In this episode, I sit down with Arti Anand, an AI automation expert, to demystify the role of artificial intelligence in personalizing donor engagement and streamlining operations.

Embracing AI Without Losing the Human Touch
- How AI can enhance, not replace, genuine connections with donors
- Strategies for maintaining authenticity while leveraging automation
- The importance of transparency when implementing AI tools

Practical Applications for Nonprofits
- Using AI for efficient proposal generation and follow-ups
- Implementing AI voice agents for improved donor communication
- Leveraging ChatGPT for problem-solving and strategic planning

Overcoming Implementation Challenges
- Start small and iterate your AI strategy
- Train AI tools effectively using your organization's unique data
- Balance automation with human oversight for optimal results

Addressing Common Concerns
- Maintaining personalization in automated communications
- Ensuring AI aligns with your nonprofit's values and mission
- Communicating the benefits of AI to donors and stakeholders

Whether you're AI-curious or skeptical, this conversation offers valuable insights to help you navigate the evolving landscape of nonprofit technology. Discover how embracing AI can free up your team to focus on what matters most – making a meaningful impact in your community.

Want to Skip Ahead? Here are Some Key Takeaways:
03:31 AI as a Tool for Personal and Business Growth It is important to identify what brings joy and generates income, then using AI and automation to handle necessary tasks that don't fall into those categories. This approach allows for better time management and increased productivity.

11:05 Balancing Automation and Personalization There are concerns about AI and automation leading to depersonalization. Start with what works manually, then automate 80% of it. This approach saves time and increases productivity while still maintaining quality through human supervision. Pay attention to the iterative nature of implementing AI solutions in business.

18:20 Understanding AI Agents and Their Applications There are different types of automations, including linear, AI-powered, and AI agents. AI agents can be used in businesses, such as replacing receptionists for appointment booking. It's important to have proper training and data input for effective AI implementation.

24:26 Transparency and Practical Implementation of AI Transparency is so important when using AI in organizations. Communicate the use of AI to stakeholders, emphasizing its benefits. Attach AI implementation to specific outcomes that solve pain points for users.

28:10 Getting Started with AI in Business Start by describing the problem and desired outcome to ChatGPT, then consulting with multiple vendors. The importance of asking the right questions and starting with a proof of concept is important.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain practical knowledge on harnessing AI to enhance your nonprofit's efficiency and donor engagement. Tune in for a conversation that could transform your approach to digital strategy and fundraising.

Resources
Follow Aarti on Insta and DM her FC-Pod to receive her playbook to adopt AI.

Aarti Anand
After years of building SaaS products, Aarti saw businesses wasting time on outdated, manual prospecting and thought, “This is broken.” With AI on the rise, she knew the answer wasn't more outreach—it was smarter automation.

Now, Aarti is on a mission to help businesses ditch the grind and scale faster. No more chasing leads that go nowhere—just an AI-driven system that works while you sleep.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aartianand82/
https://www.instagram.com/aartianand82/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours

Are you looking for innovative ways to boost your nonprofit's revenue and expand your reach? In this episode, we explore the often-overlooked strategy of affiliate marketing and how it can benefit mission-driven organizations. I sit down with Aya Hesham, CEO of Vivian Agency, to uncover the potential of strategic partnerships that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.

Demystifying Affiliate Marketing for Nonprofits
Aya breaks down the concept of affiliate marketing and explains why it's a powerful tool for nonprofits:
- Creating mutually beneficial partnerships with aligned businesses
- Generating additional revenue streams without compromising your mission
- Offering supporters new ways to contribute to your cause

Finding the Right Partners
Discover practical strategies for identifying and approaching potential affiliate partners:
- Analyzing your audience to determine relevant products and services
- Leveraging affiliate networks to streamline the process
- Ensuring partners align with your organization's values and mission

Implementing Affiliate Marketing with Authenticity
Learn how to integrate affiliate partnerships into your nonprofit's communication strategy:
- Crafting genuine stories around recommended products
- Balancing promotional content with your core messaging
- Testing and refining your approach to maximize engagement

Overcoming Common Concerns
We address potential hesitations about affiliate marketing in the nonprofit sector:
- Maintaining ethical standards and transparency
- Focusing on value-add for your audience rather than “pushing” products
- Viewing partnerships as an extension of your mission, not just a revenue source

Whether you're a small grassroots organization or an established nonprofit, this conversation offers fresh insights on diversifying your income streams while providing additional value to your supporters. Don't miss this opportunity to explore a strategy that could transform your approach to partnerships and sustainability.

Want to skip ahead? Here are some key takeaways:
05:23 Identifying Relevant Affiliate Opportunities Learn how to research and select partners that align with your cause and resonate with your audience.

12:47 Crafting Authentic Promotional Content Discover strategies for sharing affiliate offers in a way that feels genuine and adds value to your community.

19:36 Integrating Affiliate Marketing into Your Strategy Explore practical tips for incorporating affiliate partnerships into your existing communication channels and content plan.

26:15 Scaling Your Affiliate Program Understand the time investment required and how to grow your affiliate marketing efforts sustainably.

Aya Hesham
Turning Partnerships into profit, Aya helps brands scale their revenue and visibility through strategic Affiliate & Influencer partnerships. As the CEO of Vivian Agency, she leads a team of top specialists dedicated to building communities for brands by connecting ambassadors and their audiences to the products they love.

Learn more at VivianAgency.com
https://www.linkedin.com/company/vivianagency/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/aya-elrahman-saad-799638213/

Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-first-click
Learn more about The First Click: https://thefirstclick.net
Schedule a Digital Marketing Therapy Session: https://thefirstclick.net/officehours