Crafting donor experiences that feel like art, because emotional intelligence is the new campaign currency.

SHOW NOTES:

November 6, 2025 – Episode # 206

The Color of Giving: Painting Fundraising with Emotion & Intelligence

Peeling back the curtain on the true art of fundraising, this episode of Raise Nation Radio invites you into a bold, brainy, and beautifully human conversation with Bill Crouch, Founder & CEO of BrightDot. Host Dawn Lego unpacks how the most effective fundraisers today are leading with emotional intelligence, leveraging donor psychology, and tapping into creativity to deeply connect with high-wealth individuals.

This isn’t your typical fundraising talk. Bill challenges fundraisers not only to know their donors but also to feel with them, think creatively, and train with intention. From the power of visual storytelling to the resilience needed after rejection, this episode is both a masterclass and a motivational nudge for anyone seeking to raise more by connecting deeper.

Guest Reflection:

“You don’t ask people to give because of what you need; you ask because of what they believe in. Every gift is a reflection of how deeply you’ve made them feel that they matter.“ — Bill Crouch

Episode Highlights:

• Exploring the difference between data and wisdom in fundraising.
• Why emotional intelligence is the secret sauce in donor engagement.
• The psychology behind why high-wealth donors give, and why they don’t.
• How visual communication outperforms text when influencing major gifts.
• Strategies to recover emotionally after a ‘no’ and stay mission-driven.
• The importance of creative coaching and personalized training for nonprofit success.

Connect with our Guests:

• Bill Crouch

Episodes Resources:

• BrightDot
• Nonprofit Mentorship Program
• Aspiring President’s Club
• Blog

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Empowering the next generation of Latino leaders to create lasting change.

SHOW NOTES:

October 30, 2025 – Episode # 205

The Power of Us: Strengthening Latino Leadership, Amplifying Community Impact

In this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Elizabeth Gutierrez, Deputy Director of the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation, for an inspiring conversation about leadership, legacy, and Latino pride. From empowering the next generation through scholarships to uniting communities at their annual fundraising gala, Elizabeth shares how the foundation turns purpose into progress. Together, they explore the vibrant intersection of culture, community, and philanthropy that fuels the foundation’s mission.

Guest Reflection:

“When you invest in a Latino student, you’re not just changing one life — you’re uplifting an entire community.“ — Elizabeth Gutierrez

Episode Highlights:

• The Foundation’s powerful mission to foster Latino leadership and education.
• How a scholarship program transforms futures and inspires community pride.
• Behind the scenes of their signature fundraising gala and its lasting impact.
• Debunking myths: Philanthropy is alive and thriving in the Latino community.
• The growing role of technology in connecting and empowering donors.

OneCause Customer Profile:

• Customer Success Manager: Ahilen Bernal
• Fundraising Software: OneCause Fundraising Platform
• Signature Event(s): 4th Annual Gala: Our Wings, Our Legacy

Connect with our Guests:

• Elizabeth Gutierrez

Episodes Resources:

• Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation
• Support
• Rapid Response Program

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!

Inspiring hope and health through powerful stories of community and compassion.

SHOW NOTES:

October 23, 2025 – Episode # 204

Miles of Hope: Walking Together Toward Awareness and Healing

On this heartwarming episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Pari Forood, Executive Director of the Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation, to honor the stories, strength, and spirit behind breast cancer awareness. From financial assistance to patient advocacy, Pari shares how her small but mighty team turns compassion into action – empowering survivors, supporting families, and funding education programs that create real change in the fight against breast cancer.

Together, Dawn and Pari remind listeners that awareness doesn’t stop when October (breast cancer awareness month) ends. It’s a year-round commitment to health, community, and early detection.

Tune in to hear how one foundation’s miles of effort have turned into miles of hope. And ladies—consider this your friendly reminder: please schedule your annual mammogram today.

Guest Reflection:

“Every step we take, every dollar we raise, brings us closer to a world where no one faces breast cancer alone.” — Pari Farood

Episode Highlights:

• Turning Awareness into Action: Understand how early detection saves lives and strengthens communities.
• Power of Purposeful Giving: Discover how creative, community-driven fundraising translates into real-world impact.
• Hearts that Heal: Meet the volunteers who transform compassion into connection, one act of kindness at a time.
• Hope for the Next Generation: Learn how scholarships for students affected by breast cancer are rewriting stories of loss into legacies of love.
• $4 Million and Counting: Explore the ripple effect of Miles of Hope’s remarkable fundraising efforts, and how every dollar raised restores dignity, courage, and care.

OneCause Customer Profile:

• Customer Success Manager: Tyler Tranberg
• Fundraising Software: Peer-to-Peer
• Signature Event(s): Miles of Hope Walk

Connect with our Guests:

• Miles of Hope Leadership

Episodes Resources:

• Miles of Hope Breast Cancer Foundation
• Grants
• Get Involved

Episode Credits and Extras:

• YouTube
• FREE Resources
• Raise Event Fundraising Conference
• Grant Program

Thank you for tuning in wherever you listen to your favorite podcast. Please like, follow, and subscribe to grow our community. Stay Fearless!