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Ep. 45 | Maximizing Fundraising Success: Insights from OneCause

In this episode of Beyond the Donation, host Matt Bitzegaio welcomes Steve Lausch and Sarah Sebastian from OneCause to discuss their 2025 Fundraising Outlook Report and the Giving Experience Study. The conversation covers key strategies for enhancing donor relationships, leveraging AI, managing events and recurring giving programs, and overcoming challenges faced by smaller nonprofits. The guests share actionable tips and insights backed by this data to help nonprofit organizations improve their fundraising tactics, enhance the donor experience, and drive impact.

00:00 Introduction to Beyond the Donation

00:28 Meet the Guests: Steve Lausch and Sarah Sebastian

01:02 Overview of One Cause and Its Role

03:01 Insights from the 2025 Fundraising Outlook Report

05:23 Understanding Donor Motivations and Trends

10:29 Strategies for Effective Fundraising Events

17:36 Recurring Giving: Building Long-Term Donor Relationships

22:11 Leveraging AI in Nonprofit Fundraising

27:19 Personalizing Donor Communications

30:11 Addressing Staffing Challenges in Nonprofits

34:53 Quick Wins and Practical Tips for Nonprofits

37:57 Conclusion and Resources

Downloads:

Giving Experience Study

2025 Fundraising Outlook Report

To Connect with OneCause:

OneCause | Sarah LinkedIn | Steve LinkedIn

To Connect with Beyond the Donation Podcast:

BTD Podcast | DonorDock LinkedIn | Matt LinkedIn

How far in advance should nonprofits plan a fundraising event?

Plan fundraising events at least nine months in advance. Venues, caterers, AV vendors, and entertainment regularly book a year out — late planning means scrambling for whatever's left and paying premium rates. A nine-month runway gives your team breathing room to space committee meetings, secure sponsors with margin, and build donor anticipation instead of last-minute pressure. Development directors who book the next year's date *before* leaving the current year's event consistently report lower stress and stronger sponsor renewal.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

How do you avoid donor fatigue across multiple events?

Avoid donor fatigue by varying the format and ask of each event so the same supporters aren't asked the same question twice. If the gala is auction-driven, make the golf tournament sponsorship-driven and skip the auction tables. If both events are in-person, add a virtual-only impact briefing for donors who don't attend. Track event attendees in your CRM and segment communications so the supporter who came to the spring gala isn't getting the same fall-event invitation language. Respect the donor's experience — don't repeat mechanics out of habit.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

Why are event guests your best donor prospects?

Event guests have already said yes — they bought a ticket, gave up an evening, and experienced your mission firsthand. They have social proof (often a friend or board member brought them), fresh contact info, and emotional context. Recurring or deeply engaged donors retain at around 78%. The fastest path from event guest to retained donor is a structured 5-step follow-up playbook run within two weeks of the event.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

How do I follow up with fundraising event attendees to retain them as donors?

Within 24 hours, capture clean data and segment guests into four groups: existing donors who attended, first-time event donors, attendees who didn't give, and VIPs. Within 48 hours, send one mission-centered thank-you email plus personal calls or notes to top donors and table hosts. Two to three weeks later, share specific impact tied to what guests funded. End with a clear, single next step.

Last updated

April 25, 2026

Author

Sarah O'Brien

Marketing and Outreach Manager

Last updated:

April 28, 2026

Written by

Sarah O'Brien

Marketing and Outreach Manager

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