Go Beyond Fundraising: The Podcast for Nonprofits

Public Media’s New Reality: How Stations Can Thrive Amid Funding Losses

In this episode of the “Go Beyond Fundraising” podcast, we talk with Debbie Merlino, AGP’s Executive Vice President of Client Relationships, to unpack the unprecedented funding challenges facing public media. With federal and state cuts reshaping station budgets, leaders are asking: what’s next? Debbie shares how stations are navigating the immediate influx of donor support, the risks of relying on that short-term crisis giving, and the critical need to reframe this moment as a “new reality” rather than a temporary hurdle. She outlines strategies for sustaining momentum – stewardship that deepens trust, digital-first acquisition, and data-driven, mid-level upgrades that unlock donor potential. She talks about why closer collaboration among development, finance, and leadership is essential for resilience — and how proven tools like GivingDNA, staff augmentation, and AGP’s Mid-Level Accelerator can help stations not only stabilize but thrive. Whether you lead a station, steward its donors, or build fundraising strategies, this conversation offers practical insights for moving beyond survival and into long-term growth.

Unlocking Mid-Level Giving: Precision Strategies for Sustainable Growth

Your organization’s mid-level donors are already fueling your mission by giving as much as 10x more than entry-level supporters. These donors are loyal, passionate, and just one intentional moment away from becoming major givers.  However, these donors often fall through the cracks. With donor acquisition getting harder and more expensive – and retention rates around 43 percent – it’s time to rethink your strategy. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and VP of Client Success Ryan Carpenter explore how you can unlock the full potential of mid-level donors through smart segmentation, behavioral insights, and tailored engagement. They share how organizations can tap into this powerful donor pool and scale growth with AGP’s Mid-Level Accelerator Program.

From Data to Fierce Loyalty: Humanizing Donor Engagement

Think about an exceptional experience you’ve had with a commercial brand. Did it seem to know precisely what you needed and when you needed it? Did its team go above and beyond to discover what you like for a more customized experience? Most for-profits do an excellent job of providing a personalized, engaging experience to their customers, who reward them with lifelong loyalty. It’s time for nonprofits to do the same, building heartfelt connections that lead to long-lasting support. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, CEO Trent Ricker and VP of Client Success Ryan Carpenter outline why your response to a donor’s first gift is critical. They also share how to welcome new supporters in a way that makes them feel seen, heard, and valued, kicking off a lifelong relationship that’s a win-win for you both.

How Nonprofits Can Navigate Uncertainty and Emerge Stronger in 2025

The challenges have come quickly in 2025, leaving many nonprofits at risk of losing funding. Donors could be impacted, too, amid job loss, tariffs, and inflation. The next step forward may not be obvious, but one thing is clear: this is no time to stand still. On this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we talk with Allegiance Group + Pursuant CEO Trent Ricker about how nonprofits can navigate the economic and social uncertainty this year has brought. He explains why leaning into this moment is critical to emerge stronger on the other side. As we learned with COVID and the Great Recession, challenges often reveal opportunities to do things differently. Ask how you can meet this moment for your constituents. Look for ways to build trust and invest in your brand to build lasting donor relationships.

Beyond Either/Or: Creating Cohesive Donor Journeys Across Channels

Many nonprofits focus only on digital or direct mail, but you don’t have to choose — nor should you. Donors crave cohesive, consistent experiences across multiple touchpoints, and getting your digital and direct mail efforts in sync can help you deliver. In this episode of the Go Beyond Fundraising podcast, we’re talking with David Sacchetti, AVP of Client Strategy, about how a direct mail strategy backed by a complementary digital campaign can help solve the myriad challenges today’s fundraisers face. No matter where you are with each channel, David offers actionable advice for leveling up. We discuss the importance of storytelling across channels to guide donors toward giving, with David sharing the digital trends that fit perfectly into a direct mail–first campaign. We also cover why your fundraising and marketing teams must work together to ensure brand impressions become donations.