The Cause+Effect Podcast

Understanding the ebb and flow of charitable giving is crucial for nonprofits and ministries to thrive in a challenging economic landscape. Trent Dunham is joined by Rick Dunham to tackle a pivotal question many organizations grapple with: What do you do when giving isn’t awesome?   From the boom of 2021’s record-breaking donations to the flatlined trends of 2023 and 2024, this episode dives into the data, the psychology behind donor behavior, and the macroeconomic factors influencing charitable contributions. But more importantly, Rick shares practical strategies to sustain your organization during lean times. Discover actionable insights on engaging lapsed donors and retaining your donor base, the importance of transparency and storytelling in donor communications, and the power of legacy giving and planning for the long term  Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or part of an organization looking to cultivate sustainable funding strategies, this episode is packed with expert advice and real-world solutions.

We’re excited to have Brian Mountjoy, Chief Culture Officer at Dunham+Company, joining us today. With over a decade of experience shaping organizational culture, Brian brings valuable insights into what makes teams truly unified.  We explore the practical side of fostering a healthy workplace culture, where unity doesn’t mean the absence of challenges but rather handling those challenges in a constructive way. Brian shares his thoughts on why leadership accountability and proactive team participation are essential ingredients for building unity within any organization, be it a business, ministry, or church.  Tune in to discover actionable strategies for creating an environment where everyone feels a sense of belonging. Join us for this engaging conversation on building stronger teams and cultivating a culture of support, empathy, and connection.

Dive into the latest episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, where Trent Dunham sits down with industry experts Nils Smith, Madison DeLage, and Haley Johnson to discuss the cutting-edge tools and trends shaping the future of digital marketing and fundraising.  In this engaging conversation, the team tackles how AI is revolutionizing audience engagement, from predictive analytics to personalized content creation, making it easier than ever to connect with the right people, at the right time. They also explore the shifting role of search engines in the age of AI-driven algorithms and how these changes impact visibility and strategy for organizations.  The episode goes beyond just trends, offering practical insights and expert advice on how to adapt your strategies to thrive in today’s ever-changing digital landscape. Whether you’re part of a nonprofit, ministry, or mission-driven organization, you’ll gain actionable tips and fresh perspectives on how to stay competitive.

Welcome to a special episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast! Today, Trent Dunham is joined by his long-time collaborator and friend, Nils Smith. This episode explores the role of trust in leadership and how it shapes career transitions, business, and ministry. Nils reflects on his nine years at Dunham+Company, highlighting moments of growth and how trust has been a cornerstone of his unconventional journey from pastoral ministry to innovation. He shares insights on viewing ministry and calling through a broader lens while maintaining a 50,000-foot perspective on life and leadership.  Trent and Nils also discuss the dynamics of empowering employees to take risks and the “coaching tree” concept, which celebrates the impact of team members as they go on to new opportunities. This conversation is a testament to the power of vision, trust, and the lasting influence leaders can have on those they inspire.

Without a guest this time, Trent takes time to reflect on a meaningful and thought-provoking word that has shaped Dunham+Company at its core. Following the rebranding conversation from a previous episode, where the process of redefining Dunham+Company’s identity with the founder still involved was discussed, Trent takes a deeper look into the concept of resilience.  Why resilience? How is it different from perseverance? And how can this one powerful word inform how your organization communicates, operates, and leads with intention?  This episode is packed with insight into the process Dunham+Company went through, a biblical perspective on true resilience, and practical lessons for leaders navigating challenges within their own organizations. Join Trent as he explores the profound role resilience plays in shaping not just what we do, but who we are, and discover how this mindset can bring strength, intentionality, and recovery in the face of difficulty.

On this episode of Cause+Effect, we’re exploring creativity in a way you've never considered before. Join host Trent Dunham as he welcomes Dan Sumpter, Chief Product Officer at Dunham+Company, and Dean Sell, founder of Red Leaf Brands, for a thought-provoking discussion on understanding and redefining creativity.Is creativity a skill reserved for only a select few? Not at all. The conversation dives into how creativity is a universal resource, hardwired into all of us. From leading a company to crafting a campaign, everyone has a unique role to play in the creative process. Tune in to uncover why collaboration, iteration, and production are the essential pillars of creativity, and hear insights on how leaders can step into the process without overstepping or holding back.

How has the media landscape changed in the past decade, and what does it mean for content creators today? Carey Nieuwhof, returning guest and renowned leadership podcaster, joins the Cause+Effect Podcast to discuss the major shifts in content creation and media consumption over the last 5-10 years.   From the decline of traditional blogging to the rise of video and short-form content, Carey shares insights on adapting to new media trends and staying relevant in a crowded digital space. You'll learn about the importance of owning your channels – like email lists and podcasts – over relying solely on social algorithms. Hear valuable advice on creating content that truly resonates, building your legacy, and evolving your strategies to reach today’s audiences effectively.   Whether you're a content creator, business leader, or anyone navigating the fast-paced world of media, this episode is packed with actionable advice and fresh perspectives. Tune in and get inspired to elevate your content game.

Welcome to this inspiring episode of the Cause+Effect podcast featuring James Poulter, a global leader in AI and innovation. Together, Trent and James dive into how to thrive in the ever-changing environment of technology, foster creativity, and let go of outdated practices that hold us back. James shares powerful insights on how these principles can spark meaningful change in technology, ministry, business, and personally.  Whether you're a leader in your field or simply looking for ways to grow personally and professionally, this episode is packed with practical strategies to increase your impact and effectiveness. Don’t miss it!

Welcome to this special episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast! Host Trent Dunham sits down with Rick Dunham, Founder and Chairman of Dunham+Company, to explore the crucial relationship between government policies and charitable giving. Together, they dig into the history of the charitable tax deduction and the recent legislation that has been introduced, proposing a universal charitable tax deduction.  Also, discover insightful findings from a new national study on attitudes related to the charitable tax deduction and the implications of the recently introduced legislation. Whether you’re a nonprofit professional, donor, or simply curious about the intersection of government policy and generosity, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways.

Today, we’re excited to explore some fascinating insights and trends in donor psyche, brought to life by our special guest, Rick Dunham. A frequent visitor to the podcast, Rick joins Trent to unpack critical findings from the latest Donor Confidence Study – a resource the team at Dunham+Company commissions annually to better understand donors' mindsets as we head into a fresh year.  This year’s edition of the study has a nuanced focus, influenced by its timing right after the election.  As Rick explains, the study surveyed donors who had contributed at least $20 to charity in the previous 12 months. Its goal is clear but essential – gauge if donors intend to give more or less in the year ahead and understand why. Are they optimistic about the economy? What factors are driving or hindering their willingness to give? These are just a few of the areas we’ll explore today. Whether you're a leader in a nonprofit, a donor yourself, or simply interested in trends shaping giving, this conversation will provide actionable insights to inform your perspective as we march into 2025.

This episode of the Cause+Effect podcast dives into the highlights of Trent’s presentation at our annual Summit. Featuring a dynamic discussion between hosts Trent Dunham and Nils Smith, this conversation is packed with insights to fuel your mission.   Trent’s iconic “Top 10 List” from the Summit takes center stage as he and Nils break down key trends, actionable recommendations, and best practices for leaders and teams. Whether you're a ministry leader or simply looking to optimize your impact, this episode offers invaluable takeaways to empower your organization.

Join us for a special episode of the Cause and Effect Podcast, where Trent Dunham leads a discussion alongside Nils Smith, Rick Dunham, and Dan Sumpter. Together, they peel back the curtain on the rebranding process at Dunham+Company—offering invaluable insights into leadership transitions, organizational branding, and the art of patience and discernment.  Whether you're exploring a rebrand or evaluating how to lead in a new season, this episode provides practical and inspiring lessons for navigating change with resilience.

Ever wondered how charities can maximize their results on GivingTuesday—and beyond? This episode dives deep into GivingTuesday 2024 and provides actionable insights to set your organization up for success in 2025. Trent is joined by two returning subject matter experts from Dunham+Company—Danielle Rice, Chief Digital Officer, and Madison DeLage, Associate Director of Digital Strategy.  Together, they explore why GivingTuesday remains a crucial day for charities despite emerging competition like Travel Tuesday and discuss 2024 performance trends in fundraising and donor engagement. They also highlight key strategies high-performing organizations used this year, including growing email lists, cultivating mid/major donors, and using matching grants effectively.  Whether you're an experienced nonprofit leader or just starting to dip your toes into fundraising, this episode equips you with the strategies and foresight to elevate your organization’s efforts.  Listen now for expert tips on aligning technology, messaging, and community engagement for long-term fundraising success.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the nonprofit world by providing tools for better outreach and engagement through personalized messaging and content delivery.In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, taped live at the Dunham-Company Annual Summit, James Poulter joins us to discuss the changes and speculate about the future of AI's impact on ministry work. He champions the integration of AI in ministry, harnessing its analytical capabilities to deepen understanding of constituent needs, automate mundane tasks, and empower ministers to focus on meaningful interactions within their communities.Poulter is a distinguished digital marketing professional and technology expert, with a particular emphasis on Conversational AI strategy. As the CEO and Co-Founder of Vixen Labs, James has been instrumental in establishing the company as Europe's leading full-service Voice Agency. Vixen Labs specializes in voice consultancy and design, assisting brands in leveraging voice-first technology and conversational interfaces for effective communication and promotion.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping the ministry landscape and the team at Dunham+Company is constantly evaluating how these new tools can move your cause forward.On this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Chief Technology Officer, Danielle Rice, and Chief Strategist Social Media+Innovation, Nils Smiths, join the show to discuss the creative ways non-profit organizations can harness the power of AI tools to enhance their impact and efficiency. From streamlining administrative tasks, optimize resource allocation, improve program effectiveness, repurposing content, to increasing organization security, AI is here to stay and by adopting AI tools, ministries can maximize their reach and impact, ultimately advancing their mission.