What We Do
Elevate is the online community for anyone who’s planning a fundraising event for their nonprofit. We gather leaders in the industry who break down the event planning process with real-life stories and actionable steps. Our library of tools are designed for people just like you to save you time and stress so you can focus on what matters most: your mission and the people who make it happen. We are more than just a conference for fundraising events.
Our Mission
Our story
As fundraising consultants at Swaim Strategies, we saw the need in the nonprofit sector for education to help close the gap in the potential for an organization’s fundraising event. There are countless resources for nonprofit professionals and development professionals but very few for the event planner on the development team.
Our goal was to fill that gap—and that’s why we created Elevate in 2018.
Elevate began as a single conference to provide tips for planning a gala or auction.
As gatherings transformed, there was a critical need for more education, tools and best practices that have evolved to include virtual events and hybrid events. That’s why we transformed Elevate into an entire learning platform and collaborative hub, so we can help nonprofit professionals across the country move their missions forward and raise more money.
What is Elevate?
At Elevate, we believe in the power of bringing people together. Our online learning platform is designed to help nonprofit professionals, fundraisers and event planners get the tools they need to take the guesswork out of fundraising events. Our webinars, workshops, books and downloadable tools will help you plan inclusive events that inspire donors to give and truly connect with your mission. We’ve spent years building a supportive community that’s passionate about fundraising and events. So join us—let’s change the world together.
Our partners
Strategic Director at Swaim Strategies
Every fundraising event needs a solid strategy. Bring all your fundraising event ideas and questions to this one-on-one consulting call with Sam. Possibilities to consider: Maximize your fundraising Brainstorm sponsorship solicitation strategies Get clear on logistics, like room setup, virtual components, registration, etc. Develop your special appeal story + strategy Schedule as many time blocks as you need to feel successful with the execution of your next event.
Event Strategy
Samantha Swaim
Storytelling
Kristin Steele
Creative Director at Swaim Strategies
Great storytelling has the power to connect your donors more deeply with your mission and inspire them to give bigger. Get started with your event storytelling on a one-on-one consulting call with Kristin.
Possibilities to consider:
Clarify your program sequence to maximize your story’s impact
Learn how to tell stories ethically and impactfully
Use storytelling to uplevel your marketing
Craft a moving organizational speech
What to expect on the call
Schedule as many time blocks as you need to feel successful with the stories you tell at your next event.
Data + Registration
Mary Elizabeth
Operations Director at Swaim Strategies
Bring your event strategy and storytelling together with the right event software and seamless logistics. Mary will help ensure your event runs smoothly.
Possibilities to consider:
Find the right software system + giving platform solution for your fundraising event
Learn how and what fundraising event software systems to use for your event, such as Greater Giving, Give Lively or OneCause
Track sponsorships + guests more effectively
Seamlessly organize auction items + packages for your event
Track pre-committed donations for your special appeal
Run through onsite registration set up at your fundraising event, including check-in and checkout
Track hybrid event logistics within your event software, including guest management, sales and donations
Schedule as many time blocks as you need to feel successful with the logistics execution of your next event.
The Fundraising Elevator Podcast
Listen in as Samantha Swaim and Kristin Steele join nonprofit experts in conversation to help you change the world with your mission. In their conversations with industry leaders, they break down the science of giving and actionable tools you can use to start fundraising more effectively at your next event.
Available on:
