Sustainable Giving Is Here
Welcome to the very first episode of the Sustainable Giving Podcast, where we explore how the subscription economy is reshaping generosity and creating new opportunities for nonprofits to grow recurring giving.
Hosted by Dave Raley—speaker, consultant, and best-selling author of The Rise of Sustainable Giving—this show will dive into the trends, tools, and tactics powering the future of nonprofit fundraising through recurring giving.
Dave is the founder of Imago Consulting, an innovation advisory firm helping organizations grow sustainable giving through forward-thinking strategies. He's also the voice behind The Wave Report, a weekly leadership and innovation briefing, and the co-host of the Purpose & Profit Podcast.
In this premiere episode, he's joined by his good friend Jon McCoy, co-founder of We Are For Good and a leader in nonprofit storytelling and innovation, to flip the script and introduce Dave to the world as the creator of this (hopefully) inspiring new podcast.
With lots of laughs and a good deal of casual storytelling, they explore why sustainable giving is more than just a buzzword—it's the future of generosity.
Key Topics They Cover:
1. The Heart Behind the Podcast
Why this show exists and who it’s for (hint: it’s for you)
Dave’s journey from childhood generosity to professional impact
Creating a space for long-form, passionate, practical conversations
2. The Rise of the Subscription Economy
How shifts in consumer behavior are influencing donor habits
The parallel between recurring giving and subscription models
The turning point when digital habits began changing philanthropy
3. Defining Sustainable Giving
More than recurring giving—it's a response to deep change
Distinguishing between an organization’s mission and its model
How innovation fuels long-term donor relationships
4. Behind the Book
Why The Rise of Sustainable Giving had to be written
What surprised Dave during his research and early feedback
The gap in fundraising literature that the book addresses
5. Inspiring Real-Life Story: IJM
How International Justice Mission built a powerful recurring giving program
The personal story of how Dave became a “Freedom Partner”
Lessons nonprofits can take from real examples of recurring giving done right
Also in this episode, you’ll hear:
Childhood experiences that shaped Dave’s views on generosity
How nonprofits can respond to the "generosity crisis"
Practical takeaways for launching or improving recurring giving programs
The role of community, trust, and identity in donor behavior
Building recurring giving programs with intentionality and heart
Watch or Listen:
Watch this episode now by clicking the video above, or by visiting Apple Podcasts or Spotify.