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Digital Strategies to Drive Sustainable Fundraising Growth with Matt Lombardi

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly Berna and Scott Holthaus sit down with Matt Lombardi, Founder of Share, to unpack what real digital engagement looks like when it’s done well and why it actually leads people to take action.

Matt brings a practitioner’s perspective from working alongside nonprofits of all sizes, sharing what separates organizations that grow sustainably from those stuck on the acquisition hamster wheel. From donor personas and retention strategies to recurring giving programs that actually work, you’ll walk away with practical insights you can apply immediately.

You’ll hear about:

  • Why focus matters more than doing “all the channels”
  • How smart digital engagement builds trust and drives generosity
  • Creative ways to strengthen donor retention without always asking for money
  • What recurring giving programs need to succeed long-term
  • How technology decisions today shape fundraising outcomes tomorrow

Matt also shares where nonprofits get stuck internally and how teams can build momentum even when bureaucracy, bandwidth, or fear of change slows things down.

Links from the episode:

Learn more about Virtuous at virtuous.org/learnmore and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist

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The Responsive Lab is brought to you by Virtuous.

Virtuous is a software company committed to helping nonprofits grow generosity. Virtuous believes that generosity has the power to create profound change in the world and in the heart of the giver. With that in mind, it’s their mission to move the needle on global generosity by helping nonprofits better connect with and inspire their givers. Learn more about Virtuous and download your free Nonprofit CRM Checklist at virtuous.org/crmchecklist. 

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Riley Young
The Responsive Maturity Model
5 Steps to More Personalized Donor Experiences
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