Fueling impact and engagement by harnessing the power of competition in fundraising.

SHOW NOTES:
March 13, 2025 – Episode # 172
Raising the Stakes: The Power of Competition Fundraising

What if a little friendly competition could take your fundraising to the next level? On this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Kate McGinn, CEO of The Bold Stripe, to explore the power of competition fundraising. With a background spanning from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society to launching her own consulting firm, Kate shares expert insights on engaging volunteers, crafting compelling experiences, and leveraging competition to fuel donor passion. From emotional dynamics to future trends, this conversation is packed with actionable strategies for nonprofits looking to drive deeper impact and engagement.

“Competition fundraising isn’t just about winning—it’s about creating an experience that leaves every participant feeling inspired, valued, and eager to support the mission again. The key is intentionality—balancing motivation, engagement, and recognition so that every fundraiser, no matter where they place, walks away saying, ’Wow, that was incredible. I can’t wait to do more.” — Kate McGinn

Episode Highlights:

  • The psychology behind competition fundraising and why it works.
  • Key elements for crafting an engaging and inclusive competition-based campaign.
  • How nonprofits can balance competition with inclusivity to maximize participation.
  • The role of personalization and high-touch engagement in volunteer retention.
  • Future trends shaping the next evolution of nonprofit fundraising strategies.

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