Top Fundraising Lessons from Steve Yastrow on ‘The Secret Guide To Fundraising’

Posted by Jordan Morris on 7 February 2025

In this recent episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, Givergy’s Partner Team, Jasmin Peach and Serena D’Angelo sat down with Steve Yastrow—a renowned expert in relationship-driven fundraising and event strategy. Known for his compelling insights, Steve shares invaluable lessons on donor engagement, storytelling, and how to create truly unforgettable fundraising experiences. Below we break down the key findings from our conversation to help you raise more during your next fundraising campaign.

1. The Power of Relationship-Driven Fundraising

Summary: Steve emphasized that successful fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships with donors.

Key Learnings:

• Focus on building long-term connections rather than one-time transactions.
• Personalize donor interactions based on their interests and past contributions.
• Use storytelling to create emotional resonance and deepen donor engagement.

2. Transforming Fundraising Events into Immersive Experiences

Summary: Events should go beyond just raising funds—they should inspire, entertain, and connect people to your cause in a lasting way.

Key Learnings:

• Design events that emotionally connect attendees to the mission.
• Incorporate elements of surprise and engagement, such as live testimonials or interactive experiences.
• Ensure guests leave feeling inspired and eager to support beyond the event.

Givergy Tip: Check out our fundraising case studies to find inspiration for your next campaign!

3. The Art of Persuasive Storytelling in Fundraising

Summary: Steve noted how compelling stories can drive donations more effectively than statistics alone.

Key Learnings:

• Centre fundraising appeals around real-life impact stories. Use online tools to share these stories across each element of your campaign.
• Keep narratives authentic, engaging, and emotionally compelling.
• Train event speakers and fundraisers to communicate with passion and confidence.

 Givergy Tip: You can now embed videos across your fundraising website, from the homepage to the auction items, ensuring your communication is clear and constat whenever your supporters interact with the campaign.

4. Leveraging Partnerships for Greater Fundraising Success

Summary: Collaboration with strategic partners can amplify an event’s reach and fundraising potential.

Key Learnings:

• Identify corporate sponsors whose values align with the charity’s mission.
• Offer meaningful engagement opportunities for partners, such as branded activations.
• Use digital tools to showcase partner contributions and increase donor trust.

5. The Future of Fundraising Events: Innovation & Adaptation

Summary: Fundraising is evolving, and organizations must stay agile to remain effective.

Key Learnings:

• Embrace digital solutions like silent auctions and 50:50 prize draws.
• Continuously analyze donor data to refine engagement strategies.
• Stay ahead by experimenting with new event formats and fundraising approaches.

Want to Elevate Your Fundraising Events? Listen & Learn!

Steve Yastrow’s insights offer a game-changing perspective on fundraising events, donor engagement, and storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced fundraiser or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you create more meaningful and impactful fundraising campaigns.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here.
🚀 Or talk to us about your fundraising ideas!

Jordan Morris

Givergy

Jordan joined Givergy after studying Politics with International Relations at the University of York. He has over two years experience within the charity sector working as a face-to-face fundraiser and as a constituency campaigner. After experiencing the sector from within and knowing first-hand the impact digital solutions can make to fundraising strategies, Jordan is now dedicated to innovating the way charities fundraise to ensure they maximise returns from every fundraising campaign.