Z&W UNLIMITED, FOR PURPOSE CONSULTING

Presentation title here

RMCR 2025 Year End Fundraising Sprint Workshop:

Small Changes That Yield Large Returns

Strategic Planning Session 2:

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Thursday, Nov. 6th, 2025

10.45 AM- 12:15PM

Here in beautiful downtown Denver CO

Bill Sundahl

Founder of Z&W Unlimited, For Purpose Consulting

Since moving to Kansas City in 2000, Bill has led fundraising and operational improvements at KKFI 90.1FM and The Beacon News, raising millions in support. He holds a Fundraising Leadership Certificate from the Midwest Center for Nonprofit Leadership, founded the Crossroads Music Fest in 2005, and performs with the Starhaven Rounders.

Relationships, integrity, and hard work are what sustain a community.

Overview:

Year End Fundraising Sprint Workshop: Small Changes That Yield Large Returns

• This interactive working session is designed for community radio professionals who understand fundraising and want to refine their approach.
• We will engage in hands-on exercises using structured worksheets or digital documents to implement seven changes that can significantly enhance their fundraising efforts.
• We will focus on seven areas to improve your station’s success.

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What are we actually doing today?

We are using 7 different pieces of paper or Google Docs to take notes and capture ideas from this session, so that you can take them home and implement the best ideas.

Ones you actually have time & resources to get done.

Why are we Doing This:

Community radio thrives on relationships, not transactions. These small refinements can help strengthen donor trust, increase campaign efficiency, and boost long-term sustainability.

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Why are we Doing This:

Community radio thrives on relationships, not transactions. These small refinements can help strengthen donor trust, increase campaign efficiency, and boost long-term sustainability.

AND

Sometimes we just keep doing things because, “We have always it them that way.”

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Why are we Doing This:

Community radio thrives on relationships, not transactions. These small refinements can help strengthen donor trust, increase campaign efficiency, and boost long-term sustainability.

AND

Sometimes we just keep doing things because, “We have always it them that way.”

Let’s get off the dance floor and get up on the balcony!

Areas of Focus for Today:

1. Clarify Your Story
2. Segment and Personalize
3. Simplify the Giving Process
4. Activate On-Air Talent
5. Use Multi-Channel Momentum
6. Track & Share Progress
7. Steward and Retain

Worksheet

zwunlimited.com/rmcrsession2

or just use the QR Code

• Access to Google Doc
• Access to PDF

Worksheet

Want to copy to your Google Drive

Worksheet

Want to Download to your device?

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ALSO

Downloadable PDF

zwunlimited.com/rmcrsession2

Oh Geez… What’s this?

This morning Siri said, “Don’t call me Shirley.”

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Seems that after my flight, I forgot to turn off Airplane Mode.

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Clarify Your Story

1. Make sure your campaign message centers on why your station matters right now.
2. Include clear, emotional reasons to give before December 31.
3. This will not be about what you need, but rather what you provide.
4. Use consistent language across on-air, email, and social media.

Segment and Personalize

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1. Tailor messages for new donors, sustainers, and lapsed supporters.
2. Use local examples or programs that speak to each group.
3. Include short, handwritten or personal touches when possible.

Simplify the Giving Process

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1. Test your online giving form — fewer clicks = more donations.
2. Make sure it’s mobile-friendly and clear about monthly vs. one-time gifts.
3. Add QR codes to posters, newsletters, and on-line promotions.
4. Don't stop at small gifts. Anticipate the needs of major donors (DAF, Mandatory IRA Disbursements, etc.).

Ugh…. Not Again.

I get so bummed out at work these days. All I do is crush cans all day.

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It’s soda pressing.

Activate On-Air Talent

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1. Host a 15-minute “soft pitch” training for staff and volunteers.
• Also have a 2 minute version of just the high points.
• Provide e a List of Dos & Don'ts
2. Encourage live reads with personal stories of impact.
3. Provide sample language or cards with quick talking points.
• Can you utilize your traffic software?
• Huge Posters?

Use Multi-Channel Momentum

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1. Pair on-air appeals with social media stories and email reminders.
2. Create short videos, graphics or use photos that celebrate your listeners and volunteers.
3. Coordinate timing — for example, “Giving Tuesday” lead-up and follow-up.

Track & Share Progress

1. Show visual progress toward your goal — both internally and publicly.
2. Celebrate milestones (e.g., “100 donors reached!”) live on air and online.
3. Follow up during and after the campaign with quick results and gratitude.

Maybe this one won’t be so bad?

What’s the difference between a well dressed man on a unicycle and a poorly dressed man on a bicycle?

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Attire.

Steward and Retain

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1. Send personal thank-yous from staff or DJs within 48 hours.
2. Feature donors in newsletters or social posts (with permission).
3. Ask first-time single gift givers to become sustainers in 2026
• After appropriate amount of time. Maybe next Campaign? Maybe at the end of the welcome series?

Conversation

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There is a lot of smart and dedicated people in this room.

Don’t hoard it all up.

Share your wisdom!

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Conversation

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There are a lot of smart and dedicated people in this room.

Don’t hoard it all up.

Share your wisdom!�

Here is a list of Ideas that were shared at RMCR in Session 5:

zwunlimited.com/rmcrsession5

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Schedule a Meeting: I’m here to help

Bill Sundahl�Z&W Unlimited, For Purpose Consulting�816.365.3128�zwunlimited@gmail.com��zwunlimited.com/connect or QR Code

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Last one I mean it!

I only seem to get sick Monday through Friday.

I guess I have a weekend immune system.

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THANK YOU ALL!

Schedule a Meeting: I’m here to help

Bill Sundahl�Z&W Unlimited, For Purpose Consulting�816.365.3128�zwunlimited@gmail.com��zwunlimited.com/connect or QR Code

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