Fundraising Pride The State of LGBTQ Fundraising with Denise Spivak | Ep. 125

In this episode we sit down with Denise Spivak, CEO of CenterLink,  the world's largest coalition of LGBTQ+ community centers, representing over 350 member organizations. Denise shares how centers have evolved from small grassroots efforts into sophisticated service providers offering everything from medical clinics to mental health care, while remaining rooted in community connection and belonging. She paints an honest picture of the current funding landscape — one marked by federal cuts, corporate DEI pullbacks, and heightened political targeting — but counters the grim narrative with a testament to resilience. The conversation digs into the practical and philosophical tools keeping LGBTQ+ centers afloat, from airtight 501(c)(3) compliance and board governance to diversified funding strategies and collaborative re-granting models. Denise makes a compelling case for doubling down on mission rather than softening identity in the face of political pressure — and shares how centers that have done exactly that are watching new donors step in to fill the gaps. She also spotlights the power of Pride as both celebration and resistance, traces its roots from Stonewall to today's massive community gatherings. Loving The Fundraising Elevator? Please subscribe, rate and review the podcast. It really helps other people find the show.    This Episode Brought to You by:  Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Utilizing over 20 years of nonprofit event strategy and production expertise, Swaim Strategies coaches and teaches organizations how to increase the impact of their fundraising events.    The AV Department: https://theavdept.com/ As a full-service event AV and video production partner, The AV Department’s technical event production and media content generation provide you with a range of experience and talent from a partner who wants to know you and work together year after year.    Bloomerang: https://bit.ly/4hLqLVw Create the ideal giving experience with integrated fundraising tools and automated insights that maximize your impact. Keep donors close to the cause with mean-ingful outreach at the right time. Increase retention, major gifts, and all-around impact. Turn supporters into action-takers with tools that make it easy to recruit, organize, and engage volunteers at every level.   Feathr: https://www.feathr.co/ Feathr is a marketing platform built specifically for mission-driven organizations, offering simple tools for digital advertising, email campaigns, and audience engagement. The platform uses real-time insights and AI-powered segmentation to help you reach the right people at the right time—whether you’re nurturing existing supporters or discovering new ones who share your values. It’s marketing that meets people where they are, building relationships that last beyond a single click.   Speakers Samantha Swaim LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samantha-swaim-a28a9a4/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies   Kristin Steele LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-steele777/ Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies   Denise Spivak LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denisespivak/   | RESOURCES | Connect with Swaim Strategies: https://swaimstrategies.com Propose a Podcast Episode: https://swaimstrategies.com/propose-a-podcast-episode/ Get Event Help Right Now with Gala 911: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/gala-911/ Book Consulting Time with Sam: https://calendly.com/consultingwithsam Book Consulting Time with Kristin: https://calendly.com/eventstorytelling Learn More About the Elevate Conference: https://swaimstrategies.com/elevate-conference/ Get Planning a Successful Major Donor Event: https://swaimstrategies.com/solutions/#book Join Swaim Strategies on Substack: https://substack.com/@swaimstrategies Connect with The AV Department:  https://theavdept.com/ Connect with CenterLink: https://www.lgbtqcenters.org/ Find an LGBTQ+ Center Near You: https://web.lgbtqcenters.org/atlas/directory/category/all-centerlink-members Elton John Impact Awards: https://cantcancelpride.lgbtqcenters.org/Details/aa2115e0-1b83-4c4c-2f9f-08dd5dbd0947 Connect with Looking Out Foundation:https://www.lookingoutfoundation.org/ Connect with Elton John AIDS Foundation: https://www.eltonjohnaidsfoundation.org/