Innovation doesn’t happen by accident. The organizations that continue to adapt, grow, and discover new opportunities create environments where new ideas can actually take shape.
In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by James “JP” Poulter, Head of Innovation at Dunham+Co, to explore what separates truly innovative organizations from those that simply talk about innovation. They discuss why innovation needs to be systematized, how leaders can create the time and space necessary for better ideas, and why outside perspectives can help organizations avoid becoming trapped in their own echo chambers.
Trent and JP also unpack how to identify which ideas are worth pursuing, why a great idea may not be the right idea for right now, and how organizations can implement innovation without losing focus on the work they already do well. Whether you lead an entire organization or a single team, this conversation offers practical ways to create a culture where ideas are captured, tested, developed, and put into action.
Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction04:19 – Why Innovation Doesn’t Happen by Accident10:56 – Creating the Time and Space for Better Ideas16:03 – Breaking Out of the Organizational Echo Chamber22:31 – How to Identify and Manage the Right Ideas28:09 – Implementing Innovation Without Losing Focus32:08 – Looking Beyond the Obvious

AI is already changing the way organizations work, but successful adoption requires much more than choosing the right tool.
In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by James “JP” Poulter, Head of Innovation at Dunham+Co and author of the new book AI at Work: How to Build a Full Stack Organization. Together, they explore what leaders need to consider as AI becomes a more significant part of everyday work.
From organizing the information that fuels AI and understanding how work actually gets done to establishing ethical guardrails and equipping teams to use these tools effectively, Trent and JP discuss why meaningful AI adoption starts with people, process, and intentional leadership.
They also examine what AI could mean for the future of work, why its greatest opportunity may be reducing the work that drains people rather than simply reducing headcount, and the risks organizations face when they allow AI adoption to happen without a clear strategy.
For leaders wondering how to move beyond experimentation and develop a thoughtful approach to AI, this conversation offers a practical framework for preparing your organization for what comes next.
 
Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com
Get a copy of JP’s Book: https://a.co/d/0dRtZt0t
 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction
02:25 – AI at Work: Building a Full Stack Organization
05:24 – Entering the “Wrestling Period” of AI
07:04 – Is AI Actually Replacing People?
10:23 – Why AI Adoption Starts with Process, Not Tools
15:50 – Organizing Your Information and Building a Shared AI Brain
21:51 – Creating Ethical Guardrails for AI
28:38 – How AI Can Change the Way We Work
34:26 – The Risk of Ignoring AI

A strong brand is about much more than a logo, color palette, or tagline. It begins with clarity about who your organization is, what makes it distinct, and the consistent promise it makes to the people it serves.
 
In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Dan Sumpter, Chief Product Officer at Dunham+Co, to explore what brand strategy really means and why it matters for nonprofits, churches, and ministries. From defining your brand promise and aligning your team to managing sub-brands and connecting with the next generation, Trent and Dan discuss how organizations can communicate who they are with greater clarity and consistency.
 
They also unpack how a strong brand strategy can influence fundraising, marketing, the donor journey, product development, and even organizational structure. Whether your organization has grown more complex, experienced a leadership transition, or is struggling to stand out, this conversation offers practical questions to help you evaluate whether your brand is as effective as it could be.
 
Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction02:20 – Defining Brand Strategy and the Brand Promise03:46 – Complexity and Internal Misalignment06:54 – When a Brand Loses Relevance08:50 – Understanding Sub-Brands and Separate Brands09:56 – Standing Out in a Crowded Market13:29 – The Discipline of Simplicity14:29 – What a Clear Brand Strategy Unlocks17:49 – Relevance and Authenticity in 202621:46 – When Your Brand Doesn’t Match Your Mission23:53 – How Brand Awareness Strengthens the Donor Journey27:35 – Is Your Brand as Effective as It Could Be?

Text messaging gives nonprofits and ministries a personal way to connect with the people who support their work. But building a meaningful relationship starts with what you give, long before you ask.
In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Aaron Dolton, Chief Revenue Officer of Powered By Text, to explore how organizations can use text messaging to serve their supporters and deepen engagement. From welcoming new subscribers and sharing helpful resources to showing donors the impact of their generosity, Trent and Aaron discuss what it takes to build a text strategy that puts relationships first.
They also unpack why immediate donations don’t tell the whole story when measuring results, how churches can extend connection beyond Sunday, and what new messaging capabilities could mean for reaching more people. Whether your organization is just getting started or looking to strengthen its approach, this conversation offers practical ways to make texting a meaningful part of your mission.
 
Connect with us: https://dunhamancompany.com
 
 
 
 
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction01:44 – From Sales and Marketing to Nonprofit Impact06:22 – Why Organizations Hesitate to Start Texting09:32 – Building the Relationship Before Making the Ask12:22 – Measuring the Value Beyond Immediate Donations15:43 – Creating Content That Serves Your Supporters19:48 – What Happens When Ministry Comes First23:23 – Helping Churches Stay Connected Throughout the Week27:36 – The Future of Text Messaging and Global Reach30:18 – Making Texting Part of Your Communication Strategy

Capital campaigns can create incredible opportunities for growth and impact, but even a compelling vision can fall short without the right preparation.
In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Erik Rogers, Chief Strategist for Donor Advancement at Dunham+Co, to unpack five common mistakes that can derail a capital campaign. From passive leadership and overloaded schedules to under-resourcing the campaign, rushing into the public phase, and overlooking the value of one-on-one conversations, Trent and Erik explore what leaders should be thinking about before making the ask.
They also discuss why the quiet phase matters, how donor conversations can sharpen your vision, and why successful fundraising is ultimately about inviting people into the mission rather than pressuring them to give.
 
Connect with us:
https://dunhamandcompany.com
 
Chapters:
00:00 – Intro
00:46 – What Is a Capital Campaign?
06:00 – 5 Mistakes That Can Derail a Capital Campaign
07:15 – Mistake #1: Lack of Active Leadership
10:26 – Mistake #2: Planning Around Busy Schedules
14:02 – Mistake #3: Not Allocating Enough Resources
18:18 – Mistake #4: Rushing to the Public Phase
27:28 – Mistake #5: Devaluing One-on-One Conversations

Great culture isn’t built through one big initiative. It’s shaped in the small, everyday moments that show people they are seen, valued, and cared for.
 
In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham is joined by Brian Mountjoy, Chief Culture Officer at Dunham+Co, for a conversation about the experiences and choices that shape the culture around us. Through stories from sports, leadership, the workplace, and life, they explore why being fully present matters, how simple acts of care can have a lasting impact, and why authenticity and accountability are essential to healthy culture.
 
No matter your role, you have an opportunity to influence the environment around you. Sometimes, making a meaningful difference starts with the little things.
 
CONNECT WITH US
https://dunhamandcompany.com
 
CHAPTERS
00:00 – Introduction
01:15 – Two Teams, Two Very Different Cultures
07:34 – You Can Influence Culture from Any Role
08:43 – How Our Experiences Shape the Way We Treat People
12:33 – The Power of Being Fully Present
15:23 – Small Actions That Help People Feel Seen
21:31 – Accountability, Authenticity, and Healthy Leadership
24:45 – Letting People in and Leading with Authenticity

AI is no longer a future consideration for nonprofit and ministry leaders. It is already entering organizations through the tools employees choose, the software teams rely on, and the platforms that shape how they reach people.In this episode of Cause+Effect, we explore why organizations are moving beyond the question of whether to use AI and beginning to wrestle with implementation, budgeting, governance, and culture. The conversation covers the rise of “shadow AI,” the limitations of one-size-fits-all solutions, and why successful adoption begins with educating leaders, creating permission to experiment, and understanding the human processes behind the technology. The episode also examines a reported incident in which advanced AI models escaped a testing environment and accessed Hugging Face’s production systems. What does that event reveal about the growing capabilities of AI and the responsibility leaders, governments, and Christians have to advocate for thoughtful guardrails? AI cannot simply be ignored. The challenge is to develop a clear vision for using it in ways that strengthen organizations, protect people, and advance the mission. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.Chapters00:00 – Introduction00:52 – AI Adoption Reaches a Turning Point02:02 – Why Organizations Are Rethinking Their First AI Strategy04:05 – Shadow AI and the Front, Side, and Back Doors08:00 – What Nonprofits Can Learn from Corporate AI Spending10:16 – Where AI Belongs in the Budget and Organization11:38 – Education, Permission, and People-Centered Implementation17:08 – When an AI Model Escapes Its Testing Environment20:52 – A Warning Shot for AI Safety and Governance23:23 – Why Christian Leaders Need to Engage

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, President and CEO of Dunham+Co, is joined by Rick Dunham, Founder and Chairman, and Josh Crowther, VP of Dunham+Co, for a practical conversation about the new Giving USA 2026 report and what it means for churches, ministries, and nonprofit organizations.Charitable giving reached $617.2 billion in 2025 and grew even after adjusting for inflation. But behind that healthy top-line number are important shifts in how and where people give. Rick and Josh unpack the surge in bequests, the growing influence of donor-advised funds, declining donor participation, and the challenges facing giving to religious organizations.From beginning a planned giving conversation to preparing for transformational gifts and building a broader community of support, this episode turns the data into practical next steps. Trent, Rick, and Josh also explore what Gen Z’s generosity could mean for the future and why consistent, story-driven communication is essential for moving donor relationships beyond the transactional. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.Chapters:00:00 — Introduction01:04 — What Giving USA Tells Us About 202506:10 — What Drove the Growth in Giving07:02 — The Rise of Bequests and Planned Giving12:09 — Where Donors Are Directing Their Gifts19:21 — Donor Participation and Building from the Bottom Up24:40 — Rebuilding Community Around Your Mission27:09 — What Gen Z Signals About the Future of Giving31:39 — Telling Stories That Connect Donors to Impact

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, CEO+ President of Dunham+Co, is joined by Brian Mountjoy, Chief Culture Officer at Dunham+Co, for a conversation on what it really takes to build and sustain a healthy organizational culture.Through stories ranging from chicken coops and workplace brackets to unforgettable moments of caring for people well, Trent and Brian unpack why culture is not created by slogans, parties, or values on a wall. It is shaped every day by intentional leaders who love their people, model their values, and create an environment where others feel seen, known, and cared for.Whether you lead a nonprofit, church, ministry, or business, this episode will challenge you to ask a simple but important question: what is one practical thing you can do today to strengthen the culture of your organization? Chapters00:00 – Introduction01:40 – Why Culture Requires Proactive Investment04:02 – Culture Is Not a One-Time Event05:39 – What Chickens Can Teach Us About Leadership11:46 – Loving People in the Way They Need to Be Loved19:12 – Simple Ways to Make Culture Real 30:18 – Challenge to Leaders

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, President+CEO of Dunham+Co, sits down with Josh Crowther, VP of Dunham+Co, to unpack the real reasons donors lapse. Some reasons are outside an organization’s control, like personal financial pressure, economic uncertainty, or shifting cultural attitudes toward generosity. But many causes are self-inflicted — including silence, poor communication, overused urgency, and fundraising tactics that prioritize immediate ROI over long-term relationship.Trent and Josh discuss how organizations can identify lapsed donors, avoid common retention mistakes, and build stronger communication strategies that re-engage supporters. They also explore why lapsed donors often still see themselves as connected to your mission — and why that should change the way nonprofits communicate with them. For nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and ministry teams, this conversation offers practical insight into donor retention, reactivation, and building lasting relationships with the people who make your mission possible. CHAPTERS 00:00 – Introduction01:12 – Why donors stop giving02:00 – Economic uncertainty and donor confidence04:38 – The decline in charitable giving07:05 – Why silence causes donors to lapse10:36 – The problem with constant urgency13:18 – Treating donors like wallets15:28 – How to re-engage lapsed donors

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, President and CEO of Dunham+Co, is joined again by Eric Gomez, COO of Dunham+Co, for part two of their conversation around Trent’s Top 10 for 2026.Picking up with the second half of the list, Trent and Eric discuss how nonprofit leaders can use data visualization to make better decisions, why every communication channel matters, and how organizations should approach AI with more than reactionary experimentation. They also explore the importance of leadership modeling healthy work, the danger of blind spots, and what Dunham+Co’s 25th anniversary represents beyond celebration.For nonprofit executives, ministry leaders, and fundraising teams preparing for 2026, this conversation offers practical guidance on strategy, culture, communication, and leadership for the road ahead.Chapters:00:00 — Welcome to Cause+Effect01:16 — Data Visualization That Drives Strategy07:11 — The Metrics Nonprofit CEOs Should Watch08:55 — Why Every Communication Channel Matters13:16 — Building a Documented AI Strategy22:19 — Leadership Modeling Healthy Work30:09 — 25-Years of Dunham+Co and What’s Ahead

In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, President and CEO of Dunham+Co, is joined by Eric Gomez, COO of Dunham+Co, for a practical conversation on key trends and opportunities facing churches and nonprofit organizations in 2026.Drawing from Trent’s annual “Top 10” insights shared at the Dunham+Co client summit, Trent and Eric unpack five major areas leaders should be paying attention to: how to maximize every piece of content, why donor education around tax code changes matters, why now may be a strong moment for capital campaigns, how personal touch can deepen donor relationships, and why video should be part of every podcast strategy.From sermons and podcasts to handwritten notes and capital campaign communication, this conversation challenges leaders to think beyond more activity and instead focus on greater effectiveness, stronger relationships, and more impact.________________________CHAPTERS:00:00 — Welcome to Cause+Effect01:00 — Eric’s Journey to Dunham+Co03:05 — Maximizing Every Piece of Content09:35 — Donor Education and Tax Code Changes13:30 — Why Now Is a Strong Time for Capital Campaigns18:40 — How to Launch a Campaign the Right Way23:45 — Personal Touch in an Automated World27:55 — Why Podcasts Need Video

Does giving really go down in the summer—or have nonprofits simply come to expect it?In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham, President+CEO of Dunham+Co, is joined by Joshua Crowther, VP of Dunham+Co, to unpack the myths and realities of summer giving. Together, they discuss how disrupted rhythms, vacations, fiscal year timing, and donor communication all shape giving behavior during the summer months.Rather than accepting the “summer slump” as inevitable, Trent and Josh explore how nonprofits, churches, and ministries can use this season to communicate urgency, tell compelling stories, steward donors well, and create momentum heading into the fall. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 01:27 – Is the Summer Giving Slump Real?03:30 – Disrupted Rhythms and Donor Behavior06:03 – Fiscal Year-End as a Summer Opportunity08:00 – Creating Urgency During a Low-Urgency Season10:40 – Don’t Let Summer Become a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy13:27 – Building Momentum Out of Summer19:16 – Final Encouragement: Try Something Different

Is a spiritual resurgence really happening or are we just seeing isolated moments?In this episode of the Cause+Effect Podcast, Trent Dunham sits down with David Kinnaman, CEO of Barna Group, to talk about what Barna’s latest research is revealing about faith, church attendance, and spiritual openness in America.David shares why younger generations, especially Gen Z, may be showing more openness to Jesus than many leaders expected, why that openness does not always translate into comfort with traditional church structures, and what it means for ministries trying to reach the next generation. Together, Trent and David unpack the opportunities and challenges facing church leaders today, from discipleship and mentorship to intergenerational ministry and creating environments where people can truly be known.This conversation is both encouraging and clarifying for leaders asking a critical question: is the Church prepared for what may be coming next?Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:06 Live from the Dunham+Company Summit02:52 Is a spiritual resurgence happening?08:42 Gen Z, Jesus, and the future church12:07 Is the church ready for this moment?19:10 Why mentorship and healthy leadership matter26:29 The church’s opportunity with the next generation33:55 Outro

In this episode of Cause+Effect, Trent Dunham is joined by Matthew Luhn — writer, animator, director, author, and longtime Pixar story leader. Drawing from his work on Toy Story, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Up, and more, Matthew shares what makes a story memorable and why great storytelling is essential for leaders, ministries, and nonprofits trying to inspire action.Together, Trent and Matthew explore why facts alone rarely stick, how story creates emotional connection, why the audience should be seen as the hero, and how organizations can better communicate mission through compelling, human-centered narratives. Matthew also unpacks simple storytelling principles leaders can use right away to make their message clearer, stronger, and more impactful.Show Notes:Pickup a copy of Matthew's book: https://a.co/d/07QnkFfm