The Generosity Experience

The Living Product: Orchestrating Donor Growth with EYSO’s Daniel Meyers

In this episode of The Generosity Experience, we explore how Neon One’s platform isn’t just software—it’s a living product. Daniel Meyers, Executive Director of the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO), joins us to share how his team is using Neon CRM to scale relationship-driven fundraising with limited staff. From automation and donor segmentation to music-powered mission connection, Daniel explains how the right CRM can evolve with your goals.
You’ll also hear:
Anna Van Cleef, Senior Director of Product Management at Neon One, preview the newest peer-to-peer fundraising features and global event discounts, built directly from client feedback.
A Hotline segment answering a listener’s question on how nonprofits can better steward donors—plus what we learned from reviewing 100+ donation forms at Dream Big.

Big Ideas and Takeaways
The CRM That ListensDaniel calls Neon CRM a “living product” because of its active evolution. Unlike static tools, it adapts to how nonprofits actually work—whether it's automation, workflows, or donor engagement.
From Peer to PartnerEYSO treats every first-time donor—many recruited via peer-to-peer—as a future advocate. Daniel walks through how automation nurtures that journey into sustained support.
Discounts That Drive InclusionAnna outlines new global discount capabilities for events, enabling nonprofits to tailor pricing and access for different community segments with ease.
Peer-to-Peer, ReimaginedNeon One’s new P2P module in CRM will offer intuitive, team-based fundraising features—ideal for orgs just starting or looking to streamline beyond complex setups.
Design for Trust, Not Just DonationsThe Hotline segment reflects on what really makes a donation form work: clarity, impact storytelling, mobile-first design, and signals of trust.

Show Notes and Resources
Learn more about Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra: EYSO.org
Dream Big 2025 Generosity Awards: Highlights and takeaways
Submit a question to the Nonprofit Hotline

Tomorrow Is Not Guaranteed: Dreaming Big with Kathy Kempff

In this episode, Tim Sarrantonio sits down with Kathy Kempf, founder of Nuclavis, to explore the evolving world of peer-to-peer fundraising. From the rise of creative event models like pickleball tournaments and ice hockey to the transformative role of mobile apps, Kathy shares how nonprofits can inspire supporters and drive deeper engagement.
You’ll also hear:
Abby Jarvis break down this month’s “Big Number” on peer-to-peer participation trends.
A Generosity Spectrum segment on the psychology of giving and why swag might do more harm than good.

Big Ideas and Takeaways
The Psychology of Swag: Incentives can unintentionally cheapen giving when they shift motivation from impact to transaction.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising as a Front Door: Kathy explains how peer-to-peer acts as a porch to invite new audiences to a cause, turning fundraisers into advocates and donors into a community.
Mobile-First Experiences Are Essential: With over 70% of traffic coming from mobile, younger generations expect frictionless app experiences, from instant credit for gifts to augmented reality mission moments.
Mission Connection Drives Retention: Augmented reality gardens (like the Alzheimer’s Promise Garden) and interactive learning (like CPR videos) deepen emotional ties and boost fundraising.
Walks Are Foundational: Despite economic uncertainty, community walks remain resilient pillars of engagement.
Show Notes and Resources
Nuclavis Website
Moja Tu (Kathy's nonprofit)
2025 Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Study
Social Fundraising by Katrina VanHuss and Otis Fulton, PhD
Dream Big Summit 2025 - register!
Don't forget to submit your Nonprofit Hotline questions to get featured in an upcoming episode!

Eric Guzman on Expanding the Meaning of Giving at Together for Youth

In this heart-centered episode of The Generosity Experience, we go beyond traditional definitions of giving to explore what generosity feels like in real life. Host Sam Nyland sits down with Eric Guzman, leader at Together for Youth, to unpack how rebranding isn’t just a marketing exercise—it’s a call to community.
Eric shares how their new name, Together for Youth, embodies a broader, more inclusive view of generosity—one that honors time, talent, and relationship-building just as much as financial donations. From everyday moments that reignite his passion to how his team leverages Neon One tools to stay connected with data and mission, Eric brings practical insight and deep empathy.
Inside this episode:
The story behind Together for Youth’s rebrand—and how it reflects their commitment to community-first values
A behind-the-scenes look at how their team uses Neon One dashboards and data to fuel impact
Surprising patterns in donor and volunteer engagement since adopting new tools
Eric’s take on measuring success through connection, not just KPIs
Plus, we kick off this month’s Product With Purpose segment with Laura Block, who shares new volunteer tracking features designed to recognize generosity in all its forms.
We close with a listener-submitted Nonprofit Hotline question and a sneak peek into our next conversation on dreaming big with Kathy Kempff.
Show Notes and Resources
Together for Youth
Volunteer Upgrades Webinar
Neon CRM Material Tracking Guide

Reciprocal Generosity with Rachel D’Souza

In our premiere episode of The Generosity Experience, we start with a powerful reminder from Abby Jarvis: 96.9% of donors give under $5,000 annually. What does that reveal about the everyday donor—and why does it matter? Abby breaks it down in our first “Big Number” segment.
Then, Tim Sarrantonio sits down with Rachel D’Souza, founder of Gladiator Consulting, to explore the idea of reciprocal generosity. Sparked by a hallway conversation at AFPICON, Rachel unpacks how generosity becomes transformational when it’s mutual—not just monetary. From small habits that lead to big change to her favorite “generosity recipe,” Rachel brings both clarity and heart.
We close with a reflection on The Generosity Spectrum—where theory meets tools—and a preview of what’s to come in future episodes.
Show Notes and Resources
Episode 1 Discussion Guide
Gladiator Consulting
Community-Centric Fundraising Principles
Neon One's Generosity Report
Pull up a chair. There’s always room for one more in this conversation.🎧 Listen on Apple, Spotify, YouTube, and more.