599. 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter: Simple Shifts on Repeat (Adam O’Brien)

InnovationCommunityTrends That Matter

Jan 29

Written By Sabrina Li

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Overview

Welcome back to the 2025 Social Impact Trends That Matter series! 🥳

Meet Adam🤝 . He’s the VP of Marketing at iDonate, a Podcast Host, and a passionate Mental Health Advocate. In this episode we explore the power of "simple shifts on repeat" to drive sustainable growth this year. 📈

The reality of who’s giving is changing, how they’re giving is changing, and why they’re giving is changing. Adam walks us through specific tactics and pilots you can test on your marketing, copywriting, fundraising and technology this year to meet this moment. He even shares a powerful case study of an organization that raised $750,000 on GivingTuesday by optimizing their donor experience and leveraging A/B testing. You don’t want to miss it 🎧

💡 Learn

Practical strategies for running effective tests and pilots to optimize your operations, from donation pages to supporter engagement
The importance of adopting an iterative, "try stuff" mindset to drive continuous improvement, even with limited resources
How leveraging accessible technology and a donor-centric approach can unlock significant growth and impact
Today’s Guest

Adam O’Brien, VP of Marketing at iDonate

“That 1% step is gonna change your mission. And it may not be today, may not be tomorrow, but I guarantee you.. it will get better”

— Adam O'Brien, VP Of Marketing at iDonate

Episode Transcript

Download Full Episode Transcript Here

Episode Highlights

Leveraging Technology for Nonprofit Success (6:07)
Practical Pilots and Testing Strategies (12:00)
The Role of Technology in Nonprofits (20:20)
Personal Stories of Philanthropy and Impact (26:08)
Adam O’Brien’s One Good Thing: Don’t be afraid to take that 1% step, that will change your mission. Focus on yourself and focus on your mission. (31:49)
Check out the link to Adam O’Briens GPT he created for testing

Powerful Quotes

"It’s not the hero, it’s the supporting sidekick coming along to your mission, right?" - Adam O’Brien

"That 1% step is gonna change your mission. And it may not be today, may not be tomorrow, but I guarantee you, if you commit to doing the things, you’ll get better.” - Adam O’Brien

"Those small victories are compounding. If there's one thing you take away from this, it's that 1% will grow into 10%, then into 20%, eventually becoming something life-changing for someone."- Adam O’Brien

“Not all donors are built alike.” - Adam O’Brien

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