The Neuroscience of Giving with T. Clay Buck + Cherian Koshy Episode # 111

Mar 18, 2026

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In this lively episode recorded live at the Elevate Conference, hosts Kristin and Sam welcome veteran fundraiser Clay Buck and behavioral science expert Cherian Koshy for a wide-ranging conversation about the heart and science of fundraising. Both guests share their accidental paths into the profession before diving into what genuinely excites them about fundraising today. Despite the doom and gloom narratives circulating in the sector, both guests push back with conviction: human generosity is hardwired, giving is alive, and the real opportunity lies in returning to authentic, relationship-centered fundraising over transactional, wealth-chasing tactics.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn into the neuroscience of giving, where Clay and Cherian challenge fundraisers to rethink one of their most overlooked moments: the thank you. When organizations acknowledge donors only for the dollar amount of their gift, they miss everything that actually mattered: the identity, emotion, and meaning behind the decision to give. The duo also tackles the evolution of fundraising events, arguing that the classic fancy gala model is losing relevance as the line between nonprofit and for-profit experiences blurs, and younger generations demand more meaningful, participatory ways to engage. Their parting wisdom? Stop pitching and start inviting. Meet donors in their joy, see them fully, and trust that the work you're already doing matters.

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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