EP 82: Building Diversified Donor Portfolios with Audrey Cooper

EP 82: Building Diversified Donor Portfolios with Audrey Cooper

Author: Virtuous Software April 28, 2026 Duration: 26:13

In this episode of The Responsive Lab, Carly and Scott sit down with Audrey Cooper, Associate Director of Philanthropy at Evidence Action. Audrey brings 10 years of nonprofit development experience across social services and international development, and has helped Evidence Action scale from its 2013 founding to raising over $60 million annually. 

You'll hear about:

  • Why donor portfolio concentration becomes dangerous and what the moment of recognition usually looks like
  • How to make strategic first moves when diversifying revenue streams without spreading your team too thin
  • Building the case for unrestricted giving in ways that build trust rather than create donor hesitation
  • Evidence Action's four-category framework for deploying unrestricted donor investments
  • Why data and story are mutually reinforcing rather than competing approaches to donor communication
  • The power of "fundraising sprints" to focus on just a few priorities and follow them through completely
  • How boldness in sharing impact creates collaborative donor relationships that feel more like partnerships


Links from the episode:
* Connect with Audrey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreymcooper/
* Learn more about Evidence Action: https://www.evidenceaction.org/

Looking for technology that helps you build deeper donor relationships with less work from your team? Learn more at virtuous.org.


Hosted by Virtuous Software, the Responsive Lab Podcast operates at the intersection of mission and method. Each episode is a practical session focused on the tools and strategies reshaping modern philanthropy. We examine real-world cases where software and thoughtful processes solve operational hurdles, helping organizations move beyond simple transactions to foster genuine, lasting relationships with their supporters. The conversation often delves into the how-to details of implementing new systems, training teams, and measuring what truly matters. It’s a resource for nonprofit professionals, technologists, and leaders who believe that operational efficiency and donor-centricity are not opposing goals. You’ll hear from practitioners who are actively rethinking their approach, sharing both successes and lessons learned from the field. This podcast provides a space to consider how technology, when applied with intention, can amplify human connection and drive sustainable impact. Tune in for grounded discussions that blend business acumen with educational insights, all aimed at equipping mission-driven teams for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

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