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PODCAST

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer

Clark Vandeventer

This is the podcast for development professionals who are serious about raising major gifts without burning out. Hosted by Clark Vandeventer—fundraising coach, endurance athlete, and founder of Major Gifts Fundraiser—each episode offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and strategies to help you deepen donor relationships, elevate your impact, and thrive in your calling. From stewardship systems to in-person asks, from donor travel to daily habits, Clark blends real-life stories, timeless

business non-profit

All Episodes

00:21:12

Ep. 197- Be Thankful-And Watch What Happens

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/10/27

Summary:Clark shares his November playbook for development officers: how to turn Thanksgiving into a month-long movement of gratitude that naturally inspires giving. From pulling lists in October to writing year-end letters in December, he explains how to stay relationally abundant and avoid those awkward, last-minute “can you give before midnight?” calls.What You’ll Learn:Why gratitude—not urgency—is your most powerful fundraising motivatorThe difference between thank-you calls and gratitude

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00:20:44

Episode 196- The Two Lists You Need Before Year-End

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/10/21

SummaryAs year-end approaches, Clark shares the methodical moves that separate top-performing development officers from everyone else. In this episode, he walks through the two lists every fundraiser should pull before November hits—and how to use them to strengthen relationships and prevent last-minute panic calls in December.What You’ll LearnWhy now is the time to pull your LYBUNT list—and how to read it strategically.The second critical list: your top cumulative givers over the past two years.How

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00:24:22

Ep 195-Lessons Learned (Part 2)

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/10/06

SummaryPart two of Clark’s practical “Lessons Learned” series—from an old slide deck that still packs a punch. We cover why mission must lead your conversations, how to cultivate until the “yes” is likely, the art of listening (and how to measure it), why the case must be bigger than your organization, and the simple discipline of getting in the living room, not just the inbox.What You’ll LearnLead with mission, not programs: Define the problem you exist to solve; then show how your programs are the

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00:24:49

Ep 194-Lessons Learned (Part 1)

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/09/22

Summary:This episode is a walk down memory lane—and a masterclass in the basics that still matter.While looking for a quote from legendary philanthropist Malin Burnham, Clark stumbled on an old slide deck from 2013 titled Lessons Learned: Practical Lessons in Major Gifts Fundraising. It sparked this episode (and likely a series) revisiting the core principles that shaped Clark’s early seminars and still hold true today.If you're a fundraiser who wants to refine your instincts, tighten your

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00:24:26

193-Should You Stay or Should You Go

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/09/16

Summary:Clark's back on the mic—recorded just before heading to Guatemala—and reflecting on gratitude, career courage, and what it means to be all in. Whether you’re planning your next donor visit or questioning your fit in your current role, this episode will challenge you to examine your alignment and make the next right move.You'll hear how a hostel in Antigua ties into Clark’s personal story and why where you sit matters—not just for you, but for your donors, your mission, and your

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00:14:16

192-Fundraising Lessons from Frozen II

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/09/09

Is Asking for a Gift the Next Right Thing?Summary:Are you about to ask someone for a gift? Maybe the meeting is already on the calendar… but before you make the ask, Clark wants you to pause and reflect.In this episode, Clark shares a powerful mindset shift that can elevate your fundraising from transactional to transformational: asking not because you need the money, but because it's the next right thing in the relationship.You’ll hear the story of Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy, a children’s

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00:23:48

Episode 191: The Golden Package Title: Every Package...

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/09/01

Summary:What if every donor interaction was treated like a golden opportunity? In this episode, Clark builds on the themes from Episode 187 ("Surprise and Delight") to dig deeper into what it really takes to create a culture of excellence in donor stewardship.Drawing from his time working at FedEx—and their legendary commitment to quality service—Clark unpacks how great organizations don’t just occasionally go above and beyond. They do the basics well every single time, and then look for

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00:32:11

Episode 190: 4 Ways to Grow Your Gratitude Muscle

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/08/25

Summary:In this episode, Clark dives into the most underrated (yet powerful) skill a fundraiser can cultivate: gratitude.Far beyond gift acknowledgments and thank-you letters, Clark explores how authentic gratitude—when it’s woven into your worldview—can transform your relationships with donors, elevate your joy in the work, and even raise more money. Drawing from personal reflections, practical tips, and the wisdom of Henri Nouwen, he outlines a simple but profound truth: fundraising isn’t about

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00:32:13

Episode 189- Christmas in August?

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/08/18

Summary:In this special episode, Clark is joined by Monica Vandeventer—CEO of Major Gifts Fundraiser and the brain behind the ClarkBot. Together, they unpack how fundraisers can simplify, streamline, and elevate their year-end appeal process using the ClarkBot and a brand-new guided 5-day course.Monica explains how the ClarkBot isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a personalized fundraising assistant trained on Major Gifts Fundraiser’s own methodology, ready to walk with you step-by-step through appeal

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00:21:39

Episode 188-How long can you do this?

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/08/11

Summary:Are you walking, resting, or sprinting right now? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares a powerful metaphor drawn from his time trail running in Tahoe to help you evaluate the pace of your fundraising work. He explores what it means to find a rhythm you can sustain for the long haul—and how to avoid burnout.Clark also offers two simple, relationship-rich habits you can adopt today to deepen donor engagement without exhausting yourself. And he introduces the Clarkbot, an AI-powered tool

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00:21:13

Episode 187-Surprise and Delight: How to Build Donor...

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/08/04

Summary:In this episode, Clark Vandeventer reflects on his annual “Tahoe Time” and uses the example of his Airbnb hosting experience to deliver a timely message for fundraisers: do the basics well—and then, surprise and delight.Clark draws on a quote from the Disney Guide on customer service to challenge fundraisers not to rely on occasional grand gestures, but to consistently deliver meaningful, relationship-rich experiences for donors. You’ll hear about his Stewardship Basics Scorecard, the

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00:35:41

Episode 186-Understanding Donor Listener Types

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/07/28

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast, Monica and Clark delve into the significance of understanding oneself and others in the context of fundraising. They discuss various personality profiles, the importance of listening, and how to adapt communication styles to better connect with donors. The introduction of the ClarkBot, an AI tool designed to assist fundraisers, is also highlighted, along with upcoming training opportunities and hypothetical ideas for future

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00:28:59

Episode 185-When Friends & Family Tag Along on Donor...

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/07/21

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of personal connections in donor engagement, navigating donor visits that include family and friends, and the value of shared experiences in fundraising. Additionally, he introduces the ClarkBot, an AI-powered tool designed to assist fundraisers with their questions and strategies. TakeawaysRest is not my forte; I typically relax by doing hard things.When hosting donors, it's about conducting a visit,

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00:31:19

Episode 184-Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/07/14

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the critical role of culture in fundraising, emphasizing that who you are as a fundraiser matters more than what you do. He explores the importance of genuine gratitude, building authentic relationships with donors, and understanding the deeper nature of donor transactions. The conversation highlights practical strategies for cultivating a positive fundraising culture and the right intentions behind asking for

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00:36:49

183-Conversations with the Clarkbot

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/07/07

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of meaningful connections in fundraising, the introduction of the AI-powered Clark Bot, and practical advice on crafting effective thank you notes. The conversation emphasizes building strong fundraising habits and strategic questions for engaging donors, highlighting the relationship between fundraising success and authentic connections.TakeawaysThe importance of reflecting on whether daily tasks matter in

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00:21:13

Episode 187-Surprise and Delight

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/07/07

Summary:In this episode, Clark Vandeventer uses the example of his Airbnb hosting experience to deliver a timely message for fundraisers: do the basics well—and then, surprise and delight.Clark draws on a quote from the Disney Guide on customer service to challenge fundraisers not to rely on occasional grand gestures, but to consistently deliver meaningful, relationship-rich experiences for donors. You’ll hear about his Stewardship Basics Scorecard, the importance of setting a service baseline, and

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00:26:13

Episode 182-Introducing the ClarkBot

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/07/01

SummaryIn this episode, Clark Vandeventer introduces the innovative ClarkBot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist fundraisers in their efforts. The conversation explores how the ClarkBot can help users navigate donor relationships, set the stage for asks, and determine appropriate ask amounts. Throughout the episode, Clark emphasizes the importance of personal connection and relationship building in fundraising, while also providing insights into the subscription model for accessing the

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00:13:57

Episode 181-Intensity of Purpose

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/06/26

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark Vandeventer discusses the importance of morning routines, personal fulfillment through the three-hour rule, and the balance between maintenance and intensity in life. He emphasizes the need for self-care and intentionality in both personal and professional development, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own routines and goals.TakeawaysThe three-hour rule allows for personal fulfillment.You don’t have to be intense all the

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00:19:33

#180: High Turnover in Development Jobs

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2025/06/19

Clark pulls back the curtain on the internal culture of fundraising teams. Why do so many talented people leave after 18–24 months? What does it take to create an environment where fundraisers feel empowered, supported, and fulfilled? From the joy of meaningful work to the burnout that comes from feeling like a cog in a machine, they explore the hidden forces shaping nonprofit development—and how to build something better. Whether you’re a team leader or just starting out, this episode invites you

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00:20:42

#179: LeVar Burton on Relationships and Storytelling

Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark... ·

2024/08/21

It's another Masterclass inspired episode. In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares some of his notes from Levar Burton's MasterClass on Storytelling.You may know LeVar Burton from his years as host of Reading Rainbow. LeVar talks about how to tell a great story, but Clark emphasizes that great stories only resonnate when they are told be a trusted source, and trust is developed in relationship. So, as an organization, where are you lacking? Are you lacking in storytelling? Or are you

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