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PODCAST

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

Welcome to The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast. I"m your host, Tammy Zonker, and I"m thrilled you"re here. I"ve spent nearly three decades specializing in major gifts. I’ve seen how major gifts often form the backbone of an organization’s financial stability, and yet, I know many of us find this area particularly challenging. Time and again, I’ve been approached by fundraisers and nonprofit leaders eager to establish or supercharge their major gift programs. It’s become crystal clear that there’s a

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All Episodes

22:12

Next-Gen Major Donors and the New Rules of Engagement

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/03/03

The biggest donors aren’t “the future” anymore. They’re already here. In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share what I’m seeing as younger, women, and values‑driven donors rewrite the rules of major giving. From shorter cultivation cycles to co‑designing impact and bringing families and circles into the conversation, I walk you through real stories and practical moves you can start testing right away.If donors want speed, transparency, and a true voice at the table, what needs to

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22:36

Your 2026 Case for Transformational Gifts

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/02/24

Your case might be costing you 7‑figure gifts.In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share why so many cases still sound like they were written in 2019, and how I’m helping leaders like you update them for a 2026 donor mindset. I walk through the five elements of a modern case, where AI can truly help, and how to pressure‑test your message with trusted donors so they lean in instead of glazing over.What would change for your organization if your case finally matched the level of

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21:11

Making Your Major Gift Portfolio Shock-Resistant

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/02/18

One donor should never control your budget.In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share a story of a strong organization that felt “safe” until one major donor hit pause and everything started to wobble. We walk through how to map your top 20 donors, spot concentration risk, and start multi‑year commitment conversations that make your portfolio far more shock‑resistant.How exposed are you to one donor’s decision right now?Listen to this episode and share it with your team, your

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21:04

Discovery That Builds Trust, Not Pressure

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/02/10

Your discovery calls shouldn’t feel like a test.In my latest Intentional Fundraiser episode, I walk through how I help fundraisers turn tense, scripted discovery calls into relaxed, donor-centered conversations that still move major gifts forward.We unpack a simple four part framework, real examples of questions that open people up, and a practical way to use AI so you can listen more and type less.What would change in your portfolio if every discovery call felt like a conversation you were both

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15:35

Turning Leaders into Effective Major Gift Partners

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/02/03

Leaders keep derailing donor visits?I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched a beautifully teed‑up donor conversation go sideways the moment a well‑intentioned CEO or board member “pops in” unbriefed. You’ve done the research, built the relationship, framed the invitation…and then the message gets fuzzy, the energy shifts, and the donor walks away more confused than inspired.In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share how I’ve learned to turn those moments from chaotic to

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19:16

Making Stewardship Personal, Scalable, Sustainable

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/01/27

“More touches” are burning teams out 😅I talk with so many fundraisers who are trying to do heartfelt, hyper-personal stewardship for everyone… and ending up exhausted, guilty, and behind by December.In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share a simple 3-tier stewardship system I have used for years to keep donor care personal, scalable, and sustainable.We get into:The burnout story of doing “all the things” for everyone 😵‍💫Why donors remember moments, not message volumeHow to

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18:00

AI-Powered Prep: Human-Centered Conversations

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/01/20

AI is already in your donor meetings.I’ve been hearing from so many fundraisers who feel torn.You want to use AI to save time, but you do not want donors to feel like they are talking to a robot instead of a real person.In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share how I use AI as a quiet research assistant, not a replacement for human connection. 🤝I walk through a real world workflow for:Turning public information into a one page prep brief 📝Using AI to practice tough donor

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23:17

Finding Your Real Top 25 Donor Prospects

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/01/13

Drowning in “prospect” names?If your major gift list looks impressive on paper but doesn’t translate into actual conversations or gifts, you’re not alone.I’ve sat with teams staring at hundreds of “top prospects” and quietly thinking, “Where do we even start?”In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I share how I helped one nonprofit narrow 600+ “major gift prospects” down to a focused Top 25 using simple donor signals, capacity, affinity, and engagement, not just wealth.We didn’t

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14:49

Your 2026 Major Gifts Plan: Aspirational but Realistic

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2026/01/06

Big goals without a real plan?That’s the fastest way to create burnout instead of breakthroughs.I’ve seen it too often: a board sets a bold fundraising target, the team nods, and suddenly everyone’s sprinting toward a number that doesn’t match reality. Sound familiar?In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share exactly how to build a 2026 major gifts plan that’s aspirational but realistic, one that inspires confidence instead of chaos.You’ll hear stories from the field, a simple

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13:33

How ‘Calling All Heroes’ Elevates Fundraising and...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/11/26

What does it really mean to be a hero in fundraising?After nearly 30 years working alongside major gift officers, executive directors, and nonprofit leaders, I've learned this: our sector's greatest challenges—poverty, injustice, inequality—are simply too big for any one person to solve alone.That's why this week feels so special. I'm celebrating the official release of my new book,Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact, with a

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14:48

Creating Immersive Experiences that Move Donors to...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/11/18

Donors don’t remember stats. They remember how you made themfeel!My keynote titled"Casting Your Donors in a Lead Role: The Power of Immersion," which I delivered last week at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, generated so much conversation. Last week, I witnessed 800 nonprofit professionals moved to tears and action by stories that make our missions come alive.It’s clear our field is hungry for ways to move beyond transactions and ignite true empathy.From water walks to blindfolded dinners,

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12:57

The Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/11/04

What if I told you the most powerful major gift fundraising seminar of your life could happen in your favorite chair, no travel required? I just experienced it firsthand, livestreamed for three days, and let me tell you, the connections and insights our faculty delivered in a virtual setting blew me away. I’ll never forget one moment: watching seasoned major gift fundraisers build new relationships and spark those “aha!” revelations during our virtual one-on-one “park bench” sessions. It made me

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17:35

Building a Human-Centered Fundraising Pipeline

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/10/28

Are you chasing numbers or building relationships?Most fundraisers are stuck on the hamster wheel.Chasing donors. Juggling events. Burning out.But what if the real breakthrough comes from slowing down?Here’s the playbook for human-centered, relationship-first fundraising:Schedule ONE meaningful conversation this week.→ Ask, “What inspired you to support us?”→ Listen—no agenda.Map supporters by engagement TYPE, not just dollar size.→ Who shows up at events?→ Who shares your content?→ Who asks tough

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15:09

Why “Tips and Tricks” Are Failing Fundraisers

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/09/16

This one has been simmering inside me for months.It’s about thelanguagewe use in the nonprofit sector—and why we need to be more mindful of it.Specifically, I’m making a plea to eliminate phrases like “tips and tricks” when we talk about engaging donors.Because giving is not a “trick.” Donors are not targets. And we are not magicians trying to perform sleight of hand to win gifts.When we say things like “tips and tricks” or “low-hanging fruit” in fundraising, we might think we’re being harmless,

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17:47

Strategies for Major Donor Retention

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/09/02

Only 45% of first-time major donors come back.Let that sink in.For years, I believed winning that first major gift was the hardest part—until I realized the real challenge (and transformation) is turning new donors into lifelong champions.In this episode, I share personal stories, the tools I use, and proven strategies for moving beyond transactional gifts to genuine partnership.If you could double your donor retention this year, what would it mean for your mission?→ Take a listen.Share with your

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20:23

Breaking Down Silos: Why the Future of Fundraising is...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/08/19

Feeling stuck between fundraising approaches? Break down the silos!I’ve seen the fundraising divide firsthand—and I believe there’s a better way. I call it human-centered fundraising.I recently heard a longtime donor say, “I’m tired of being just a checkbook. I want to be part of something bigger.” I’ve felt that tension, too.Donor fatigue is real—but connection changes everything.Let’s stop choosing sides and start building bridges.Want to learn how human-centered fundraising could transform your

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01:01:35

Becoming Ken: What Fundraisers Can Learn about...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/08/12

Your self-worth ≠ your last “no”That’s what Ken Miller told me during a conversation that left me rethinking how we lead, fundraise, and show up foreveryone—not just donors. From the heights of Ivy League success to the lows of prison, Ken’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, dignity, and knowing your worth.His lessons on boundaries, self-esteem, and leading with love are ones every fundraiser, ED, and board member needs to hear. What would change in your work if you truly separated your worth

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53:44

How to Build Trust and Stand Firm in Fundraising

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/08/05

Why do we still treat donors like royalty and our teams like afterthoughts?After years in fundraising, I’ve seen how trust, power dynamics, and deep listening can make (or break) our impact. In my latest conversation with sector leader Martha Schumacher, we dig into trust-based philanthropy, standing firm against mission creep, and why real integrity sometimes means saying “no, thank you”—even to transformational gifts.Martha’s stories will stir your soul and challenge the way you lead. Are we

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16:53

Bridging the Gap: Blending Donor and...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/07/29

Burned out by fundraising debates?I know how exhausting it feels when donor-centered vs. community-centered fundraising pulls us apart—while donor fatigue and burnout drag us down. But what if there’s a more human, powerful way forward?In this episode, I share how I learned to build bridges, not barriers, and saw philanthropy—and team morale—soar in the process.What would your organization look like if everyone—donors, staff, and community—felt like a hero in your story?Take a listen, then share it

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55:17

From Overwhelm to Opportunity: AI and the Modern...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/07/22

Curiosity beats fear—every single time.Ever felt like AI is just spinning faster than you can keep up? I’ve been there—overwhelmed by “the next big thing” while trying to deliver more, with less, for my organization. In my latest conversation with AI thought leader Nathan Chappell, I discovered game-changing ways to shift from anxiety to opportunity—by asking better questions, not by working harder.Nathan reminds us: It’s not about mastering every shiny new tool, but about creating space to think,

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132 results

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