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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

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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46:45

Honoring Voices: Building an Ethical Storytelling...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/07/16

We don't need more “poverty porn” in our fundraising.I used to think telling hard stories was the only way to move donors—but I was wrong. If you’ve ever felt uneasy asking clients for stories, or unsure if your consent process would stand up to scrutiny, you’re not alone. I sat down with ethical storytelling expert Carly Euler from MemoryFox to explore how we can uplift voices, protect dignity, and still inspire major gifts. What would it mean for your mission—and the people you serve—to get

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13:22

Digital Heartbeats: Engaging Major Donors in a...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/07/08

Are your donor relationships thriving—or just surviving?Most nonprofits rely on mass emails and generic updates—then wonder why major donors disappear.Here’s the truth:Connection isn’t about the channel.It’s about intentionality..After 30+ years in fundraising, I’ve learned what actually works in a digital world:→ Personalize every touchpoint.“Dear Friend” won’t cut it. Use your CRM to reference gifts, interests, and conversations.→ Show impact with stories & visuals.A quick video tour or photo

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59:08

Embracing the Subscription Model in Nonprofit Giving

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/07/01

Donor counts are dropping—even as giving hits record highs.This isn’t just a headline. It’s the reality I unpacked with Dave Raley on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.We dove into why recurring giving is the bright spot in a shifting landscape—and why too many nonprofits still treat it like an afterthought. For years, I thought monthly giving was just for “big” organizations or required fancy tech. Dave’s insights (and his book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving) showed me: any nonprofit can build a

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13:47

Drawing a Line Between Fundraiser and Donor

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/06/24

Ever felt like your donor relationships are turning into guilt trips?After nearly 30 years in major gifts, I’ve seen how easy it is for the line between professionalism and friendship to blur.One story still sticks with me: a fundraiser got so close to a donor, she couldn’t bring herself to ask for support. The result? The mission lost out.Here’s the truth: 70% of donors say their relationship with the fundraiser influences their giving decisions. But when things gettoopersonal, it can lead to

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16:02

Bold Fundraising During Tumultuous Times

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/06/10

Donor hesitation is NOT your cue to retreat.I’ve seen firsthand how economic storms can freeze even the boldest fundraisers—but I’ve also watched organizations thrive by leaning in, not pulling back. In my latest episode, I share real stories, actionable strategies, and a few hard-won lessons to help you fundraise with confidence—even when the ground feels shaky.What’s your go-to move when uncertainty hits—do you wait it out or double down with intention?Listen in to this episode, share it with your

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40:04

Ten Toes Down: Building Bold, Inclusive Philanthropy...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/06/03

Have you ever felt like your organization is stuck in the same old fundraising routines, even as the world around us demands more courage and authenticity? I’ve been there too.That’s why my recent conversation with the brilliant Maia McGill hit home—her story of moving from “checking the DEI box” to building truly inclusive philanthropy is both eye-opening and deeply relatable.Maia’s journey reminded me of the power (and the risk) of standing “ten toes down” for equity, even when it’s uncomfortable

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47:31

The Slow Fundraising Movement: Depth Over Speed

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/05/27

In this episode of the Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Kravinchuk to talk about why philanthropy is so important for everyone. We also chatted about the upcoming Western Canada Fundraising Conference, and I loved hearing David describe what makes it so unique—from its warm, intimate community feel to the practical, hands-on sessions attendees can look forward to.David introduced me to the idea of the "slow fundraising movement," which is inspired by the

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15:14

Transforming Donor Relationships with Data-Driven...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/05/20

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling donor relationships in the dark, hoping you don’t drop the ball? In this week’s episode, I share how a data-driven moves management process turned my fundraising chaos into clarity—and how one missed thank-you nearly cost us a loyal donor. You’ll hear real stories, practical tips, and a few fun surprises that will make you rethink how you engage your top supporters.What if you could use data to make every donor feel like your only donor? 🤔 Listen now and

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16:22

Transforming Major Gifts: How ModernICG Is Shaping...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/05/06

I’ve got some BIG news to share— something that could change the way you think about major gift fundraising! After 30 years in this field, I’ve seen our world shift in ways we never imagined: donor expectations are evolving, technology is accelerating, and the challenges we face are more complex than ever.Imagine standing at the intersection of legacy and innovation, where the wisdom of fundraising giants meets the energy of the future. What if you could access the very best in major gift

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16:33

Beyond the Thank-You: Transforming Major Donors into...

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast ·

2025/04/29

Have you ever wondered why some major donors become lifelong champions while others quietly slip away? After nearly three decades in fundraising, I’ve learned that the answer lies in how we steward those relationships-not just with a thank-you, but with genuine, ongoing care.In this episode, I’ll share the real-life story of how one intentional stewardship journey turned a surprise $25,000 gift into a $250,000 legacy commitment. You’ll hear the strategies, the stumbles, and the simple shifts that

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122 results

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