Major Gifts Fundraising in 2025: How to Win with Joy and Authenticity

In this episode of The Focused Fundraiser, Rob Burke sits down with fundraising consultant Jake Kubik, founder of Valuable Visits, to talk about the real practices that move the needle in fundraising.

Jake shares his journey from healthcare administration to major gifts officer to launching his own consulting practice. Together, we dive deep into:

• Why authentic human relationships will always be the foundation of major gifts fundraising

• How AI tools can streamline admin work so fundraisers can spend more time with donors

• The mindset shift from budget pressure to joy-filled fundraising (#JoyDealer)

• Practical ways to segment donors and treat them differently without losing consistency

• Why values-based giving is changing donor expectations in 2025

• How fundraisers can fight overwhelm by finding mentors and community