The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

Tammy Zonker
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Apr 1, 2025 • 11min

The Power of a Team-First Culture in Major Gift Success

Have you ever seen two fundraisers accidentally approach the same donor with conflicting proposals? I have—and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. 😬 It’s a moment I’ll never forget because it taught me one of the most important lessons in my career: fundraising isn’t a solo sport.In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I’m sharing how embracing a team-first culture can transform your major gifts program. 💡 From personal stories (like that donor mix-up) to actionable strategies, we’ll explore how collaboration can lead to bigger gifts, happier teams, and more engaged donors.Here’s a question for you: Is your team working together—or just working in the same office? 🤔 If there’s room for improvement (and let’s be honest, there always is), this episode is for you.🎧 Tune in now to learn how to break down silos, build trust, and celebrate team wins that make a real impact. And don’t forget to share this episode with your colleagues—because great fundraising starts with great teamwork!Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Mar 26, 2025 • 50min

From Burnout to Balance: Lessons from Kishshana Palmer

Is your work running you instead of the other way around? Here's how to break free from the busyness trap...I’ve certainly been there, and so has Kishshana Palmer, the powerhouse author of Busy is a Four-Letter Word. In our recent conversation on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, Kishshana shared stories that hit home—like the moment her daughter told her, “You don’t have to monetize everything you’re good at.” 💡 That was her wake-up call to rethink how she approached work and life.This episode dives deep into overcoming “martyritis” (yes, it’s a thing!), achieving more by doing less, and leading high-performing teams without burnout. Kishshana’s five-step Rethink Method will challenge you to pause, assess, and prioritize wellness—for yourself and your team. 🌟So, here’s my question to you:Are you ready to reclaim your time and purpose while still making an impact? If yes, grab a coffee (or tea ☕️), listen to this inspiring episode, and let’s redefine productivity together.🎧 Listen now and share this with fellow nonprofit leaders who need to hear it! Let’s start a movement for intentional leadership. 💬Guest: Kishshana Palmer, CEO, ManageMint, Inc.Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Mar 18, 2025 • 56min

Navigating Stakeholder Expectations and Building Sustainable Fundraising Strategies

Feeling pressure to hit fundraising goals while trying to build lasting donor relationships?I’ve been there too. It’s like walking a tightrope—balancing board expectations, donor engagement, and strategic goals without losing sight of your nonprofit’s mission. 🎯In my recent conversation with Cherian Koshy on #TheIntentionalFundraiserPodcast, we dove into the heart of these challenges. Cherian shared game-changing insights on how curiosity can transform stakeholder relationships, why ROI isn’t just about numbers, and how technology can empower us to focus on what really matters—human connection. 💡So, let me ask you: Are you ready to rethink how you measure success and create sustainable growth in your organization? If so, this episode is for you. 🎙️👉 Tune in now and discover strategies that will inspire your work and strengthen your impact. Let’s navigate this journey together! 🌟Guest: Cherian Koshy, Vice President of Product Strategy, KindsightResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Mar 11, 2025 • 53min

What Separates Great Nonprofits from Those that Struggle

Feeling ike your #nonprofit is stuck in a cycle of “just getting by”? In my recent conversation with Alan Clayton, author of Great Fundraising Organizations: Why and How the World's Best Charities Excel at Raising Money, we explored what separates great fundraising organizations from those that struggle. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about having a great mission or a big budget—it’s about intentionality, leadership, and alignment.Alan shared stories that gave me goosebumps, like how St. Labre Indian School found its true purpose and unlocked transformational growth. He also revealed why donors don’t give to organizations—they give to solve problems—and how understanding this simple truth can change everything.We discussed that one of the biggest challenges nonprofits face is balancing immediate fundraising needs with long-term sustainability. What's Alan's advice? 👉 Tune in for his answer!Guest: Alan Clayton, CEO at Revolutionise International, International Consultant, AuthorResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Mar 4, 2025 • 15min

Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift Cultivation

Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift CultivationHow do you make a major donor feel truly connected... without ever meeting face-to-face? 💻🤝In this episode, I'm taking you on a journey through the digital frontier of fundraising. I remember a donor who used to frame my handwritten notes? Now she's all about personalized video updates! It's a brave new world out there, folks, and I'm here to guide you through it.From virtual events that feel intimate to social media strategies that deepen relationships, I'm sharing all my secrets. But here's the burning question: Can digital tools really replace the warmth of a handshake? 🤔Tune in to discover how I helped one nonprofit boost major gift revenue by 22% using these exact strategies! 👉 Listen in now.  #TheIntentionalFundraiserPodcast #DigitalFundraising #MajorGifts #NonprofitInnovation #DonorRelationshipsResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Feb 25, 2025 • 19min

Supercharge Your Capital Campaign with Challenge Gifts

Imagine a small arts org, struggling to hit their targets. Then BAM! 💥 A $100k challenge gift comes in, and suddenly we're not just meeting goals - we're smashing them!Want to know how we turned that mountain into a molehill? 🏔️➡️🐜I'm spilling all the tea on challenge gifts - the fundraising superpower you didn't know you needed. 🦸‍♀️💰Ready to transform your next campaign from "meh" to "AMAZING"? 🎉👉 Listen now.#TheIntentionalFundraiser #NonprofitSuccess #ChallengeGifts #CapitalCampaignResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Feb 18, 2025 • 15min

Your Roadmap to Major Gift Success

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I talk about building a major gift program that can transform your nonprofit's financial landscape. 🍵💰Picture this: You're standing at the base of a mountain, your organization's most ambitious goals looming at the peak. Seems impossible to reach, right? Wrong! I'll show you how to build a bridge that'll take you straight to the top. 🏔️🌉Here's the million-dollar question (pun intended 😉): What could your nonprofit achieve if you had a thriving major gift program?Ready to find out? Tune in to my latest episode. And share it with your team and colleagues – they'll love you for it! 💖#TheIntentionalFundraiserPodcast #MajorGifts #MajorDonor #NonprofitFundraising #DonorRelations #NonprofitLeadership Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Feb 11, 2025 • 14min

5 Strategies that Work for Mastering Major Donor Cultivation

🌟 What if I told you one conversation could unlock a transformational gift for your nonprofit?I’ve sat across from donors who seemed untouchable—until a simple, personalized video led to a six-figure gift. 🎥💸 Sound like magic? It’s not. It’s strategy. Here’s the truth: "major donors aren’t ATMs." They’re partners waiting to fall in love with your mission. But how do you bridge the gap between “Hi, nice to meet you” and “Here’s my life-changing gift”? I’ll share the exact moment a donor looked me in the eye and said, “I finally get it”—and how that moment turned into a $500,000 commitment. 🤝 Here’s my question for you: "When was the last time a donor told YOU, 'I finally get it'?" If it’s been a while, this episode is for you. 🎧 Hit play now to discover the 5 strategies that helped nonprofits like yours boost major gift revenue by 40% in 18 months. Then share it with your team—because transformational fundraising starts here. #MajorGifts #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategies #PhilanthropyMatters #ListenAndShare 🌍✨Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Feb 4, 2025 • 14min

The Silent Revolution of Anonymous Giving

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I dive deep into a trend that's quietly reshaping philanthropy — the Silent Revolution of Anonymous Giving. Imagine receiving a six-figure donation, only to discover it comes from 'Anonymous.' Exciting, right? But how do we express gratitude and demonstrate impact when we can’t even name our benefactor? 🤔I share a story from my time working with a mid-size organization in Detroit that faced this very challenge. Their initial joy turned to uncertainty when they received a $500,000 anonymous gift. Together, we crafted creative strategies that not only honored donor privacy but also fostered deeper connections and trust. What if the future of fundraising isn't about names on walls but about the profound impact we create together? 🌍Join me as I explore actionable tips for embracing this new landscape and ensuring every gift—named or unnamed—is celebrated for its impact. 👉 Tune in now and let’s transform your fundraising approach! And if you find it valuable, please share it with your network! #Nonprofit #Fundraising #AnonymousGiving #Philanthropy #DonorRelationsResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.
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Jan 28, 2025 • 58min

How "Thank You" Can Transform Your Fundraising

I just had the most incredible conversation with Lisa Sargent, the gratitude expert of fundraising! 🙌You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when someone genuinely appreciates you? Well, imagine if we could bottle that feeling and use it to transform our donor relationships! 💖 That's exactly what Lisa and I explored in our chat about her new book, "Thankology."Did you know that a simple "thank you" could potentially increase donations by $450,000? 🤯 Or that expressing gratitude actually lights up specific areas of our brains, promoting understanding and pro-social behavior?Here's a thought-provoking question for you: Are we truly making our donors feel seen and appreciated, or are we just going through the motions?Get ready to discover how implementing effective thanking strategies can boost donor retention, increase giving levels, and create a more fulfilling experience for both your donors and your organization. 🚀 Listen to this episode now and share it with your colleagues. #FundraisingTips #DonorAppreciation #NonprofitLeadership #ThankologyGuest: Lisa Sargent, Principal, Lisa Sargent Communications, AuthorResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

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