

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast
Tammy Zonker
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 growing hunger for training and expertise in this area.
I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with nonprofits from all around the world helping organizations collectively raise nearly one billion dollars. During this time, I’ve developed strategies and tools that have consistently helped organizations transition their mid-level donors into major donors through meaningful engagement. It’s a process that, when done consistently, can truly catapult an organization’s major gift fundraising to the next level.
Whether you’re a seasoned major gift officer looking to refine your approach, a development director aiming to build a powerhouse program, an executive director looking to scale your organization’s capacity for transformational giving, or a board member seeking to understand the transformative potential of major gifts, The Intentional Fundraiser podcast is your source for growth and excellence in major gift fundraising.
So, buckle up! We're about to embark on a journey to take your major gift program to the next level – and beyond. Let's get intentional about major gift fundraising!
Keep transforming,
Tammy Zonker
Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker
Fundraising Transformed
#ScaleRaiseDo
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 growing hunger for training and expertise in this area.
I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with nonprofits from all around the world helping organizations collectively raise nearly one billion dollars. During this time, I’ve developed strategies and tools that have consistently helped organizations transition their mid-level donors into major donors through meaningful engagement. It’s a process that, when done consistently, can truly catapult an organization’s major gift fundraising to the next level.
Whether you’re a seasoned major gift officer looking to refine your approach, a development director aiming to build a powerhouse program, an executive director looking to scale your organization’s capacity for transformational giving, or a board member seeking to understand the transformative potential of major gifts, The Intentional Fundraiser podcast is your source for growth and excellence in major gift fundraising.
So, buckle up! We're about to embark on a journey to take your major gift program to the next level – and beyond. Let's get intentional about major gift fundraising!
Keep transforming,
Tammy Zonker
Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker
Fundraising Transformed
#ScaleRaiseDo
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 26, 2023 • 35min
Building a Robust Fundraising Engine: Strategies for Nonprofit Leaders
I hope this email finds you in good health and high spirits. As the host of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, it brings me immense joy to connect with dedicated fundraisers and nonprofit leaders like you, who are working tirelessly to make the world a more just and equitable place.In our recent episode, we had the privilege of interviewing the incredible Brooke Richie-Babbage, a seasoned nonprofit leader and social entrepreneur with over 23 years of experience. Brooke is the founder and CEO of Bending Arc, a social impact strategy and digital content firm that partners with nonprofit leaders and philanthropic institutions to launch and scale high-impact nonprofits. She is also the host of the Nonprofit Mastermind podcast and serves as the Director of the Social Justice Accelerator at the Urban Justice Center and the NetLab Initiative at the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation.During our conversation with Brooke, we delved deep into the core elements of a robust fundraising engine and explored strategies to attract and engage donors effectively. She shared invaluable insights on the importance of aligning your organization's strategic vision with its fundraising efforts and offered practical advice on how to cut through the chaos that often surrounds nonprofit leadership.Brooke's wisdom and expertise are not to be missed, especially as we approach the fourth quarter, a crucial time for fundraising. Her tips on building relationships, focusing on cultivation, and practicing time-blocking will undoubtedly help you navigate these challenges with confidence and purpose.Feel free to share this episode with your fellow fundraisers and nonprofit peers, as we believe that together, we can amplify our impact and create positive change in the world.As always, we deeply appreciate your support and dedication to the nonprofit sector. If you have any questions or suggestions for future podcast episodes, don't hesitate to reach out. We value your feedback and are committed to bringing you the most valuable content possible.Thank you for being an integral part of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast community. Together, we will continue to uplift and empower one another to achieve transformative fundraising success.Wishing you a successful and fulfilling fundraising journey ahead!Take a listen.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODENonprofit Mastermind PodcastSuperfans: The Easy Way to Stand Out, Grow Your Tribe, and Build a Successful Business by Pat FlynnRaise More Together ConferenceChatGPT (OpenAI)PunkpostCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Instagram / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

Jul 19, 2023 • 58min
The Power of Passion and Empathy in Nonprofit Leadership
I had a bit of a revelation recently. I was talking to Justin Yaassoub, a man who knows a thing or two about leadership. It was one of those conversations that make you sit up and take notice. Justin went from a military background to the world of consulting and coaching, but not before experiencing a pivotal moment during a 300-kilometer canoe trip. Waking up cold, wet, and probably a tad miserable after a downpour, he saw one of his peers greet the day with unbridled positivity. That was a game-changer, a moment that embodied the power of controlling emotions and turning seemingly worst-case scenarios into positive experiences. A lesson about empathy, courage, and self-sacrifice that's stuck with him ever since.Now, Justin is using that perspective to shape his leadership philosophy. He's all about authenticity, consistent behavior toward staff, and most importantly, setting conditions for their success, and ultimately, the success of the organization. And he's got a lot to share.On The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, Justin shared some invaluable insights that can really shift the way you look at leadership. He talked about the profound impact of passion, empathy, courage, and self-sacrifice on leadership and reaching the zenith of perfection. He discussed the significance of self-awareness and inculcating healthy self-competition for enhancing personal growth and development. He also stressed how leading change with passion and a deep-seated sense of empathy can stir up powerful transformation and forge connections.But that's not all.He talked about the pivotal role of empathy and connection in leading effectively, underscoring that every endeavor boils down to human connection and how empathy fuels action and bravery. Especially in the not-for-profit sector, authenticity, and empathy are crucial. Justin's rich insights and unique approach to leadership might just be the catalyst you need to embrace your passion, embody empathy, and muster the courage to be an integral part of your leadership journey.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Intelligent Conversationalist: 31 Cheat Sheets That Will Show You How to Talk to Anyone About Anything, Anytime by Imogen Lloyd WebberWestern Canada Fundraising ConferenceTony MyersCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Website / EmailRATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

Jul 11, 2023 • 1h 14min
Unleashing the Power of Innovation in Fundraising Strategies
ENROLL IN THE INTENTIONAL FUNDRAISING PLAN MASTERCLASS. DOORS CLOSE FRIDAY, JULY 14!I remember, years ago, I was just starting out in the industry, working long hours and constantly seeking new ways to inspire potential donors. The world was a different place back then, technology was more of a luxury and the tools we leaned on were pretty traditional. Recently, I reconnected with a quote by George Bernard Shaw: "Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything." It made me think about the drastic evolution that fundraising has undergone over the past years, and more importantly, how we as fundraising professionals need to constantly adapt and innovate to stay relevant. Enter Charlotte Keen, a trailblazer in the evolving landscape of fundraising. Our conversation was a breath of fresh air, as she shared some revolutionary ideas and practices that are reshaping the world of fundraising. And let me tell you, if you're involved in fundraising in any capacity, this is one conversation you don't want to miss. Does it sound familiar, being so absorbed in your work that you sometimes forget to step back and examine the bigger picture? The advancements, the technology, the new ideas? I get it. But, the insight Charlotte has to offer is a game changer. This week on our podcast, we delve into the future of fundraising, discussing the latest tools, technologies, and strategies that can take your fundraising efforts to a whole new level. So, are you ready to step into the future of fundraising? Take a listen to this riveting conversation. Wishing you successful fundraising,Tammy ZonkerRESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEComic ReliefContagious: Why Things Catch On by Jonah BergerMeta Ads LibraryChartered Institute of FundraisingCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

Jun 28, 2023 • 56min
Building & Scaling Your Legacy Giving Program
As fundraisers, we know that navigating the challenges of legacy giving can be difficult. We also know monthly givers have the highest potential and probability of making legacy gifts.In this episode, Lynne Boardman and I delve into not just the how, but the why and the what of legacy giving. Lynne shares her valuable insights and practical advice on how to make legacy giving an integral part of your fundraising strategy.You'll learn about the potential pitfalls, the surefire strategies, and most importantly, how to sustain and grow your legacy program. So, if you've ever struggled with legacy giving, or felt overwhelmed by it, this episode is a must-listen.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODERaise & Shine The PodcastThe Healthy Nonprofit: Inspirational Thoughts on Leadership, Purpose and Success by Harvey McKinnonWestern Canada Fundraising Conference (WCFC)Gryphon FundraisingCanadaHelpsGiving USAThe 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Sean CoveyCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Twitter / Instagram / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSBloomerangThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.iWaveFor more than three decades, iWave has been aggregating wealth, philanthropic, and biographic data and turning it into the actionable intelligence that fundraising teams need to learn more about their donors, raise more money and maximize their impact.Learn more about iWave.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

Jun 21, 2023 • 55min
Unleashing The Power of Communication in Your Nonprofit
Understanding the power of words in the social sector is crucial for nonprofit organizations. Choosing and using the right language in communications can mean the difference between engaging supporters or repelling them.A strong message not only gets noticed but also deepens connections with audiences and propels them to take action, ultimately leading to increased revenue and greater impact. It is essential for non-profit leaders to appreciate the energetic impact of words and harness their potential to shape beliefs and actions.In this episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, Erica Barnhart and I talk about the significance of combining the familiar with the novel in language usage. By crafting messages that resonate with the audience's reticular activating system, organizations can increase their potential for understanding and mobilizing support for their cause. Being mindful of word choice helps non-profits create grooves in people's minds, allowing them to better communicate their mission and connect with their audience effectively.Erica emphasizes the importance of clear and concise messaging. With tailored communication strategies, #nonprofits can increase engagement, revenue, and impact. Take a listen.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEPitchfalls: why bad pitches happen to good people by Erica Mills Barnhart by Erica MillsRecharge: Energize your employees one word at a timeGreat Mission. Bad Statement.Free DIY Resources from ClaxonA More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren BergerLeadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World by Margaret J. WheatleyMy Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa MenakemCommunicate for Good PodcastThe WordifierCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

Jun 15, 2023 • 50min
Strengthening Your Board Engagement
Join me as I chat with Andy Robinson to unlock the secrets to balancing personal talents and organizational requirements for a high-performance board on the latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser.My special guest is Andy RobinsonGet to know Andy Robinson, an accomplished trainer, consultant, and author whose mission is to guide nonprofit organizations in the areas of board development and effective fundraising. Through his dedication to the nonprofit sector, he has led over 150 online meetings, webinars, and workshops since March 2020, adapting to the new normal in a post-pandemic world.As a testament to his expertise, Andy has published six books that provide invaluable insights to nonprofit boards, such as Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money, and his latest work, What Every Board Member Needs to Know, Do, and Avoid. Based in Plainfield, Vermont, Andy continues to make a difference in the nonprofit community through his innovative approach to board development and fundraising.In this episode:Gain insights into enhancing your nonprofit's capabilities and fundraising prowess for greater impact.Realize the power of engaging board members in fundraising initiatives to assure a nonprofit's success.Find out the importance of equipping board members with proper training and fostering active participation.Recognize the benefits of harmonizing individual strengths and nonprofits' demands for a high-performance board.Dive into the essentials of collaborative decision-making and well-trained facilitators in achieving fundraising goals.You don't wanna miss this juicy conversation! Take a listen.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODETrain Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money by Andy Robinson & Andrea KihlstedtWhat Every Board Member Needs to Know, Do, and Avoid by Andy RobinsonFacilitator's Guide to Participatory Decision-Making by Sam KanerAlliance for Nonprofit ManagementCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Facebook / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

May 30, 2023 • 50min
The Song of Significance with Seth Godin
In my latest podcast episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I had the privilege of speaking with the brilliant Seth Godin about the importance of nurturing a valuable atmosphere within nonprofit organizations.When it comes to building a thriving nonprofit, it's crucial to focus on creating a culture of significance. By embracing transparency, empathy, and open communication, we can foster an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to make real change.This approach also extends to our interactions with donors, who are seeking to engage with organizations that share their values and make a genuine impact.Seth shares that leaders should prioritize creating a sense of belonging, connection, and meaning within their organization, focusing on opening doors and opportunities for employees and donors. By doing so, a nonprofit can ensure that each team member feels supported in reaching their potential and making the impact they desire.In this juicy episode, we talk about:Cultivating a meaningful environment for all involved in nonprofit organizations.Implementing techniques for genuine and empathetic connections with employees and donors.Refining clarity and openness in your organization's communication.Welcoming innovation and adaptation within nonprofit endeavors.Fostering a heartfelt, caring approach to fundraising efforts.You don't wanna miss this transformational conversation with Seth! Take a listen.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEThe Song of Significance: A New Manifesto for Teams by Seth GodinThis is MarketingThe PracticeLet's Get Real or Let's Not Play: Transforming the Buyer/Seller Relationship by Mahan Khalsa CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Twitter / Facebook / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

May 26, 2023 • 28min
The Power of Recurring Giving Communities
Do you want to increase donor loyalty and boost lifetime value? As an Individual Giving Program Manager, building sustainable recurring giving communities is the key. And the solution lies in creating a culture of giving that fosters long-term relationships with your donors. With this approach, you can achieve higher donor retention rates and maximize lifetime value, all while making a positive impact. Join me as I share the secrets to building successful recurring giving communities that can drive your organization's growth and success.In this episode, I talk about:Uncovering the immense impact of recurring giving programs on fundraising triumphs.Delving into the psychological aspects of belonging that form a profound donor experience.Mastering the art of building and fortifying recurring giving communities for long-term stability.Establishing meaningful social bonds and trust in your recurring giving communities.Curating an enticing engagement calendar and distinct branding for your recurring giving initiatives.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

May 17, 2023 • 1h 5min
Harnessing the Power of Hybrid Events to Build Community and Raise Money
I loved speaking with Kristin Steele and Samantha Swaim on this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Inclusion is the cornerstone of successful fundraising. The power of hybrid events lies in their ability to bring together diverse communities by fostering inclusivity and emotional connections with donors and creating engaging experiences that drive fundraising results.One of my favorite parts was this:When Kristin and Samantha first realized the potential of hybrid events, it was like a breath of fresh air in the world of fundraising. As they saw the world rapidly adapting to the challenges brought on by the Pandemic, they knew that the way people gathered and connected needed to change as well. For them, hybrid events were more than just a trendy idea, they were the key to creating inclusive and accessible experiences that aligned with the missions of countless organizations.Do you want to expand your nonprofit's reach and create a more inclusive and engaging event experience – and raise more money? Listen in as Kristin and Samantha share the solution to achieving diversity and active involvement through hybrid events.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEPlanning a Successful Major Donor EventThe Storytelling Animal: How Stories Make Us Human by Jonathan GottschallThe Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya ParkerStart with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action by Simon SinekThe Nonprofit Storytelling ConferenceElevateCONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS ONLINEKristin Steele: Linkedin / Twitter / Facebook / Website / EmailSamantha Swaim: Linkedin / Twitter / Facebook / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

May 10, 2023 • 55min
Mastering Mindset for Fundraising Success
Rhea Wong, a successful fundraiser and passionate advocate for changing mindsets, found herself in a challenging situation when she first became an executive director. With no prior knowledge, she began her journey by learning everything she could about fundraising, only to discover that psychological aspects were missing from the teachings. Reflecting on her upbringing and the scarcity mindset she had inherited from her family, Rhea realized that her own fear of asking for support was holding her back. Committed to overcoming her own barriers and helping others do the same, Rhea now emphasizes the importance of examining one's relationship with money and the role mindset plays in successful fundraising.Discover the psychological aspect of fundraising with Rhea Wong as she shares her personal journey of overcoming a scarcity mindset, and offers practical tips to manage your brain and upgrade your money operating system to achieve fundraising success.In this episode, we delve into:Understanding how nurturing the right mindset and implementing smart systems set the foundation for fundraising success.Developing adaptable fundraising tactics that encourage task delegation, maximizing productivity.Concentrating on mending donor retention leaks to foster a solid sense of trust in your cause.Connecting on an emotional level with potential donors, tapping into their core motivations to give.Maintaining a positive, fun attitude toward fundraising, making it an engaging and worthwhile endeavor.My special guest is Rhea WongRhea Wong is a renowned fundraising expert, author, and podcast host with a passion for helping nonprofits establish individual giving programs. With years of experience in institutional, corporate, and event fundraising, Rhea has raised millions of dollars for various causes. She has become a leader in the New York nonprofit community, earning recognition through the Smart CEO Brava Award in 2015 and the New York Nonprofit Media's 40 Under 40 in 2017. Rhea is also the host of the popular podcast the Nonprofit Lowdown and author of Get That Money, Honey! When she's not busy raising funds, Rhea enjoys trying her hand at stand-up comedy in downtown Brooklyn.From a fear of asking for support to empowering others, Rhea Wong's journey in fundraising has an unexpected twist that will leave you inspired and motivated. But what was the key to her success? Find out as we delve into the mindset-changing story of this passionate advocate for nonprofit organizations.RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODEGet That Money, Honey!: The No-Bullsh*t Guide to Raising More Money For Your Nonprofit by Rhea WongNonprofit Lowdown PodcastFour Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman1,000 True Fans by Kevin KellyYou're Invited: The Art and Science of Connection, Trust, and Belonging by Jon LevyThis Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth GodinSetting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny MeyerInside the Mind of a Curious ChameleonCONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINELinkedin / Website / EmailTHANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORThank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS “I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and 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. SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.