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 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
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 ...
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.
...
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, ...
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 g...
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 dou...
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 (an...
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 t...
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...
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 ener...
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. Yo...
Are major gifts feeling out of reach?
Here's how to tackle the toughest major gift fundraising challenges! 🚀
Feeling like you’re chasing ghosts instead of donors? I know that struggle all too well. After nearly 30 years in fundraising, I’ve seen firsthand how major gift officers, development directors, executive directors, and board members pour heart and soul into donor outreach—only to hit walls of silence, “ghosting,” and s...
Have you ever felt the goosebumps when a grateful patient shares how your organization changed their life? 💙
Those stories don’t just move us—they move mountains for our missions. But inviting patients and families to share their journeys? That’s a delicate dance between inspiration and sensitivity.
In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I open up about what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) after n...
Have you ever felt the weight of navigating donor relationships, balancing mission integrity, and leading with courage in the nonprofit sector? I know I have. It’s not always easy, but conversations like the one I had with Roger Ali, AFP Global Board Chair, remind me why we do this work. 🌟
Roger’s journey from a Chamberlain Scholar to a global leader is nothing short of inspiring. He shared powerful lessons about standing firm in y...
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 pr...
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.” 💡 ...
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 ...
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 alignme...
Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift Cultivation
How 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 virtua...
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.
#TheIntentiona...
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 questi...
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