The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

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 tur…

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…

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 for everyone—not just donors. From the heights of Ivy…

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 la…

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’…

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…

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 un…

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 chan…

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 giv…

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 sto…

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.…

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 c…

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 …

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 fundrais…

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 …

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 t…

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. Af…

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 patien…

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 …

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 m…