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
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 44 minutes
- Episodes
- 118
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
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 …
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 stra…
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 Ex…
Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift Cultivation
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…
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…
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 …
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…
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…
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…
The Power of Preparation: Keys to Launching a Successful Capital Campaign
Overwhelmed at the prospect of launching a capital or comprehensive campaign for your nonprofit?
As someone who's been in the fundraising trenches for years, I remember the mix of excitement and sheer…
The Power of Conversational Fundraising: Strategies for Meaningful Donor Engagement
🎙️ Ever felt that pit in your stomach before asking for a major gift? I've been there too! 😅
In my latest chat with Kent Stroman, founder of The Asking Academy, you'll discover how to transform those …
Building a Movement of Charitable Living Through Monthly Giving
🎙️ I recently had an awesome conversation with Dana Snyder, author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind, and wow, can it change your perspective on monthly giving programs?! 🤯
Dana shared a powerful fram…
Beyond the Ask: How Relationship Fundraising Can Transform Your Nonprofit
Ever wondered why donors leave faster than we can acquire them? 😓
I recently had the privilege of chatting with the brilliant Ken Burnett, the father of relationship fundraising, about his newest boo…
Insights from the 2024 State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report
🚀 Feeling hesitant about launching a capital campaign? I've got some eye-opening news for you!
In my latest chat with Stephen Shattuck from Capital Campaign Pro, we dived deep into the 2024 State of C…
From Stress to Success: Transforming Your Fundraising Mindset with Mallory Erickson
Ever felt like you're wearing a mask in your fundraising role? I have. In my recent chat with Mallory Erickson, we pulled back the curtain on the real struggles and triumphs of nonprofit professional…
How Donors Feel About the Use of AI in Fundraising
🤯 Mind blown! I just had the most incredible conversation with AI fundraising experts Nathan Chappell and Cherian Koshy. Ever wonder what donors really think about AI in fundraising? 🤔 These two bril…
Bridging Crypto and Causes: Shaping the Next Era of Giving
Ever wondered how cryptocurrency is transforming the world of philanthropy? Join me in exploring this fascinating topic in my latest podcast episode featuring Pat Duffy, Co-Founder of The Giving Bloc…
Community Impact: The Power of Giving Circles
Have you ever wondered how you can make an even bigger impact in your community? 🤔 Or how everyday people like you and me can become catalysts for change in our communities?
In my latest episode of Th…
The Transformative Power of Immersive Storytelling
Have you ever wondered how immersive storytelling can elevate your fundraising efforts? Join me in an inspiring conversation with the brilliant Shanon Doolittle and the amazing Chris Davenport, found…
Community Catalysts: Inspiring Change with Floyd Jones
Ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of fundraising? 🤔
In my latest podcast episode, I sit down with the incredible Floyd Jones to unpack the transformative power of community-driven philanthropy. Fro…