Donor recognition is an essential part of fundraising, but not all methods are created equal. In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, I take a candid look at donor walls and why many organizations should think twice before investing in traditional plaque-based displays.

I share the hidden costs of physical donor walls, from expensive updates and outdated logos to the headaches of mergers, divorces, and repeated names. You will hear stories from my own experience with donor walls in higher education and healthcare, including how a wall full of cartoon-style portraits turned into a source of frustration for donors and staff alike.

Most importantly, I offer practical alternatives that can save you money and build stronger donor relationships: digital donor walls, personalized recognition, mission-driven stewardship, and simple expressions of gratitude that connect donors to the real impact of their giving.

If your nonprofit is wrestling with how best to recognize donors, this episode will give you a clear-eyed perspective on what works, what doesn’t, and what will matter most to your supporters in the long run.

Looking for more fundraising help?  Get in touch with Tom at www.abundantvision.net 

Campaigns are often mistaken for parties, brochures, or glossy launch events. In reality, none of those make a campaign succeed. They are just the frosting. The real substance is vision.

In this 10th episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, I share lessons from 25 years in the field about what it takes to build a strong foundation for campaign success. You will hear why vision matters more than materials, how to articulate impact that goes far beyond bricks and mortar, and why clarity about execution is essential for donor trust.

I also share stories from campaigns I have led, including how a single endowed chair gift grew into a snowball of research activity, recruitment wins, and new funding streams. You will learn how to think bigger about the downstream effects of major gifts, how to build credibility with business-minded donors, and how to plan for the long haul.

If your organization is considering a campaign, or if you want to sharpen your skills for when the time comes, this episode will help you see what truly makes campaigns succeed.

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, we look at the lessons learned from moving beyond frontline work into managing other fundraisers. We discuss how to set clear goals without micromanaging, how to support team members while giving them room to thrive, and how to adapt management style to different personalities and needs.

You will also hear practical advice for mid-career fundraisers who are considering leadership roles. From navigating an increase in meetings to staying disciplined with portfolios, we talk about the strategies that help you remain a trusted colleague while continuing to raise money.

Finally, we return to one of the most important truths in fundraising: never take a no personally. Long-term relationships, patient stewardship, and persistence often matter more than the immediate outcome of a single ask.

This episode offers encouragement and actionable wisdom for anyone moving from gift officer to leader, or for nonprofit executives who want to better understand how to support their fundraising teams.

Looking for more resources for major gift mastery?  Check out www.abundantvision.com

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, we explore the impact of transformational gifts and what they mean for the momentum of a campaign. You will hear stories about early six-figure checks, multimillion-dollar commitments, and the lessons those gifts carry for other potential donors watching from the sidelines.

We also talk about what emerging fundraisers should focus on in their first roles, from building trust across campus to pushing past the fear of cold calls. Finally, we turn to the executive level, unpacking how presidents and executive directors can work effectively with their fundraising leaders.

Whether you are just beginning to ask for major gifts or leading an organization through a capital campaign, this episode offers practical insights into cultivating donor confidence, securing transformational support, and building strong partnerships with leadership.

In part two of my conversation with Jim Mahoney, we hear how he recovered from his very first missed solicitation window—and what happened when he went back for the ask. Jim shares how those early experiences shaped his approach to rejection, why “no” often means “not right now,” and how gratitude towards donors (even those who turn you down) can set the foundation for a lasting career.

We also talk about the lessons he learned from wrong moves, including what happens when alumni frustrations spill into fundraising visits, and why preparation, punctuality, and humility matter just as much as strategy. Jim offers practical advice on appointment-setting, organizing donor notes, and keeping relationship-building at the center of every conversation.

This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone navigating the ups and downs of major gift work—and reminds us that every mistake can become a stepping stone toward mastery.

Today I sit down with my very first manager in higher ed fundraising, Jim Mahoney. Jim was the one who pushed me to make my first big solicitation—knowing full well the donor would probably turn me down—just so I could learn what it feels like to ask boldly.

Now the Vice President for Development at Adrian College, Jim shares his journey from student phonathon caller to leading advancement efforts at two institutions. We talk about the small-world connections that open doors in fundraising, the mentors who shape our paths, and the early experiences that build resilience in the face of rejection.

Jim also tells the story of his very first major gift ask, the lesson he learned about spotting the “window of opportunity,” and how missing it taught him something more valuable than a yes ever could.

Be sure to tune in after the holiday break to hear part two, where Jim explains how he recovered from that early stumble and built a successful career in major gifts.

As 2023 winds down, it is the perfect time to evaluate what worked, what did not, and how to build a stronger fundraising program for the year ahead. In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, I walk through the three areas every nonprofit should review before January:

• Current initiatives: Where is your money really coming from and are your efforts diversified?
• Peer benchmarking: What are comparable organizations achieving and what can you learn from them?
• Counting every gift: Are you recognizing in-kind donations, discounts, and overlooked support that should be recorded?

I also share my candid perspective on events versus major gifts, why return on investment should drive every decision, and how one focused conversation with a donor can outperform months of planning a gala.

If you want 2024 to be a breakthrough year for your fundraising, this episode will help you set the right foundation.

In part three of my conversation with Dr. William Bartolini, we bring together the wisdom of a 45-year fundraising career with practical tools for fundraisers at every stage. Bill shares why AFP has been foundational to his success, the value of CFRE and ACFRE certification, and how the organization’s ethical standards and Donor Bill of Rights can serve as a guidepost when you face difficult decisions.

We also discuss the “magic wand” question that unlocks donor values, techniques for asking without bringing your own baggage into the room, and how to think about major gifts from the donor’s perspective rather than the organization’s. Finally, Bill offers practical advice for young fundraisers eager to grow into leadership roles—encouraging curiosity, mentorship, and saying yes to new experiences.

This conversation is a masterclass in blending ethics, empathy, and technique. It will inspire you to approach fundraising not as asking for money, but as helping people do good things and change the world.

In part two of my conversation with Dr. William Bartolini, we dig into the psychology of giving and the art of asking. Bill shares insights from his doctoral research on how donors make decisions, blending cognitive and emotional processing with practical fundraising strategy.

We explore today’s trends in philanthropy, from the rise of sophisticated donors and the overlooked potential of mid-level giving to the challenges posed by misinformation and political pressures. Bill also explains how empathy, motivation, and predispositions shape donor behavior—and why understanding these factors can make all the difference in securing transformational gifts.

Whether you’re coaching donors through their first major gift or working on complex principal gifts, this episode will help you approach the ask with clarity, confidence, and care.

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, I sit down with my longtime friend and mentor, Dr. Bill Bartolini, to explore his remarkable career in fundraising. From his unexpected start in public radio to decades of leadership in higher education and nonprofits, Bill shares stories that shaped his approach to philanthropy and donor relationships.

We discuss his early challenges, the role of empathy at the core of philanthropy, the art and science of moves management, and the difference between major and principal gifts. Bill also reflects on how the profession has changed across generations and why the future of fundraising gives him hope.

Whether you’re just starting out or leading a mature development shop, you’ll come away inspired by Bill’s wisdom, candor, and encouragement.