$5k a year. For 12 years.

Then she sold her business.

The fundraiser said, "congratulations," and changed the subject.

Sixty days later, with one different question, that same donor transferred $400,000 in appreciated stock before the sale closed.

Same donor. Same relationship. Different question.

This week on The Intentional Fundraiser, I'm pulling back the curtain on what most major gift teams are quietly missing in 2026: asset-based gifts.

Stock. DAFs. Closely held business interests. Real estate.

These are not "planned giving department" conversations anymore. They are the next frontier of major gifts for nonprofits of every size.

In this episode, Beyond Cash: Unlocking Asset-Based Major Gifts, I walk through:

→ The donor signals that say "I'm ready for this conversation"

→ Two conversation openers that stay donor-centered and advisor-friendly

→ The four asset types every major gift officer should be fluent in

→ Stewardship moves that turn one complex gift into long-term partnership

→ The internal readiness check you can do with your CFO this week

If cash giving in your shop feels flat, this is the door I want to open for you.

Listen to this week's episode and share it with your CEO and finance lead. The fundraisers who get comfortable with complex gifts now will quietly outpace everyone else over the next three years.

What's the one part of asset-based giving that still feels intimidating in your work?

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

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