Summary:
In this special episode, Clark is joined by Monica Vandeventer—CEO of Major Gifts Fundraiser and the brain behind the ClarkBot. Together, they unpack how fundraisers can simplify, streamline, and elevate their year-end appeal process using the ClarkBot and a brand-new guided 5-day course.

Monica explains how the ClarkBot isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a personalized fundraising assistant trained on Major Gifts Fundraiser’s own methodology, ready to walk with you step-by-step through appeal writing, email copy, social media, phone scripts, and more. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or stuck refining your message, the ClarkBot offers practical help—without the burnout.

They also dive into the common mistakes nonprofits make when writing appeals, why message structure matters, and Monica’s signature framework for appeal content: Why, Why Us, Why Now.

If you want to avoid a stressful December, this episode is your invitation to give yourself an early Christmas present: a fully prepped year-end campaign that actually works.

Topics Covered:

• What the ClarkBot is and how it works

• Using AI to craft donor-centric, effective year-end appeals

• The 5-day course structure and what to expect

• Monica’s “Why / Why Us / Why Now” messaging framework

• Why most organizations focus on the wrong part of the appeal

• Tips to get your letter opened, read, and acted on

• How nonprofits can free up their December by planning now

• The problem with major donors giving messaging advice

• Using data-driven best practices from research (like Next After)

Program Info: Write Your Year-End Appeal in 5 Days

• Cost: $279 one-time

• Launch Date: Opens August 18

• Structure: 5 asynchronous video modules with hands-on ClarkBot integration

• Outcome: A completed multi-channel year-end campaign (letter, emails, social media, phone scripts, timeline)

• Signup Link: See show notes or visit majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Mentioned in This Episode:

• ClarkBot: Your AI fundraising coach, trained on Clark’s voice and donor-centric strategies

• Next After: Nonprofit research and A/B testing hub for what actually works in appeals

• Listener Preferences Podcast: (Referenced toward the end of this episode) – learning to tailor messaging for different types of donors

Connect with Us:

• Email:

  • Clark: [email protected]

  • Monica: [email protected]

• Social:

  • Instagram: @majorgiftsfundraiser

  • Facebook: Major Gifts Fundraiser

  • LinkedIn: Major Gifts Fundraiser

  • Clark’s personal IG (for Romania updates): @clarkvand