Summary:
In this episode, Clark dives into the most underrated (yet powerful) skill a fundraiser can cultivate: gratitude.

Far beyond gift acknowledgments and thank-you letters, Clark explores how authentic gratitude—when it’s woven into your worldview—can transform your relationships with donors, elevate your joy in the work, and even raise more money. Drawing from personal reflections, practical tips, and the wisdom of Henri Nouwen, he outlines a simple but profound truth: fundraising isn’t about begging—it’s about partnership.

You’ll walk away with actionable practices to help you strengthen your “gratitude muscles” so that you don’t just express gratitude… you live it.

Key Topics Covered:

• Why entitlement, bitterness, and resentment are red flags in fundraising

• The sacredness of the donor’s gift: they’re giving you a piece of their life

• Why real stewardship starts with internal gratitude, not external tactics

• Practical daily exercises to grow your gratitude muscles:

  • Journaling and listing what you’re thankful for

  • Sending spontaneous thank-you texts

  • Writing long-form letters of appreciation

  • Tipping generously as an act of abundance and perspective

• How gratitude changes not just your donor relationships, but your entire posture toward the world

• The connection between abundance, joy, and generosity in leadership

Featured Quote:

“When donors give their money, they’re giving you little fragments of their life.”

Mentioned in This Episode:

• A Spirituality of Fundraising by Henri Nouwen

• Clark’s personal gratitude routines

• The phrase “poco a poco” — little by little, one travels far

• Jimmy Buffett’s line: “Made enough money to buy Miami, but I pissed it away so fast…”

Opportunities for Deeper Engagement:

• Clarkbot – Your AI-powered fundraising coach trained on Major Gifts Fundraiser strategy.

  Try it free

• New Course: Write Your Year-End Appeal in 5 Days – Led by Monica, this asynchronous course will walk you through building your entire year-end fundraising campaign.

  
  [email protected]

  
  

Connect with Clark:

• Email: [email protected]

• Social:

  • Instagram: @majorgiftsfundraiser / @clarkvand

  • LinkedIn: Major Gifts Fundraiser

  • Facebook: Major Gifts Fundraiser

Enjoying the show?
Follow, rate, or review the podcast—your feedback helps us reach more mission-driven fundraisers just like you.

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

Summary:Are you walking, resting, or sprinting right now? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares a powerful metaphor drawn from his time trail running in Tahoe to help you evaluate the pace of your fundraising work. He explores what it means to find a rhythm you can sustain for the long haul—and how to avoid burnout.

Clark also offers two simple, relationship-rich habits you can adopt today to deepen donor engagement without exhausting yourself. And he introduces the Clarkbot, an AI-powered tool that makes his insight and encouragement available anytime you need it.

Topics covered:

• What endurance running teaches us about sustainable fundraising

• The dangers of running all-out too long

• The importance of pacing: when to push and when to rest

• Clark’s “3 donor calls on a walk” routine

• Why handwritten notes still matter

• The mindset of poco a poco—little by little, one travels far

Mentioned in This Episode:

• Clarkbot – Clark’s AI-powered chatbot that answers fundraising questions in Clark’s own voice and tone. Try it for free at www.majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Connect with Clark:

If you'd like personal feedback on your annual work rhythm or just want to say hello, reach out to Clark at [email protected].

Help Us Grow:If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please consider rating, reviewing, or following the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach and support more fundraisers like you.

Summary:
In this episode, Clark Vandeventer reflects on his annual “Tahoe Time” and uses the example of his Airbnb hosting experience to deliver a timely message for fundraisers: do the basics well—and then, surprise and delight.

Clark draws on a quote from the Disney Guide on customer service to challenge fundraisers not to rely on occasional grand gestures, but to consistently deliver meaningful, relationship-rich experiences for donors. You’ll hear about his Stewardship Basics Scorecard, the importance of setting a service baseline, and how playful touches—like fairy gardens and handwritten notes—can only add value after the fundamentals are in place.

This episode is full of practical wisdom for fundraisers who want to steward donors in a way that is both effective and heartfelt.

Topics covered:

• The power of establishing a donor stewardship foundation

• Why systems alone are not enough

• When and how to “surprise and delight” your supporters

• What Disney can teach us about consistency in donor care

• A case study in service and playfulness

• Avoiding the trap of overcompensating with heroic gestures

• Why true service must come from the heart

Resources mentioned:

• Stewardship Basics Scorecard – a self-assessment tool to evaluate your donor care systems

• Clarkbot – Clark’s AI assistant trained on hundreds of thousands of his words, available at www.MajorGiftsFundraiser.com

Follow Clark’s Adventure:

• Personal Instagram – @clarkvand

• Professional Instagram – @majorgiftsfundraiser

Connect with Clark:
Have a question or just want to connect? Reach out to Clark at [email protected]

Enjoying the podcast?
Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Your support helps us serve more fundraisers doing meaningful work.

Summary

In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast, Monica and Clark delve into the significance of understanding oneself and others in the context of fundraising. They discuss various personality profiles, the importance of listening, and how to adapt communication styles to better connect with donors. The introduction of the ClarkBot, an AI tool designed to assist fundraisers, is also highlighted, along with upcoming training opportunities and hypothetical ideas for future engagement.

Takeaways

• Understanding your own strengths and weaknesses is crucial.
• Knowing your partner's love language is more important.
• Curiosity about donors is essential for fundraisers.
• Asking strategic questions can enhance donor relationships.
• Different types of questions can elicit valuable donor insights.
• Listener preferences can impact donor engagement.
• Fundraisers should adapt their communication style to match donor preferences.
• The ClarkBot offers real-time support for fundraisers.
• Confidence in fundraising comes from clarity and action.
• Engaging in training cohorts can enhance fundraising skills.

Summary

In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of personal connections in donor engagement, navigating donor visits that include family and friends, and the value of shared experiences in fundraising. Additionally, he introduces the ClarkBot, an AI-powered tool designed to assist fundraisers with their questions and strategies.

Takeaways

• Rest is not my forte; I typically relax by doing hard things.
• When hosting donors, it's about conducting a visit, not just tour guiding.
• Engaging donors involves asking strategic questions amidst personal connections.
• Bringing family or friends to donor visits can complicate strategic discussions.
• Shared experiences with donors can enhance their commitment to the organization.
• The ClarkBot is a valuable tool for fundraising questions and support.
• Good relationships are built on shared experiences and interactions.
• Asking strategic questions in front of family can be beneficial for all.
• Slow and steady processes can lead to more effective outcomes in fundraising.
• Personal connections are key to successful donor engagement.

Summary

In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the critical role of culture in fundraising, emphasizing that who you are as a fundraiser matters more than what you do. He explores the importance of genuine gratitude, building authentic relationships with donors, and understanding the deeper nature of donor transactions. The conversation highlights practical strategies for cultivating a positive fundraising culture and the right intentions behind asking for donations.

Takeaways

• Culture is more important than strategy in fundraising.
• What you are as a fundraiser speaks louder than your actions.
• Genuine gratitude is essential for successful fundraising.
• Building relationships with donors is key to fundraising success.
• Donors are partners in your mission, not just sources of money.
• Gratitude should be a defining characteristic of fundraisers.
• Understanding the emotional connection behind donations is crucial.
• Asking for donations should be about serving the donor's interests.
• Reflecting on donor impact can enhance feelings of gratitude.
• Creating a positive fundraising culture starts with the right intentions.

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of meaningful connections in fundraising, the introduction of the AI-powered Clark Bot, and practical advice on crafting effective thank you notes. The conversation emphasizes building strong fundraising habits and strategic questions for engaging donors, highlighting the relationship between fundraising success and authentic connections.

Takeaways

• The importance of reflecting on whether daily tasks matter in fundraising.
• Building relationships with donors is as crucial as spending time with family.
• The Clark Bot is designed to assist fundraisers with practical advice.
• Handwritten thank-you notes are a powerful tool for donor engagement.
• Consistency and intentionality are key in building fundraising habits.
• Daily donor touchpoints can significantly enhance relationships over time.
• Preparation before donor meetings is essential for success.
• Reflection after donor interactions helps in continuous improvement.
• Understanding donor motivations can lead to increased giving.
• The relationship is the primary focus, with money being a byproduct.

Summary:
In this episode, Clark Vandeventer uses the example of his Airbnb hosting experience to deliver a timely message for fundraisers: do the basics well—and then, surprise and delight.

Clark draws on a quote from the Disney Guide on customer service to challenge fundraisers not to rely on occasional grand gestures, but to consistently deliver meaningful, relationship-rich experiences for donors.

You’ll hear about his Stewardship Basics Scorecard, the importance of setting a service baseline, and how playful touches—like fairy gardens and handwritten notes—can only add value after the fundamentals are in place.

This episode is full of practical wisdom for fundraisers who want to steward donors in a way that is both effective and heartfelt.

Topics covered:

• The power of establishing a donor stewardship foundation

• Why systems alone are not enough

• When and how to “surprise and delight” your supporters

• What Disney can teach us about consistency in donor care

• Clark’s Tahoe Airbnb: a case study in service and playfulness

• Avoiding the trap of overcompensating with heroic gestures

• Why true service must come from the heart

  
  

Resources mentioned:

• Stewardship Basics Scorecard – a self-assessment tool to evaluate your donor care systems

• Clarkbot – Clark’s AI assistant trained on hundreds of thousands of his words, available at www.MajorGiftsFundraiser.com

  
  

Follow Clark’s Adventure:

• Personal Instagram – @clarkvand

• Professional Instagram – @majorgiftsfundraiser

  
  

Connect with Clark:Have a question or just want to connect? Reach out to Clark at [email protected]

Enjoying the podcast?Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Your support helps us serve more fundraisers doing meaningful work.

Summary

In this episode, Clark Vandeventer introduces the innovative ClarkBot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist fundraisers in their efforts. The conversation explores how the ClarkBot can help users navigate donor relationships, set the stage for asks, and determine appropriate ask amounts. Throughout the episode, Clark emphasizes the importance of personal connection and relationship building in fundraising, while also providing insights into the subscription model for accessing the ClarkBot and additional resources.

Takeaways

• The ClarkBot is designed to simulate conversations and provide fundraising advice.
• AI can analyze past coaching calls and training materials to offer tailored support.
• Setting the stage for a donor ask is crucial for success.
• Understanding a donor's history and capacity is key to determining the ask amount.
• Building relationships with donors is essential before making a significant ask.
• Personal connection enhances the fundraising experience and increases the likelihood of success.
• The ClarkBot offers affirming and supportive responses to users' inquiries.
• Fundraisers should focus on getting meetings with donors to build rapport.
• The subscription model for the ClarkBot includes group coaching and additional resources.
• Feedback from beta users highlights the practical benefits of using the ClarkBot.