Feeling stuck between fundraising approaches? Break down the silos!

I’ve seen the fundraising divide firsthand—and I believe there’s a better way. I call it human-centered fundraising.

I recently heard a longtime donor say, “I’m tired of being just a checkbook. I want to be part of something bigger.” I’ve felt that tension, too.

Donor fatigue is real—but connection changes everything.

Let’s stop choosing sides and start building bridges.

Want to learn how human-centered fundraising could transform your mission?

Tune in to this episode and share it with a colleague who’s ready to reimagine fundraising for greater impact.

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Your self-worth ≠ your last “no” 

That’s what Ken Miller told me during a conversation that left me rethinking how we lead, fundraise, and show up for everyone—not just donors. From the heights of Ivy League success to the lows of prison, Ken’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, dignity, and knowing your worth.

His lessons on boundaries, self-esteem, and leading with love are ones every fundraiser, ED, and board member needs to hear. What would change in your work if you truly separated your worth from your results?

Listen to this powerful episode and then share it with a colleague or board member who needs inspiration today.

Guest: Ken Miller, President, Denali FSP Fundraising Consultants

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Pre-order my book: Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact

Why do we still treat donors like royalty and our teams like afterthoughts?

After years in fundraising, I’ve seen how trust, power dynamics, and deep listening can make (or break) our impact. In my latest conversation with sector leader Martha Schumacher, we dig into trust-based philanthropy, standing firm against mission creep, and why real integrity sometimes means saying “no, thank you”—even to transformational gifts.

Martha’s stories will stir your soul and challenge the way you lead. Are we centering our people and our missions, or are we sacrificing them for comfort and tradition?

Ready to see what a healthier, more courageous sector could look like?

Listen now at or wherever you get your podcasts!

ps – Share this episode with team members and board colleagues who could use a dose of renewal and inspiration!

Guest: Martha Schumacher, President, Hazen and HILT

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Burned out by fundraising debates?

I know how exhausting it feels when donor-centered vs. community-centered fundraising pulls us apart—while donor fatigue and burnout drag us down. But what if there’s a more human, powerful way forward?

In this episode, I share how I learned to build bridges, not barriers, and saw philanthropy—and team morale—soar in the process.

What would your organization look like if everyone—donors, staff, and community—felt like a hero in your story?

Take a listen, then share it with someone else who believes unity is the real superpower.

Together, we can transform fundraising—and the world.

Guest: Tammy Zonker

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Curiosity beats fear—every single time.

Ever felt like AI is just spinning faster than you can keep up? I’ve been there—overwhelmed by “the next big thing” while trying to deliver more, with less, for my organization. In my latest conversation with AI thought leader Nathan Chappell, I discovered game-changing ways to shift from anxiety to opportunity—by asking better questions, not by working harder.

Nathan reminds us: It’s not about mastering every shiny new tool, but about creating space to think, rewarding curiosity, and building trust at the core of our donor relationships.

If we don’t pause to rethink our pain points, are we missing the chance to transform how we serve our mission?

Listen to this episode for honest insight, practical advice, and renewed optimism about where fundraising is headed. Share it with other fundraisers and nonprofit leaders who needs a spark!

Guest: Nathan Chappell, MBA, MNA, CFRE, AIGP, Chief AI Officer at Virtuous | 2X Author | AI Inventor | Founder of Fundraising.AI | Public Speaker | Podcast Host | Philanthrapologist

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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We don't need more “poverty porn” in our fundraising.

I used to think telling hard stories was the only way to move donors—but I was wrong. If you’ve ever felt uneasy asking clients for stories, or unsure if your consent process would stand up to scrutiny, you’re not alone. I sat down with ethical storytelling expert Carly Euler from MemoryFox to explore how we can uplift voices, protect dignity, and still inspire major gifts.

What would it mean for your mission—and the people you serve—to get storytelling right, not just for dollars raised, but for true community trust?

Listen to this episode and share it with someone ready to transform their approach to fundraising stories.

Guest: Carly Euler, Marketing Director, MemoryFox

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Are your donor relationships thriving—or just surviving?

Most nonprofits rely on mass emails and generic updates—then wonder why major donors disappear.

Here’s the truth:

Connection isn’t about the channel.

It’s about intentionality..

After 30+ years in fundraising, I’ve learned what actually works in a digital world:

→ Personalize every touchpoint.

“Dear Friend” won’t cut it. Use your CRM to reference gifts, interests, and conversations.

→ Show impact with stories & visuals.

A quick video tour or photo diary is more memorable than a spreadsheet.

→ Automate routine, but keep it human.

Tools like ThankView free you up for real conversations—not replace them.

→ Make giving frictionless.

Test your donation process. If it’s clunky, fix it—fast.

→ Invite two-way engagement.

Host virtual coffees, send surveys, and ask for feedback. Donors want to be heard.

TL;DR: Tech will keep evolving, but authentic connection is the real differentiator.

How are you making your major donors feel truly seen in a digital age?

Listen to the full episode.

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Donor counts are dropping—even as giving hits record highs.

This isn’t just a headline. It’s the reality I unpacked with Dave Raley on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.

We dove into why recurring giving is the bright spot in a shifting landscape—and why too many nonprofits still treat it like an afterthought. For years, I thought monthly giving was just for “big” organizations or required fancy tech. Dave’s insights (and his book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving) showed me: any nonprofit can build a thriving program by focusing on real connection and community.

Take a listen.

Guest: Dave Raley, Founder & CEO, Imago Consulting

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Ever felt like your donor relationships are turning into guilt trips?

After nearly 30 years in major gifts, I’ve seen how easy it is for the line between professionalism and friendship to blur.

One story still sticks with me: a fundraiser got so close to a donor, she couldn’t bring herself to ask for support. The result? The mission lost out.

Here’s the truth: 70% of donors say their relationship with the fundraiser influences their giving decisions. But when things get too personal, it can lead to guilt, hesitation, and even burnout. I’ve been there—and I know many of you have, too.

So, where should we draw the line? How do we build trust and connection—without sacrificing our mission or our own well-being?

If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, you’re not alone. I just dropped a new episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast diving deep into this very topic. I share real stories, practical strategies, and tools you can use to keep your donor relationships professional and impactful.

Curious how to protect your role, your donors, and your organization—without losing your heart?

Listen to the latest episode and share it with your team. Let’s start a conversation that every nonprofit leader needs to have.

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. 

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Donor hesitation is NOT your cue to retreat.

I’ve seen firsthand how economic storms can freeze even the boldest fundraisers—but I’ve also watched organizations thrive by leaning in, not pulling back. In my latest episode, I share real stories, actionable strategies, and a few hard-won lessons to help you fundraise with confidence—even when the ground feels shaky.

What’s your go-to move when uncertainty hits—do you wait it out or double down with intention?

Listen in to this episode, share it with your team, and let’s stay bold, stay connected, and stay intentional.

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. 

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