One donor should never control your budget.

In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share a story of a strong organization that felt “safe” until one major donor hit pause and everything started to wobble. We walk through how to map your top 20 donors, spot concentration risk, and start multi‑year commitment conversations that make your portfolio far more shock‑resistant.

How exposed are you to one donor’s decision right now?

Listen to this episode and share it with your team, your executive leader, or your board so you can strengthen your portfolio together.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Major Gifts Training: Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar

Connect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedIn

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Major Gifts Training: Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar

Connect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedIn

Guest: Name, Title, Company

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

Your discovery calls shouldn’t feel like a test.

In my latest Intentional Fundraiser episode, I walk through how I help fundraisers turn tense, scripted discovery calls into relaxed, donor-centered conversations that still move major gifts forward.

We unpack a simple four part framework, real examples of questions that open people up, and a practical way to use AI so you can listen more and type less.

What would change in your portfolio if every discovery call felt like a conversation you were both glad you had?

Listen to this episode of “Discovery That Builds Trust, Not Pressure,” and share it with a colleague, your team, or your board.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Major Gifts Training: Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar

Connect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedIn

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

Leaders keep derailing donor visits?

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve watched a beautifully teed‑up donor conversation go sideways the moment a well‑intentioned CEO or board member “pops in” unbriefed. You’ve done the research, built the relationship, framed the invitation…and then the message gets fuzzy, the energy shifts, and the donor walks away more confused than inspired.

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share how I’ve learned to turn those moments from chaotic to coordinated over nearly 30 years in major gifts. I walk you through the exact one‑page pre‑brief I use, how I coach leaders before we ever step into the room, and the subtle phrases I rely on to gently steer things back on track when conversations drift.

You’ll hear stories from real visits, practical language you can borrow with your own executives and board members, and a few ways AI can quietly help you prep and debrief meetings without losing the human touch.

What would change for your major gift program if every leader who joined a donor meeting showed up prepared, concise, and aligned with you?

Listen to “Turning Leaders into Effective Major Gift Partners,” and if it’s helpful, share it with a colleague or board member who often joins you in donor conversations.

Guest: Name, Title, Company

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

“More touches” are burning teams out 😅

I talk with so many fundraisers who are trying to do heartfelt, hyper-personal stewardship for everyone… and ending up exhausted, guilty, and behind by December.

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share a simple 3-tier stewardship system I have used for years to keep donor care personal, scalable, and sustainable.

We get into:

1. The burnout story of doing “all the things” for everyone 😵‍💫
2. Why donors remember moments, not message volume
3. How to segment your portfolio into high touch, mid touch, and automated care
4. Where automation and AI belong, without sounding robotic 🤖❤️
5. How to build a 90 day stewardship map that replaces year end panic with a steady rhythm

I also walk through practical examples you can adapt in a small shop or a large institution, plus a simple challenge you can complete in under an hour.

What would change for you and your team if stewardship felt planned and sustainable instead of last minute and overwhelming

Listen to “Making Stewardship Personal, Scalable, Sustainable,” and share this episode with a colleague, executive director, or board member who cares about both donors and staff wellbeing. 🎧👉

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

AI is already in your donor meetings.

I’ve been hearing from so many fundraisers who feel torn.

You want to use AI to save time, but you do not want donors to feel like they are talking to a robot instead of a real person.

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share how I use AI as a quiet research assistant, not a replacement for human connection. 🤝

I walk through a real world workflow for:

1. Turning public information into a one page prep brief 📝
2. Using AI to practice tough donor questions before you walk in the room 🎯
3. Setting simple guardrails so your team stays ethical and confident 🔒

In my experience, when you get this right, you walk into meetings feeling calmer, more prepared, and more present with your donors.

Here is the question I am sitting with:

How do you want AI to support your donor work without changing who you are as a fundraiser.

Listen to “AI-Powered Prep: Human-Centered Conversations,” then share this episode with a colleague, leadership or board member who is asking big questions about AI and major gifts. 🎧👉

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

Drowning in “prospect” names?

If your major gift list looks impressive on paper but doesn’t translate into actual conversations or gifts, you’re not alone.

I’ve sat with teams staring at hundreds of “top prospects” and quietly thinking, “Where do we even start?”

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I share how I helped one nonprofit narrow 600+ “major gift prospects” down to a focused Top 25 using simple donor signals, capacity, affinity, and engagement, not just wealth.

We didn’t buy new software. We just read the data you already have in a different way.

I walk you through:

1. How to spot your real Top 25 using signals hiding in your CRM 💡
2. A simple 1–5 scoring system you can build in an afternoon
3. A weekly review ritual to stay focused (even when you’re stretched thin)
4. Where light AI and automation can quietly do the heavy lifting for you 🤖

Imagine looking at your portfolio and knowing exactly who to call first this week, because the data and the story are both pointing in the same direction.

What would change for your organization if your Top 25 were crystal clear, and everyone on your team agreed on who they are?

🎧 Tune in and if this episode helps you breathe a little easier about major gifts, share it with your ED/DD or a colleague who needs this clarity too.

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

Big goals without a real plan?

That’s the fastest way to create burnout instead of breakthroughs.

I’ve seen it too often: a board sets a bold fundraising target, the team nods, and suddenly everyone’s sprinting toward a number that doesn’t match reality. Sound familiar?

In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share exactly how to build a 2026 major gifts plan that’s aspirational but realistic, one that inspires confidence instead of chaos.

You’ll hear stories from the field, a simple three-scenario model that calms anxiety, and practical steps to right-size your portfolio so you can stay focused on what really moves the needle.

✨ Because big goals are beautiful, but only when they’re grounded in data, relationships, and alignment.

How are you balancing ambition and realism in your 2026 plan?

🎧 Listen to this week’s episode and share it with another fundraiser who needs a little clarity and calm as they plan for the year ahead.

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.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

After nearly 30 years working alongside major gift officers, executive directors, and nonprofit leaders, I've learned this: our sector's greatest challenges—poverty, injustice, inequality—are simply too big for any one person to solve alone.

That's why this week feels so special. I'm celebrating the official release of my new book, Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact, with a brand-new podcast episode that dives deep into human-centered fundraising—where donor-centered and community-centered approaches finally unite.

In this episode, I share the story behind the book, including my transformative work with The Children's Center in Detroit (where we tripled philanthropic revenue while centering dignity and partnership), plus practical strategies you can implement immediately to:

• Blend fundraising models without losing your mission
• Build diverse, collaborative teams that reflect your community
• Navigate power imbalances with courage and transparency
• Reduce burnout while increasing impact

Here's the question I kept wrestling with before writing this book: How can we honor both the generosity of our donors AND the wisdom of our communities, bringing every voice to the table without compromising what matters most?

If you've ever felt torn between fundraising philosophies, exhausted by the pressure to "go it alone," or frustrated by division in our sector, this episode is for you.

Listen now and discover why the future of fundraising belongs to all of us, side by side. Then share it with your team, your board, and anyone who believes in transforming generosity into lasting impact.

Let's reclaim what it means to be everyday heroes. Together. 🚀

Today isn’t just a milestone, it’s the launchpad. If “Calling All Heroes” resonates with your experience, your hopes, and your frustrations, I invite you to grab your copy right now at https://www.callingallheroesbook.com/. Need extra copies for your team, chapter, or conference? Ordering in bulk—at a discount of course—is simple at the same link.

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. 

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies 

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

Donors don’t remember stats. They remember how you made them feel!

My keynote titled "Casting Your Donors in a Lead Role: The Power of Immersion," which I delivered last week at the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, generated so much conversation.

Last week, I witnessed 800 nonprofit professionals moved to tears and action by stories that make our missions come alive.

It’s clear our field is hungry for ways to move beyond transactions and ignite true empathy.

From water walks to blindfolded dinners, immersive donor experiences can change everything.

Here's what I know: Donors want to feel your mission, not just fund it.

In this episode, I share some inspiring examples (charity: water, Leader Dogs for the Blind, Covenant House Michigan, and MADD) that have changed my perspective on fundraising.

Donor empathy skyrockets, support deepens, and fundraising transforms.

Listen and share it with your leadership and team or a colleague!

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. 

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies 

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

What if I told you the most powerful major gift fundraising seminar of your life could happen in your favorite chair, no travel required?

I just experienced it firsthand, livestreamed for three days, and let me tell you, the connections and insights our faculty delivered in a virtual setting blew me away.

I’ll never forget one moment: watching seasoned major gift fundraisers build new relationships and spark those “aha!” revelations during our virtual one-on-one “park bench” sessions. It made me realize that sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when we step outside the expected.

In this episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, I’m sharing my reflection from our recent “Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar.” Plus, why you might want to rethink what’s possible for YOUR major gifts program.

Listen in and pass it on to a colleague who needs some inspiration!

As we close, I’m thrilled to invite you to our next three-day virtual Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar on January 27–29. Mark your calendar, rally your development team, and reserve your spot at modernicg.com.

The opportunity to transform your major gift fundraising starts here.

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. 

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies 

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.