This one has been simmering inside me for months.

It’s about the language we use in the nonprofit sector—and why we need to be more mindful of it.

Specifically, I’m making a plea to eliminate phrases like “tips and tricks” when we talk about engaging donors.

Because giving is not a “trick.” Donors are not targets. And we are not magicians trying to perform sleight of hand to win gifts.

When we say things like “tips and tricks” or “low-hanging fruit” in fundraising, we might think we’re being harmless, maybe even clever.

But in reality, we’re reinforcing a belief system that positions fundraising as transactional, manipulative, or worse, dishonest.

That’s why in this episode, I take us on a journey into the power of language in fundraising, how it shapes donor relationships, and how it shapes us.

Listen in and let’s transform our language (and our sector!) together.

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

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Only 45% of first-time major donors come back.

Let that sink in.

For years, I believed winning that first major gift was the hardest part—until I realized the real challenge (and transformation) is turning new donors into lifelong champions.

In this episode, I share personal stories, the tools I use, and proven strategies for moving beyond transactional gifts to genuine partnership.

If you could double your donor retention this year, what would it mean for your mission?

→ Take a listen.

Share with your team, and let’s transform fundraising—together.

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

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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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Join our Three-Day "Major Gifts Fundraising Program" Seminar: Learn more and reserve your spot today!

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.

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 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.

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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