Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast

If you’re learning fundraising on the fly and not sure where to find people who can give larger gifts, this episode will save you months of trial and error. In part 2 of my conversation with Regina Alhassan , founder of ResearchPro and longtime advancement professional, we use her story as the backdrop for something every new fundraiser needs to learn: how to spot great donor prospects hiding in p...

In this episode, prospect research expert Regina Al Hassan (ResearchPro) joins Tom to show how great strategy + bold outreach unlocks transformational gifts. Regina shares her “tale of two fundraisers,” where the same ultra-high-net-worth lead produced a $300,000 introductory gift for one organization—and nothing for another—simply based on mindset and follow-through. She breaks down how researche...

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, we continue our conversation on the skills and perspectives that shape successful fundraising leaders. We discuss the shift from being a strong individual fundraiser to becoming a manager who helps entire teams thrive, and why metrics, shared credit, and culture matter so much in large organizations. You’ll also hear stories about some of...

Every fundraiser remembers their first ask: the nerves, the pounding heart, and the thrill of a “yes.” In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, we explore the early career lessons that shape confident fundraisers and leaders. You’ll hear stories of moving from event-driven fundraising into higher education, the power of securing early wins to build confidence, and what it takes...

Donor recognition is an essential part of fundraising, but not all methods are created equal. In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, I take a candid look at donor walls and why many organizations should think twice before investing in traditional plaque-based displays. I share the hidden costs of physical donor walls, from expensive updates and outdated logos to the headaches...

Campaigns are often mistaken for parties, brochures, or glossy launch events. In reality, none of those make a campaign succeed. They are just the frosting. The real substance is vision. In this 10th episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, I share lessons from 25 years in the field about what it takes to build a strong foundation for campaign success. You will hear why vision matters m...

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, we look at the lessons learned from moving beyond frontline work into managing other fundraisers. We discuss how to set clear goals without micromanaging, how to support team members while giving them room to thrive, and how to adapt management style to different personalities and needs. You will also hear practical advice for mid-career...

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, we explore the impact of transformational gifts and what they mean for the momentum of a campaign. You will hear stories about early six-figure checks, multimillion-dollar commitments, and the lessons those gifts carry for other potential donors watching from the sidelines. We also talk about what emerging fundraisers should focus on in t...

In part two of my conversation with Jim Mahoney, we hear how he recovered from his very first missed solicitation window—and what happened when he went back for the ask. Jim shares how those early experiences shaped his approach to rejection, why “no” often means “not right now,” and how gratitude towards donors (even those who turn you down) can set the foundation for a lasting career. We also ta...

Today I sit down with my very first manager in higher ed fundraising, Jim Mahoney. Jim was the one who pushed me to make my first big solicitation—knowing full well the donor would probably turn me down—just so I could learn what it feels like to ask boldly. Now the Vice President for Development at Adrian College, Jim shares his journey from student phonathon caller to leading advancement efforts...

Year end is crowded, noisy, and exhausting. If you want next year to look different, you cannot repeat the same mix of mailings, galas, and wishful thinking. In this solo episode, Tom walks you through a practical year-end audit you can do right now to set up a stronger fundraising year ahead. You will learn how to: Review your current fundraising initiatives and see where money is actually coming...

In part three of my conversation with Dr. William Bartolini, we bring together the wisdom of a 45-year fundraising career with practical tools for fundraisers at every stage. Bill shares why AFP has been foundational to his success, the value of CFRE and ACFRE certification, and how the organization’s ethical standards and Donor Bill of Rights can serve as a guidepost when you face difficult decis...

In part two of my conversation with Dr. William Bartolini, we dig into the psychology of giving and the art of asking. Bill shares insights from his doctoral research on how donors make decisions, blending cognitive and emotional processing with practical fundraising strategy. We explore today’s trends in philanthropy, from the rise of sophisticated donors and the overlooked potential of mid-level...

What can four decades of frontline fundraising teach you about being effective, staying sane, and actually enjoying this work? In this conversation, Tom talks with mentor and long time fundraising leader Bill Bartolini about the practical lessons he learned going from public radio pledge drives to principal gifts of 5 million dollars and more. You will learn: How Bill accidentally “backed into” fu...

Kicking off the series, Tom shares why he started the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast and how it’s built to help newer and resource-strained nonprofits level up fast. With 25 years in higher ed, healthcare, and faith-based fundraising, Tom outlines three pillars of support: a free monthly coaching cohort (limited to 10 orgs), a low-cost online school (including a free “20 questions before you...