Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer

In this episode Clark talks about why his meetings almost always go as planned -- and how and why he is able to almost always ask his strategic questions, in the order in which he anticipated asking those questions -- and why this is NOT the case for many development professionals he talks with. Plus -- an important point -- these questions don't just lead to better meetings and move your organiza...

What are you willing to do and what are you willing to give up in order to become the person that you want to be? You can email Clark your answers and he will hold you accountable. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

If you identify as an empathetic person who wants to make a difference in the world, it's easy to grow entitled our resentful of others when we feel like they "don't get it." How do we deal with that? Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

In this episode Clark shares the story of how he came to spend his entire adult life as a fundraiser, how he and Monica developed the system that is Peak Performance Fundraising, and some of the individual pieces that are part of that system. Shout outs to Jerry Pattengale, Floyd Brown, Ron Robinson, Jerold Panas, Darren and Nancy Campbell, and the amazing Monica Vandeventer. Questions or comments...

You want to write a great donor report that makes your boss think you're awesome. Start writing your report before the meeting. If you want your donor to tell you awesome stuff that will make for an awesome report, ask awesome questions to get them to tell you awesome stuff. And do that before the meeting, not after. Thoughts? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

In this episode Clark talks about looking for ways to connect with people -- finding tiny things, grabbing on, and going for a ride. We can connect with people my being observant and then by being bold and curious. Questions, comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Clark wraps up the series of 5 Takeaways from our series of interviews with donors who gave 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts and talks about the 5th and final takeaway: significance. Donors want to know that they matter and that therir gifts make a difference! Questions? Need help? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Part 4. They're only gimmicks if there's no personal relationship. The little things like handwritten PS's and crossing out "Mr. & Mrs." on the salutation and writing the first name -- these things matter! We know they matter because donors told us they matter. But they matter when they are backed by a real, genuine relationship. Part 4 of our series of themes that arose from conversations wit...

Part 3 of the series. We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. In this episod...

We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. In Part 2, Clark talks about how tal...

We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. Part 1 is about doing the hard work.

Inspired by the old Atari game "Pitfall," in this episode Clark talks about some pitfalls to avoid in your work as a fundraiser, and gives you some ropes you can use to swing over them.

In this episode Clark talks about the idea of "Moving the Marbles" and the little things we do day in and day out to achieve success. He also talks about developing a winning mindset and not just "conceiving" but also "believing" that we can be great fundraisers. Also, don't miss his offer for a free Development Assessment where you can get on a one-on-one call with Clark. You can email him at cla...

In this episode Clark wraps up the series on 5 Steps to Planning Your Way to Success. 

In Part 4 Clark gives the LEAD MEASURES to determine whether you are on the right track. The LAG MEASURE (MONEY) will come later, but how do you know you are on the right track? Here are the metrics.

In Part 3 of Planning Your Way to Success Clark talks about making the moves to increase the likelihood of getting a YES to the first ask: the ask for the visit. In Step 2 you scheduled your trips. This step is about making sure you have successful trips.

Part 2 of a 5 Part series on Planning you way to success. Having completed Step 1 (ranking your donors) in this episode Clark talks about building out a schedule for your year that ensures you will see your Top 5 donors at least two times this year. This is about automating success and "getting in the way of success."

Part 1 of 5 short episodes where Clark talks about planning your way to success. Automate your success and ensure you have a successful year by going through these 5 steps at the start of the New Year.

We've come to Year End. In this episode Clark talks about the importance of being in front of your donors at the end of the year. Also, have you signed up for the Major Gifts Fundraiser email list? Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/

A Peak Performance Fundraiser is a Trusted Advisor. Are you a trusted advisor to your donors? In this episode Clark talks about ten traits of trusted advisors. He also talks about mental focus and the Father of American Psychology William James and his famous quote, "“If you only care enough for a result, you will almost certainly attain it. If you wish to be rich, you will be rich. If you wish to...

One of the most important things we can do as fundraisers is learn to flex our gratitude muscles, but this is also one of the most important things we can do as human beings. We should aspire to be more grateful, more thankful people! In this episode, Clark looks at what some anciet, sacred texts have to say about gratitude and thankfulness, and shares his family's Thanksgiving traditon that helps...

It's Thanksgiving Week. Fundraisers, this is OUR WEEK! Reach out to your donors and express real, deep down from within you gratitude. 

As fundraisers we need to always be practicing our story -- and refining our ability to tell a better story. We also need to remember that you can get a steak anywhere, but you go to Ruth's Chris Steakhouse for the sizzle. Add some sizzle to your steak.

If you want to be among the best you have to have discipline. Rank your donors using the Major Gifts Fundraiser Donor Evaluation Worksheet and make sure you are spending a proporionate amount of time with the people most capable, most likely, and most inclined to give you the big gifts to drive your mission forward. 

After listening to a talk about world class shepherds, Clark thought, "Wow, Great Fundraisers and Great Shepherds have a lot in common!" In this episode Clark talks about loving your donors, and how that love should drive you to master your craft, because when you master your craft you are in a better position to serve your donors. Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com