The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

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...

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 bu...

What does it really mean to be a hero in fundraising? 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,  Callin...

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 fi...

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 relationship...

Are you chasing numbers or building relationships? Most fundraisers are stuck on the hamster wheel. Chasing donors. Juggling events. Burning out. But what if the real breakthrough comes from slowing down? Here’s the playbook for human-centered, relationship-first fundraising: Schedule ONE meaningful conversation this week. → Ask, “What inspired you to support us?” → Listen—no agenda. Map supporter...

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....

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 d...

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 c...

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...

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...

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...

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 hard...

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,...

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 refe...

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...

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...

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 uncer...

Have you ever felt like your organization is stuck in the same old fundraising routines, even as the world around us demands more courage and authenticity? I’ve been there too.  That’s why my recent conversation with the brilliant Maia McGill hit home—her story of moving from “checking the DEI box” to building truly inclusive philanthropy is both eye-opening and deeply relatable.  Maia’s...

In this episode of the Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Kravinchuk to talk about why philanthropy is so important for everyone. We also chatted about the upcoming Western Canada Fundraising Conference, and I loved hearing David describe what makes it so unique—from its warm, intimate community feel to the practical, hands-on sessions attendees can look...

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling donor relationships in the dark, hoping you don’t drop the ball? In this week’s episode, I share how a data-driven moves management process turned my fundraising chaos into clarity—and how one missed thank-you nearly cost us a loyal donor. You’ll hear real stories, practical tips, and a few fun surprises that will make you rethink how you engage your top sup...

I’ve got some BIG news to share — something that could change the way you think about major gift fundraising! After 30 years in this field, I’ve seen our world shift in ways we never imagined: donor expectations are evolving, technology is accelerating, and the challenges we face are more complex than ever.  Imagine standing at the intersection of legacy and innovation, where the wisdom...

Have you ever wondered why some major donors become lifelong champions while others quietly slip away? After nearly three decades in fundraising, I’ve learned that the answer lies in how we steward those relationships-not just with a thank-you, but with genuine, ongoing care. In this episode, I’ll share the real-life story of how one intentional stewardship journey turned a surprise $25,000 gift i...

Are major gifts feeling out of reach?  Here's how to tackle the toughest major gift fundraising challenges! 🚀 Feeling like you’re chasing ghosts instead of donors? I know that struggle all too well. After nearly 30 years in fundraising, I’ve seen firsthand how major gift officers, development directors, executive directors, and board members pour heart and soul into donor outreach—only to hi...

Have you ever felt the goosebumps when a grateful patient shares how your organization changed their life? 💙  Those stories don’t just move us—they move mountains for our missions. But inviting patients and families to share their journeys? That’s a delicate dance between inspiration and sensitivity. In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I open up about what I’ve lear...