The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

Have you ever felt the weight of navigating donor relationships, balancing mission integrity, and leading with courage in the nonprofit sector? I know I have. It’s not always easy, but conversations like the one I had with Roger Ali, AFP Global Board Chair, remind me why we do this work. 🌟 Roger’s journey from a Chamberlain Scholar to a global leader is nothing short of inspiring. He shared power...

Have you ever seen two fundraisers accidentally approach the same donor with conflicting proposals?  I have—and let me tell you, it wasn’t pretty. 😬  It’s a moment I’ll never forget because it taught me one of the most important lessons in my career: fundraising isn’t a solo sport. In this week’s episode of  The Intentional Fundraiser , I’m sharing how embracing a team-first c...

Is your work running you instead of the other way around? Here's how to break free from the busyness trap... I’ve certainly been there, and so has Kishshana Palmer, the powerhouse author of  Busy is a Four-Letter Word . In our recent conversation on  The Intentional Fundraiser podcast , Kishshana shared stories that hit home—like the moment her daughter told her, “You don’t have to...

Feeling pressure to hit fundraising goals while trying to build lasting donor relationships? I’ve been there too. It’s like walking a tightrope—balancing board expectations, donor engagement, and strategic goals without losing sight of your nonprofit’s mission. 🎯 In my recent conversation with Cherian Koshy on  #TheIntentionalFundraiserPodcast , we dove into the heart of these challenges. Ch...

Feeling ike your #nonprofit is stuck in a cycle of “just getting by”? In my recent conversation with Alan Clayton, author of  Great Fundraising Organizations: Why and How the World's Best Charities Excel at Raising Money , we explored what separates great fundraising organizations from those that struggle. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about having a great mission or a big budget—it’s about in...

Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift Cultivation How do you make a major donor feel truly connected... without ever meeting face-to-face? 💻🤝 In this episode, I'm taking you on a journey through the digital frontier of fundraising. I remember a donor who used to frame my handwritten notes? Now she's all about personalized video updates! It's a brave new world out there, folks, and I'm her...

Imagine a small arts org, struggling to hit their targets. Then BAM! 💥 A $100k challenge gift comes in, and suddenly we're not just meeting goals - we're smashing them! Want to know how we turned that mountain into a molehill? 🏔️➡️🐜 I'm spilling all the tea on challenge gifts - the fundraising superpower you didn't know you needed. 🦸‍♀️💰 Ready to transform your next campaign from "meh" to "AMA...

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast , I talk about building a major gift program that can transform your nonprofit's financial landscape. 🍵💰 Picture this: You're standing at the base of a mountain, your organization's most ambitious goals looming at the peak. Seems impossible to reach, right? Wrong! I'll show you how to build a bridge that'll take you straight to the top....

🌟 What if I told you one conversation could unlock a transformational gift for your nonprofit? I’ve sat across from donors who seemed untouchable—until a simple, personalized video led to a six-figure gift. 🎥💸 Sound like magic? It’s not. It’s strategy.  Here’s the truth: "major donors aren’t ATMs." They’re partners waiting to fall in love with your mission. But how do you bridge the gap be...

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I dive deep into a trend that's quietly reshaping philanthropy — the Silent Revolution of Anonymous Giving. Imagine receiving a six-figure donation, only to discover it comes from 'Anonymous.' Exciting, right? But how do we express gratitude and demonstrate impact when we can’t even name our benefactor? 🤔 I share a story from my time working wit...

I just had the most incredible conversation with Lisa Sargent, the gratitude expert of fundraising! 🙌 You know that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when someone genuinely appreciates you? Well, imagine if we could bottle that feeling and use it to transform our donor relationships! 💖 That's exactly what Lisa and I explored in our chat about her new book, "Thankology." Did you know that a simple "tha...

Overwhelmed at the prospect of launching a capital or comprehensive campaign for your nonprofit? As someone who's been in the fundraising trenches for years, I remember the mix of excitement and sheer terror that came with my first capital campaign. But here's the good news: with the right preparation and strategies, you can turn that apprehension into confidence and success. In this episode, I sh...

🎙️ Ever felt that pit in your stomach before asking for a major gift? I've been there too! 😅 In my latest chat with Kent Stroman, founder of The Asking Academy, you'll discover how to transform those anxiety-inducing donor meetings into genuine, enjoyable conversations. Want to know the secret behind asking heart questions that unlock donor stories? 🗝️ Or how about the perfect timing for "the ask...

🎙️ I recently had an awesome conversation with Dana Snyder, author of  The Monthly Giving Mastermind , and wow, can it change your perspective on monthly giving programs?! 🤯  Dana shared a powerful framework that could revolutionize how we approach donor engagement and financial stability. From treating monthly giving as a product to building a community of supporters, her insights are...

Ever wondered why donors leave faster than we can acquire them? 😓  I recently had the privilege of chatting with the brilliant Ken Burnett, the father of relationship fundraising, about his newest book, "Relationship Fundraising, Third Edition. And let me tell you, it was eye-opening! 👀  Ken shared a story about Marjorie, a loyal donor who valued her annual conversations with her favor...

🚀 Feeling hesitant about launching a capital campaign? I've got some eye-opening news for you! In my latest chat with Stephen Shattuck from Capital Campaign Pro, we dived deep into the  2024 State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report . What they uncovered might surprise you - especially if you're leading a smaller nonprofit! 💪 Did you know that 96% of organizations considered their campaig...

Ever felt like you're wearing a mask in your fundraising role? I have. In my recent chat with  Mallory Erickson , we pulled back the curtain on the real struggles and triumphs of nonprofit professionals. From battling burnout to embracing alignment, we dove deep into the heart of what makes fundraising both challenging and rewarding. Mallory shared several practical strategies that we can imp...

🤯 Mind blown! I just had the most incredible conversation with AI fundraising experts Nathan Chappell and Cherian Koshy . Ever wonder what donors really think about AI in fundraising? 🤔 These two brilliant minds joined forces to conduct groundbreaking research, "Donor Perceptions of AI: Key Findings," and the results are eye-opening! From transparency concerns to the surprising comfort levels wi...

Ever wondered how cryptocurrency is transforming the world of philanthropy? Join me in exploring this fascinating topic in my latest podcast episode featuring Pat Duffy, Co-Founder of The Giving Block. In this enlightening conversation, we uncover: The significant growth of crypto donations and its implications for nonprofits. Insights into the demographics of crypto donors and how organizations c...

Have you ever wondered how you can make an even bigger impact in your community? 🤔 Or how everyday people like you and me can become catalysts for change in our communities? In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, we delve into the world of giving circles with Emily Rasmussen, the founder of Grapevine. We explore how giving circles are reshaping philanthropy, fostering communi...

Have you ever wondered how immersive storytelling can elevate your fundraising efforts? Join me in an inspiring conversation with the brilliant Shanon Doolittle and the amazing Chris Davenport, founders of the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference, as we explore the transformative power of storytelling in the nonprofit sector. In this episode, we delve into: How to evoke emotions and drive action thro...

Ever felt overwhelmed by the demands of fundraising? 🤔 In my latest podcast episode, I sit down with the incredible Floyd Jones to unpack the transformative power of community-driven philanthropy. From grassroots movements to global impact, Floyd shares his journey, insights, and strategies for success. Tune in to discover: The art of mobilizing communities for growth. How to amplify diverse voic...

Ever wondered how to infuse passion into your fundraising efforts? In the latest episode of the Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, I sit down with amazing Jeff Spitko and brilliant Laura Rice from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.  We dive deep into the heart of fundraising, unraveling the secrets of storytelling, donor engagement, passion-driven campaigns, and narratives that resonate, build...

Ever felt the impact of generosity? Imagine if millions embraced it as cool and uplifting. In my recent podcast episode with Chris Anderson, Head of TED, we explore how kindness can transform lives. 🌍 Join the infectious generosity movement! Chris shares insights, wisdom from philanthropy, and strategies for fundraisers. You'll learn the power of audacious asks, creative fundraising, and the joy...

Have you ever wondered what sets successful nonprofit organizations apart from the rest? Why do some nonprofits seem to effortlessly raise funds and engage their communities while others struggle to make an impact?  Recently, I had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with the brilliant Noah Barnett on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast. We explored the transformative...