The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

Tammy Zonker

Welcome to The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast. I'm your host, Tammy Zonker, and I'm thrilled you're here. I've spent nearly three decades specializing in major gifts. I’ve seen how major gifts often form the backbone of an organization’s financial stability, and yet, I know many of us find this area particularly challenging. Time and again, I’ve been approached by fundraisers and nonprofit leaders eager to establish or supercharge their major gift programs. It’s become crystal clear that there’s a growing hunger for training and expertise in this area. I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with nonprofits from all around the world helping organizations collectively raise nearly one billion dollars. During this time, I’ve developed strategies and tools that have consistently helped organizations transition their mid-level donors into major donors through meaningful engagement. It’s a process that, when done consistently, can truly catapult an organization’s major gift fundraising to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned major gift officer looking to refine your approach, a development director aiming to build a powerhouse program, an executive director looking to scale your organization’s capacity for transformational giving, or a board member seeking to understand the transformative potential of major gifts, The Intentional Fundraiser podcast is your source for growth and excellence in major gift fundraising. So, buckle up! We're about to embark on a journey to take your major gift program to the next level – and beyond. Let's get intentional about major gift fundraising! Keep transforming, Tammy Zonker Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker Fundraising Transformed #ScaleRaiseDo

  1. NOV 26

    How ‘Calling All Heroes’ Elevates Fundraising and Community Impact

    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, Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact, with a brand-new podcast episode that dives deep into human-centered fundraising—where donor-centered and community-centered approaches finally unite. In this episode, I share the story behind the book, including my transformative work with The Children's Center in Detroit (where we tripled philanthropic revenue while centering dignity and partnership), plus practical strategies you can implement immediately to: Blend fundraising models without losing your missionBuild diverse, collaborative teams that reflect your communityNavigate power imbalances with courage and transparencyReduce burnout while increasing impact Here's the question I kept wrestling with before writing this book: How can we honor both the generosity of our donors AND the wisdom of our communities, bringing every voice to the table without compromising what matters most? If you've ever felt torn between fundraising philosophies, exhausted by the pressure to "go it alone," or frustrated by division in our sector, this episode is for you. Listen now and discover why the future of fundraising belongs to all of us, side by side. Then share it with your team, your board, and anyone who believes in transforming generosity into lasting impact. Let's reclaim what it means to be everyday heroes. Together. 🚀 Today isn’t just a milestone, it’s the launchpad. If “Calling All Heroes” resonates with your experience, your hopes, and your frustrations, I invite you to grab your copy right now at https://www.callingallheroesbook.com/. Need extra copies for your team, chapter, or conference? Ordering in bulk—at a discount of course—is simple at the same link. 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.  Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies  Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

    14 min
  2. NOV 4

    The Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar Experience

    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 relationships and spark those “aha!” revelations during our virtual one-on-one “park bench” sessions. It made me realize that sometimes, the most meaningful growth happens when we step outside the expected. In this episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, I’m sharing my reflection from our recent “Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar.” Plus, why you might want to rethink what’s possible for YOUR major gifts program. Listen in and pass it on to a colleague who needs some inspiration! As we close, I’m thrilled to invite you to our next three-day virtual Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar on January 27–29. Mark your calendar, rally your development team, and reserve your spot at modernicg.com. The opportunity to transform your major gift fundraising starts here. 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.  Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies  Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

    13 min
  3. OCT 28

    Building a Human-Centered Fundraising Pipeline

    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 supporters by engagement TYPE, not just dollar size. → Who shows up at events? → Who shares your content? → Who asks tough questions? Be transparent about your team capacity. → “It’s just me, but I’m committed to getting this right with you.” → People value authenticity. Audit your outreach for inclusivity. → Who’s missing from your newsletters? → Are your stories and photos truly diverse? → Try translating content or inviting others to share their voice. Focus on quality over quantity. → 5 heartfelt connections are worth more than 50 mass emails. Use stories, not just stats. → Share one real example of impact (and don’t be afraid to mention setbacks). TL;DR: Transformational fundraising happens when you focus on real relationships, not just transactions. Pre-order your copy of my new book, "Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact.” → https://www.callingallheroesbook.com/ And to make it worth your while: When you pre-order your copy of Calling All Heroes at the link in the show notes and submit your receipt or order number, you’ll receive a special invitation to my free, 90-minute training session: “How to Implement Human-Centered Fundraising in Your Organization.” It’s my way of saying thank you for walking with me on this journey. And if you want extra copies for your team, chapter or an upcoming conference, we offer special discounts on bulk orders. 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.  Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies  Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

    18 min
  4. SEP 16

    Why “Tips and Tricks” Are Failing Fundraisers

    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. 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.  Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies  Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

    16 min
  5. AUG 12

    Becoming Ken: What Fundraisers Can Learn about Dignity, Trust, and Self-Worth

    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. 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.  Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies  Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter. 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

    1h 2m

Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast. I'm your host, Tammy Zonker, and I'm thrilled you're here. I've spent nearly three decades specializing in major gifts. I’ve seen how major gifts often form the backbone of an organization’s financial stability, and yet, I know many of us find this area particularly challenging. Time and again, I’ve been approached by fundraisers and nonprofit leaders eager to establish or supercharge their major gift programs. It’s become crystal clear that there’s a growing hunger for training and expertise in this area. I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with nonprofits from all around the world helping organizations collectively raise nearly one billion dollars. During this time, I’ve developed strategies and tools that have consistently helped organizations transition their mid-level donors into major donors through meaningful engagement. It’s a process that, when done consistently, can truly catapult an organization’s major gift fundraising to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned major gift officer looking to refine your approach, a development director aiming to build a powerhouse program, an executive director looking to scale your organization’s capacity for transformational giving, or a board member seeking to understand the transformative potential of major gifts, The Intentional Fundraiser podcast is your source for growth and excellence in major gift fundraising. So, buckle up! We're about to embark on a journey to take your major gift program to the next level – and beyond. Let's get intentional about major gift fundraising! Keep transforming, Tammy Zonker Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker Fundraising Transformed #ScaleRaiseDo

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