Episode 90

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Published on:

11th Feb 2025

5 Strategies that Work for Mastering Major Donor Cultivation

🌟 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 between “Hi, nice to meet you” and “Here’s my life-changing gift”?

I’ll share the exact moment a donor looked me in the eye and said, “I finally get it”—and how that moment turned into a $500,000 commitment. 🤝

Here’s my question for you: "When was the last time a donor told YOU, 'I finally get it'?" If it’s been a while, this episode is for you.

🎧 Hit play now to discover the 5 strategies that helped nonprofits like yours boost major gift revenue by 40% in 18 months. Then share it with your team—because transformational fundraising starts here.

#MajorGifts #NonprofitLeadership #FundraisingStrategies #PhilanthropyMatters #ListenAndShare 🌍✨

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About the Podcast

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

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

About your host

Tammy Zonker

Hey, There! I’m Tammy Zonker.

I'm the Founder and President of Fundraising Transformed and host of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast.

I’ve been a major gifts strategist and fundraising expert for more than 25 years. I’m also a certiﬁed AFP Master Trainer and international speaker.

I’ve Led and trained thousands of nonproﬁt social service organizations, private schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare organizations to collectively raise more than a half-billion dollars — and counting — including a single gift of $27.1M.

I have served as adjunct faculty at Indiana University and technical editor for Wiley Publishing’s “Fundraising for Dummies” third edition.

I currently serve as Dean at the Institute for Charitable Giving, a member of the AFP International Conference Education Committee, a member of the Nonproﬁt Quarterly’s Editorial Advisory Board, a contributing writer to NonProfit PRO, and an advisor at Capital Campaign Pro.

I would love to learn more about the amazing work you do and explore how we can work together to take your fundraising to the next, next level.