Episode 124

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Published on:

20th Jan 2026

AI-Powered Prep: Human-Centered Conversations

AI is already in your donor meetings.

I’ve been hearing from so many fundraisers who feel torn.

You want to use AI to save time, but you do not want donors to feel like they are talking to a robot instead of a real person.

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, I share how I use AI as a quiet research assistant, not a replacement for human connection. 🤝

I walk through a real world workflow for:

  1. Turning public information into a one page prep brief 📝
  2. Using AI to practice tough donor questions before you walk in the room 🎯
  3. Setting simple guardrails so your team stays ethical and confident 🔒

In my experience, when you get this right, you walk into meetings feeling calmer, more prepared, and more present with your donors.

Here is the question I am sitting with:

How do you want AI to support your donor work without changing who you are as a fundraiser.

Listen to “AI-Powered Prep: Human-Centered Conversations,” then share this episode with a colleague, leadership or board member who is asking big questions about AI and major gifts. 🎧👉

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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

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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.