Episode 144

full
Published on:

9th Jun 2026

Beyond Cash: Unlocking Asset-Based Major Gifts

$5k a year. For 12 years.

Then she sold her business.

The fundraiser said, "congratulations," and changed the subject.

Sixty days later, with one different question, that same donor transferred $400,000 in appreciated stock before the sale closed.

Same donor. Same relationship. Different question.

This week on The Intentional Fundraiser, I'm pulling back the curtain on what most major gift teams are quietly missing in 2026: asset-based gifts.

Stock. DAFs. Closely held business interests. Real estate.

These are not "planned giving department" conversations anymore. They are the next frontier of major gifts for nonprofits of every size.

In this episode, Beyond Cash: Unlocking Asset-Based Major Gifts, I walk through:

→ The donor signals that say "I'm ready for this conversation"

→ Two conversation openers that stay donor-centered and advisor-friendly

→ The four asset types every major gift officer should be fluent in

→ Stewardship moves that turn one complex gift into long-term partnership

→ The internal readiness check you can do with your CFO this week

If cash giving in your shop feels flat, this is the door I want to open for you.

Listen to this week's episode and share it with your CEO and finance lead. The fundraisers who get comfortable with complex gifts now will quietly outpace everyone else over the next three years.

What's the one part of asset-based giving that still feels intimidating in your work?

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Learn more about the Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar

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Connect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedIn

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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.