Episode 162

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Published on:

6th Oct 2026

Bringing Relationships Back from the Brink

Her mother's name was spelled wrong.

It was on the plaque. On dedication day. In front of her grandkids.

The mistake didn't end the relationship. What came next almost did.

The clinic took six weeks to fix it. Nobody called. The apology email said, "We apologize for any inconvenience."

The family went silent for a year.

Then a new major gift officer picked up the phone. She named what happened. She said she was sorry. She asked to hear about the donor's mom.

Forty-five minutes later, the door was open again.

On this week's episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, "Bringing Relationships Back from the Brink," I share:

The Four Lenses of Repair for diagnosing what's really going on
Three short scripts for silence, missteps, and conflict
Why timing and channel matter more than you think
How to know when it's time to step back, and how to document it

So let me ask you:

What's one apology your organization owes a donor right now?

🎧 Listen to this episode, then share it with a colleague who's been carrying a donor relationship they're nervous to touch.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Book Tammy to Keynote Your Next Event

Reserve your spot at the upcoming 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

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.