Episode 109

full
Published on:

8th Jul 2025

Digital Heartbeats: Engaging Major Donors in a Virtual World

Are your donor relationships thriving—or just surviving?

Most nonprofits rely on mass emails and generic updates—then wonder why major donors disappear.

Here’s the truth:

Connection isn’t about the channel.

It’s about intentionality..

After 30+ years in fundraising, I’ve learned what actually works in a digital world:

→ Personalize every touchpoint.

“Dear Friend” won’t cut it. Use your CRM to reference gifts, interests, and conversations.

→ Show impact with stories & visuals.

A quick video tour or photo diary is more memorable than a spreadsheet.

→ Automate routine, but keep it human.

Tools like ThankView free you up for real conversations—not replace them.


→ Make giving frictionless.

Test your donation process. If it’s clunky, fix it—fast.


→ Invite two-way engagement.

Host virtual coffees, send surveys, and ask for feedback. Donors want to be heard.


TL;DR: Tech will keep evolving, but authentic connection is the real differentiator.


How are you making your major donors feel truly seen in a digital age?


Listen to the full episode.


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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.