Episode 123

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Published on:

13th Jan 2026

Finding Your Real Top 25 Donor Prospects

Drowning in “prospect” names?

If your major gift list looks impressive on paper but doesn’t translate into actual conversations or gifts, you’re not alone.

I’ve sat with teams staring at hundreds of “top prospects” and quietly thinking, “Where do we even start?”

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I share how I helped one nonprofit narrow 600+ “major gift prospects” down to a focused Top 25 using simple donor signals, capacity, affinity, and engagement, not just wealth.

We didn’t buy new software. We just read the data you already have in a different way.

I walk you through:

  1. How to spot your real Top 25 using signals hiding in your CRM 💡
  2. A simple 1–5 scoring system you can build in an afternoon
  3. A weekly review ritual to stay focused (even when you’re stretched thin)
  4. Where light AI and automation can quietly do the heavy lifting for you 🤖

Imagine looking at your portfolio and knowing exactly who to call first this week, because the data and the story are both pointing in the same direction.

What would change for your organization if your Top 25 were crystal clear, and everyone on your team agreed on who they are?

🎧 Tune in and if this episode helps you breathe a little easier about major gifts, share it with your ED/DD or a colleague who needs this clarity too.

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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.