Episode 121

full
Published on:

26th Nov 2025

How ‘Calling All Heroes’ Elevates Fundraising and Community Impact

What does it really mean to be a hero in fundraising?

After nearly 30 years working alongside major gift officers, executive directors, and nonprofit leaders, I've learned this: our sector's greatest challenges—poverty, injustice, inequality—are simply too big for any one person to solve alone.

That's why this week feels so special. I'm celebrating the official release of my new book, Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact, with a brand-new podcast episode that dives deep into human-centered fundraising—where donor-centered and community-centered approaches finally unite.

In this episode, I share the story behind the book, including my transformative work with The Children's Center in Detroit (where we tripled philanthropic revenue while centering dignity and partnership), plus practical strategies you can implement immediately to:

  • Blend fundraising models without losing your mission
  • Build diverse, collaborative teams that reflect your community
  • Navigate power imbalances with courage and transparency
  • Reduce burnout while increasing impact

Here's the question I kept wrestling with before writing this book: How can we honor both the generosity of our donors AND the wisdom of our communities, bringing every voice to the table without compromising what matters most?

If you've ever felt torn between fundraising philosophies, exhausted by the pressure to "go it alone," or frustrated by division in our sector, this episode is for you.

Listen now and discover why the future of fundraising belongs to all of us, side by side. Then share it with your team, your board, and anyone who believes in transforming generosity into lasting impact.

Let's reclaim what it means to be everyday heroes. Together. 🚀

Today isn’t just a milestone, it’s the launchpad. If “Calling All Heroes” resonates with your experience, your hopes, and your frustrations, I invite you to grab your copy right now at https://www.callingallheroesbook.com/. Need extra copies for your team, chapter, or conference? Ordering in bulk—at a discount of course—is simple at the same link.

Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way. 

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies 

Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

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

Profile picture for Tammy Zonker

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.