Episode 99

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Published on:

18th Apr 2025

Intentional Storytelling: Empowering Patients, Inspiring Donors

Have you ever felt the goosebumps when a grateful patient shares how your organization changed their life? 💙 

Those stories don’t just move us—they move mountains for our missions. But inviting patients and families to share their journeys? That’s a delicate dance between inspiration and sensitivity.

In this week’s episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I open up about what I’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) after nearly 30 years in major gifts and nonprofit leadership. I’ll share real-world stories, practical strategies, and a few “aha!” moments about how to honor patient voices, protect privacy, and turn gratitude into lasting impact.

Here’s my question for you: How do you invite authentic stories without ever making someone feel like a fundraising tool? 🤔

If you’re a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member who wants to fundraise with heart—and results—this episode is for you. 

🎧 Tune in, share it with your team, and let’s create a culture of storytelling that transforms communities.

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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.