Episode 100

full
Published on:

22nd Apr 2025

Overcoming the Top 7 Major Gift Fundraising Hurdles

Are major gifts feeling out of reach? 

Here's how to tackle the toughest major gift fundraising challenges! 🚀

Feeling like you’re chasing ghosts instead of donors? I know that struggle all too well. After nearly 30 years in fundraising, I’ve seen firsthand how major gift officers, development directors, executive directors, and board members pour heart and soul into donor outreach—only to hit walls of silence, “ghosting,” and stalled relationships.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to stay stuck. In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I share real stories and proven strategies that helped one organization boost major donor revenue by over 453%. From overcoming the fear of the ask to leveraging technology that actually frees up your time, I walk you through practical steps you can implement right away.

Imagine what your nonprofit could achieve with a thriving major gift program. What’s the one challenge holding you back from transformational fundraising success? 🤔

Tune in to this episode for actionable insights, a few laughs, and a whole lot of encouragement. 

If you find it helpful, please share it with your team and fellow changemakers—because together, we can transform the world, one intentional gift at a time.

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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.