Episode 53

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Published on:

21st Jun 2023

Unleashing The Power of Communication in Your Nonprofit

Understanding the power of words in the social sector is crucial for nonprofit organizations. Choosing and using the right language in communications can mean the difference between engaging supporters or repelling them.

A strong message not only gets noticed but also deepens connections with audiences and propels them to take action, ultimately leading to increased revenue and greater impact. It is essential for non-profit leaders to appreciate the energetic impact of words and harness their potential to shape beliefs and actions.

In this episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, Erica Barnhart and I talk about the significance of combining the familiar with the novel in language usage. By crafting messages that resonate with the audience's reticular activating system, organizations can increase their potential for understanding and mobilizing support for their cause. Being mindful of word choice helps non-profits create grooves in people's minds, allowing them to better communicate their mission and connect with their audience effectively.

Erica emphasizes the importance of clear and concise messaging. With tailored communication strategies, #nonprofits can increase engagement, revenue, and impact. 

Take a listen.


RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Pitchfalls: why bad pitches happen to good people by Erica Mills Barnhart by Erica Mills

Recharge: Energize your employees one word at a time

Great Mission. Bad Statement.

Free DIY Resources from Claxon

A More Beautiful Question: The Power of Inquiry to Spark Breakthrough Ideas by Warren Berger

Leadership and the New Science: Discovering Order in a Chaotic World by Margaret J. Wheatley

My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem

Communicate for Good Podcast

The Wordifier

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THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

Thank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.

Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.

Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.


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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.