The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

Your self-worth ≠ your last “no” That’s what Ken Miller told me during a conversation that left me rethinking how we lead, fundraise, and show up for everyone—not just donors. From the heights of Ivy League success to the lows of prison, Ken’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, dignity, and knowing your worth.His lessons on boundaries, self-esteem, and leading with love are ones every fundraiser, ED, and board member needs to hear. What would change in your work if you truly separated your worth from your results?Listen to this powerful episode and then share it with a colleague or board member who needs inspiration today.Guest: Ken Miller, President, Denali FSP Fundraising ConsultantsResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.Join our Three-Day "Major Gifts Fundraising Program" Seminar: Learn more and reserve your spot today!Pre-order my book: Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact

Why do we still treat donors like royalty and our teams like afterthoughts?After years in fundraising, I’ve seen how trust, power dynamics, and deep listening can make (or break) our impact. In my latest conversation with sector leader Martha Schumacher, we dig into trust-based philanthropy, standing firm against mission creep, and why real integrity sometimes means saying “no, thank you”—even to transformational gifts.Martha’s stories will stir your soul and challenge the way you lead. Are we centering our people and our missions, or are we sacrificing them for comfort and tradition?Ready to see what a healthier, more courageous sector could look like?Listen now at or wherever you get your podcasts!ps – Share this episode with team members and board colleagues who could use a dose of renewal and inspiration!Guest: Martha Schumacher, President, Hazen and HILTResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.

Burned out by fundraising debates?I know how exhausting it feels when donor-centered vs. community-centered fundraising pulls us apart—while donor fatigue and burnout drag us down. But what if there’s a more human, powerful way forward?In this episode, I share how I learned to build bridges, not barriers, and saw philanthropy—and team morale—soar in the process.What would your organization look like if everyone—donors, staff, and community—felt like a hero in your story?Take a listen, then share it with someone else who believes unity is the real superpower.Together, we can transform fundraising—and the world.Guest: Tammy ZonkerResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.

Nathan Chappell, Chief AI Officer at Virtuous and co-author of 'Nonprofit AI', shares insights on navigating the rapid changes in AI technology for fundraisers. He explores how curiosity can empower fundraisers to transform anxiety into opportunity. Discussions include the importance of focusing on pain points before choosing AI tools, the balance between technology and human connection, and the need for ethical governance in AI use. Nathan emphasizes the critical role of trust in donor relationships and encourages a culture of curiosity within organizations.

We don't need more “poverty porn” in our fundraising.I used to think telling hard stories was the only way to move donors—but I was wrong. If you’ve ever felt uneasy asking clients for stories, or unsure if your consent process would stand up to scrutiny, you’re not alone. I sat down with ethical storytelling expert Carly Euler from MemoryFox to explore how we can uplift voices, protect dignity, and still inspire major gifts. What would it mean for your mission—and the people you serve—to get storytelling right, not just for dollars raised, but for true community trust?Listen to this episode and share it with someone ready to transform their approach to fundraising stories.Guest: Carly Euler, Marketing Director, MemoryFoxResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.

Are your major donor relationships merely surviving? Discover how personalization, storytelling, and authenticity are essential in a digital fundraising world. Learn to make your communication memorable with impactful visuals and automate tasks while maintaining a personal touch. It's all about making giving frictionless and inviting genuine engagement. Emphasizing that tech should enhance connection, not replace it, the discussion showcases how to truly see and value your donors in this evolving landscape.

Donor counts are dropping—even as giving hits record highs.This isn’t just a headline. It’s the reality I unpacked with Dave Raley on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.We dove into why recurring giving is the bright spot in a shifting landscape—and why too many nonprofits still treat it like an afterthought. For years, I thought monthly giving was just for “big” organizations or required fancy tech. Dave’s insights (and his book, The Rise of Sustainable Giving) showed me: any nonprofit can build a thriving program by focusing on real connection and community.Take a listen.Guest: Dave Raley, Founder & CEO, Imago ConsultingResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.

Ever felt like your donor relationships are turning into guilt trips?After nearly 30 years in major gifts, I’ve seen how easy it is for the line between professionalism and friendship to blur.One story still sticks with me: a fundraiser got so close to a donor, she couldn’t bring herself to ask for support. The result? The mission lost out.Here’s the truth: 70% of donors say their relationship with the fundraiser influences their giving decisions. But when things get too personal, it can lead to guilt, hesitation, and even burnout. I’ve been there—and I know many of you have, too.So, where should we draw the line? How do we build trust and connection—without sacrificing our mission or our own well-being?If you’ve ever wrestled with these questions, you’re not alone. I just dropped a new episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast diving deep into this very topic. I share real stories, practical strategies, and tools you can use to keep your donor relationships professional and impactful.Curious how to protect your role, your donors, and your organization—without losing your heart?Listen to the latest episode and share it with your team. Let’s start a conversation that every nonprofit leader needs to have.Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.

Donor hesitation is NOT your cue to retreat.I’ve seen firsthand how economic storms can freeze even the boldest fundraisers—but I’ve also watched organizations thrive by leaning in, not pulling back. In my latest episode, I share real stories, actionable strategies, and a few hard-won lessons to help you fundraise with confidence—even when the ground feels shaky.What’s your go-to move when uncertainty hits—do you wait it out or double down with intention?Listen in to this episode, share it with your team, and let’s stay bold, stay connected, and stay intentional.Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.

Have you ever felt like your organization is stuck in the same old fundraising routines, even as the world around us demands more courage and authenticity? I’ve been there too. That’s why my recent conversation with the brilliant Maia McGill hit home—her story of moving from “checking the DEI box” to building truly inclusive philanthropy is both eye-opening and deeply relatable. Maia’s journey reminded me of the power (and the risk) of standing “ten toes down” for equity, even when it’s uncomfortable. She doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges—she’s seen organizations retreat or “scrub” their DEI commitments out of fear. But she also shares how real change happens: by centering the voices that matter, budgeting for inclusion, and refusing to let fear drive our decisions.What would it look like if your board meetings and donor relationships reflected the full diversity and lived experiences of your community? 🤔If you’re ready to reimagine what’s possible in your fundraising—and want practical, honest advice from someone who’s walked the walk—listen to this episode and share it with your colleagues. Let’s build a future for philanthropy that’s bold, inclusive, and transformational.Guest: Maia McGill, Founder, Inclusive Philanthropy Institute / CEO, Maia McGill Consulting / Advocate for Marginalized Communities / Faculty, Modern Institute for Charitable GivingResources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.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.