Nonprofit Expert

In just a few minutes, reset your mindset to approach fundraising tasks with increased confidence. In this episode, nonprofit expert Mallory Erickson guides you through affirmations that help you quiet self-doubt, embrace authenticity, and approach each donor conversation with calm, focused courage

In this episode of Nonprofit Expert, host Julia Gackenbach sits down with internationally recognized fundraising strategist Tammy Zonker, founder of Fundraising Transformed. Tammy reveals lessons learned from her early mistakes, the story behind a $27.1 million gift, and practical steps for starting a successful major gifts program in just 90 days. From asking the right questions to building trust through transparency, Tammy offers both encouragement and actionable strategies that fundraisers of any size organization can implement today.Resources:Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Former National Philanthropic Trust CEO Eileen Heisman joins host Robbe Healey to share her remarkable journey from politics to leading one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations. Along the way, she reflects on the pivotal $650,000 check that changed her view of fundraising — and the lessons that shaped her decades of leadership. From mentorship to emotional IQ, her story offers inspiration for nonprofit leaders at every stage.Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Art Taylor, President of AFP Global, joins host Robbe Healey to share lessons from his distinguished career and his vision for the sector’s future. From donor intent and board dynamics to collaboration, innovation, and the power of hope, this conversation offers practical wisdom for today’s leaders and tomorrow’s changemakers.Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Effective development is about inspiring shared values. In this episode – the last of our “Respect, Relationships, and Resources” series – Robbe Healey highlights advice from nonprofit leaders about treating donor values as mission-critical information. Discover how to drive fundraising results through authentic connections with your donors and meaningful engagements with your staff, creating a culture of respect within your organization.Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Robbe Healey and Michelle Gollapalli dive into the operational realities of fundraising leadership, from evaluating red flags in new roles to engaging executives in development. Learn how to align values, build trust across departments, and cultivate donor relationships that are ethical, strategic, and rooted in organizational mission and outcomes.Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfectLinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Hesitant to ask your board for fundraising help? Join Andrea McManus, former AFP Chair, to challenge conventional thinking about board engagement. Through enlightening stories and insights, she urges fundraisers to see their board as a group of unique individuals, rather than a collective, to reframe their engagement as a shared, mission-driven process that goes beyond solicitation.Connect with DonorPerfect LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Bring clarity to engagement and retention challenges in a relationship-building masterclass! Fundraising pioneer Birgit Smith Burton shares the four pillars of lasting donor relationships: trust, credibility, accountability, and transparency. Founder of the African American Development Officers Network, Burton demonstrates how these core values have driven her success throughout her career.Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfectLinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

In this episode, join Dr. Mike Mittelman, former naval officer turned President of Salus at Drexel University, as he shares his journey to reshape fundraising. Learn how to emphasize respect and relationships with donors and transform operations with professional staff and data. Gain insight into creating a strong culture of giving at your nonprofit and aligning donor interests with institutional goals for lasting impact in education. Subscribe, share, and review for more nonprofit leadership tips!Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfectLinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X

Join Robbe Healey as she explores the transformative power of respectful donor relationships, sharing practical tips to drive measurable, sustainable impact. Learn how to create a “culture of generosity” at your nonprofit by shifting your mindset from transactional fundraising to relationship-based strategies.Watch full episodeConnect with DonorPerfectLinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | TikTok | X