If you think there's a secret phrase that will unlock donor dollars... think again.

In this episode of Fundraising is Dead, Ryan Dobson tears down one of the biggest myths in nonprofit fundraising: the idea that the right "ask" will magically open wallets.

Ryan shares real-world examples—from billion-dollar ministries to personal stories of high-capacity donors—proving that sustainable fundraising isn't about clever words. It's about real relationships, trust, and deep, lasting connections.

🎯 Why direct asks damage high-net-worth relationships
🎯 How Focus on the Family grew without asking donors for money
🎯 Why gratitude and data—not pitches—drive true generosity

Ready to stop chasing "magic" and start building something real? This is your roadmap.

In this episode:

• Why “just ask” is terrible advice for real donor development

• The story of The Gathering—how $10M a year is raised without a direct ask

• How to connect with donors without damaging the relationship

• Real strategies to grow giving without gimmicks or desperation

• Three simple ways to build support without ever “asking” for money

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Donor Retention Guide: FundraisingIsDead.com

Connect with us:

• Website: FundraisingIsDead.com

• Instagram: @FundraisingIsDead

Think you're thanking your donors the right way? Think again.

In this episode of Fundraising is Dead, Ryan Dobson reveals why most nonprofits are losing donors—not because they aren't saying "thank you," but because they're doing it badly.

Learn why a weak or transactional thank you drives donors away, and how a heartfelt, strategic thank you can transform casual givers into lifelong champions for your cause.

🎯 The critical difference between "checking the box" and creating connection
🎯 The science behind donor retention—and why proper gratitude changes everything
🎯 Simple steps you can take today to thank donors in a way that grows giving

If your budget isn’t growing year-over-year, it’s not a donor problem—it’s a gratitude problem. Find out how to fix it.

In this episode:

• Why most nonprofits are doing “thank you” wrong

• How gratitude—not pressure—drives second, third, and lifelong gifts

• What the research actually says about donor retention

• Real-world stories of organizations losing (and keeping) high-capacity donors

• Actionable tips to start mastering donor thank-yous today

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Donor Retention Guide: FundraisingIsDead.com

Connect with us:

• Website: FundraisingIsDead.com

• Instagram: @FundraisingIsDead

"Just ask big!" they say. "Go for the major gift!"

In this episode of Fundraising is Dead, Ryan Dobson dismantles one of the most harmful ideas in nonprofit culture: the myth of the “Big Ask.”

You’ll learn why chasing one giant donation isn't a strategy—it’s a recipe for burnout, lost trust, and donor fatigue. Ryan shares insider stories from his decades of donor development work (including lessons from Focus on the Family and his own experiences with high-net-worth donors) to reveal what actually grows sustainable funding—and what destroys it.

🎯 Why “asking bigger” usually backfires
🎯 What major donors are REALLY looking for
🎯 How you can grow lifetime support without gimmicks or pressure

You don’t need bigger asks—you need deeper relationships.
Subscribe now and find out how real donor development works.

In this episode:

• Why the “Big Ask” strategy sounds good—but fails most nonprofits
  
  

• How relationship equity builds bigger gifts naturally—without asking
  
  

• What wealthy donors won’t tell you (but Ryan will)
  
  

• Why the best fundraisers act more like friends—and less like salespeople
  
  

• Practical shifts you can make today to move from asks to advocacy
  
  

Resources Mentioned:

• Free Donor Retention Guide: FundraisingIsDead.com
  
  

Connect with us:

• Website: FundraisingIsDead.com
  
  

• Instagram: @FundraisingIsDead