Are your donor relationships thriving—or just surviving?

Most nonprofits rely on mass emails and generic updates—then wonder why major donors disappear.

Here’s the truth:

Connection isn’t about the channel.

It’s about intentionality..

After 30+ years in fundraising, I’ve learned what actually works in a digital world:

→ Personalize every touchpoint.

“Dear Friend” won’t cut it. Use your CRM to reference gifts, interests, and conversations.

→ Show impact with stories & visuals.

A quick video tour or photo diary is more memorable than a spreadsheet.

→ Automate routine, but keep it human.

Tools like ThankView free you up for real conversations—not replace them.

→ Make giving frictionless.

Test your donation process. If it’s clunky, fix it—fast.

→ Invite two-way engagement.

Host virtual coffees, send surveys, and ask for feedback. Donors want to be heard.

TL;DR: Tech will keep evolving, but authentic connection is the real differentiator.

How are you making your major donors feel truly seen in a digital age?

Listen to the full episode.

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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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 Consulting

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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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.

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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.

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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 Giving

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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In this episode of the Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I had the pleasure of sitting down with David Kravinchuk to talk about why philanthropy is so important for everyone. We also chatted about the upcoming Western Canada Fundraising Conference, and I loved hearing David describe what makes it so unique—from its warm, intimate community feel to the practical, hands-on sessions attendees can look forward to.

David introduced me to the idea of the "slow fundraising movement," which is inspired by the slow food movement. He explained how taking time to build deeper relationships and communicate thoughtfully with donors can really transform our fundraising efforts. As we talked, we explored how the world of fundraising is evolving, and why it’s so crucial to focus on building lasting, meaningful connections with donors instead of just chasing numbers.

We also discussed the impact of community-driven fundraising and why embracing a more intentional approach—one that includes self-care and prioritizes genuine relationships—can make such a difference.

It was such an inspiring conversation, and I hope it encourages you to slow down, connect more deeply, and truly appreciate the people who make our work possible.

Guest: David Kravinchuk, Philanthropy Firebrand, The Common Good fundraising agency

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

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Have you ever felt like you’re juggling donor relationships in the dark, hoping you don’t drop the ball?

In this week’s episode, I share how a data-driven moves management process turned my fundraising chaos into clarity—and how one missed thank-you nearly cost us a loyal donor.

You’ll hear real stories, practical tips, and a few fun surprises that will make you rethink how you engage your top supporters.

What if you could use data to make every donor feel like your only donor? 🤔 Listen now and share this episode with your colleagues who are ready to transform their fundraising game!

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I’ve got some BIG news to share — something that could change the way you think about major gift fundraising! After 30 years in this field, I’ve seen our world shift in ways we never imagined: donor expectations are evolving, technology is accelerating, and the challenges we face are more complex than ever.

Imagine standing at the intersection of legacy and innovation, where the wisdom of fundraising giants meets the energy of the future. What if you could access the very best in major gift fundraising education, not just from your city or state, but from anywhere in the world?

Well, that future is here.

If you’re ready to reimagine what’s possible for your organization, don’t miss this edition of Scaling Major Gifts.

👉 Listen in, get inspired, and please share it with your colleagues who are ready to lead the future of major gift fundraising! 💡

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.

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Newsletter: Subscribe to my Scaling Major Gifts weekly newsletter.