Summary:
In this special episode, Clark is joined by Monica Vandeventer—CEO of Major Gifts Fundraiser and the brain behind the ClarkBot. Together, they unpack how fundraisers can simplify, streamline, and elevate their year-end appeal process using the ClarkBot and a brand-new guided 5-day course.
Monica explains how the ClarkBot isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a personalized fundraising assistant trained on Major Gifts Fundraiser’s own methodology, ready to walk with you step-by-step through appeal writing, email copy, social media, phone scripts, and more. Whether you’re staring at a blank page or stuck refining your message, the ClarkBot offers practical help—without the burnout.
They also dive into the common mistakes nonprofits make when writing appeals, why message structure matters, and Monica’s signature framework for appeal content: Why, Why Us, Why Now.
If you want to avoid a stressful December, this episode is your invitation to give yourself an early Christmas present: a fully prepped year-end campaign that actually works.
Topics Covered:
What the ClarkBot is and how it works
Using AI to craft donor-centric, effective year-end appeals
The 5-day course structure and what to expect
Monica’s “Why / Why Us / Why Now” messaging framework
Why most organizations focus on the wrong part of the appeal
Tips to get your letter opened, read, and acted on
How nonprofits can free up their December by planning now
The problem with major donors giving messaging advice
Using data-driven best practices from research (like Next After)
Program Info: Write Your Year-End Appeal in 5 Days
Cost: $279 one-time
Launch Date: Opens August 18
Structure: 5 asynchronous video modules with hands-on ClarkBot integration
Outcome: A completed multi-channel year-end campaign (letter, emails, social media, phone scripts, timeline)
Signup Link: See show notes or visit majorgiftsfundraiser.com
Mentioned in This Episode:
ClarkBot: Your AI fundraising coach, trained on Clark’s voice and donor-centric strategies
Next After: Nonprofit research and A/B testing hub for what actually works in appeals
Listener Preferences Podcast: (Referenced toward the end of this episode) – learning to tailor messaging for different types of donors
Connect with Us:
Email:
Social:
Instagram: @majorgiftsfundraiser
Facebook: Major Gifts Fundraiser
LinkedIn: Major Gifts Fundraiser
Clark’s personal IG (for Romania updates): @clarkvand