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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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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!
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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.
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Transform your engagement techniques with personalized donor journeys informed by behavioral science! Join us to learn how to improve donor retention, drive lifetime value, and create meaningful connections with Cherian Koshy, CFRE. Gain inspiration from Koshy’s 25+ years of experience, including his journey from door-to-door fundraising to leading nonprofit teams!
Learn more > Donor Journeys
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Are you interpreting your nonprofit data the right way? How can you avoid unconscious bias to better your relationships? Join Meena Das, Nonprofit Consultant and Founder of Namaste Data, to discover how ethical, human-centered data usage can improve your donor connections and fundraising outcomes. Learn how to analyze your past, present, and future fundraising efforts to cultivate authentic, meaningful relationships within your community.
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Explore the intersection of nonprofit marketing and global generosity with the Chief Data Officer of GivingTuesday, Woodrow Rosenbaum. Discover how data innovations like AI technology are transforming the world of fundraising, from decision-making to donor outreach - and how to implement them ethically!
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Dive into the future of fundraising - find and engage donors using AI! Join Sarah TeDesco of DonorSearch to learn how predictive analytics can revolutionize your donor outreach, identify high-impact donors, and help you tackle nonprofit challenges. Discover how AI enhances donor engagement and strategy. Don’t miss this transformative episode!
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The data a nonprofit keeps goes way beyond dollars, and according to nonprofit expert Clay Buck, accurate data is the key to successful fundraising. Join us as we explore all data points from simple things like spelling a name correctly to complex things like recognizing gaps in the space you have created for generosity. We explore how inclusive data practices support Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in nonprofits, fostering genuine relationships, and increasing contributions.
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Join Julia Campbell, nonprofit fundraising expert, as she reveals why donor retention should be a top priority for your organization. Learn email, social media strategies, and cost-effective communication to build lasting bonds. Explore fostering community, effective donor education on sensitive issues, and personalized engagement for sustained support. Tune in to elevate your donor relations and retention.
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Unlock your opportunity for impactful leadership no matter your role with Kishshana Palmer, a renowned speaker, trainer, and coach. Kishshana walks us through her leadership tips using the acronym “SPARK”. She shares her expertise in fundraising, marketing, and talent management while reminding you of your potential. Explore accessible leadership, interpersonal dynamics, and diverse ideas for team cohesion and productivity. Join us for best practices for prioritizing self-care and continuous learning for effective leadership.
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Read more: Self-Care for Fundraisers: 4 Ways to Advocate for Yourself
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Curious about what drives your donors? Learn how to tap into their motivations with fundraising coach, speaker, and author Mallory Erickson! Under her wing, you’ll discover how to inspire action, nurture authentic relationships, and reactivate donors effectively.
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Discover how a simple thank-you can transform your nonprofit's fundraising. Join Nonprofit Expert, presented by DonorPerfect, featuring experts from CauseVid and AppealMaker. Learn how gratitude boosts donor retention and satisfaction with practical tips, strategies, and data. Enhance your donor relations and boost your fundraising success with this insightful episode.
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Learn more about Donor Retention
Unlock the secrets to seamless online donations with Shane, Merchant Operations Manager for SafeSave Payments at DonorPerfect. Learn why an online donation form is crucial, understand business and legal details, manage transaction fees, and secure your donations with practical tips. Ensure safe, effective donations and boost your nonprofit's success.
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Learn more: Online Fundraising, Donation Payment and Processing Software
Rhea Wong, fundraising consultant and nonprofit expert, shares her journey from a novice to a philanthropic force, transforming a modest budget into a multi-million-dollar pool of private funds. Discover how shifting from scarcity to abundance mindset enhances financial health. Explore Bruce Lee's philosophy for financial fluidity, overcoming money traumas, and mastering fundraising pressures for abundance.
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