The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

Designing Impact Together with Donors

May 19, 2026·16 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

"You brought me a brochure, not a conversation."A donor said that to one of my clients.It changed how we prep every donor visit now.In this week's episode of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I share the story of a $250,000 ask that became a $400,000 partnership plus two warm introductions, all because we changed one thing.We stopped presenting.We started designing.Inside the episode you'll get:The five-part co-design meeting flow you can use this weekThe donor psychology that makes this work so wellThe tools, visuals, and AI-supported follow-up habits I use after every donor visitYour best donors are not waiting for a better update. They are waiting to be invited into the work.Here is my question for you today. When was the last time you walked out of a donor visit feeling like you had truly built something together?Listen now, then forward this episode to one teammate who is about to prep a big donor visit.More from Tammy ZonkerAuthor of Calling All HeroesFounder of Fundraising TransformedPresident of Modern Institute for Charitable GivingLearn more about the Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising SeminarSubscribe to Tammy Zonker's Scaling Major Gifts newsletterConnect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedInResources: 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.Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies

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