In my 30 years working in major gifts, I’ve learned that retention isn’t just a metric—it’s the engine behind your mission’s sustainability and growth. Stick with me in this post, and I’ll share a handful of personal stories, proven strategies, and actionable advice that can help you—and your team—turn one-time generosity into lifelong, game-changing partnership.

Have you ever felt torn between honoring your donors and staying true to your community? If you work in the nonprofit sector—whether you’re a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member—I’m guessing the answer is yes. Lately, I've seen this divide growing, and I know just how exhausting and lonely it can feel to stand at this crossroads, being told you must choose either donor-centered or community-centered fundraising. But what if I told you there’s a way forward that doesn’t force us to pick sides? In this episode, I’m going to share what human-centered fundraising really looks like—and promise you’ll leave with clear, practical strategies for connecting people and unlocking more meaningful, sustainable giving.

In my recent conversation with Ken Miller, CFRE—author, fundraising consultant, and dynamic speaker—I was reminded that behind every smiling face in our sector, there’s a deeper, often untold story. Ken’s path has taken him from the heights of Ivy League success to the depths of prison, and back to a life of impact and integrity. The lessons he’s learned aren’t just about survival—they’re about thriving, leading with love, showing empathy, and building resilience in the face of setbacks.

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like if the nonprofit sector truly centered trust, collaboration, and empathy at its core? What if we reimagined fundraising and leadership in a way that put people—and their dignity—ahead of rigid power dynamics and outdated models? I’ve been giving a lot of thought to these questions lately, and after my recent conversation with Martha Schumacher, I’m more convinced than ever that the future of philanthropy depends on boldly embracing trust-based relationships as well as the courage to rewrite old narratives.

In this episode, I’ll share how blending the best of donor-centered and community-centered approaches, building diverse teams, and leading with courageous empathy can drive real, human-centered change. You’ll leave with practical steps and the inspiration to transform not only your fundraising but your entire organization.

Have you ever wondered if all the noise about artificial intelligence in fundraising is just hype — or if it truly holds the key to the next big leap for your organization? If you’re a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, it’s easy to feel both overwhelmed and skeptical about another “revolution” in how we work. But here’s my promise: this conversation isn’t about buzzwords or tech for tech’s sake. Instead, we share hard-won insights, surprising research, and practical strategies from my experience and my conversation on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast with Nathan Chappell, a nonprofit AI leader. You’ll walk away seeing how curiosity — not fear — can turn today’s uncertainty into tomorrow’s advantage for your mission and your donors.

I’ve spent years navigating the world of nonprofit storytelling, and I’ve made my fair share of mistakes along the way. But what I’ve learned—especially from inspiring voices like Carly Euler—is that there is a path where your fundraising goals and ethical responsibilities not only coexist but powerfully reinforce one another. In this episode, you’ll discover practical, actionable ways to transform your storytelling approach to raise more money and build deeper, more respectful community relationships.

Donor expectations are shifting fast, and the old playbook just doesn’t cut it anymore. In this post, I’ll share hard-won lessons, practical strategies, and inspiring stories that will help you rise above the digital clutter and create authentic, transformational connections with your donors—no matter the medium. By the end, you’ll walk away with actionable insights you can use right now to deepen engagement and inspire generosity.

In this episode, we share how embracing sustainable, recurring giving—rooted in the subscription economy—can transform your fundraising, your organization, and even your own sense of possibility. By the end of this conversation, you’ll walk away with actionable insights and renewed confidence that you can build a thriving recurring giving program, no matter your starting point.

After nearly three decades in major gifts, I’ve seen the transformative power of strong donor relationships. But I’ve also seen the pitfalls when those relationships cross from professional stewardship into personal friendship. Let me share why, in my experience, maintaining professional boundaries isn’t just best practice—it’s essential for the health of both your organization and your own well-being.