Blog

Sharing insights, strategies and inspiration you can use right now.

This is where I share strategies, action steps, and ideas for scaling major gifts, and answers to questions that matter most right now. 

101. Beyond the Thank-You: Transforming Major Donors into Lifelong Partners
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

101. Beyond the Thank-You: Transforming Major Donors into Lifelong Partners

In this episode on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, we’re diving deep into why major donor stewardship isn’t just a best practice-it’s the lifeblood of sustainable fundraising. I’ll share real stories, actionable strategies, and the latest trends so you can keep your most significant supporters engaged, inspired, and giving more generously, year after year.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

The Road Less Traveled: Navigating the Pitfalls of Major Donor Strategy

After nearly 30 years in this field, I’ve seen firsthand how the right major donor strategy can propel an organization’s mission to new heights. But I’ve also seen the common pitfalls that can stall even the most passionate teams. In this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, I want to share the most persistent challenges major gift officers face when implementing a major donor strategy—and, more importantly, the practical solutions I’ve found to move past them. Whether you’re building your program from scratch or looking to take your results to the next level, these insights are for you.

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100. Overcoming the Top 7 Major Gift Fundraising Hurdles
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

100. Overcoming the Top 7 Major Gift Fundraising Hurdles

In this episode on The Intentional Fundraiser podcast, I want to share the most persistent challenges major gift officers face when implementing a major donor strategy—and, more importantly, the practical solutions I’ve found to move past them. Whether you’re building your program from scratch or looking to take your results to the next level, these insights are for you.

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99. Intentional Storytelling: Empowering Patients, Inspiring Donors 
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

99. Intentional Storytelling: Empowering Patients, Inspiring Donors 

How do we do it in a way that feels safe, authentic, and truly mission-driven? How do we walk that fine line between inspiration and sensitivity? That’s exactly what we’re unpacking today. So grab your coffee, settle in, and let’s get intentional about storytelling in healthcare fundraising.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

From Gratitude to Giving: Empowering Patients and Families to Share Their Journey

Struggling to invite grateful patients and families to share their stories without crossing sensitive boundaries? In this week’s edition of Scaling Major Gifts, I’m drawing on nearly 30 years of experience to unpack the real challenges (and big opportunities) of authentic storytelling in healthcare fundraising. I share practical strategies, a real-world success story, and actionable tips you can use right away to create safe, meaningful pathways for patients and families to get involved. 

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

The Future of Giving: Building Relationships with Younger Philanthropists

In this week’s Scaling Major Gifts newsletter, I sharing practical strategies, real-world examples, and actionable tips to help you engage next-gen donors effectively. Whether you’re a major gift officer, development director, or nonprofit leader, this is your roadmap to building authentic relationships with the changemakers of the future. 

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98. Be Courageous: Insights from AFP Global Chair Roger Ali
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

98. Be Courageous: Insights from AFP Global Chair Roger Ali

In this episode, I’ll share insights from my conversation with Roger Ali, Board Chair of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Global. We’ll explore his inspiring journey, his strategies for fostering connection and innovation in the nonprofit sector, and his advice for navigating the complexities of our profession. By the end, you’ll walk away with renewed inspiration and practical takeaways to elevate your work as a nonprofit leader.

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97. The Power of a Team-First Culture in Major Gift Success
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

97. The Power of a Team-First Culture in Major Gift Success

Have you ever felt the frustration of competing with your own colleagues for donor attention? Or watched as uncoordinated outreach left donors confused and disengaged? By fostering a team-first culture, you can transform your fundraising outcomes, deepen donor relationships, and create a workplace that inspires collaboration and trust. In this episode, I’ll share lessons from my own nonprofit journey, practical strategies to break down silos, and a real-world success story that proves the power of teamwork.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Strategies for Major Donor Stewardship

In my nearly 30 years working in nonprofit development, one truth has remained constant: stewardship is the lifeblood of donor relationships. As major gift officers, development directors, executive directors, and board members, you know how critical it is to not only secure major gifts but also nurture the relationships behind them. In this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, I want to share insights on how you can weave stewardship touchpoints into your annual strategy to deepen donor connections and drive long-term support.

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96. From Burnout to Balance: Lessons from Kishshana Palmer
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

96. From Burnout to Balance: Lessons from Kishshana Palmer

In this episode, I’ll unpack Kishshana Palmer’s wisdom on overcoming “martyritis,” embracing intentionality, and creating high-performing teams without burnout. By the end, you’ll have actionable strategies to reclaim your time and purpose while fostering wellness for yourself and your team. Let’s dive in!

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Harnessing AI for Smarter Moves Management Strategies

Over nearly three decades in nonprofit fundraising, I’ve seen countless innovations reshape how we engage donors. But few have been as transformative as artificial intelligence (AI). AI isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a transformative tool that empowers fundraisers to personalize communication at scale, anticipate donor needs, and optimize outreach in ways we couldn’t have imagined even a decade ago. In this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, I’ll share how AI can enhance your moves management strategies at every stage, helping you build stronger donor relationships and elevate your major gift efforts.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Is Your Board Hesitant About Major Gift Fundraising?

In my nearly 30 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, I’ve seen one recurring challenge: engaging board members in major gift fundraising. Whether you’re a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, you’ve likely encountered hesitation or outright reluctance when it comes to asking for large donations. In this edition, I want to share insights on overcoming those fears and transforming your board into confident ambassadors for your cause.

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94. What Separates Great Nonprofits from Those that Struggle
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

94. What Separates Great Nonprofits from Those that Struggle

In a recent conversation with Alan on the Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, he shared transformative insights into what separates great fundraising organizations from the rest. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to take your nonprofit to the next level, this discussion is for you. By the end of this post, you’ll walk away with actionable strategies and a renewed sense of purpose to revolutionize your fundraising efforts.

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

The Role of Leadership in Cultivating a High-Performing Major Gifts Team

In my nearly three decades as a major gifts consultant, I've seen firsthand how critical leadership is in driving successful fundraising efforts. Whether you're an executive director, development director, or board member, your role in cultivating a high-performing major gifts team cannot be overstated. Today, I want to share some insights I've gained over the years and offer practical advice for nurturing a team that consistently secures those game-changing donations.

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93. Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift Cultivation
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

93. Leveraging Digital Strategies for Major Gift Cultivation

In this blog post, I'm going to share insights from my latest podcast episode, where we dive deep into integrating digital strategies into your annual plan for major gift cultivation. Whether you're a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, I promise you'll walk away with actionable strategies to enhance your donor relationships in this digital age. Get ready to transform your fundraising efforts and, in turn, transform the world!

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

Ignite Donor Enthusiasm and Drive Capital Campaign Success with Challenge Gifts

As a seasoned major gift expert with nearly 30 years in the field, I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of challenge gifts in capital campaigns. These dynamic tools have an unparalleled ability to ignite donor enthusiasm and drive fundraising success. Let's explore how you can harness the power of challenge gifts to elevate your capital campaign to new heights.

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92. Supercharge Your Capital Campaign with Challenge Gifts
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

92. Supercharge Your Capital Campaign with Challenge Gifts

In this episode, I'm going to share with you the strategies I've developed over years of working with nonprofits of all sizes. Whether you're a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, you'll walk away with actionable insights to supercharge your next campaign. Get ready to unlock the full potential of challenge gifts and take your fundraising to new heights!

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Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

How to Build a Major Gift Program

Have you ever wondered how some nonprofits seem to achieve their most ambitious goals with ease while others struggle to stay afloat? What’s their secret? In many cases, it’s a well-executed major gift program. Major gifts are the cornerstone of sustainable fundraising, yet starting a program can feel overwhelming, especially if your organization has never ventured into this territory before. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll walk you through the essential steps to launch a successful major gift program that can elevate your nonprofit from surviving to thriving. By the end of this edition of Scaling Major Gifts, you’ll not only feel inspired but equipped with actionable strategies to get started today. 

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