Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ep. 197- Be Thankful-And Watch What Happens | 27 Oct 2025 | 00:21:12 | |
Summary: What You’ll Learn:
Key Quotes:
Action Step:Turn November into “Gratitude Month.” Send notes, texts, and cards. Make calls. Don’t ask—just thank. Connect with Clark: | |||
| Episode 196- The Two Lists You Need Before Year-End | 21 Oct 2025 | 00:20:44 | |
Summary What You’ll Learn
Key Quotes
Action Step
Then ask yourself: Are these relationships on track? Connect with ClarkHave a question or want help building your year-end plan? Email Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com | |||
| Ep 195-Lessons Learned (Part 2) | 06 Oct 2025 | 00:24:22 | |
Summary What You’ll Learn
Practical Tools
Quotable Moments
Related
Links & Resources
ContactHave a question or want feedback on an upcoming ask? Email Clark at Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com. | |||
| Ep 194-Lessons Learned (Part 1) | 22 Sep 2025 | 00:24:49 | |
Summary:This episode is a walk down memory lane—and a masterclass in the basics that still matter. While looking for a quote from legendary philanthropist Malin Burnham, Clark stumbled on an old slide deck from 2013 titled Lessons Learned: Practical Lessons in Major Gifts Fundraising. It sparked this episode (and likely a series) revisiting the core principles that shaped Clark’s early seminars and still hold true today. If you're a fundraiser who wants to refine your instincts, tighten your messaging, and revisit the “why” behind what works—this episode is packed with timeless truths. Highlights:
Quotes Worth Repeating: “Donors give big, audacious gifts to big, audacious ideas.” “If the fundraiser isn’t deeply committed, how can they expect me to be?” “I never give because I think there’s a need. I give because I think I can make a real difference.” Resources & Links: Enjoying the podcast? | |||
| 193-Should You Stay or Should You Go | 16 Sep 2025 | 00:24:26 | |
Summary: You'll hear how a hostel in Antigua ties into Clark’s personal story and why where you sit matters—not just for you, but for your donors, your mission, and your long-term impact. What You’ll Learn:
Quotable Moment: “If you're not all in, you're just delaying yourself. You’re building donor relationships you’re not going to keep. That’s a bummer—for you and for them.” Links & Resources:
Let’s Connect:Got something you’re grateful for?Have a question about your next move?Send Clark an email: Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com | |||
| 192-Fundraising Lessons from Frozen II | 09 Sep 2025 | 00:14:16 | |
Is Asking for a Gift the Next Right Thing? Summary: In this episode, Clark shares a powerful mindset shift that can elevate your fundraising from transactional to transformational: asking not because you need the money, but because it's the next right thing in the relationship. You’ll hear the story of Creative Grounds Fine Arts Academy, a children’s theater program that transformed its fundraising strategy through this principle. Plus, Clark brings in inspiration from an unlikely source—Frozen II—to remind us that when the path feels unclear, our job is simply to take the next right step. What You’ll Learn:
Quotable Moment: “We need to only ask for a gift if we can say that asking is the next right thing.” Links & Resources:
Take Action:
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| Episode 191: The Golden Package Title: Every Package Is the Golden Package: Building a Culture of Donor Care | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:23:48 | |
Summary: Drawing from his time working at FedEx—and their legendary commitment to quality service—Clark unpacks how great organizations don’t just occasionally go above and beyond. They do the basics well every single time, and then look for small ways to deliver consistent, meaningful moments of surprise, delight, and trust. You’ll hear real stories from FedEx, reflections on company culture, and how the same principles apply directly to your fundraising. If you want donors to give joyfully—and give more—you’ve got to treat each one like they matter… because they do. Key Topics Covered:
Featured Quote: “You can’t overcome many missteps with one great act of service. That’s not how it works. First, you meet expectations. Then you exceed them.” Resources Mentioned:
Want to Build a Better Year-End Appeal? Connect with Us:
If This Podcast Has Helped You… | |||
| Episode 190: 4 Ways to Grow Your Gratitude Muscle | 25 Aug 2025 | 00:32:11 | |
Summary: Far beyond gift acknowledgments and thank-you letters, Clark explores how authentic gratitude—when it’s woven into your worldview—can transform your relationships with donors, elevate your joy in the work, and even raise more money. Drawing from personal reflections, practical tips, and the wisdom of Henri Nouwen, he outlines a simple but profound truth: fundraising isn’t about begging—it’s about partnership. You’ll walk away with actionable practices to help you strengthen your “gratitude muscles” so that you don’t just express gratitude… you live it. Key Topics Covered:
Featured Quote: “When donors give their money, they’re giving you little fragments of their life.” Mentioned in This Episode:
Opportunities for Deeper Engagement:
Connect with Clark:
Enjoying the show? | |||
| Episode 189- Christmas in August? | 18 Aug 2025 | 00:32:13 | |
Summary: 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:
Program Info: Write Your Year-End Appeal in 5 Days
Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Us:
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| Episode 188-How long can you do this? | 11 Aug 2025 | 00:21:39 | |
Summary:Are you walking, resting, or sprinting right now? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares a powerful metaphor drawn from his time trail running in Tahoe to help you evaluate the pace of your fundraising work. He explores what it means to find a rhythm you can sustain for the long haul—and how to avoid burnout. Clark also offers two simple, relationship-rich habits you can adopt today to deepen donor engagement without exhausting yourself. And he introduces the Clarkbot, an AI-powered tool that makes his insight and encouragement available anytime you need it. Topics covered:
Mentioned in This Episode:
Connect with Clark: If you'd like personal feedback on your annual work rhythm or just want to say hello, reach out to Clark at Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com. Help Us Grow:If this episode encouraged or challenged you, please consider rating, reviewing, or following the podcast. Your feedback helps us reach and support more fundraisers like you. | |||
| Episode 187-Surprise and Delight: How to Build Donor Loyalty with the “Little Wows” | 04 Aug 2025 | 00:21:13 | |
Summary: Clark draws on a quote from the Disney Guide on customer service to challenge fundraisers not to rely on occasional grand gestures, but to consistently deliver meaningful, relationship-rich experiences for donors. You’ll hear about his Stewardship Basics Scorecard, the importance of setting a service baseline, and how playful touches—like fairy gardens and handwritten notes—can only add value after the fundamentals are in place. This episode is full of practical wisdom for fundraisers who want to steward donors in a way that is both effective and heartfelt. Topics covered:
Resources mentioned:
Follow Clark’s Adventure:
Connect with Clark: Enjoying the podcast? | |||
| Episode 186-Understanding Donor Listener Types | 28 Jul 2025 | 00:35:41 | |
Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast, Monica and Clark delve into the significance of understanding oneself and others in the context of fundraising. They discuss various personality profiles, the importance of listening, and how to adapt communication styles to better connect with donors. The introduction of the ClarkBot, an AI tool designed to assist fundraisers, is also highlighted, along with upcoming training opportunities and hypothetical ideas for future engagement. Takeaways
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| Episode 185-When Friends & Family Tag Along on Donor Meetings | 21 Jul 2025 | 00:28:59 | |
Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of personal connections in donor engagement, navigating donor visits that include family and friends, and the value of shared experiences in fundraising. Additionally, he introduces the ClarkBot, an AI-powered tool designed to assist fundraisers with their questions and strategies. Takeaways
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| Episode 184-Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast | 14 Jul 2025 | 00:31:19 | |
Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the critical role of culture in fundraising, emphasizing that who you are as a fundraiser matters more than what you do. He explores the importance of genuine gratitude, building authentic relationships with donors, and understanding the deeper nature of donor transactions. The conversation highlights practical strategies for cultivating a positive fundraising culture and the right intentions behind asking for donations. Takeaways
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| 183-Conversations with the Clarkbot | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:36:49 | |
SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of meaningful connections in fundraising, the introduction of the AI-powered Clark Bot, and practical advice on crafting effective thank you notes. The conversation emphasizes building strong fundraising habits and strategic questions for engaging donors, highlighting the relationship between fundraising success and authentic connections. Takeaways
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| Episode 187-Surprise and Delight | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:21:13 | |
Summary: Clark draws on a quote from the Disney Guide on customer service to challenge fundraisers not to rely on occasional grand gestures, but to consistently deliver meaningful, relationship-rich experiences for donors. You’ll hear about his Stewardship Basics Scorecard, the importance of setting a service baseline, and how playful touches—like fairy gardens and handwritten notes—can only add value after the fundamentals are in place. This episode is full of practical wisdom for fundraisers who want to steward donors in a way that is both effective and heartfelt. Topics covered:
Resources mentioned:
Follow Clark’s Adventure:
Connect with Clark:Have a question or just want to connect? Reach out to Clark at Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com Enjoying the podcast?Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Your support helps us serve more fundraisers doing meaningful work. | |||
| Episode 182-Introducing the ClarkBot | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:26:13 | |
Summary In this episode, Clark Vandeventer introduces the innovative ClarkBot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist fundraisers in their efforts. The conversation explores how the ClarkBot can help users navigate donor relationships, set the stage for asks, and determine appropriate ask amounts. Throughout the episode, Clark emphasizes the importance of personal connection and relationship building in fundraising, while also providing insights into the subscription model for accessing the ClarkBot and additional resources. Takeaways
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| Episode 181-Intensity of Purpose | 26 Jun 2025 | 00:13:57 | |
Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark Vandeventer discusses the importance of morning routines, personal fulfillment through the three-hour rule, and the balance between maintenance and intensity in life. He emphasizes the need for self-care and intentionality in both personal and professional development, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own routines and goals. Takeaways
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| #180: High Turnover in Development Jobs | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:19:33 | |
Clark pulls back the curtain on the internal culture of fundraising teams. Why do so many talented people leave after 18–24 months? What does it take to create an environment where fundraisers feel empowered, supported, and fulfilled? From the joy of meaningful work to the burnout that comes from feeling like a cog in a machine, they explore the hidden forces shaping nonprofit development—and how to build something better. Whether you’re a team leader or just starting out, this episode invites you to reflect on what kind of culture you're helping create. | |||
| #179: LeVar Burton on Relationships and Storytelling | 21 Aug 2024 | 00:20:42 | |
It's another Masterclass inspired episode. In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares some of his notes from Levar Burton's MasterClass on Storytelling. You may know LeVar Burton from his years as host of Reading Rainbow. LeVar talks about how to tell a great story, but Clark emphasizes that great stories only resonnate when they are told be a trusted source, and trust is developed in relationship. So, as an organization, where are you lacking? Are you lacking in storytelling? Or are you lacking in relationships? Link to LeVar's MasterClass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/levar-burton-teaches-the-power-of-storytelling Clark also shared in this episode that
Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: | |||
| #178: How much should you ask for? | 13 Aug 2024 | 00:20:24 | |
Host Clark Vandeventer talks about figuring out the right amount to ask for. Fundraisers! Do you have a hard time knowing the right amount to ask for? Can you ask for too much? What if you "leave money on the table"? Clark gives some guidance on figuring out the right amount to ask for. Check out Clark's "other" podcast Around the World with Mr. Clark, available wherever you get your podcasts! Also of note:
Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #177: SMART Goals | 01 Jul 2024 | 00:23:13 | |
Host Clark Vandeventer talks about SMART Goals:
SMART goals are a goal-setting technique that uses five benchmarks to help create concise goals and action steps:
Episode inspired by the Masterclass on Creating Change, which also featured author Lewis Iwu. Malala and Iwu also discussed a great track to put your goals on that can be summed up in four words or phrases:
Four words
Clark also shared in this episode that
Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #176: Slow is smooth and smooth is fast | 07 Jun 2024 | 00:20:30 | |
In the past, you may have heard Clark Vandeventer talk about adding steps to the process. The more you elongate the major gift process and slowly bring your donors along, the safer you'll be. Clark recently heard Amazon Founder Jeff Bezos share the same idea with the phrase, "Slow is smooth and smooth is fast." The phrase "slow is smooth and smooth is fast" is a military saying that emphasizes the importance of taking time to do things carefully and methodically, rather than rushing and risking mistakes. It can also be thought of as the power of strategic thinking and deliberate action. Clark also shared in this episode that
Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #175: Robin Arzón on Mental Strength | 28 May 2024 | 00:29:21 | |
It's another Masterclass inspired episode. In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares some of his notes from Robin Arzón's MasterClass on Mental Strength. Robin Arzón is an exercise instructor and author, best known as an instructor at Peloton, for which she is also the Vice President of Fitness Programming. Clark shares an incredible mental test he picked up from Robin for you to use whenever you hear yourself saying, "I don't have time." Her JOY METRIC also inspired a twist on a mental exercise Clark has been doing for 20+ years. Great quotes from Robin: "The pursuit of movement unlocks endorphins but the pursuit of movement also enables us to have a relationship with discomfort and discomfort becomes less scary. so when things get real like when a capital r in our lives we have these smaller less intense, hopefully less stress inducing moments where we rose above. I believe that willpower and resiliency are also muscles worth exercising and they really go hand in hand so when you are willing to get uncomfortable physically you become tenacious mentally and I talk about ritualizing discomfort because we create a ritual around I'm going to go this distance today or I'm going to push this intensity today." "Pain will become power." Robin's MasterClass: https://www.masterclass.com/classes/robin-arzon-teaches-mental-strength?utm_campaign=Share&utm_medium=Copy&utm_source=class_guest_next Robin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinnyc Clark also shared in this episode that
Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #174: Basic script for every donor meeting you'll ever have | 16 May 2024 | 00:29:19 | |
In this episode, Chief Fundraising Coach Clark Vandeventer goes through the basic script for the four types of donor meetings
What are the go-to questions for each of these different type of meetings? How are the goals for each type of meeting different? email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #173: Michael Lewis on How to Tell a Great Story | 13 May 2024 | 00:29:25 | |
Michael Lewis is the author of more than 20 books, including 3 that have become major motion pictures (Moneyball, The Blind Side, The Big Short).
Host Clark Vandeventer shares highlights for fundraisers from his Masterclass on How to Tell a Great Story. Link: https://www.masterclass.com/series/tell-a-great-story From of this podcast:
email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #172: What's the right amount to ask for? | 10 May 2024 | 00:26:55 | |
Host Clark Vandeventer answers a listener email and addresses the question, "What's the right amount to ask for?" email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: | |||
| #171: Purposeful Communication with George Stephanopoulos | 16 Apr 2024 | 00:30:05 | |
Host Clark Vandeventer shares highlights for fundraisers from the MasterClass on Purposeful Communication with George Stephanopoulos. Focus of this podcast episode:
email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #170: Add steps to the process | 05 Apr 2024 | 00:17:34 | |
What is your next right thing with your donor? Getting a visit? Making an ask? Closing a gift? Whatever the next thing is that you need to do, BEFORE you do that, think about 2-3 steps you can add to the process. email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #169: Do you know your people? | 20 Mar 2024 | 00:20:10 | |
Do you know who your top people are? Your Top 2-3 prospects? Your Top 5? Your Top 10? This may be the masterskill of success in fundraising. And, you could get the names wrong and still be right! Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #168: Where are you essential? | 26 Jan 2024 | 00:19:14 | |
Where are you essential as a fundraiser? As a human being? In this episode Clark talks about focusing on the most important things. Don't foget -- email Clark to reserve your spot in a group coaching cohort. Deadline is January 31. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: | |||
| #167: Returning Tires at Nordstroms | 29 Nov 2023 | 00:21:46 | |
Have you heard the legendary story of the guy who returned tires to Nordstrom? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer recounts the story of a recent experience he had with a local business, and how these employees were clearly not trained by Nordstroms. Examples of how you can set yourself apart as a fundraiser by BEING KNOWLEDGABLE. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #166: It's Thanksgiving Month | 01 Nov 2023 | 00:21:29 | |
Clark Vandeventer opens this episode by talking about a favorite mantra: things you measure get better, things you don't won't. Also, when we expect and require excellence of ourselves in one area, that bleeds over to other areas of our life. Then, Clark gives some tips on how you can use the month of November to report on your good work while expressing gratitude. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #165: Brian Tracy on Long-Term Relationships, Educational Selling, and Building Mega-Credibility | 24 Oct 2023 | 00:22:29 | |
In this epsidode host Clark Vandeventer shares and expands on 3 ideas from Brian Tracy's book "Be a Sales Superstar." This is Part 2. Building Long-Term Relationships Using Educational Selling Building Mega-credibility Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #164: Brian Tracy, the Winning Edge, Brilliant at the Basics & AIDA | 19 Oct 2023 | 00:32:00 | |
In this epsidode host Clark Vandeventer shares and expands on 3 ideas from Brian Tracy's book "Be a Sales Superstar." The Winning Edge Principle Being Brilliant at the Basics And the classic sales formula AIDA Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #163: Thanksgiving Month, Giving Tuesday, Year-End | 11 Oct 2023 | 00:17:48 | |
In this episode, Clark Vandeventer talks about the three big pieces to your year-end, and that starts with spending the month of November exuding gratitude. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #162: Can you text your donors? | 06 Oct 2023 | 00:16:04 | |
Can you text your donors? Is that appropriate? If you're asking that question, it may be an indication we have another issue to deal with. Host Clark Vandeventer talks about whether it's appropriate to text your donors. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #161: 30 Tips for Connecting with others | 25 Sep 2023 | 00:28:17 | |
Clark shares a list of 30 tips for connecting with others. This is great life advice for caring for others and creating a high touch environment. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #160: Everything Matters & Conversation Sandwich | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:20:07 | |
In this episode Clark talks about his recent experience helping an organization frame the experience key stakeholders would have at a 75th anniversary gala. True service comes from the heart. He also gave students he trained a fun visual image: A Conversation Sandwich.
Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #159: What level are you? | 31 Aug 2023 | 00:35:24 | |
Clark walks through the 6 Levels of Fundraisers and invites you to an honest moment of self-assessment? Where are you at? What level are you? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #158: 57 Ways to thank and steward your donors | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:37:48 | |
Clark goes through a long list -- a quiver of ways -- to thank and steward your donors. This is not an exhaustive list, but here are some ideas to get you thinking about how to creatively thank your donors. What would you add to the list? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/
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| #157: Why do we love our donors? | 10 Aug 2023 | 00:18:01 | |
Why do we love our donors? Is it because if they feel like we love them, they'll give more money? Or, is it because we actually love them?
Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #156: Embracing Weakness to move from Strength to Strength | 19 Jul 2023 | 00:28:39 | |
In this episode of the podcast Clark talks about the book From Strength to Strength by Arthur C. Brooks. Have you ever felt burnt out as a fundraiser? It's one thing to be tired. It's another thing to be exhausted -- to feel like you can't do this anymore. You are not the only one. Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #155: How long should you cultivate before you ask? | 26 Jun 2023 | 00:19:52 | |
11:22 - "If you have a donor who you think could give a million dollars, don't spend two years cultivating them for a million dollar gift." In this episode, Clark Vandeventer emphasizes the importance of balancing relationship-building and asking for gifts in fundraising. While it's crucial to cultivate relationships with potential donors and avoid coming across as someone who is always asking for money, it's also necessary to let people know that you are a fundraiser. Timing is also crucial, as it's recommended to ask for smaller gifts early on in the relationship to gauge a donor's interest and willingness to give, rather than spending a lot of time cultivating them for a larger gift. Clark suggests that fundraisers should identify potential donors who can give early gifts without much cultivation. These early gifts can help fundraisers determine the level of giving that a donor is capable of and can lead to larger donations in the future. Clark advises that fundraisers need to become known as fundraisers at some point in order to ask for donations effectively. However, they should also be mindful of not getting a reputation of always asking for money in every conversation. Clark also discusses the question of how long one should cultivate a donor before asking for a gift. Clark explains that there is no set timeline for this and that fundraising is not a science. Clark gives examples of meeting with a donor 19 times before asking for a major gift and also meeting with donors and asking for a gift on the first meeting. The timeline for cultivating donors can vary based on the type of gift being asked for. For example, for a major gift, it may take longer to cultivate the donor, while for a smaller gift, the cultivation process may be shorter Overall, the episode emphasizes the importance of cultivating donors, but also highlights the need for flexibility and adapting to each individual donor and situation. Fundraisers need to find a balance between building relationships and making asks, as both are crucial for successful fundraising. By identifying potential donors and strategically asking for early gifts to determine their level of giving, fundraisers can increase their chances of success. Major Gifts Fundraiser on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ Major Gifts Fundraiser on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majorgiftsfundraiser Major Gifts Fundraiser on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/major-gifts-fundraiser/ Email Clark: clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Zoom with Clark: Find an available time on Clark’s calendar and schedule a Zoom call him: https://calendly.com/clarkvand Learn more at: https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ | |||
| #154: 13 things to keep in mind when making your pitch | 15 Jun 2023 | 00:22:40 | |
In general, fundraisers spend too much time thinking about their pitch. Listen the gift. But still, there comes a point when it's time to make your pitch. In this episode, Clark shares 13 tips to keep in mind when making your pitch. You can email Clark for a copy of this list -- or any other resource you've heard about on the podcast. Email is clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. You can also find Major Gifts Fundraiser on social media. Just search for Major Gifts Fundraiser on your favorite platform. | |||
| #153: Becoming a Peak Performance Fundraiser | 08 Jun 2023 | 00:26:54 | |
We’re building a community – it’s people who aspire to be in the Top 5% of their field. Yes, you want to raise more money. Of course you want to raise more money. But our tribe is more than people who want hacks to figure out how to raise more money. It’s people who are committed to excellence. It’s for people who respect craft. Who want to know that they’re among the best. The additional money you’ll raise -- it’s the icing on the cake. In this podcast Clark talks about the consistent work required to become a Peak Performance Fundraiser. Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com
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| #152: Grab some thank you bread | 24 May 2023 | 00:15:34 | |
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Developing a culture of thanks and gratitude. Don't just do "BIG THINGS" -- do lots of little things (in a system) and then do BIG THINGS on top of that system. Clark mentions two resources in this episode that you can email him for -- his 57 ways to thank and steward a donor, and his checklist for writing a good thank you letter. You can email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com | |||
| #151: Finding your next (first) Million Dollar Donor | 15 May 2023 | 00:23:42 | |
You should always be working to aquire new donors. But, what are you doing with your current list? How are you loving on the donors who are already giving to your organization? Do you know the full potential of each of your donors? (You don't). You can email Clark to ask him about anything from this episode at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com. | |||
| #150: Taking small steps to achieve big dreams | 25 Apr 2023 | 00:20:33 | |
In this episode of the podcast Clark talks about taking small steps to acheive big dreams. He talks about his goal to run 100 Miles, the movie Moneyball, and your goal to raise a million dollars. What are the small steps we need to take today to achieve these dreams. Talks about Points System and Lead Measures and Lag Measures. Email Clark for any resources he talked about in today's episode at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com | |||
| #149: Monica Vandeventer on your ideal donor | 19 Apr 2023 | 00:30:00 | |
Monica is back on the podcast! She copntinues the discussion of "What is the problem you exist to solve" and gets into the process of identifying your ideal donor. You can reach out to Clark or Monica. Clark is at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com and Monica is at monica@majorgiftsfundraiser.com Follow Clark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkvand/ Follow Major Gifts Fundraiser on Istagram: https://www.instagram.com/majorgiftsfundraiser/ | |||