Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer

SummaryPart two of Clark’s practical “Lessons Learned” series—from an old slide deck that still packs a punch. We cover why mission must lead your conversations, how to cultivate until the “yes” is likely, the art of listening (and how to measure it), why the case must be bigger than your organization, and the simple discipline of getting in the living room, not just the inbox.What You’ll LearnLead with mission, not programs: Define the problem you exist to solve; then show how your programs are the vehicle.Money isn’t the problem: Relational deficit > budget deficit. Build the relationship that makes the gift obvious.Change lives, not line items: Donors give to impact. Your job is to articulate how lives change uniquely through you.Listen like a pro: Aim to speak far less than you listen; measure it after each meeting to improve.Don’t be flippant with the ask: Cultivate and ask—don’t “just ask.” Ask when a “yes” is likely.Emotion moves big gifts: Logic opens the door; emotion carries the gift over the threshold.Meet with both spouses: If both aren’t in the room, your best arguments will go unanswered.Make the case bigger than your org: Community, nation, world—then your distinctive role.Treat giving as a habit to build: Start small with first-time or reluctant givers; grow over time.Recognition matters (even if it’s “no recognition”): Always ask and align.Choose the living room over lunch: Fewer interruptions, clearer decisions.Prior donors predict future gifts: Steward yesterday’s givers to cultivate tomorrow’s.Never take insiders for granted: Keep building the drama for board and volunteers, too.Do your homework: Know their giving, interests, and context before you meet.You must ask: After real cultivation, make the clear, specific ask.Practical ToolsAdd this to every visit report: “% of time I talked vs. % donor talked.” What you measure improves.Pre-visit prep checklist: giving history, household context, mutual connections, LinkedIn scan, recent news.Quotable Moments“Listen. Listen intently. Listen even more intently.” — Jerry Panas“I never give because there’s a need. I give because I’m interested and I believe I can make a real difference.” — as referenced in the episodeRelatedLessons Learned in Major Gifts Fundraising (Part 1)Links & ResourcesMajor Gifts Fundraiser services and trainings: majorgiftsfundraiser.comTry the Clarkbot (AI coaching, prompts, and role-play): majorgiftsfundraiser.comContactHave a question or want feedback on an upcoming ask? Email Clark at Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com.

Summary:Clark's back on the mic—recorded just before heading to Guatemala—and reflecting on gratitude, career courage, and what it means to be all in. Whether you’re planning your next donor visit or questioning your fit in your current role, this episode will challenge you to examine your alignment and make the next right move.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:Why gratitude is a fundraiser’s secret weaponThe two questions every development officer should ask themselvesWhat Steve Jobs, Marlin Burnham, and a Guatemalan hostel have to do with your career pathThe cost of staying in the wrong seat—and the joy of finding the right oneHow to know if it's time to quit (or lean in deeper)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:Learn more about Clark’s work at MajorGiftsFundraiser.comWatch the Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Address (2005)Read: Community Before Self by Malin Burnham Let’s Connect:Got something you’re grateful for?Have a question about your next move?Send Clark an email: Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.com

Summary:What if every donor interaction was treated like a golden opportunity? In this episode, Clark builds on the themes from Episode 187 ("Surprise and Delight") to dig deeper into what it really takes to create a culture of excellence in donor stewardship.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:The “Purple Promise” and what fundraisers can learn from FedExWhy wow moments matter—but only after you've built trust through consistencyThe power of mindset: how internal culture shapes external serviceWhat FedEx’s “Golden Package” teaches us about donor stewardshipA Super Bowl story that shows how far a great organization will go to serveHow to build a system of small, daily wows for your donorsWhy culture—not rules—is what drives long-term success in donor careHow to create happy donors ready to make big, audacious giftsWhy gratitude, consistency, and excellence go hand-in-handFeatured 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:Episode 187: Surprise and Delight: How to Build Donor LoyaltyBe Our Guest: Perfecting the Art of Customer Service by Disney InstituteFedEx’s “Golden Package” Super Bowl commercial (1994)ClarkBot: AI-powered coaching and donor messaging supportWant to Build a Better Year-End Appeal?Check out our new course: Write Your Year-End Appeal in 5 DaysLed by Monica Vandeventer, this asynchronous course walks you step-by-step through building a powerful, donor-centric year-end campaign—with full ClarkBot integration.👉 Register now at MajorGiftsFundraiser.comConnect with Us:Email Clark: Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.comFollow us on social:Instagram: @majorgiftsfundraiserLinkedIn: Major Gifts FundraiserFacebook: Major Gifts FundraiserTry the ClarkBot for free at MajorGiftsFundraiser.comIf This Podcast Has Helped You…Please take a moment to rate and review the show. It means a lot—and it helps us reach more mission-driven fundraisers like you.

Summary:In this special episode, Clark is joined by Monica Vandeventer—CEO of Major Gifts Fundraiser and the brain behind the ClarkBot. Together, they unpack how fundraisers can simplify, streamline, and elevate their year-end appeal process using the ClarkBot and a brand-new guided 5-day course.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:What the ClarkBot is and how it worksUsing AI to craft donor-centric, effective year-end appealsThe 5-day course structure and what to expectMonica’s “Why / Why Us / Why Now” messaging frameworkWhy most organizations focus on the wrong part of the appealTips to get your letter opened, read, and acted onHow nonprofits can free up their December by planning nowThe problem with major donors giving messaging adviceUsing data-driven best practices from research (like Next After)Program Info: Write Your Year-End Appeal in 5 DaysCost: $279 one-timeLaunch Date: Opens August 18Structure: 5 asynchronous video modules with hands-on ClarkBot integrationOutcome: A completed multi-channel year-end campaign (letter, emails, social media, phone scripts, timeline)Signup Link: See show notes or visit majorgiftsfundraiser.comMentioned in This Episode:ClarkBot: Your AI fundraising coach, trained on Clark’s voice and donor-centric strategiesNext After: Nonprofit research and A/B testing hub for what actually works in appealsListener Preferences Podcast: (Referenced toward the end of this episode) – learning to tailor messaging for different types of donorsConnect with Us:Email:Clark: Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.comMonica: Monica@MajorGiftsFundraiser.comSocial:Instagram: @majorgiftsfundraiserFacebook: Major Gifts FundraiserLinkedIn: Major Gifts FundraiserClark’s personal IG (for Romania updates): @clarkvand

Summary:In this episode, Clark Vandeventer reflects on his annual “Tahoe Time” and uses the example of his Airbnb hosting experience to deliver a timely message for fundraisers: do the basics well—and then, surprise and delight.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:The power of establishing a donor stewardship foundationWhy systems alone are not enoughWhen and how to “surprise and delight” your supportersWhat Disney can teach us about consistency in donor careA case study in service and playfulnessAvoiding the trap of overcompensating with heroic gesturesWhy true service must come from the heartResources mentioned:Stewardship Basics Scorecard – a self-assessment tool to evaluate your donor care systemsClarkbot – Clark’s AI assistant trained on hundreds of thousands of his words, available at www.MajorGiftsFundraiser.comFollow Clark’s Adventure:Personal Instagram – @clarkvandProfessional Instagram – @majorgiftsfundraiserConnect with Clark:Have a question or just want to connect? Reach out to Clark at Clark@MajorGiftsFundraiser.comEnjoying the podcast?Follow, rate, and review wherever you listen. Your support helps us serve more fundraisers doing meaningful work.

SummaryIn 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. TakeawaysRest is not my forte; I typically relax by doing hard things.When hosting donors, it's about conducting a visit, not just tour guiding.Engaging donors involves asking strategic questions amidst personal connections.Bringing family or friends to donor visits can complicate strategic discussions.Shared experiences with donors can enhance their commitment to the organization.The ClarkBot is a valuable tool for fundraising questions and support.Good relationships are built on shared experiences and interactions.Asking strategic questions in front of family can be beneficial for all.Slow and steady processes can lead to more effective outcomes in fundraising.Personal connections are key to successful donor engagement.

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.TakeawaysThe importance of reflecting on whether daily tasks matter in fundraising.Building relationships with donors is as crucial as spending time with family.The Clark Bot is designed to assist fundraisers with practical advice.Handwritten thank-you notes are a powerful tool for donor engagement.Consistency and intentionality are key in building fundraising habits.Daily donor touchpoints can significantly enhance relationships over time.Preparation before donor meetings is essential for success.Reflection after donor interactions helps in continuous improvement.Understanding donor motivations can lead to increased giving.The relationship is the primary focus, with money being a byproduct.

SummaryIn 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.TakeawaysThe ClarkBot is designed to simulate conversations and provide fundraising advice.AI can analyze past coaching calls and training materials to offer tailored support.Setting the stage for a donor ask is crucial for success.Understanding a donor's history and capacity is key to determining the ask amount.Building relationships with donors is essential before making a significant ask.Personal connection enhances the fundraising experience and increases the likelihood of success.The ClarkBot offers affirming and supportive responses to users' inquiries.Fundraisers should focus on getting meetings with donors to build rapport.The subscription model for the ClarkBot includes group coaching and additional resources.Feedback from beta users highlights the practical benefits of using the ClarkBot.

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.