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. 

86. The Power of Conversational Fundraising: Strategies for Meaningful Donor Engagement
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

86. The Power of Conversational Fundraising: Strategies for Meaningful Donor Engagement

Ever felt anxious or uncomfortable when asking donors for gifts? As a fundraising professional, I've certainly been there. But what if I told you there's a way to make fundraising conversations not just bearable but genuinely enjoyable for both you and your donors? In this conversation, I share insights from my recent conversation with Kent Stroman, founder of The Asking Academy, on how to transform your approach to donor interactions. Whether you're a major gift officer, development director, executive director, or board member, you'll come away with practical strategies to build deeper connections with donors and ultimately raise more funds for your mission.

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85. Building a Movement of Charitable Living Through Monthly Giving
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

85. Building a Movement of Charitable Living Through Monthly Giving

What if I told you there's a way to create sustainable funding for your nonprofit while building deeper connections with your supporters? I recently had the pleasure of talking to Dana Snyder, author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind, and her insights may completely transform your perspective on monthly giving programs.  In this post, I'll share the key takeaways from our conversation and get ready to discover how monthly giving programs can create a movement of charitable living and secure your organization's future.

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84. Beyond the Ask: How Relationship Fundraising Can Transform Your Nonprofit
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

84. Beyond the Ask: How Relationship Fundraising Can Transform Your Nonprofit

I recently had the privilege of chatting with the brilliant Ken Burnett, the father of relationship fundraising, about his newest book, "Relationship Fundraising, Third Edition. And let me tell you, it was eye-opening! Ready to revolutionize your approach to donor relationships? Tune in to this game-changing episode and discover how to keep your supporters engaged for the long haul!

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83. Insights from the 2024 State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

83. Insights from the 2024 State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report

Hesitating to launch a capital campaign due to economic uncertainty, political turmoil, or fears of cannibalizing your annual fund? As a nonprofit leader, you're not alone in these concerns. But what if I told you that capital campaigns are not only viable but can be incredibly successful, even for smaller organizations? In this post, I'll share eye-opening insights from the 2024 State of Capital Campaigns Benchmark Report conducted by Capital Campaign Pro. After listening to my eye-opening conversation with Steven Shattuck, you'll have the confidence and knowledge to consider a capital campaign for your organization, regardless of its size or the current economic climate.

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82. From Stress to Success: Transforming Your Fundraising Mindset with Mallory Erickson
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

82. From Stress to Success: Transforming Your Fundraising Mindset with Mallory Erickson

Have you ever felt overwhelmed, disconnected, or burned out in your fundraising role? As a development professional, I've certainly experienced those feelings. But what if I told you there's a way to transform your approach to fundraising that not only improves results but also enhances your well-being? In my recent conversation with Mallory Erickson, author of "What the Fundraising: Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose," we explored groundbreaking insights that can revolutionize how we approach fundraising. From understanding the science behind our stress responses to embracing alignment in our work, Mallory's wisdom offers a fresh perspective on an age-old challenge. In this post, I'll share key takeaways from our discussion that promise to help you overcome personal resistance, boost your confidence, and create better experiences for both you and your supporters.

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81. How Donors Feel About the Use of AI in Fundraising
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

81. How Donors Feel About the Use of AI in Fundraising

Mind blown! I just had the most incredible conversation with AI fundraising experts Nathan Chappell and Cherian Koshy. Ever wonder what donors really think about AI in fundraising? These two brilliant minds joined forces to conduct groundbreaking research, and the results are eye-opening!

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79. Community Impact: The Power of Giving Circles
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

79. Community Impact: The Power of Giving Circles

In my latest episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, we delve into the world of giving circles with Emily Rasmussen, the founder of Grapevine. We explore how giving circles are reshaping philanthropy, fostering community, democratizing giving, and amplifying the impact of small nonprofits.

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78. The Transformative Power of Immersive Storytelling
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

78. The Transformative Power of Immersive Storytelling

Have you ever wondered how immersive storytelling can elevate your fundraising efforts? Join me in an inspiring conversation with the brilliant Shanon Doolittle and the amazing Chris Davenport as we explore the transformative power of storytelling in the nonprofit sector.

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77. Community Catalysts: Inspiring Change with Floyd Jones
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

77. Community Catalysts: Inspiring Change with Floyd Jones

In this episode, I sit down with the incredible Floyd Jones to unpack the transformative power of community-driven philanthropy. From grassroots movements to global impact, Floyd shares his journey, insights, and strategies for success.

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76. Building Bridges: Connecting Passion and Fundraising
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

76. Building Bridges: Connecting Passion and Fundraising

Ever wondered how to infuse passion into your fundraising efforts? In the latest episode of the Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, I sit down with amazing Jeff Spitko and brilliant Laura Rice from the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

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72. Six Steps to Creating A Successful Fundraising Plan in 2024
Trent Thompson Trent Thompson

72. Six Steps to Creating A Successful Fundraising Plan in 2024

Ever felt lost in the fundraising mountain? I get it. In this episode, I share my 6-step framework that transformed my nonprofit's fundraising, tripling results and sculpting a lasting legacy. Discover how to assess your donor data, amplify successes, retire what's not working, and more.

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