Major Gifts Fundraiser (Clark Vandeventer)

Part 2 of a 3 Part Series. We interviewed donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts. We asked them what motivates them to give, what organization's do that works (and what doesn't) and talked with them about what they like (and don't like) in fundraisers. This 3 Part Series is a compilation with highlights from the interviews. You can get the written report on Major Donor Giving Secrets and request the full audio from all of the interviews by emailing Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Do you have a list of things that need to change at your organization? Would it be easier to raise money if you had more prospects? More territory? A better donor database program? A bigger vision? A special campaign or capital campaign? Stop making excuses. The best fundraisers take the names that they have and they do well with those names.

You want to give your donors an easy next step to increase their support. Once they love you, they'll be looking for what's next. Giving levels help your donors see the next step. Clark also talks about getting started with estate planning -- and how you don't need to hire a firm to start inviting donors to include you in their will.

 Increasing your donor retention rates and marginal increases in gift amounts from existing donors by doing one thing really well. How do you do it? 

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

What can we learn about fundraising from Ronald Reagan, Mitt Romney, Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal? Two stories that demonstrate that demonstrate passion and a burning desire to succeed, which are two qualities of great fundraisers. If you want to hear more podcasts like this one, email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Clark's simple prayer 🙏 every morning that makes life easy -- and the hard questions he asks to redeem otherwise sucky days. If this message resonates with you, please reach out to Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

 Are you thanking your donors for their support? Yes? Great. Good for you. BUT, sending a gift receipt or a simple thank you is only your ante. Congrats. You've got a seat at the table. If you're not doing that, you're not even in the game. In this video I talk about your Ace. 

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

Just because you have a few different gift thresholds does not mean that you are going to start closing gifts at those levels. Clark makes some clarifications to his previous episode on giving clubs and getting started with estate gifts. Have gift clubs. Talk about estate planning. But don't think you're going to start magically getting people to give at these levels just because the levels exist.

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.

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:

1. We are giving away FREE ACCESS to ⁠⁠MasterClass⁠⁠! Sign up for ⁠⁠Peak Performance Fundraising⁠⁠ (basically THE MasterClass of Fundraising) and get a one year subscription to MasterClass for free! Peak Performance Fundraising is normally $1495, but we are offering it now for only $500, but you have to email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com to get a promo code.
2. We are hiring a Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager! We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager to oversee the production of our podcast series and manage our social media presence. The ideal candidate will be responsible for all aspects of podcast production and will develop and implement social media strategies to promote our content and engage with our audience. This will be the lead person working to transform the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast and the Around the World with Mr. Clark Podcast from basic “click record and talk” podcasts and  into beautifully produced podcasts and to create dynamic and engaging social media content to promote these podcasts and grow our influence and impact. If you are interested, or know someone who could be a fit, reach out to Clark directly 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

You spent so much time at the end of the previous calendar year worried about your LYBUNT List. And then you turned the calendar to a new year and forgot about it. Before you move onto bigger and better things, take another look at it. If you don't engage these donors now, the chances of these donors ever giving to your organization again drops significantly. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

 This maybe an unpopular topic, but needs to be addressed.  While most organizations are spending countless hours and resources trying to secure these grants, the vast majority of charitable dollars are given by individuals. 

How do you get your donors to choose you? How do you break through the noise. Out of all the non-profits they could love, how do you get them to love you? Clark talks about how he became a Cubs fan, becoming familiar with your donors, getting your donors to choose you, and why he's not a Cubs fan anymore. Get your donors to visit you!

You're looking at a list of donors to your organization. Some of the names you know, but many of them you don't. How do you know which names to focus on? In this episode Clark talks about 5 things that get his attention when he's reviewing a list of donors. Here are 5 clues that a donor with a modest or short giving history may be your next major donor. 

 Go through this checklist before you ask your donor for a big gift. 

 If you like Clark's style and trainings you may like his 1 hour training 5 Keys to Unlocking Major Gifts. It has all his best material condensed into 1 hour, and it's only $17 right now! Click here for details. 

Part 3 of the series. We conducted hours of interviews with donors who had given 5, 6 and 7 figure gifts. 5 themes emerged. In a new 5-part series on the podcast, Clark unwraps a series of interviews Clark and MGF CEO Monica Vandeventer conducted with donors who had given big gifts. We asked them why they gave and what they like about the fundraisers who call on them. They answered. In this episode Clark talks about gratitude. Your donors want to feel real, genuine, deep from within you gratitude. Questions, comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

In this episode Clark talks about his program The Noble Call of Fundraising, which you can purchase for only $95 at https://majorgifts.campusedu.com/thenoblecalloffundraising

You have precious little time in any donor meeting you really make your pitch In an hour long meeting, you really only have about 7 minutes! Are you tailoring your pitch to your donor's listening preferences. 

If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets 

In this episode Clark talks about Consistency Theory. Our brains work very hard to align expectation and reality. Good experiences become self-fulfilling prophecies. What happens when the difference between expectation are too great for the brain to align them? Clark talks about how our donors react when expectation and reality don't align -- and what to do about it. 

Have a question? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

 How I got into fundraising as a broke college student, found mad success, ended up living with my in-laws, tried to get out of fundraising, and then ended up doing what I was born to do. Message me and let's talk about where you're at in your career. 

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

It's Thanksgiving Week. Fundraisers, this is OUR WEEK! Reach out to your donors and express real, deep down from within you gratitude. 

In the last episode (#141: Assertive Sales Position > "I don't want to seem pushy...") Clark briefly mentioned how we need an assertive sales positon coupled with excellence throughout the sales process. That episode focused on the assertive sales position and only mentioned excellence throughout the process. This episode is about excellence throughout the process. Everything matters. Tiny details, all added up, not only create an impression -- they are who you are. Questions? Comments? Need help? Want to bring in Clark for a Strategic Fundraising Workshop? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Books mentioned by Clark in this episode:

Starbucks Experience: https://www.amazon.com/Starbucks-Experience-Principles-Ordinary-Extraordinary/dp/0071477845

Selling the Invisible: https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Invisible-Field-Modern-Marketing/dp/0446672319

Nordstrom Way: https://www.amazon.com/Nordstrom-Customer-Experience-Excellence-Values-Driven/dp/1119375355

Be Our Guest: https://www.amazon.com/Our-Guest-Perfecting-Institute-Leadership-ebook/dp/B006N47ZPK

Breaking down an hour long donor meeting, and why you really only have about 7 minutes to make your pitch.

The end of October is the time to start reviewing your list and thinking about who you need to be in front of before the end of the year. Then, as mid-December approaches, you need to think about who you are going to meet the first week of the new year. 

How can your donors know if what you're telling them is actually true? How can they know if you are actually spending the money they give on the things you tell them the money is going towards? In this episode, Clark talks about how to become a trusted advisor to your donors, and when you are TRUSTED, they will believe what you say -- and they will ultimately determine whether or not what you're telling them is true based upon the RELATIONSHIP.

Encouragement from Clark to be curious and to be bold. We ask good questions in meetings not because we are trying to find the right numbers to punch into the ATM so the ATM will spit out cash. We ask good questions because we are genuinely curious, and because we are genuinely curious, we are then bold enough to ask the questions. 

Part 3 of a 3 Part Series. We interviewed donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts. We asked them what motivates them to give, what organization's do that works (and what doesn't) and talked with them about what they like (and don't like) in fundraisers. This 3 Part Series is a compilation with highlights from the interviews. You can get the written report on Major Donor Giving Secrets and request the full audio from all of the interviews by emailing Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Is it important to thank you donors? Yes, absolutely. You should always be thanking your donors. Always saying thank you. Always exuding gratitude. But your meetings with donors aren't just a massive thank-you tour. If that's your approach, it's going to be hard to get second meetings. Give your meetings a sense of purpose. As a donor I should feel like this conversation and this relationship is going somewhere.

Clark goes through a potpourri of lessons learned in 20+ years of fundraising. If you hear something in this episode that you'd like him to discuss further, email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Think that now is a terrible time to ask for a gift because of all the uncertainty with Covid-19. For some of your donors, now is a great time to ask for a gift. How does this apply to you specifically? Listen and then email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Part 1 of a 3 Part Series. We interviewed donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts. We asked them what motivates them to give, what organization's do that works (and what doesn't) and talked with them about what they like (and don't like) in fundraisers. This 3 Part Series is a compilation with highlights from the interviews. You can get the written report on Major Donor Giving Secrets and request the full audio from all of the interviews by emailing Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Good development work is methodical development work. Don't think about moving mountains, think about moving buckets. What's one thing you can do today to move your relationship with just one donor forward? Implement Clark's "one more thing" idea and watch buckets turn into mountains.

Have you ever heard the rule, "If you're not early you're late."? Clark heard his old mentor, the late, great Jerold Panas use that line many times. So Clark was impressed with himself as a young development officer when he was with Jerry Panas to go to a meeting and they arrived at the donor's home early. That's when Clark learned the exception to the "if you're not early you're late" rule.

Asking someone to marry you is probably the biggest ask you will ever make. There is a lot that goes into the preparation of that ask, hopefully. Asking for a gift is not all that different.  In this episode Clark talks about how those two asks are alike and what we can learn from them.

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

Who should you focus on now what you aren't planning donor trips during these times of Covid social distancing? How to look at a list and find good prospects. Need more help? Email clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

In this episode Clark interviews Monica about how she got started in fundraising -- raising money to go on a year-long mission with her church to Ireland. Clark sometimes tells big stories about million dollar gifts. Do the same principles apply to smaller gifts? Monica was asking for $100 gifts 20 years ago and she talks about the process -- and winning the hearts of her donors. The other big thing that grew out of Monica's first fundraising experience? She and Clark started dating, fell off a cliff together, and eventually got married!

In this episode Clark talks about the short book, "A Spirituality of Fundraising" by the beloved author and theologian Henri Nouwen. Clark talks about why he hates the term "donors" and why he prefers to the term "partners" and the joy of being all wrapped up with others in a shared mission and vision.  For more information about anything Clark mentions in this episode you can email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

In this episode, Chief Fundraising Coach Clark Vandeventer goes through the basic script for the four types of donor meetings

1. Discovery
2. Cultivation
3. Solicitation
4. Stewardship

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 Psychology of winning. Mindset, self-limiting beliefs of fundraisers, and little things that can make a big difference. 

We've come to Year End. In this episode Clark talks about the importance of being in front of your donors at the end of the year. Also, have you signed up for the Major Gifts Fundraiser email list? Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/

What the books on your shelf say about your listener type, and your donor's listening preferences. Clark also gives some great out of the box book recommendations. 

If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

Are you having a hard time believing that you can be really successful? Clark talks about nagging issues that erode at mental mastery. Are you experiencing any of these?

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/⁠⁠

Host Clark Vandeventer shares highlights for fundraisers from the MasterClass on Purposeful Communication with George Stephanopoulos.

Focus of this podcast episode:

• Doing your preparation
• Time Management
• Using body language in donor meetings
• Utilizing silence (not just the silence after you asked for a gift)

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode of the podcast Clark interviews Monica on your WHY. "What is the problem you exist to solve?" You have to answer that question. The problem is not that you need to hit your annual fund goal. What is your why? What is the problem that you exist to solve?

Email Monica at monica@majorgiftsfundraiser.com or Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

In this episode Clark talks about how it should be easy to thank our donors because our thanks should come from a place of genuine gratitude. Shares a few ideas to help you dig deep within yourself to find that gratitude. Talks about Thanksgiving traditions with family and with donors. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com to share your Thanksgiving traditions. 

Force yourself to be more concise and more disciplined in how you tell your story. The Pixar Pitch gives you 6 sentences to tell your story. Fill in these blanks and you've got your pitch.

You should enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising. Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ to enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising and start your journey today. Use the promo code MGFPodcast for 20 percent off. You can email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

How are you at telling your story? Clark talks about the process he's going through with clients to help them better tell their story and attract new donors -- and tells the story of how he first got into fundraising as a broke college student, tried to get out of non-profit work, and stumbled into the work he was born to do.

 I'm worked up over this. I keep harping on this, and organizations keep wasting their time and hoping there's some magic tool that can tell them who their best prospects are instead of doing the work they need to do. 

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

Your world just got smaller. There are many things you can't do, but the things you can do you can do with greater intensity. How will you spend your quarantine. Will you binge watch Netflix or will you do something great. Take this time. Use it. When we do come out of this, you want to be able to say, "That sucked, but man, had it not been for the quarantine, I never would have accomplished THAT." Looking for help, encouragement, a friend to talk to as you think about and work toward your goals. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

One of the most important things we can do as fundraisers is learn to flex our gratitude muscles, but this is also one of the most important things we can do as human beings. We should aspire to be more grateful, more thankful people! In this episode, Clark looks at what some anciet, sacred texts have to say about gratitude and thankfulness, and shares his family's Thanksgiving traditon that helps them flex their gratitude muscles.

In Part 3 of Planning Your Way to Success Clark talks about making the moves to increase the likelihood of getting a YES to the first ask: the ask for the visit. In Step 2 you scheduled your trips. This step is about making sure you have successful trips.

A Peak Performance Fundraiser is a Trusted Advisor. Are you a trusted advisor to your donors? In this episode Clark talks about ten traits of trusted advisors. He also talks about mental focus and the Father of American Psychology William James and his famous quote, "“If you only care enough for a result, you will almost certainly attain it. If you wish to be rich, you will be rich. If you wish to be learned, you will be learned. If you wish to be good, you’ll be good. Only you must really wish these things and wish them exclusively and not wish at the same time a hundred other incompatible things just as strongly.”

You want to do more than ever before. You want to achieve your maximum potential. Clark talks about how to achieve uncommon success -- and success that's aligned with your values. Goal setting guidelines and ideas for qualitative and quantitative goals for fundraisers.

5 things that came from our interviews with major donors about why they give. You can listen to the full program and even download to your phone for free at http://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets 

In this episode Clark talks about how the gratitude we express during Thanksgiving month puts us in a great position for Giving Tuesday -- and then, what to do after Giving Tuesday with those who still have not given yet this year. Also, Giving Tuesday is NOT a case for support. Giving Tuesday is a forcing function that can be used to get people to give, but Giving Tuesday alone is NOT a case for support. Questions? Comments? Email clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

These are the must reads. Books that are foundational to Clark's life. If you want to Level up as a fundraiser, you’re going to have to sweat a little. You’re going to have to spend time reading one of these books on your next flight instead of watching a movie. You should be enrolled in one of our virtual training programs. You should enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising. Go to https://majorgiftsfundraiser.com/ to enroll in Peak Performance Fundraising and start your journey today.

In this episode Clark recommends loads of books. He also mentions a few podcast interviews. We have linked to most of those here.

Lead the Field: https://www.amazon.com/Lead-Field-Earl-Nightingale-audiobook/dp/B00OH7A278

Strangest Secret: https://youtu.be/y5x-KjBME_E

Brian Tracy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Brian-Tracy/author/B001H6OMRI?

Harry Beckwith on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Harry-Beckwith/author/B000AP8Q0Q

Jim Collins Good to Great on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Good-Great-Some-Companies-Others/dp/0066620996

Jay Abraham, Getting Everything You Can Out of All You've Got: https://www.amazon.com/Getting-Everything-You-Can-Youve/dp/0312284543

John Maxwell: https://www.maxwellleadership.com/

Listen Up! Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Listen-Up-Relationships-Productive-Listening/dp/0312242654

Forces for Good: https://www.amazon.com/Forces-Good-Practices-High-Impact-Nonprofits/dp/1118118804

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/⁠⁠⁠

You have precious little time with any donor to really make your pitch. In this episode Clark goes through ten things about great stories. Plus, are you ready for #GivingTuesday? Get our free Guide to Maximizing #GivingTuesday.

In this episode Clark talks about why his meetings almost always go as planned -- and how and why he is able to almost always ask his strategic questions, in the order in which he anticipated asking those questions -- and why this is NOT the case for many development professionals he talks with. Plus -- an important point -- these questions don't just lead to better meetings and move your organization forward. These questions lead to better relationships with your donors. Thoughts? Questions? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Donor retention is a big problem. One easy way to keep more of your donors is to be sure you have a good onboarding process. This should include 7 thank yous within the first month of the first gift. In this episode Clark shows you how to easily thank your donors 7 times within the first month of their first gift.  If you like Clark's style and trainings you may like his 1 hour training 5 Keys to Unlocking Major Gifts. It has all his best material condensed into 1 hour, and it's only $17 right now! Click here for details.

Is your organization ready to start a Major Gifts Program? If this describes your situation, then yes you are!

• Your organization has a solid program and has been delivering consistent results
• You have a big vision and not enough funds to accomplish it
• You are tired of surviving month to month
• You are tired of relying on grants
• You have people you know want to give, but you haven't really done anything with them because you don't know where to start.
• You want to grow your donor base. 

This Major Gifts Program is a 90 day program that will transform your fundraising. It will provide stability, sustainability and growth. 

If you want more information feel free to reach out to us. Clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com or schedule a free, no-obligation call here.  

In an hour long meeting you really only have about 7 minutes to make your pitch. Keep these 13 things in mind when crafting your message.

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

1. We are giving away FREE ACCESS to ⁠MasterClass⁠! Sign up for ⁠Peak Performance Fundraising⁠ (basically THE MasterClass of Fundraising) and get a one year subscription to MasterClass for free! Peak Performance Fundraising is normally $1495, but we are offering it now for only $500, but you have to email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com to get a promo code.
2. We are hiring a Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager! We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager to oversee the production of our podcast series and manage our social media presence. The ideal candidate will be responsible for all aspects of podcast production and will develop and implement social media strategies to promote our content and engage with our audience. This will be the lead person working to transform the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast and the Around the World with Mr. Clark Podcast from basic “click record and talk” podcasts and  into beautifully produced podcasts and to create dynamic and engaging social media content to promote these podcasts and grow our influence and impact. If you are interested, or know someone who could be a fit, reach out to Clark directly 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

We are always saying you should thank a new donor 7 times in the first month of their first gift, then 7 times in the year. Here are some ways to help you achieve that.

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

In this episode Clark talks about looking for ways to connect with people -- finding tiny things, grabbing on, and going for a ride. We can connect with people my being observant and then by being bold and curious. Questions, comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

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/⁠

A week ago we thought that maybe the Coronavirus was going to be a big deal. Now we know it is. What does this pandemic mean to your fundraising efforts. In this episode Clark talks about what you should be doing now and strategies for short term and long term success. Want to talk with Clark? Email him at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

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

Do you think you know why your donors give? Are you willing to test your assumptions? I am incredibly excited to share this free program with you. https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets 

Part 4. They're only gimmicks if there's no personal relationship. The little things like handwritten PS's and crossing out "Mr. & Mrs." on the salutation and writing the first name -- these things matter! We know they matter because donors told us they matter. But they matter when they are backed by a real, genuine relationship. Part 4 of our series of themes that arose from conversations with donors who have given 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts.

In this episode Clark talks about his program The Noble Call of Fundraising, which you can purchase for only $95 at https://majorgifts.campusedu.com/thenoblecalloffundraising

What are you willing to do and what are you willing to give up in order to become the person that you want to be? You can email Clark your answers and he will hold you accountable. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

In this episode Clark talks about the Mondays! Are you excited to go to work on Monday? Sure, there may be a tinge of sadness, but you ought to be excited to go to work to accomplish your goals and your mission. If you're not, maybe it's time for a gut check.

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/⁠

Getting meetings can be a trouble spot for a lot of fundraisers. Clark shares some practical tips on how to get more "yes" for this all important first ask.

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

If you identify as an empathetic person who wants to make a difference in the world, it's easy to grow entitled our resentful of others when we feel like they "don't get it." How do we deal with that? Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.

Today I celebrate my 40th birthday! In this episode I talk about two kinds of coaches, and the kind that I am comfortable being. I also tell you about a new podcast I have launched, and share some of the struggles I've wrestled with as I've approached this mile-marker birthday. -Clark

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:

• You're probably pretty good at telling your story, but becoming a GREAT story teller is HARD work
• People are not interested in you or your story. They are interested in themselves. Make your story about them.

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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:

•  S is for Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish

• M is for Measurable: Quantify your goals and build in milestones to make them easier to track

• A is for Achievable: Consider if you have the resources to achieve your goal

• R is for Relevant: Consider why you're setting the goal and how it will improve your life or career

•  T is for Time-bound: Set a firm schedule and stick to it

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

1. Awareness

2. Different Perspective

3. Quick Win

4. Big Policy Goal

Check out Clark's "other" podcast Around the World with Mr. Clark, available wherever you get your podcasts!

Clark also shared in this episode that

1. We are giving away FREE ACCESS to ⁠MasterClass⁠! Sign up for ⁠Peak Performance Fundraising⁠ (basically THE MasterClass of Fundraising) and get a one year subscription to MasterClass for free! Peak Performance Fundraising is normally $1495, but we are offering it now for only $500, but you have to email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com to get a promo code.
2. We are hiring a Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager! We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager to oversee the production of our podcast series and manage our social media presence. The ideal candidate will be responsible for all aspects of podcast production and will develop and implement social media strategies to promote our content and engage with our audience. This will be the lead person working to transform the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast and the Around the World with Mr. Clark Podcast from basic “click record and talk” podcasts and  into beautifully produced podcasts and to create dynamic and engaging social media content to promote these podcasts and grow our influence and impact. If you are interested, or know someone who could be a fit, reach out to Clark directly 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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.

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/⁠

Establish these three things before every donor meeting and you will immediately notice an improvement in your donor meetings. You will be giving your meetings a sense of purpose, your donors will sense there is a purpose to your meeting, and they will rise to the occasion of the meeting. These there things also form the basis of the meeting report you write afterwards for your donor file.

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

1. We are giving away FREE ACCESS to MasterClass! Sign up for Peak Performance Fundraising (basically THE MasterClass of Fundraising) and get a one year subscription to MasterClass for free! Peak Performance Fundraising is normally $1495, but we are offering it now for only $500, but you have to email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com to get a promo code.
2. We are hiring a Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager! We are seeking a creative and detail-oriented Podcast Producer and Social Media Manager to oversee the production of our podcast series and manage our social media presence. The ideal candidate will be responsible for all aspects of podcast production and will develop and implement social media strategies to promote our content and engage with our audience. This will be the lead person working to transform the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast and the Around the World with Mr. Clark Podcast from basic “click record and talk” podcasts and  into beautifully produced podcasts and to create dynamic and engaging social media content to promote these podcasts and grow our influence and impact. If you are interested, or know someone who could be a fit, reach out to Clark directly 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Our culture is changing. There was a successful way of communicating with your donors in the past but those notes don't work anymore. You're out of tune. In this episode Clark talks about the book Daring Greatly by "vulnerability expert" Brené Brown and what that book means to fundraisers in a changing culture. Questions or comments? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Good development work is methodical development work. When we fail to work methodically, pressure builds and we eventually do something stupid. Clark's $10,000 challenge to you.

 We have all heard that past performance is not a guarantee of future results. But the opposite also holds true that  past failure does not have to mean future failure. 

If you have struggled in the past, take heart, things can get better.

Are interested in learning more about what donors like? If so, be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

You want to have quality relationships with your donors. Good relationships develop on the foundation of many shared experiences and touches. Clark shares 3 simple routines to help you add many more donor interactions and build better donor relationships. Good development work is methodical development work. Develop these routines and be the first organization a donor thinks of when he or she is ready to give a gift above and beyond anything they've given before.

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/

Part 1 of 5 short episodes where Clark talks about planning your way to success. Automate your success and ensure you have a successful year by going through these 5 steps at the start of the New Year.

People choose what's most familiar. Make it easy for your donors to choose you by becoming familiar to your donors. In this episode Clark recounts a story from his 2010 run for United States Congress, and how he lost to a name that was more familiar.

Climbing a mountain takes time. If we set big goals and have high standards of ourselves, we don't hit our goals overnight. It takes time to climb a mountain. Clark takes inspiration from the life of legendary basketball coach John Wooden in this episode of the podcast. Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

Many development staff think that the reason they don't raise more money is because they don't have enough new donors. The fact is that your current list has more money than you realize, you just don't know how to see it. Clark explains how to cultivate your acres of diamonds.

 If you are interested in learning more about what donors like be sure to get this free interview series on why donors give. Hear from major donors in their own voices talking about why they give.  https://tinyurl.com/donorsecrets  

Clark wraps up the series of 5 Takeaways from our series of interviews with donors who gave 5, 6, and 7 figure gifts and talks about the 5th and final takeaway: significance. Donors want to know that they matter and that therir gifts make a difference! Questions? Need help? Email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

During this time of Covid-19 social distancing you are not meeting with your donors but you can still "be in front of them." Who should you be reaching out to? Be authentic in these conversations, but there's a difference between authentic and desperate. Trying to figure out the difference for you? Email clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com

In this episode Clark talks about how to establish a calendar that ensures you are doing the basics of a professional development operation. The higher your "minimum acceptable" the better off you'll be. Don't  be intimidated by "big" organizations. You aren't competing against them. You're just trying to improve yourself and be better than you were last year.

Part 2 of a 5 Part series on Planning you way to success. Having completed Step 1 (ranking your donors) in this episode Clark talks about building out a schedule for your year that ensures you will see your Top 5 donors at least two times this year. This is about automating success and "getting in the way of success."

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/⁠

Clark talks about lessons learned from a round of recent donor meetings and how a donor's philanthropic disposition can be more important than their financial capacity.

In this episode Clark shares insights from several hours of interviews with major donors asking them why they give. This is an important episode for fundraisers who struggle with the challenge of raising unrestricted funds -- and also for fundraisers who have an exciting project to sell as Clark has a word of caution from major donors about your exciting project. To get a free copy of the audio program that Clark references, "Major Donor Giving Secrets Revealed" just email Clark at clark@majorgiftsfundraiser.com.