Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast

Many nonprofit leaders hesitate to invest in additional fundraising staff—often out of a scarcity mindset. But what if that hesitation is actually costing your organization the opportunity to grow?In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, Tom Dauber breaks down how to make the case for hiring fundraisers, development officers, and donor-facing staff. Whether you're a CEO, CDO, or senior development leader, you'll learn: Why fundraisers are revenue generators, not cost centers How under-investment leads to missed major gift opportunities What board members and CFOs often misunderstand about fundraising ROI Why staff burnout and turnover erode donor trust How to scale impact by scaling supportIf you're trying to grow your mission, you can't afford to under-resource your fundraising team. Let's talk about how to change the conversation.

Do fundraisers bring their own money trauma to donor conversations? Absolutely—and Courtney offers powerful advice for confronting your own beliefs about money before asking someone else for theirs. From missionaries with $100 to major gift officers asking for $25,000, this episode explores how our past shapes our comfort with fundraising. Learn how fundraisers can shift from imposter syndrome to service, and what high-net-worth individuals really want in a meaningful donor relationship.Key Themes: How childhood and early career experiences shape fundraisers' scripts What wealthy donors hate about vague or premature asks Serving vs. soliciting: the mindset shift that builds trust How to ask better questions and challenge with care

In this episode, Courtney shares eye-opening stories of how unresolved trauma and attachment to wealth can block generosity—even for those who deeply want to give. Tom and Courtney unpack how fundraisers can show up with empathy, curiosity, and a willingness to challenge donors based on their stated values. Plus, Courtney explains how giving can be an act of spiritual freedom and how fundraisers can help donors live more fully into their purpose.Key Themes: Why wealth can make people feel isolated and judged The importance of holding space, not pushing an ask Fundraisers as values-based coaches, not salespeople One millionaire's transformation from fear to generosity

Courtney Markley, founder of the Center for Financial Discipleship, shares her journey from bridal fashion designer to financial counselor. She and Tom discuss how wealth doesn't solve money-related anxiety and how our past—especially childhood trauma—can deeply influence generosity. This episode explores the surprising truth that even high-net-worth individuals often struggle to talk about money, revealing how fundraisers can become safe, nonjudgmental conversation partners.Key Themes: Courtney's personal financial transformation Why math isn't enough: money behaviors vs. financial literacy The deep emotional and spiritual pitfalls of wealth How major gift officers unintentionally become confidants

In this episode Tom discusses how organizations dependent on federal funding can prepare themselves to find private support.

In this episode David talks about his experiences soliciting and stewarding donors and how showing potential impact beats "making an ask" and how showing actual impact beats thank you notes. He also shares his most awkward moments with donors and how you can avoid them!Looking for Fundraising Coaching and Counsel?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode David shares some of the do-overs he wishes he could have in his career, as well as some inspiring stories about donors he's uncovered and built relationships with.Looking for Fundraising Coaching or Counsel? Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode David shares about how his University is leveraging Remote opportunities to recruit and retain high quality staff and raise more money as a result. He also touches on some of the key advice he wished he had in his early career!Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode David shares about his professional journey from college to a position of leadership in fundraising at a Tier 1 research institution.

In this episode, Tom discusses common assumptions fundraisers make about donors, why they prevent good fundraising and how to do better by embracing transparent curiosity.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Tom continues his discussion on how to have a presolicitation conversation with a potential donor and shares some thoughts the state of the podcast for the new year.Do you have a question you'd like Tom to address on the podcast or have a suggestion for a show topic? Let us know by emailing Tom at thomasdauber@abundantvision.netLooking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Tom discusses how you can dramatically increase your success as a major gift fundraiser, by learning to ask for permission to have a gift discussion.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode Bernice Martin Lee, CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation, discusses how she salvaged a relationship with a donor, after they changed their mind regarding a verbal commitment. Lee also discusses the importance of building partnerships with corporations that lead to philanthropy and how a lapsed donor list played an important role in her strategic planning.For more information on epilepsy, visit https://www.epilepsy.com/Looking for fundraising coaching or help planning your next campaign?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In Part 2 of this interview series, Bernice shares about a time when she realized that her team needed additional training gift solicitation, as well as how she succeeded in getting the attention and funding of what seemed like a disinterested foundation. Lastly Bernice discusses the critical role attention to detail plays in cultivating major gifts.

In this episode Bernice Martin Lee, CEO of The Epilepsy Foundation, shares her personal experience as a fundraiser with epilepsy, along with her journey from frontline fundraiser to CEO.Want to learn more about the work of the Epilepsy Foundation?https://www.epilepsy.com/Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Tom discusses the realities of sexual harassment in fundraising and shares his reflections and learnings from a time when a prospective donor attempted to induce him to have sex in exchange for a large donation.Dr. E.E. Beaton's Personal Website with links to her research on sexual harassment in nonprofit settings:https://www.erynnbeaton.com/researchLooking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Stephen shares more stories and advice on how development staff can communicate and work more effectively with fiscal staff.

Fractional CFO Stephen Newland shares his wisdom in this two part series about how fiscal officers and development officers can work together more effectively and learn to speak one another's language. Need some Fractional CEO Support? Contact Stephen at https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenmnewland/Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode Tom shares how you can start evaluating your own database for free, using simple methodologies that anyone can learn.

In this episode Tom discusses the types of questions you should be asking your constituents to confirm wealth screening results and make sure they are the major gift prospects you are looking for.

In this episode Tom shares some of the realities of wealth screening results, where they fall short and how to understand what those optimistic results really mean.

in this episode Tom shares his thoughts on the ways wealth screenings can be helpful to your fundraising efforts.

In this episode, Tim talks about how understanding a long-time 7-figure donor led to a 5X increase in giving, along with other memorable stories!

In this episode Dr. Tim Meier shares about his journey from the mission field into his current role as VP of Development for the Christian and Missionary Church. He also discusses his favorite qualification story

In this two part episode, Tom covers the basics of prospect portfolios. How to figure out who's in, who's out, how to keep the clean and why you should keep them smaller than you probably think!

In this two part episode, Tom covers the basics of prospect portfolios. How to figure out who's in, who's out, how to keep the clean and why you should keep them smaller than you probably think!

In this episode Maxwell shares with us some fantastic stories of ways he's leveraged relationships with executives at his organization, as well as students benefiting from donor support to build stronger relationships with donors. In one example example resulted in a gift 5 times larger than the 6 figure ask his Dean solicited.

In today's episode, Maxwell shared with us about his journey in major gift fundraising, his thoughts on professional development and some great early career advice for new fundraisers. Lastly he shares a great story in which some careful investigation saved a planned gift that was in jeopardy.

In this episode Haley shares with us about how she came face to face with burnout as a fundraiser. Today she helps nonprofit leaders prevent burnout in their own lives and across their organizations. How can you tell if you just need a nap or if you are suffering from burnout? Check out this episode to learn more!

In this episode, Tom continues his discussion about navigating fundraising conversations in restaurants. He also addresses some tips to help you discover new donors in unexpected places and how to reach, unreachable constituents.

In this episode Tom provides guidance on areas that most fundraisers have to learn the hard way. He discusses some of the small things he's learned over the years about handling donor meetings in restaurants and even what can happen if you don't consider your fluid intake during at donor meeting!

In this episode, April discusses some of her most memorable experiences as a fundraiser and shares some solid advice for leaders looking to manage with greater effectiveness.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/

In this episode, April shares how she got into the world of fundraising and shares some great advice for aspiring fundraisers and leaders of fundraisers!Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/

In this episode Tom talks about how to avoid some common

In this episode Tom explores many of the common, inefficient, approaches to fundraising nonprofits, why so many organizations are drawn to them, and how we can do better.

In this episode Curtis Eaton, VP of Development shares about some of his most memorable experiences in the fundraising profession, along the moments that motivate him to make a difference.

In this episode Curtis Eaton, Asst. VP of Development at the University of Cincinnati shares about his career journey into professional fundraising, his current work at UC, and his experiences as a person of color in a majority white profession.

In this episode Tom examines a questionable mega gift covered in the news and discusses his own experiences with questionable gift proposals and how and when self-interested donors can still make impactful gifts.

In this episode we do a deep dive into Jason's most memorable gift. We cover how the conversation developed, how they came to a point of decision and how the gift was stewarded.

In this episode Tom and Jason have some honest conversation about race in the world of fundraising, followed by some of Jason's advice on the best ways to get that initial appointment with donors who don't know you. Jason finishes by sharing some lessons he learned from his most memorable donor calls.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode Jason George, Chief Development Officer for Vineyard USA, talks about his roots in the faith-based nonprofit world and his journey into the secular fundraising and back again.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

Tom is always talking about the journey to Major Gift Mastery., but what does that mean exactly? In this episode, Tom review 7 of the most critical aspects of Major Gift Mastery and why they matter to your fundraising success.

In this episode, Cindy talks about how she become a fractional fundraiser and why fundraisers and nonprofits should consider the fractional fundraising approach.

In this episode, Cindy shares about what fractional fundraising is and why she has made it the centerpiece of her work.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode Tom discusses how to apply various types of metrics to better understand your efforts and why it's important to measure more than how much money was raised.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode, Tom talks about the metrics nonprofits should be using to grow fundraising effectively. He also talks about the pros and cons of different metrics and shares two new metrics you may never have considered before that can reveal a world of helpful information about your approach to fundraising.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode, Jim Langley, President of Langley Innovation talks about the barriers that prevent organizations from raising more money. He also reflects on some of the most memorable donor encounters he's experienced.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode, Jim Langley, President of Langley Innovations, discusses how terms like "close" work against a mindset that promotes more effective fundraising. Tom and Jim discuss how to manage using the gift facilitation method and what types of metrics are most meaningful for success. We also explore how to avoid getting lost in "the deep dark woods" of cultivation!Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode Jim talks about his take on moves management, how it differs from gift facilitation and why a new approach to fundraising is needed in light of the current decline in giving.Looking for Fundraising Coaching?Check out www.abundantvision.netNeed Some Affordable Fundraising Training?Sign up for Abundant Vision Academy using the link below:https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/Claim your 50% discount by using the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode Tom and Regina talk about some of the most common problems fundraisers run into when trying to identify current and new major gift donors. Why donors "hide" their wealth? How many prospects do you need to find a single donor? How does wealth screening help? What to do when your board members seem to be giving less than they could? How to address the emerging "crisis" in generosity!Claim your 50% Off of Abundant Vision Academy today!Go to: thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.comUse the coupon code SPRING2024 at checkout!

In this episode, Regina talk about her experiences in the nonprofit world that led her to start her own company. In addition to touching on issues of race and gender, Regina also provides some practical advice for nonprofits trying to identify new major gift donors.https://thomas-dauber-s-school.teachable.com/