Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast-Hosted by Clark Vandeventer

Ep. 197- Be Thankful-And Watch What Happens

Summary: Clark shares his November playbook for development officers: how to turn Thanksgiving into a month-long movement of gratitude that naturally inspires giving. Fro

Episode 196- The Two Lists You Need Before Year-End

Summary As year-end approaches, Clark shares the methodical moves that separate top-performing development officers from everyone else. In this episode, he walks through

Ep 195-Lessons Learned (Part 2)

Summary Part 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

Ep 194-Lessons Learned (Part 1)

Summary:This episode is a walk down memory lane—and a masterclass in the basics that still matter. While looking for a quote from legendary philanthropist Malin Burnham,

193-Should You Stay or Should You Go

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 pla

192-Fundraising Lessons from Frozen II

Is Asking for a Gift the Next Right Thing? Summary: Are you about to ask someone for a gift? Maybe the meeting is already on the calendar… but before you make the ask, C

Episode 191: The Golden Package Title: Every Package Is the Golden Package: Building a Culture of Donor Care

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 d

Episode 190: 4 Ways to Grow Your Gratitude Muscle

Summary: In this episode, Clark dives into the most underrated (yet powerful) skill a fundraiser can cultivate: gratitude. Far beyond gift acknowledgments and thank-you

Episode 189- Christmas in August?

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 fundrai

Episode 188-How long can you do this?

Summary:Are you walking, resting, or sprinting right now? In this episode, Clark Vandeventer shares a powerful metaphor drawn from his time trail running in Tahoe to help

Episode 187-Surprise and Delight: How to Build Donor Loyalty with the “Little Wows”

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 fund

Episode 186-Understanding Donor Listener Types

Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser Podcast, Monica and Clark delve into the significance of understanding oneself and others in the context of fundrai

Episode 185-When Friends & Family Tag Along on Donor Meetings

Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of personal connections in donor engagement, navigating donor visits that i

Episode 184-Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast

Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the critical role of culture in fundraising, emphasizing that who you are as a fundraiser

183-Conversations with the Clarkbot

SummaryIn this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark discusses the importance of meaningful connections in fundraising, the introduction of the AI-powered

Episode 187-Surprise and Delight

Summary: In this episode, Clark Vandeventer uses the example of his Airbnb hosting experience to deliver a timely message for fundraisers: do the basics well—and then, su

Episode 182-Introducing the ClarkBot

Summary In this episode, Clark Vandeventer introduces the innovative ClarkBot, an AI-powered chatbot designed to assist fundraisers in their efforts. The conversation ex

Episode 181-Intensity of Purpose

Summary In this episode of the Major Gifts Fundraiser podcast, Clark Vandeventer discusses the importance of morning routines, personal fulfillment through the three-hou

#180: High Turnover in Development Jobs

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 envir

#179: LeVar Burton on Relationships and Storytelling

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 LeVa