Human-Centered Fundraising: Tammy Zonker Redefines What It Means to Be a Hero in Philanthropy

If you've ever wrestled with the tension between being donor-centered and community-centered in your fundraising, today's episode is going to feel like a deep exhale. The incredible Tammy Zonker, founder of Fundraising Transformed, has helped raise more than $1 billion over her career, including facilitating a single $27 million dollar gift!

We dive into Tammy’s hands-on case study from the Children’s Center in Detroit, where her team tripled philanthropy in three years and doubled it again before her departure. You’ll hear what it actually looked like on the ground: auditing revenue channels, analyzing cost-per-dollar raised and ROI across events, grants, and direct response, strengthening monthly and planned giving, and expanding donor engagement.

This episode also explores why many nonprofits thrive with younger generations, offers in-the-trenches advice for leaders navigating busy giving seasons, and how to thoughtfully affirm everyone who contributes their time, talent, and resources.

Resources & Links

Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn and learn more about her book, Calling All Heroes.

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Register now for the FREE Monthly Giving Summit on February 25-26th, the only virtual event where nonprofits unite to master monthly giving, attract committed believers, and fund the future with confidence.

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