Best Donor Recognition Podcasts (2025)

1
Celebrate the Climb, Watch Donors Align! 10:22

5M ago10:22

10:22

In fundraising. When you authentically celebrate even partial success, you often unlock additional giving. It’s like a mountain climbing team sharing their journey story while still on the mountainside - their authentic enthusiasm often attracts unexpected support. What does this kind of celebration look like? To help you, I have put together a cou…

1
My Wife's Hot (Organization Centered Fundraising) 11:10

5M ago11:10

11:10

I have an acquaintance who loves to put posts on social media about his wife. “She’s hot,” he will say. When I see his posts, I feel awkward. What ought to be beautiful and admirable is instead a little repulsive. He even has a shirt, “I LOVE MY HOT WIFE.” AND a coffee mug: “MY WIFE IS HOTTER THAN MY COFFEE” Most of us find this off putting, but fu…

1
Maximum Impact, Maximum Joy: Why Donors Go Big 8:07

6M ago8:07

8:07

"I reviewed with each person the factors that motivated their giving. A recurring pattern was the towering gratification they received from making the gift." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them. Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE…

1
Paint the Dream: Major Donors Buy Vision, Not Projects 8:50

6M ago8:50

8:50

Some of history's greatest fundraisers have never asked people for money. HOW DOES THAT HAPPEN? Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be …

1
The Mega Donor Playbook: Essential Qualities They Seek in Fundraisers 10:34

6M ago10:34

10:34

"There needs to be a near-militant belief in its mission..." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always …

1
Hidden Heroes or Public Praise: The Donor Recognition Dilemma 10:27

6M ago10:27

10:27

"History has recorded few truly anonymous gifts. Many benefactors, who pretend anonymity, hide after a conferring a gift - much like Virgil's Galatea. She fled...but only after making certain she had been seen by everyone." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pa…

1
Love At First Ask: The Response is Spontaneous 7:05

6M ago7:05

7:05

"It is my experience - confirmed by the million dollar givers - that major philanthropy is spontaneous." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This pu…

1
The #1 Reason You Don't Get Major Gifts 9:58

6M ago9:58

9:58

"As Harold Seymour put it many years ago, no one ever got milk from a cow by sending a letter." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will alw…

1
The Sound of One Hand Clapping: Slick Campaign Literature 11:36

6M ago11:36

11:36

"For many major donors, sophisticated or fancy campaign literature has as much impact as the sound of one hand clapping." Jerold Panas, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday…

1
Spouses Matter In Fundraising 10:09

6M ago10:09

10:09

Are you on David's mailing list? Go to davidoaks.net, to the second pane that says: "Lean Into Your Visionary Capacity With David: FREE" and sign up for my Mentoring Monday's email. This puts you on my email list and you will always know where I will be speaking next. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's b…

1
Miracles, Wine & Fundraising 9:36

9M ago9:36

9:36

At weddings, ministers are fond of rehearsing the historical story of Jesus’ first miracle. He attends a wedding where the host runs out of wine. At the insistence of his mother, he turns six stone jars of water into wine. The belief in miracles is a matter of personal faith and varies among individuals and spiritual traditions. Personally, I belie…

1
Jeff Slaughter: My Story 27:25

9M ago27:25

27:25

Let me introduce you to my friend Jeff Slaughter. He is a missionary, fundraiser, master storyteller and more. Find Jeff at: https://jeffslaughterwrites.com/ https://elevateeurope.com/ Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with…

1
You Are NOT A News Reporter: You Are a Nonprofit Storyteller 13:13

10M ago13:13

13:13

As a fundraising consultant, I’ve encountered countless nonprofits who believe they’re telling compelling stories about their work. But when I look at their websites and social media feeds, I’m often left wondering: Where are the stories? Fundraisers think like news reporters when it comes to telling stories. But nothing could be further from the t…

1
A Word To My African Fundraiser Friends 16:18

10M ago16:18

16:18

I love Africa and I adore African fundraisers. Your passion, dedication, and tireless efforts to create positive change in your community is truly inspiring. You deserve to get the money you need. There are some things you need to understand about fundraising internationally, especially with Americans. There is sometimes a disconnect between you an…

1
Naming Opportunities Are Golden Opportunities 15:42

11M ago15:42

15:42

Naming opportunities are a nonprofit's golden ticket to unlocking major donations. This episode reveals the power of offering naming rights to recognize supporters, plus you'll learn 7 key steps to follow to successfully implement this lucrative fundraising strategy. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's bo…

1
Visionaries Attract Resources 7:26

1y ago7:26

7:26

Describing the need is easy compared with the hard work of finding the descriptive words that paint a picture of the need having been met. If there is one thing I find that leaders don't understand, it is the power of vision. Most leaders think they become powerful when they can describe the need. Not so. Describing the need is easy compared to des…

1
First Things & Fundraising 13:12

1y ago13:12

13:12

When we fail to recognize and celebrate “firsts,” we miss powerful opportunities to strengthen our relationships, build momentum, and create a positive, thriving culture. In families, celebrating firsts – from a baby’s first steps to a teenager’s first job – helps to create a strong sense of unity, pride, and mutual support. By acknowledging these …

1
Navigating Your Nonprofit's North Star: Vision vs. Mission Statements 7:15

1y ago7:15

7:15

Your vision and mission statements are more than just words on paper - they’re the heart and soul of your nonprofit, guiding every decision you make and every dollar you raise. Invest in getting them right, and watch your impact soar. Need more help? Get my book, I dedicate a whole chapter, Establish Your Compelling Vision, to this. Get David's boo…

1
Fundraising, Oily Beards & Rocks in the Pond 7:12

1y ago7:12

7:12

Jewish storytellers celebrate unity and brotherhood by telling a story about pouring huge amounts of expensive oil on the top of one of their leader's heads. Their story corresponds to the "rock in the pond" principle. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Specia…

1
You Don't Catch Fish With Strawberries & Cream 9:52

1y ago9:52

9:52

One of Dale Carnagie's favorite stories was about fishing. "I love strawberries and cream, but I find for some reason that fish prefer worms." In the same vein, you don't "catch" donors by baiting the hook with what you love... Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HE…

1
Do Donors Give Because of Tax Incentives? 7:46

1y ago7:46

7:46

Organizations and fundraisers go to great pains to make sure donors know that giving to their mission is tax deductible. Is this a major reason why donors give to you? Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.dav…

1
10's Attract 9's ... 5's Attract 4's 11:42

1y ago11:42

11:42

People who are tens on the leadership scale attract other people who are tens, nines, eights, and lower. Sevens attract other sevens, sixes, fives and so on. Threes can attract other threes, twos, and ones. People who are a five on the leadership scale don’t often get to work with tens. People who are tens on a leadership scale rarely team up with …

1
If They Don't Believe THEY WON'T GIVE 9:47

1y ago9:47

9:47

If people don't believe in your mission, (and everyone won't), they won't give. But, if they do THEY WILL GIVE YOU THEIR MILLIONS! Reading through Jerold Panas' book, Mega Gifts, Who Gives Them, Who Get's Them Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $…

1
6 Insights Why People Give 13:09

1y ago13:09

13:09

Six powerful insights into why people give large gifts to you. From Mega Gifts, by Jerry Panas. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedIn…

1
Why Do People Give To You? 17:11

1y ago17:11

17:11

I am reading Mega Gifts by Jerold Panas. After interviewing dozens of people who gave millions and 1,000 successful fundraisers, he examines why people give to charity. The results are surprising. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can …

1
Start With Why, Your Story & Storytelling 13:50

1y ago13:50

13:50

Your story, and your storytelling answers the all important question for the world: WHY Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedInBy David Oaks

1
PLEASE SHUT UP, 48 Hrs, & the Gift of Being Noticed 8:53

1+ y ago8:53

8:53

IF you can stop talking about your organization so much, and begin to talk about your donors, your community, your beneficiaries, and their hopes, aspirations, values, and struggles, they will know, like, and trust you more. And, if they know, like, and trust you, they will freely give you their time, treasure, and talent. CLICK HERE FOR HOW TO GET…

1
There is a Wrong Way to Tell Stories 6:35

1+ y ago6:35

6:35

The world will ignore you when you tell your stories the wrong way. I FIND THAT MOST FUNDRAISERS THINK THEY ARE TELLING STORIES WHEN THEY ARE MERELY GIVING REPORTS. What is the difference? A story is about one person, with a name, with a problem that has been solved (or needs to be). One person With a name With a proble Get David's book Visionary F…

1
The Truth Will Set You Free But First It Will Make You Miserable 6:24

1+ y ago6:24

6:24

Visionary fundraisers know that telling the truth makes people free, but first, it makes them miserable. This is where story comes in. Storytelling takes a gentler approach and minimizes potential resistance. This is why one of the most revered teachers in the world said he used story: That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the pe…

1
Unleashing Your Inner Excalibur: The Power of Storytelling 4:42

1+ y ago4:42

4:42

Just like the legendary King Arthur and his mighty sword Excalibur, your storytelling is a celestial key that unlocks incredible power. Imagine storytelling as holding your very own Excalibur. When you tell a story, you're not just sharing words; you're wielding a tool that connects people and helps them make sense of their world. It's like having …

1
NEVER Send Out a Naked Contribution Statement! 10:04

1+ y ago10:04

10:04

Each year as I receive contribution statements from the charities that I supported in the previous year, I am always surprised. As I open them, I am shocked that some are naked. A naked contribution statement is a printed statement of the donor's gifts for the previous year without any kind of thanks or mention of the nonprofit's "big story.” Naked…

1
Dec 31, Rats & Goal Gradient Effect 6:45

1+ y ago6:45

6:45

As humans and other animals approach reaching a goal, their efforts toward that goal increase. Rats run faster as they approach a food reward, and humans increase effort as they approach rewards or goals such as visual finish lines. Social scientists call this pattern of increased effort as we approach goals a “goal gradient” motivation. This matte…

1
Dec 30: THE FISH ARE BITING NOW! 8:10

1+ y ago8:10

8:10

As a fundraiser you should understand that a significant number of donors make critical decisions about their charitable contributions often in the final days of the year. These donors with high capacity often opt for late year-end charitable giving. They make their charitable giving decisions on December 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31st. Join the Visi…

1
One Thing That Will Increase Your EOY Appeal 5X or More! 7:51

1+ y ago7:51

7:51

Visionary fundraisers know a simple yet powerful maneuver that can multiply their end-of-year appeal exponentially: NOTIFY THE DONOR BEFORE THEY RECEIVE YOUR APPEAL! By proactively reaching out to your donors before sending out your printed appeal letters, you can double or even triple your response rates. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at …

1
The Big-Mo: The Fundraiser's Best Friend 16:40

1+ y ago16:40

16:40

Sitting still, a powerful locomotive cannot overcome a 4X4 piece of lumber laid at its wheels. But when that same locomotive is zooming along at fifty-miles-per-hour, it can crush through a brick wall. The difference is momentum. Many times, the ONLY difference between winning and losing is not talent or giftedness. It is momentum–the Big-Mo When y…

1
Beyonce, the Big-Mo & Fundraising 11:16

1+ y ago11:16

11:16

Industry leaders say that Beyonce’s overnight success happened because of her years of hard work teaching millions of people to pay attention to her. In marketing, this is called audience building. Beyoncé understood the power of the Big-Mo: MOMENTUM. She put in years of hard work to achieve the momentum that would make her an overnight success! Vi…

1
THE Most Lucrative Time For Fundraising: EOY! 6:01

1+ y ago6:01

6:01

Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedInBy David Oaks

1
Stop Apologizing; Say Thank You Instead! 3:47

1+ y ago3:47

3:47

Instead of saying, "I'm sorry," start saying "thank you." Revolutionary! Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedInBy David Oaks

1
Poverty Porn & Lions Who Can't Write 10:24

1+ y ago10:24

10:24

The number one tool the visionary uses to stop chasing and start attracting resources is storytelling. Storytelling is the one tool that will catapult your fundraising to wonderful new levels. As visionaries harnessing the ancient power of stories, we give voice to the voiceless. Shining a light on someone’s story, we can: • Help address inequitabl…

1
Death Is Cheap; Vision Is Expensive 9:07

1+ y ago9:07

9:07

When visionaries don't understand their role in bringing hope to the world, they hate fundraising. I have heard visionaries lament the need for fundraising. I have heard board members say, "I wish we didn't talk about money so much." I have heard pastors say, "I HATE talking about money." I think the sentiment is misguided. It is healthy when visio…

1
Infobesity, Uncertainty & Fundraising 12:34

1+ y ago12:34

12:34

As we approach the year’s end, uncertainty rules. When times are good, donors give. When times are bad, donors give. But when times are uncertain, donors wait. Uncertainty makes people a little less responsive to your fundraising. And donors have ample reason to feel uncertain. _______________________________________________________________________…

1
Ballooning Priest’s Fundraising Event Kills Him 13:03

1+ y ago13:03

13:03

To fund a spiritual rest area for truck drivers, Father Adelir Antônio de Carli tied himself to over 1,000 party balloons. After taking off in a chair attached to the balloons, he reached an altitude of 6,000 meters before losing contact with authorities. Read de Carli's story Carli’s story is an extreme example of the high price of event fundraisi…

1
Smashed Arrows, Halfheartedness & Fundraising 6:49

1+ y ago6:49

6:49

The one thing that will impact your beneficiaries the most is your visionary fundraising capacity. Visionaries attract resources like a moth to a flame. Visionaries don’t believe money is the answer to their problems, they know that vision is! To help you grow in your visionary capacity, I have written Visionary Fundraising. In it, you will learn: …

1
Riots, Hamburger Helper & Sponsorship 9:44

2y ago9:44

9:44

You can read Edwin Reinhold's article HERE. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedInBy David Oaks

1
Sharecropping & Fundraising: DON'T 9:42

2y ago9:42

9:42

Step 3 in the Minor Touches Major Impact fundraising method: Establish Your Platform. Very simply, a platform is the thing you have to stand on to get heard. It’s your stage. But unlike a stage in the theater, today’s platform is not built of wood or concrete or perched on a grassy hill. Today’s platform is built of people. Contacts. Connections. F…

1
Inside Out Storytelling 14:00

2y ago14:00

14:00

ALWAYS tell your stories from the inside out... Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with David at www.davidoaks.net Instagram LinkedInBy David Oaks

1
Becoming The Attractive Expert & Your Case For Support 7:58

2y ago7:58

7:58

One of the pieces of collateral that will help you become the attractive expert, step one of the MTMI Fundraising method, is your "Case For Support." This is not just something that organizations do for capital campaigns. Your organization should have one for your mission that is updated annually. I have a few case documents that you can look at he…

1
Avatars & Guiding Principles 15:24

2y ago15:24

15:24

Step one of the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method is to become the attractive expert. There are four pieces of collateral that will ignite your ability to speak as this attractive expert: Beneficiary Avatar Donor Avatar Volunteer Avatar Values & Guiding Principles Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of D…

1
Beyond Fundraising: Spearheading A Movement! 8:58

2y ago8:58

8:58

Visionary fundraisers don't just raise money, they spearhead movements. In step one of the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method, you learn that fundraising is a result of spearheading a movement! Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 …

1
Attractive Experts & Being A Voice For The Voiceless 11:06

2y ago11:06

11:06

The first step in the Minor Touches Major Impact Fundraising Method is to become the attractive expert. Becoming the attractive expert involves you becoming a voice for the voiceless. Get David's book Visionary Fundraising at Amazon. Get a digital copy of David's book: Visionary Fundraising today CLICK HERE Special price $5.00 You can connect with …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Donor Recognition Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen