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Ep 194-Lessons Learned (Part 1)

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Manage episode 507907006 series 3184380
Content provided by Clark Vandeventer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Clark Vandeventer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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, Clark stumbled on an old slide deck from 2013 titled Lessons Learned: Practical Lessons in Major Gifts Fundraising. It sparked this episode (and likely a series) revisiting the core principles that shaped Clark’s early seminars and still hold true today.

If you're a fundraiser who wants to refine your instincts, tighten your messaging, and revisit the “why” behind what works—this episode is packed with timeless truths.

Highlights:

  • (00:01) The Malin Burnham quote that still punches today

  • (03:50) Rediscovering Clark’s 2013 fundraising seminar slides

  • (06:00) The 3 E’s of great fundraisers (Empathy, Energy, Enthusiasm)

  • (10:00) Getting the visit is 85% of getting the gift

  • (12:15) Why board members are best at setting up donor meetings

  • (14:30) Don’t sell need—sell vision. You are the solution.

  • (17:10) The 3 things donors look for before making a big gift

  • (22:00) “This is business.” Why donors need to sense you’re on a mission

  • (25:15) How to remove tension in early donor meetings

  • (28:20) How to handle objections without needing to “be right”

  • (30:40) Two closing quotes from Jerry Panas and Alex Spanos

Quotes Worth Repeating:

“Donors give big, audacious gifts to big, audacious ideas.”
—Clark Vandeventer

“If the fundraiser isn’t deeply committed, how can they expect me to be?”
—Malin Burnham

“I never give because I think there’s a need. I give because I think I can make a real difference.”
—Alex Spanos

Resources & Links:
Mega Gifts: Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them by Jerold Panas
Community Before Self by Malin Burnham
Explore our full training programs at majorgiftsfundraiser.com
Try the ClarkBot – your AI-powered fundraising assistant, available now for free
Contact Clark: [email protected]

Enjoying the podcast?
Please follow, rate, and review. Your feedback helps us reach more fundraisers like you. And if this episode resonated, share it with a colleague.

  continue reading

195 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 507907006 series 3184380
Content provided by Clark Vandeventer. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Clark Vandeventer or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

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, Clark stumbled on an old slide deck from 2013 titled Lessons Learned: Practical Lessons in Major Gifts Fundraising. It sparked this episode (and likely a series) revisiting the core principles that shaped Clark’s early seminars and still hold true today.

If you're a fundraiser who wants to refine your instincts, tighten your messaging, and revisit the “why” behind what works—this episode is packed with timeless truths.

Highlights:

  • (00:01) The Malin Burnham quote that still punches today

  • (03:50) Rediscovering Clark’s 2013 fundraising seminar slides

  • (06:00) The 3 E’s of great fundraisers (Empathy, Energy, Enthusiasm)

  • (10:00) Getting the visit is 85% of getting the gift

  • (12:15) Why board members are best at setting up donor meetings

  • (14:30) Don’t sell need—sell vision. You are the solution.

  • (17:10) The 3 things donors look for before making a big gift

  • (22:00) “This is business.” Why donors need to sense you’re on a mission

  • (25:15) How to remove tension in early donor meetings

  • (28:20) How to handle objections without needing to “be right”

  • (30:40) Two closing quotes from Jerry Panas and Alex Spanos

Quotes Worth Repeating:

“Donors give big, audacious gifts to big, audacious ideas.”
—Clark Vandeventer

“If the fundraiser isn’t deeply committed, how can they expect me to be?”
—Malin Burnham

“I never give because I think there’s a need. I give because I think I can make a real difference.”
—Alex Spanos

Resources & Links:
Mega Gifts: Who Gives Them, Who Gets Them by Jerold Panas
Community Before Self by Malin Burnham
Explore our full training programs at majorgiftsfundraiser.com
Try the ClarkBot – your AI-powered fundraising assistant, available now for free
Contact Clark: [email protected]

Enjoying the podcast?
Please follow, rate, and review. Your feedback helps us reach more fundraisers like you. And if this episode resonated, share it with a colleague.

  continue reading

195 episodes

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