Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast

December has a way of messing with a fundraiser's head. If you hit your goal, there is relief. If you came up short, it can feel like the year somehow failed. In this end of year episode, Tom Dauber reframes what a truly positive year-end looks like and why December does not define your worth as a fundraiser. This episode is not about last-minute tactics or magical December hacks. It is about finishing the calendar year with integrity, clarity, and professionalism. Tom walks through how to redefine winning at year end, why gratitude must be treated as a discipline rather than an afterthought, and how desperation quietly undermines trust with donors. You will also hear practical guidance on closing loops, cleaning up CRM data, scheduling January follow-ups before exhaustion sets in, and doing an honest post-mortem that helps you grow as a leader rather than beat yourself up. Most of all, this episode reconnects fundraising to first principles. Stewardship is not about revenue. It is about trust. And trust compounds over time. If you want to close the year steady instead of frantic, and step into the new year grounded rather than desperate, this episode is for you. Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net

After decades in fundraising, Joe Bull has seen nearly everything—from million-dollar surprises to the conversations that quietly define a donor's legacy. In this episode, he joins Tom Dauber to share the stories, near-misses, and timeless lessons that shaped his approach to planned giving and donor relationships that last a lifetime. In this conversation, Joe and Tom discuss: * How one sponsorship pitch turned into an eight-figure gift—and a career-defining lesson in silence * The stewardship visit that safeguarded an $11 million estate gift * Why fundraisers lose legacy donors simply by forgetting about them * How to spot hidden wealth and reframe your assumptions about "who gives" * The emotional power of connecting donors directly to the impact they've created * What awkward mistakes (including a very ill-timed voicemail) can teach you about accountability * How patience and gratitude form the foundation of every successful planned giving relationship For anyone serious about legacy fundraising, this episode distills forty years of experience into stories that remind us why planned giving is both an art and a calling. Website: philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com • Email: joebull@philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]

Economic downturns test every fundraiser's patience and creativity—but Joe Bull has seen enough recessions to know that generosity doesn't disappear, it just shifts form. In this conversation, Joe and Tom Dauber unpack how planned giving holds steady when annual and major gifts tighten, and what leaders can do now to build resilience before the next market slide. In this episode, Joe shares: * Why donor motivation doesn't vanish in bad economies—it only changes timing and form * How planned giving bridges short-term uncertainty with long-term commitment * Data from researcher Russell James showing why nonprofits that accept non-cash assets raise significantly more * Lessons from Joe's own Carnegie Mellon analysis revealing estate gifts often triple lifetime giving * Practical ways to start a planned giving program with almost no new budget * The myth that "planned giving is only for the wealthy" and what every fundraiser should actually know * Why patience, stewardship, and curiosity build the kind of donor relationships that survive any recession If you've ever wondered how to stabilize fundraising when the markets stumble, this episode will leave you with perspective, proof, and a few next steps you can take tomorrow. Website: philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com • Email: joebull@philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]

Joe Bull never set out to become one of the most respected voices in planned giving. Trained in law and athletic administration, he thought he'd spend his career on the sidelines of college sports—not in development offices. One unplanned job at Duke University changed everything, launching a forty-year journey through higher ed, national nonprofits, and the evolution of modern fundraising. In this episode, Joe talks with host Tom Dauber about: * How an accidental entry into Duke's planned giving office became the start of a lifelong vocation * Lessons from early mentors and the value of being "in the right place at the right time" * The growing professionalism of planned giving—from two-person shops to major enterprise teams * Transitioning from Duke to NC State to Ohio State and leading his first campaign * Moving from higher education to The Nature Conservancy just before the 2008 financial crash * Why networking and timing shape more careers than strategy ever will * The origin of "fractional planned giving" work and why many nonprofits need it today This conversation offers a rare look at how one unplanned turn can define a lifetime of impact. Website: philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com • Email: joebull@philanthropyadvisorycouncil.com Looking for fundraising coaching and free fundraising resources?  Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]

A pop-culture detour with a purpose: Tom breaks down how Netflix's Wednesday (Season 2) portrays fundraising—manipulative galas, predatory leaders, "mind-control" asks—and contrasts it with ethical, mission-centered practice. If your board's first idea is "throw a gala," this one's for you. In this episode * Why TV gets fundraising wrong (manipulation, greed, event-centric thinking) * What ethical fundraising actually looks like: gratitude, consent, mission & impact * The real problems with events and "a question to everybody is a question to nobody" * Better paths than grants-only or cookie/candy sales—and why individualized asks win Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]

In this final segment of Tom's conversation with Phil Washburn, President and CEO of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio, the focus turns squarely to the inner game of fundraising, the power of relationships, and what it takes to lead a mission-focused organization through major campaigns and big transitions.Phil shares honestly about his own journey from nervous asker to more confident, conversational fundraiser, and how deep donor trust, clear vision, and strong board partnership all work together to fuel impact.In this episode, we cover: How Phil's "baptism by fire" into fundraising shaped his relational approach with donors Why honest, unvarnished conversations about financial challenges actually deepen donor trust Moving from transactional pitches to conversational, collaborative asking Practical question prompts Phil uses to understand what truly resonates with donors before making the ask A powerful "Unity Build" story that brought diverse partners together around a shared community goal How a clear sense of purpose sustains you through the hard and exhausting seasons of nonprofit work Why the CEO–board relationship can make or break an organization What a healthy, mission-centered board looks like in practice How Phil invests in individual relationships with board members to strengthen governance and alignment An inside look at the Furniture Bank's capital campaign, new warehouse, expanded woodshop, and growing thrift enterprise model How social enterprise and thrift stores are helping fuel mission, divert waste from landfills, and stabilize revenue Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Tom continues his conversation with Phil Washburn, President and CEO of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio and a black belt in Lean Six Sigma. Phil pulls back the curtain on how process improvement tools, ownership culture, and clear values can transform the way any nonprofit operates, serves clients, and supports fundraising. You do not have to be a data geek or a manufacturing nerd to benefit from this one. If you have ever thought, "We are so busy, but are we actually working efficiently," this conversation is for you. In this episode, we cover: * What Lean Six Sigma actually is and why it belongs in nonprofit work, not just factories * How Phil used Lean tools to serve more families without simply trying to raise more money * Common inefficiencies nonprofits fall into when staff wear too many hats and never stop to reexamine processes * A practical example of eliminating waste through partnership, using furniture donations as a case study * How the Furniture Bank helps families move from bare floors to dignified, furnished homes * Why furniture and basic home goods are a critical part of a family's stability and recovery * How to start thinking about process improvement if you are a CEO or executive director who has never touched Lean before * Why culture and values matter for efficiency, especially the value of excellence * A simple "boxes of paper" experiment Phil used to reveal low ownership culture and how leaders can raise expectations * How to build a culture where staff at every level feel responsible for naming problems and improving systems Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Tom sits down with his longtime friend and fellow Bowling Green alum, Phil Washburn, President and CEO of the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio. Phil shares honestly about what it looks like to lead an entire organization while still staying personally engaged with donors and major gifts work.Whether you are a frontline fundraiser or in senior leadership, this conversation will help you think more clearly about boundaries, priorities, and what a healthy partnership between a CEO and development team can look like in any nonprofit setting.In this episode, we cover: How Phil thinks about "free time" as a CEO and what healthy work–life boundaries actually look like Why modeling good work–life balance for your team matters as much as talking about it Phil's nonprofit origin story and how he grew from "perfect number two" into an effective CEO The key differences between a strong major gift officer and a strong CEO, and where the roles overlap How a CEO's broader view of the organization can sharpen donor strategy and cultivation What a healthy, day to day partnership between a CEO and Director of Development looks like How Phil practically protects 20–25% of his week for fundraising, including personal calls to mid and major donors The growing pressure on social service organizations as more nonprofits compete for limited funding How changes in public funding are impacting local human service agencies and why collaboration is becoming essential Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net

Too many fundraising leaders fall into the trap of focusing on what's missing—trying to "fund the gap" instead of casting a bold vision for what's possible. In this solo episode, Thomas Dauber challenges nonprofit professionals to shift their mindset from scarcity to abundance. He explains why donors are more inspired by dreams than deficits, and how articulating a compelling future vision—not just this year's shortfall—can unlock greater generosity. Thomas unpacks what it means to dream responsibly: planning strategically, understanding true costs, involving your CFO and board, and building a roadmap donors can believe in. Whether you're a CEO, major gift officer, or faith-based ministry leader raising your own support, this episode will equip you to ask bigger, inspire more deeply, and lead with clarity. Takeaways Include: * Why funding a dream is more motivating than filling a budget gap * How to answer "How much do you need?" in a visionary, donor-centric way * What steps you must take to make your dream fundable * How to involve your board and financial team in building a scalable growth plan * A challenge to rethink individualized fundraising strategies in favor of collective vision If you're ready to grow beyond your current limits and raise more with confidence, this one's for you. Subscribe, share, and send this to a fellow leader who's dreaming big.

In part two of our conversation, Brianna Quinn flips the script: she talks about what hiring managers get wrong, how organizations unintentionally repel great candidates, and what both sides can do to create a better process. From pay transparency to interview equity, this is a practical guide for anyone building a team—or considering their next move.

In this candid conversation, Brianna Quinn, VP of Development at Let's Get Ready, shares what it was like to conduct a public job search after leaving a role that wasn't the right fit. She talks about how to spot red flags in job descriptions, how she thought about values alignment, and the challenges of vetting organizational culture from the outside. Whether you're hiring or job hunting, Brianna's insights are refreshingly honest and deeply practical.

In this episode of the Abundant Vision Fundraising Podcast, Tom Dauber breaks down the hidden costs of underinvesting in fundraising staff—and why small, understaffed teams often struggle to unlock their full revenue potential. He explores how specialization (rather than forcing generalists to do everything) leads to healthier donor relationships, less staff burnout, and greater returns. From team structure to portfolio math, this episode offers compelling data, real-life stories, and practical scripting to help you persuade your board or CEO to scale your fundraising team the right way—before it's too late.

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 support If 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 Chambliss gets into the part of fundraising most people secretly dread: actually asking for the gift, living with the number you chose, and staying present when donor conversations get weird, emotional, or way too personal. David and Tom unpack how to frame solicitations as invitations to invest in impact, not desperate cash grabs, and why under-asking can be more disrespectful than naming a bold, well-reasoned number. David shares the story of an early-career ask that was accepted so quickly the donor immediately asked whether he should have been asked for more, and what that taught him about preparation, capacity, and timing. They also explore why the best cultivation you will ever do is excellent stewardship of past gifts. From a last-minute scholarship recipient surprise that left a campaign committee in tears, to donors meeting the actual "end product" of their giving, you see practical ways to make impact concrete in any size shop, without a big events budget. Finally, David talks candidly about the human side of this work: donors oversharing, awkward living room moments, being pulled into family drama, and learning to respond with empathy without losing your professional boundaries. You will hear practical takeaways that apply whether you are at a flagship university or a three-person nonprofit: * How to reframe "asking for money" into inviting investment in a specific impact. * A smarter way to size your ask so you do not unintentionally lowball a committed donor. * The role of timing and patience in major gifts, and why some prospects only convert years later. * Why great stewardship is your most powerful cultivation strategy for the next gift. * Simple, replicable ways to put donors in front of real lives changed, even in small organizations. * How to stay grounded when donors overshare, vent, or test your boundaries in awkward conversations. * What it looks like to be fully human with donors while still representing your organization well. If you have ever walked out of a solicitation replaying every word or wished you had handled an awkward donor moment differently, this episode will feel uncomfortably familiar and strangely encouraging. Looking for Fundraising Coaching and Counsel? Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]

In this episode, David Chambliss pulls back the curtain on the messy, very human side of major gifts: the things you wish you could take back, the political landmines in donor conversations, and the behind-the-scenes work it takes to turn a surprise inquiry into a transformational gift. Whether you're at a tiny nonprofit or a big institution, David's stories translate directly to your world: how you brief your leaders, how you manage your own mouth in the living room, and how you rally a team around a donor's vision so the gift actually happens. David and Tom dig into practical lessons that apply in any shop, including: * Do-overs & mulligans: Why "I wish I'd prepped them better" is a universal fundraiser regret, and how to properly brief your CEO, dean, or ED before donor meetings. * Staying out of donor politics: How to be warm and real without oversharing, taking sides, or agreeing with things you shouldn't as a representative of your organization. * When the dream call actually comes: What really happens after a big unexpected inquiry, and why follow-through, coordination, and clarity of vision matter more than the initial phone pickup. * Team-based fundraising: How faculty, program staff, and leadership each played a critical role in turning one family's passion for dyslexia into a major academy and research center. * Real cultivation that works anywhere: Why the most powerful cultivation move is still putting donors in front of the people whose lives are changed by your mission, not just your staff and experts. If you've ever walked out of a donor meeting replaying what you said, or dreamed of that one call that could change everything for your organization, this conversation will feel uncomfortably familiar in the best way. Looking for fundraising coaching?  Check out www.abundantvision.net

In this episode, Tom continues his conversation with David Chambliss, Associate Dean for Development at Vanderbilt University, and gets practical about something every shop is wrestling with: how to structure work so people stay, perform, and grow. Even though David sits in a large university campaign, the principles he shares apply whether you are a one-person development office or leading a small team in a local nonprofit. Tom and David talk through what hybrid work looks like when it is built on trust, clear expectations, and real metrics instead of chair time. They explore how to stay closely connected to internal partners, even when you are not on site every day, and why intentional communication matters more than proximity. David also shares the career advice he wishes he had heard earlier: be patient with your timeline and learn to advocate for yourself. In this conversation, you will learn: * How to think about hybrid or remote work in a way that still supports strong fundraising results * Simple ways to stay in sync with program staff, faculty, or leadership when you are not in the same building * Why tracking outreach and activity matters more than tracking office hours * How flexible work arrangements can become a powerful retention tool for fundraisers * What small organizations can copy from Vanderbilt's approach to growth, promotion, and talent development * Practical career advice for fundraisers who want to grow without burning out or constantly job-hopping Looking for Fundraising Coaching? Check out www.abundantvision.net [http://www.abundantvision.net/]