Human-Centered Major Gifts

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast · Oct 20, 2026 · 21m

A donor rode a city bus at 6:15 a.m. He hadn't been on one since college.

The woman next to him had lived in that neighborhood for forty years. She was about to change his $250,000 gift.

They were riding the route families take to the local food pantry.

One hour and ten minutes. One transfer. And when they arrived, the doors didn't open until ten.

He looked at his watch and said, "Nobody who works a morning shift can do this."

She smiled. "That's what we've been trying to tell you."

He and his wife had offered a gift to expand the warehouse. Instead of saying yes on the spot, the executive…