Stacking the Deck for Year-End Major Gifts

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast · Sep 29, 2026 · 23m

My worst December as a fundraiser?

I spent it chasing a stock transfer with no name on it.

My plan had been "we'll get serious after the gala."

The gala ended in mid-November. You can guess how that year went.

Here's what I learned the hard way. December isn't where year-end is won. It's where you find out how well you planned in October.

And year-end 2026 raises the stakes. New tax rules. Donors who "bunched" their giving into last year. Complex gifts that need more lead time than ever.

On this week's episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast, "Stacking the Deck for Year-End Major…