This episode of The Focused Fundraiser dives into how small-shop fundraisers can beat burnout, build better donor relationships, and focus on what matters most.
Rob Burke sits down with Pam Thompson, Development Director at Cystic Fibrosis of North Dakota, to unpack what 13 years in the same fundraising role has taught her about avoiding burnout, setting boundaries, and juggling “all the hats” in a tiny development shop.
Pam shares how she turns a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine, uses donor segmentation and journeys in DonorDock, and treats every supporter according to their unique “donor love language.” You’ll hear practical ways to use your nonprofit CRM for better notes, stronger donor retention, and moving people from a $25 gift to long-term, major-donor relationships.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, behind on thank-yous, or afraid to pick up the phone, this conversation will help you simplify, refocus, and build a healthier, more sustainable fundraising practice.
What you’ll learn:
If you’re curious how DonorDock can help you focus on what matters most and build a strong donor base, visit DonorDock.com and keep up with future episodes of The Focused Fundraiser.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to The Focused Fundraiser & intro to Pam
00:27 Pam’s unlikely path into fundraising
01:28 Burnout is real: how Pam stayed 13 years in the same role
02:37 Wearing all the hats in a small development shop
03:24 Prioritizing the “loudest” tasks & Turkey Trot focus
05:10 Turning a Turkey Trot into a year-end fundraising engine
06:45 Tagging Turkey Trot participants & email journeys in DonorDock
07:31 Donor “love languages” & personalized stewardship
09:12 Using CRM notes to deepen donor relationships
11:10 Fighting fundraiser burnout with peers & perspective
12:50 From $25 gift to major donor: the long game
13:36 Overcoming overwhelm with simple next steps
15:39 The one thing every fundraiser should do today: pick up the phone
16:42 Closing thoughts & DonorDock invitation