Her mother's name was spelled wrong.

It was on the plaque. On dedication day. In front of her grandkids.

The mistake didn't end the relationship. What came next almost did.

The clinic took six weeks to fix it. Nobody called. The apology email said, "We apologize for any inconvenience."

The family went silent for a year.

Then a new major gift officer picked up the phone. She named what happened. She said she was sorry. She asked to hear about the donor's mom.

Forty-five minutes later, the door was open again.

On this week's episode of The Intentional Fundraiser, "Bringing Relationships Back from the Brink," I share:

• The Four Lenses of Repair for diagnosing what's really going on
• Three short scripts for silence, missteps, and conflict
• Why timing and channel matter more than you think
• How to know when it's time to step back, and how to document it

So let me ask you:

What's one apology your organization owes a donor right now?

🎧 Listen to this episode, then share it with a colleague who's been carrying a donor relationship they're nervous to touch.

More from Tammy Zonker

Author of Calling All Heroes: Combining the Best of Donor-Centered and Community-Centered Fundraising for Greater Impact

Founder of Fundraising Transformed

President of Modern Institute for Charitable Giving

Book Tammy to Keynote Your Next Event

Reserve your spot at the upcoming Excellence in Major Gift Fundraising Seminar

Subscribe to the Scaling Major Gifts newsletter

Connect with Tammy Zonker on LinkedIn

Resources: Show notes, links, and resources mentioned in this episode.

Review my show: Please review my show. After you click the link, scroll to the bottom, first tap to rate with five stars, and then tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful, or inspiring in some way.

Privacy Policy: See Privacy Policy at https://www.fundraisingtransformed.com/policies