From the Publisher
"Zonker has cracked the code on human-centered fundraising, showing us how to build bridges instead of walls, creating a movement where everyone—donors, communities, staff, and beneficiaries—becomes a hero in the same story. This is a manifesto for transforming philanthropy from a transactional exchange into a collaborative force for lasting change."
—Seth Godin, Author, This is Marketing
“As we strive to meet fundraising goals while navigating political pressures, budget cuts, donor expectations, and growing community needs, it’s easy to lose sight of the humanity at the core of our work. Tammy reminds us of what’s possible when we center both donors and communities - not as competing priorities, but as partners in change. This book is a timely guide as we embrace our movement forward during this challenging, but pivotal moment in our sector.”
—Maia McGill, Founder, Inclusive Philanthropy Institute
“In a time when generosity demands innovation and radical connection, Calling All Heroes charts a courageous path forward. Tammy Zonker bridges tradition and transformation - inviting fundraisers to embrace equity, elevate community, and lead with both heart and intelligence in an AI-powered era.”
—Nathan Chappell, MBA, MNA, CFRE, AIGP, Author of The Generosity Crisis: The Case for Radical Connection to Solve Humanity’s Greatest Challenges and Nonprofit AI: A Comprehensive Guide to Implementing Artificial Intelligence for Social Good
"Tammy Zonker offers the rare blend of heart, strategy, and moral clarity that today's nonprofit sector desperately needs. Calling All Heroes doesn't just bridge donor- and community-centered fundraising, it forges a new path that honors both relationships and justice. This book belongs on the desk of every nonprofit leader ready to transform intention into equitable impact."
—Cherian Koshy, CFRE, CAP, VP of Kindsight & AFP Global Board Member
“Calling All Heroes is exactly what our fundraising community needs right now. Tammy Zonker offers an empathetic and thoughtful guide to moving past the binary thinking that surrounds the typical donor-centric vs. community-centric dialogue. She skillfully balances donor relationships with community impact, encouraging us to approach our work with deeper curiosity, humility, and collaboration. If you’re committed to a more ethical, inclusive, and effective philanthropy, this book will feel like an empowering and timely resource.”
—Mallory Erickson, Creator of Practivated and Power Partners Formula™ , Author of What the Fundraising - Embracing and Enabling the People Behind the Purpose
"Driving fundraising growth requires a unique personal blend of two values, which one must master simultaneously – idealism and pragmatism. Tammy blends these exquisitely in this book and moves beyond the emotions about donor and community centred-fundraising from the various lobbies, to systematically show how these two philosophies can be successfully blended for the common good. This book takes abstract concepts and turns them into specific, measurable actions. Well done Tammy!”
—Alan Clayton, Chair at Revolutionise International and Author of Great Fundraising Organizations
“In these especially challenging times for fundraisers and changemakers globally, Tammy Zonker’s new tour de force book, Calling All Heroes has effectively created a new paradigm of Human-Centered Fundraising. By bringing together, for the first time, the very best of Ken Burnett’s donor-centered Relationship Fundraising with community-centered fundraising, Tammy has developed a manifesto with a powerful call to action for the nonprofit sector, if it wants to not only survive but to grow. This must-read book draws on our rich fundraising journey, highlights impactful case studies, and identifies the opportunities and potential pitfalls along the way, whilst providing a clear roadmap for those fundraising heroes ready to make the next big positive change in fundraising. Be human, be that change!”
—Daryl Upsall FCIOF, President — Daryl Upsall International
"Tammy Zonker’s Calling All Heroes is the rallying cry our sector needs. She brilliantly bridges donor-centered and community-centered approaches into a powerful, human-centered model that prioritizes empathy, equity, and collaboration. As a fellow fundraiser and changemaker, I fully endorse her message and believe this book will reshape how we think about impact."
—Ken Miller, CFRE, Author, Speaker, and Consultant
“Tammy Zonker reminds us that the real magic of fundraising happens when we stop taking sides and start taking responsibility. We don’t need more jargon or judgment — we need frameworks that help us think clearly and actcourageously. Tammy delivers exactly that. Calling All Heroes is wise, generous, and exactly what the sector needs rightnow.”
—T. Clay Buck, CFRE, Founder & Principal, Next River Fundraising Strategies
“Tammy Zonker has nailed it. In a fundraising world divided between “community based” and “donor centred” fundraising Zonker finds the middle ground in a new paradigm she labels “human-centred” fundraising. Her value-driven approach and her extensive lived-experience give rise to practical suggestions and specific actions to prepare the reader to thrive in a world of continuous disruption. He writing explodes with Zonker’s passion for her craft and the practice of philanthropy. Zonker’s profound love for the social impact sector, the people who serve in it, and those served by it shines through in every chapter.”
—Tony Myers, CEO, Leaders of Tomorrow Canada Foundation, Edmonton / Calgary, Canada
“A compelling vision for our time. With passion, insight and wisdom, Tammy Zonker reveals a transformative path that will make a positive difference to non-profits, our communities and our future. If you want meaningful change, buy this book. Read it. Follow the advice. And watch your community be transformed for the better.”
—Harvey McKinnon, President, Harvey McKinnon Associates and Co-author of The Power of Giving: How Giving Back Enriches Us All and author of The Healthy Nonprofit, How to Create Lifelong Donors Through Monthly Giving, Hidden Gold, and The 11 Questions Every Donor Asks
“Community-centered (born circa 2019) OR donor-centered fundraising (adopted as a communications tactic in 1993)? Which is best for your nonprofit? Good news. Turns out: community- and donor-centered fundraising are fully compatible, now that we have some proof. Your charity can act equitably and ethically in its community role ... while keeping your fundraising on boil. Expert Tammy Zonker lays out the principles in her fast, up-to-the-minute new book, Calling All Heroes.”
—Tom Ahern, Award-winning copywriter and author. The New York Times called Tom Ahern, "One of the country's most sought-after creators of fund-raising messages."
