Thinking Global: Cross-Border Major Gifts

A 6:45 a.m. call from London. A donor wanted to give $1.5 million to the children's hospital that saved her little brother.

Her gift officer was thrilled. Thirty seconds later, she was terrified.

Because the donor was a US citizen living in London. Her husband was British. The money was in pounds. Their business had accounts in two countries.

Who gets the tax benefit? Which account does the money come from? What if the exchange rate moves?

Here's what I love. She didn't pretend to have the answers. She said, "I want to get this right for you. Can I ask a few questions, then bring in our finance team and your advisors?"

Two months later, the gift was structured in a way that worked for everyone. Every payment arrived on time.

That's what this week's episode of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast is all about: "Thinking Global: Cross-Border Major Gifts."

I talk about:

Why global giving is showing up at organizations of every sizeThe core questions to ask early, and the pitfalls to avoidHow to build the right support team so you're never figuring it out alone

Listen at or wherever you get your podcasts, and share it with a colleague or board member who should hear it too.

More from Tammy Zonker

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