In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff sits down with Marne Fauser, President and CEO of United Way of Central Illinois and a former college basketball coach, to talk about what it really means to lead with authenticity.
Marne shares how her coaching background shaped the way she builds and leads teams, why she believes failure is essential for growth, and how trust, communication, and mission alignment are the foundation of great fundraising. From her early days on the court to the C-suite, she has learned how to lead with heart, take risks without fear, and develop people into confident, capable leaders.
If you have ever wrestled with imposter syndrome, feared making the wrong move, or struggled to get your team aligned around a shared vision, Marne’s story will speak to you. This conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and a whole lot of encouragement for anyone navigating leadership in the non-profit world.
Get more insights and connect with Marne on her LinkedIn profile.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why authenticity is a non-negotiable for building trust with your team and your donors
The importance of creating space for failure—and what it really teaches us
Why leaders must empower their teams to lead and “manage up”
How to shift the mindset around fundraising from obligation to opportunity and joy
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Building a Culture of Philanthropy
In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Jeff Schreifels sits down with the legendary Tom Ahern, one of the most sought-after experts in donor communications and fundraising copywriting.
With decades of experience, six books under his belt, and a career that began in commercial marketing, Tom shares his fascinating journey into the non-profit world and how marketing principles, psychology, and genuine human connection have shaped his approach to fundraising.
Tom talks about the early days of learning direct response, the transformative power of donor newsletters, and the importance of speaking directly to donors’ hearts. He opens up about what works and what doesn’t in fundraising copy, and why mistakes and even complaints are signs that you're doing something right.
This conversation also takes a deeply personal turn, as Tom reflects on the life and loss of his beloved wife and partner, Simone Joyaux. He shares movingly about their life together, her legacy in the fundraising world, and how grief, love, and generosity continue to shape his work today.
Whether you’re a new fundraiser or a seasoned pro, this episode is rich with insights, warmth, and real-life stories that will stay with you long after you listen.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
● Powerful tools to help you improve your donor communication
● Why embracing mistakes, feedback, and even complaints can actually lead to better fundraising results
● The importance of mentorship and continuous learning in fundraising careers
You can learn more about Tom and grab a copy of one of his books here.
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
● [Blog] Are Donors Even Reading Your Emails? 13 Pro Tips to Help You Write Better Emails
● [White Paper] Digital Touch Points: Meaningful Ways to Connect with Donors
● [Blog] In Fundraising, Vulnerability Is Your Greatest Strength
Aligning development teams with the donor pipeline is one of the most important—and often overlooked—keys to sustainable fundraising success.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels sits down with Veritus co-founder Richard Perry to unpack why organizational structure matters so much for fundraising success. They dive into the philosophy behind Richard's new venture, Giving Pathways, and explore the hidden dysfunctions that can derail even the most passionate teams.
Together, they discuss why too many development shops fail to align with the donor pipeline, the dangers of vertical staffing, and why mid, major, and planned giving must be treated as essential revenue streams. Richard also shares practical advice for executive directors—especially younger leaders—on how to implement change with empathy and build truly relationship-focused organizations.
This episode is a must-listen for nonprofit executives, managers, and fundraisers who want to build stronger donor relationships, increase revenue, and create organizational structures that mirror the donor journey.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why development teams often misalign with the donor pipeline
How vertical staffing approaches hurt donor engagement
The crucial role of mid, major, and planned giving in sustainable revenue
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Donor Pipeline Assessment
Fundraising in today’s non-profit world is more challenging—and more rewarding—than ever before. Organizations are facing an unprecedented mix of economic, political, and social pressures, and fundraisers are being asked to navigate it all while keeping their mission moving forward.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels sits down with fundraising veteran T. Clay Buck for a candid (and often hilarious) conversation about what it really takes to succeed right now. Clay kicks things off with a humbling major gift story involving a shattered acrylic chair, then dives into his perspective on why leaning on proven principles, doubling down on relationships, and resisting panic mode are more important than ever.
Together, they discuss the critical role of data in donor retention, the need to diversify revenue streams, and the importance of treating donors as true partners in the mission. Clay offers practical, confidence-building advice for avoiding assumptions about donor behavior and instead focusing on authentic, one-to-one connections.
This episode is a must-listen for non-profit leaders and frontline fundraisers who want to stay strategic, confident, and deeply connected to their donors—no matter what the current landscape throws their way.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why the best, funniest fundraising stories often come from our own experiences
How to lean on proven principles when there’s no clear playbook for today’s challenges
Why investing in data is essential—and how to see it as informative, not extractive
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Building a Culture of Philanthropy
Public media is evolving, and organizations must strengthen donor relationships to secure a sustainable future.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Joyce MacDonald, Greater Public president and CEO, for an insightful conversation about the future of public media and how stations can adapt to current challenges by rethinking their approach to fundraising.
Together, they explore the increasing importance of individual giving, the threat to federal funding, and the need for public media organizations to invest in major and mid-level donor programs. Joyce shares success stories from stations that have made this shift and highlights why believing in your donors—and making it easier for them to give—is key to long-term success.
This episode is a must-listen for non-profit and public media leaders who want to build resilient, community-focused organizations in today’s evolving media landscape.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why individual giving is essential for public media’s long-term sustainability
How investing in major giving can help stations thrive, even during uncertain times
What it takes to adapt fundraising strategies to meet the needs of today’s donors
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[Client Case Study] Greater Public – How Public Media Is Revamping Its Fundraising
When we talk about philanthropy, we're not just talking about giving—we're talking about power, ethics, and responsibility.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels sits down with author and fundraising strategist Jason Lewis for a provocative conversation about the future of philanthropy and the moral questions surrounding big giving.
Together, they explore the historical roots of foundations, the lack of accountability in traditional funding structures, and the growing call for philanthropy to evolve. Jason also offers a compelling case for embracing the gift economy—a model that prioritizes generosity over control—and challenges the sector to rethink its role in driving real social change.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone wrestling with the tensions between fundraising, equity, and impact in today’s philanthropic landscape.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why foundations must be held accountable to the communities they serve
How the gift economy shifts the dynamic between donors and recipients
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Understanding the Economics of the Major Gifts Pipeline
[White Paper] Building a Culture of Philanthropy
Marketing isn’t just about visibility. It’s about clarity, connection, and alignment.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Bongo Consulting founder and partner Michael D’Antonio for an insightful conversation about what makes non-profit marketing truly effective.
Together, they break down the key elements of a strong marketing strategy, from defining your brand identity to aligning internal teams around your mission.
Michael shares lessons from his work with organizations like Feeding America, emphasizing the power of storytelling, the importance of personalization, and how even small non-profits can make a big impact by focusing their efforts strategically.
This episode is a must-listen for any non-profit leader looking to elevate their marketing, deepen donor engagement, and build lasting support.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why marketing needs both a clear brand identity and a direct response strategy
How storytelling builds emotional connections with donors
What smaller non-profits can do to market effectively without stretching themselves too thin
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Creating Strategic Plans and Goals for Every Major Donor
Resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a necessity for fundraisers navigating today’s uncertainty.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Veritus Group Client Experience Leaders Laura Lang and Lauren Centrella for a timely conversation about what it means to lead with empathy, courage, and steadiness in the face of ongoing challenges.
Together, they explore the emotional toll that uncertainty can take on fundraisers, the responsibility leaders have in supporting staff well-being, and the power of authentic communication in maintaining morale. Having worked closely with non-profits across the country, Laura and Lauren offer grounded advice for how to prioritize relationships over results, celebrate small wins, and show up for one another when it matters most.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating the ups and downs of fundraising today, and for leaders committed to building a more human-centered culture within their teams.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
Why leaders must recognize and respond to the emotional needs of their teams
How open, honest communication builds trust during uncertain times
Why focusing on relationships—not just results—fosters long-term resilience
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
At a time of uncertainty and stress, the need for practical guidance in non-profit leadership is crucial.
In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by David Rhode, a non-profit consultant and author of Passion Isn't Enough, for a thoughtful discussion about the essential elements needed to be an effective non-profit leader and manager.
Together, they address the challenges of fundraising and the significance of building a strong board, while providing insights into the co-CEO model and the relationship between branding and culture. David also shares insights from his own journey in the non-profit sector, including common mistakes made by new leaders and advice for fostering a supportive community.
This conversation is a must-listen for current and aspiring leaders, sharing the traits necessary for long-term success in non-profit leadership.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
How good leadership requires an understanding of donor motivations and relationship-building
The importance of networking, making connections, and building community
The biggest insights and ideas for how to become a better leader
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Evaluating and Rewarding MGO Performance
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Leadership Development
02:44 The Essence of Great Leadership
05:35 Qualities of Effective Leaders
08:23 Leadership Beyond Titles
11:08 Transformational Leadership in Modern Times
13:59 Amplifying Underrepresented Voices in Leadership
19:10 Navigating Change in Organizations
22:56 Understanding Strengths for Innovation
26:53 The Importance of Self-Awareness in Leadership
31:19 Learning from Mistakes and Personal Growth
33:14 Curiosity as a Key Strength in Fundraising
Great leadership isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about creating the kind of space where others feel safe enough to ask the hard questions.
In this debut episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Adrian Owen Jones, a partner at Success Lab and the CEO and Founder of Lady Jones Consulting, for a vulnerable and energizing conversation about what it truly means to lead well in the non-profit space.
Together, they unpack how transformational leadership starts with deep listening—especially to the voices that are too often overlooked.
Adrian shares how real leadership is rooted not in power or titles, but in curiosity, empathy, and the willingness to let others be fully seen. It’s a style of leadership that builds trust, sparks collaboration, and fosters a culture of psychological safety.
This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the complex, human-centered world of fundraising.
If you’ve ever wrestled with how to lead with authenticity while still driving results, this episode will leave you both challenged and encouraged.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
How the most impactful leaders lead with openness and vulnerability and create safe spaces where people feel seen, heard, and free to grow.
Leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about empowering others, sharing the spotlight, and believing in the potential within every team member.
The biggest insights and ideas for how to become a better leader
Veritus Group is passionate about partnering with you and your organization throughout your fundraising journey. We believe that the key to transformative fundraising is a disciplined system and structure, trusted accountability, persistence, and a bit of fun. We specialize in mid-level fundraising, major gifts, and planned giving, helping our clients to develop compelling donor offers and to focus on strategic leadership and organizational development. You can learn more about how we can partner with you at www.VeritusGroup.com.
Additional Resources:
[White Paper] Evaluating and Rewarding MGO Performance
BIG NEWS! Our podcast is evolving. Welcome to Real Talk for Real Fundraisers.
Non-profit work is not easy. It takes heart. It takes courage. And most days, it takes everything you’ve got.
Today, more than ever before, it’s important to have a community where you can tell the truth about what this work really demands, without judgment.
A space where you can exhale, be reminded that you’re not alone, and gather the tools and encouragement you need to keep going.
That’s what Real Talk for Real Fundraisers is all about.
We created this podcast as a place to be real- about the challenges, the joy, the doubt, and the purpose that drives it all.
Here, you’ll find honest conversations, stories from the field, and practical insights you can carry into your day-to-day.
Because the truth is, fundraising isn’t just about raising money- it’s about connecting with one another. It’s about building real relationships, strengthening community, and showing up with authenticity and heart. It’s about staying grounded in your values and true to your mission, even when the pressure is high.
And that’s the kind of work worth talking about.
Stay tuned for our first episode, dropping soon!
We all have a desire to connect with others, but we’re often afraid to bring our whole, real, and complete self to our work, which often becomes a liability over time. A lack of authenticity in fundraisers has real, revenue-related consequences for the non-profit.
But how do you foster authentic professional relationships, and not just deep, personal bonds? How do you balance building trust with someone while still achieving your donor and organizational goals?
In this podcast episode, Karen is joined by Nick Khoury, a brilliant strategist and communicator who has spent his career helping people and organizations thrive through the power of authentic relationships. Their conversation dives into a variety of key areas and attributes that fundraisers can develop to have more effective relationships with their donors.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
How curiosity, courage, and consistency serve as the building blocks for successful donor relationships
The importance of clear expectations and having a solid plan, so you can avoid wasting time for both parties
Our biggest insights and ideas for how to approach and build authentic relationships
How was the end of 2024? Did you make it through OK? A lot of fundraisers we work with enter January exhausted from the busy year-end season, which is often filled with last-minute donor meetings, calls, and holiday events. It can be a stressful time.
While we highly recommend taking time to rest and recover, there are also important strategies you need to focus on during this month to continue to build strong relationships with your donors and keep the momentum going deeper into the winter. We’re here to help!
In this podcast episode, Jeff is joined by colleagues Diana Frazier and Edie Dahlen for a great discussion about the key strategies that fundraisers should implement to start their new year and how they can prepare and plan to surpass last year’s goals.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
How to properly thank and stay in communication with donors as their gifts process
The importance of a caseload refresh and what to consider as you review your portfolio
Our biggest insights and ideas for how to approach the start of 2025 and execute a plan for the entire year
With about a week remaining in the year, most fundraisers feel like they've exhausted their to-do list. They’ve worked their plan, made their last calls, and written their thank-you cards. What happens to their donors now is mostly out of their hands.
While that may be true, there are still a few achievable strategies to adopt in your plan so that you can make the most of this final stretch before the new year and secure a few remaining and impactful gifts.
In this podcast episode, Jeff is joined by colleagues Matt Korn and Theresa Tapocsi for a great discussion about how to prepare for and approach the final week of the year, and make these final seven days count towards your revenue goals.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
How to focus on the right donors and keeping the focus on your relationship together
Having a strategic follow-up, thank you, and impact reporting plan in place
Our biggest year-end insights and ideas for how to approach the final week of 2024 and look forward to 2025
Relational fundraising isn’t just a buzzword, it’s part of the Veritus mission. Whether you’re in mid-level, major gifts, or planned giving, being relationship-focused means that you are prioritizing the long-term relationship with the donor over just getting the money.
Ideally, everyone at your organization should see the donor as a vital partner in your work.
It’s been our goal at Veritus to insert this model within the non-profit sector so more organizations can create thriving gift programs, build a culture that prioritizes collaboration over competition, and connect more strategically with their donors. It’s a tough but ultimately rewarding transition that many are making.
In this podcast episode, Jeff is joined by colleague Karen Kendrick for a great discussion about the state of relational fundraising along with the trends and insights they’ve learned this year–and the ones they're anticipating in 2025.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
The major lack of truly relationship-focused fundraising in most organizations
The interesting trends coming out of organizations who fill out the Veritus free donor file assessments.
Our biggest insights about relational fundraising and how organizations can utilize AI to their advantage in 2025
At Veritus, we’re all about relational fundraising, but too often, we hear about non-profit leaders making random budget cuts that negatively impact this tried-and-true approach.
We know that leaders are under a lot financial pressure at their organizations. Tough decisions have to be made when times and budgets are tight. But it’s important for decision-makers to understand how these cuts can impact relational fundraising, and why they need to invest in relational major gifts when things start to feel pinched.
In this podcast episode, Jeff is joined by colleague Kendra Loper for an in-depth conversation about how leaders can better support their fundraisers’ work and when to think twice about slashing parts of the budget.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
In the non-profit sector, if you aren’t willing to advance into management, there is very little opportunity to grow as a fundraiser, take on new responsibilities, and increase your salary.
This is a frustrating reality, because not everyone is right for management.
Leadership requires a different skillset and specific perspective, one that’s interested in finding success and delivering results through others. It’s not as simple as taking your best frontline fundraiser and putting them in charge.
In this podcast episode, Jeff is joined by special guest Greg Gibbs, who shares whether management is the right track for your career, and provides some tips to help current managers get better at their jobs.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
The greatest challenges managers face in the non-profit sector
How to determine whether a fundraiser is ready to take on a managerial role, and how to nurture them in the process
Our top tips and best practices for current managers looking to improve the structure of their organization
More and more, fundraisers are being overworked and underpaid. They’re frequently pulled in different directions and asked to accomplish tasks that don’t fall under their domain – all without a solid support structure. It’s caused many to leave the sector entirely.
There is so much important work to do in our world and we need to take care of our people in order to solve these big problems. That means implementing mindful, self-care practices so you’re ready to approach your work with the energy and focus it deserves.
In this podcast episode, Karen and Megan share their top tips and best practices for managing burnout and overwhelming stress, and provide you with tools to quiet your inner critic.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
The way fundraisers are experiencing and dealing with burnout in the industry and the best ways to resolve physical and emotional exhaustion
Some of the benefits that fundraisers receive when they practice self-care and mindfulness
Our team’s top tips for handling stress and cultivating self-compassion
It’s not easy to let go of certain donors, but there comes a time in every fundraising cycle when you’ll need to transition a donor relationship to someone else.
Whether the donor is moving from mid-level to a major gifts portfolio, or from a higher level of giving back into mid-level or direct response, transitioning them to another colleague is one of the best things you can do for your program, organization, and the donor! But you need to have protocols in place so that the transition feels seamless and keeps your pipeline free and clear of any clogs.
In this podcast episode, Jeff, Theresa, and Matt share their top tips and best practices for handling donor handoffs, shifting your thinking, and transitioning members of your caseload.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
The kinds of protocols you’ll need to develop when a donor matches the criteria to move up or down in their giving level
Some of the common issues we see in non-profits that lead to bumpy transitions for both donors and fundraisers
Our team’s top tips for making donor handoffs a seamless process
How many times has your organization pulled you into something that doesn’t directly relate to your job? This kind of scenario is all too common in the non-profit sector, and the results of it are usually negative: fundraisers lose their focus, have less impact, and solicit less giving.
What if fundraising leaders and management stopped distracting their mid-level and major gift officers with unnecessary organizational tasks, activity-oriented metrics, meetings that aren’t related to their donors, and community events? Well, the results for your organization would probably look a little better: increased revenue, higher donor retention rates, and less staff turnover.
In this podcast episode, Jeff, Karen, and Kendra share their top tips for how fundraising managers and leadership can let their teams do their jobs and find high-value success in their work.
Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…
The assumptions that leaders may subconsciously be making about their fundraisers
How to create a culture of trust and accountability
Our team’s top tips for keeping a fundraising team on task