Real Talk for Real Fundraisers

Donors Can Smell It: Why Authenticity Wins, ft. Dwayne Ashley

Most stewardship programs are built around a formula: give at this level, receive this letter; give more, get invited to this event; give enough, get your name on a wall.

Why Your Best Fundraisers Leave (and What Makes Them Stay)

Fundraiser turnover is one of the biggest threats to long-term fundraising success, and the cost goes far beyond an empty desk. When a fundraiser leaves, organizations lo

The Power of Qualifying Donors

If you’ve ever looked at your caseload and thought, “I’m working hard… so why does this still feel so difficult?” — there’s a good chance qualification is the issue.  In

What Great Fundraisers Really Understand About Donors

Your donors are trying to tell you something. The question is, are you set up to actually hear it?  In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels si

Diana Frazier: Is Your Donor Database Actually Working for You?

Your donor database should make it easier to build strong relationships with donors. But for many fundraisers, the CRM ends up feeling like one more thing to maintain ins

Holly Rustick: Why Your Non-Profit Needs a Grant Strategist (Not Just a Grant Writer)

Grant writing is one of the most misunderstood roles in the non-profit sector, and that misunderstanding may be costing your organization serious money. In this episode o

Diana Frazier: 6 Things Every Fundraiser Should Focus On in 2026

Start your year with clarity and direction. In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Diana Frazier, Senior Client Experience Leader

Christopher Beck: Five Questions Every Non-Profit Leader Needs to Answer About Equity

In this special episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Christopher Beck—Associate Director of Individual and Planned Giving at the High M

Diana Frazier: What Makes Great Fundraisers Great at Year-End

In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers, Jeff Schreifels welcomes Diana Frazier, Veritus Group’s senior client experience leader with more than 40 years of fund

Marne Fauser: How Authentic Leaders Inspire and Empower Their Teams

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 c

Tom Ahern: Lessons in Fundraising, Love, and the Language of Giving

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 fund

Richard Perry: Building a Smarter Development Team

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 Ta

T. Clay Buck: Relationships Are the Strategy

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

Joyce MacDonald: Navigating the Future of Public Media

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

Jason Lewis: Rethinking Big Philanthropy

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 Fundra

Michael D'Antonio: Building a Brand That Resonates 

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 Bo

Laura Lang & Lauren Centrella: Finding Resiliency During Challenging Times

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

David Rhode: Navigating Non-Profit Leadership

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 Schrei

Adrian Owen Jones: How to Lean into Your Strengths to Become a Better Leader

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 epi

Welcome to the NEW Veritus Group Podcast, Real Talk for Real Fundraisers!

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 eve