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 sits down with fundraising consultant Jeff Brooks for a wide-ranging, honest conversation about what actually drives fundraising success today. And if you’ve ever felt like you’re doing all the right things but not seeing the results, this one will hit home. 

Together, they dig into what they’ve learned from decades in the field, especially when it comes to understanding how donors think, why they give, and why they sometimes stop giving. They talk about the real challenges nonprofits are facing right now, from donor retention struggles to shifting expectations, and what fundraisers can do to respond in a way that actually builds trust. 

You’ll hear why so many organizations miss the mark when it comes to crafting offers, and how getting more specific, more human, and more donor-centered can completely change the outcome of your conversations. There’s also a thoughtful discussion about where technology and AI fit into all of this. Yes, those tools can help, but they can’t replace your judgment, your empathy, or your ability to connect with another person. 

They also spend time talking about something that doesn’t get enough attention: the importance of community and mentorship, especially if you’re newer to fundraising. Because the truth is, no one figures this out alone. The best fundraisers are constantly learning, testing, and yes, making mistakes along the way. If you want a grounded, real-world perspective on what it takes to build lasting donor relationships and grow revenue in a meaningful way, this conversation will give you a lot to think about. 

Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about… 

• Why understanding donor psychology is the foundation for everything you do in fundraising 

• How to create more compelling, specific offers that actually inspire donors to give 

• What’s really behind donor retention challenges and how to address them 

• Where tools like AI can support your work and where the human element still matters most 

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] Who Thanks Your Donors? If You’re Not Sure, That’s a Problem 

• [White Paper]  Six Secrets to Becoming an Extraordinary Major Gift Officer 

• [Blog] What Frontline Fundraisers Actually Need 

• [Template] Free Donor Engagement Plan