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Real Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersJoyce MacDonald: Navigating the Future of Public MediaPublic 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 th...2025-07-2924 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersJason Lewis: Rethinking Big PhilanthropyWhen 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 contro...2025-07-1643 minRaise NationRaise NationPermission Granted: Fundraising the Veritus WayUnlocking the power of permission-based asks, donor data, and authentic relationships to fuel nonprofit growth. SHOW NOTES: July 10, 2025 – Episode # 191 Permission Granted: Fundraising the Veritus Way On this episode of Raise Nation Radio, host Dawn Lego sits down with Jeff Schreifels, Principal at Veritus Group, to peel back the layers of fundraising success. With decades of experience guiding nonprofits toward transformational giving, Jeff shares how authentic donor relationships, data-driven strategies, and permission-based asking can revolutionize how nonprofits engage their supporters. From mid-level to major gifts, the Veritus philosophy empowers fundraisers to lead with empathy, strategy, and purpose to build a culture of...2025-07-1032 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersMichael D'Antonio: Building a Brand That ResonatesMarketing 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 story...2025-07-0833 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersLaura Lang & Lauren Centrella: Finding Resiliency During Challenging TimesResilience 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...2025-07-0140 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDavid Rhode: Navigating Non-Profit LeadershipAt 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 sha...2025-06-2143 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersAdrian Owen Jones: How to Lean into Your Strengths to Become a Better LeaderGreat 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 de...2025-05-2935 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWelcome 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 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.2025-05-2700 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe State of Relational Fundraising: What We’re Seeing Across the Sector!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 strategi...2024-12-1029 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDon't Cut That Budget!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...2024-11-2620 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersPreparing for a High-Impact Fall and Year-End Fundraising SeasonWith summer vacations wrapping up and back-to-school season in full swing, it’s time to start taking a close look at your fundraising plans for the fall and year-end.    Are you feeling prepared for the busy months ahead? We know how valuable this time of year is in your fundraising cycle, which is why it’s so important to focus on creating a strong strategic plan for your donors.   In this episode, Jeff Schreifels is joined by Debi Dunham, Client Experience Leader here at Veritus, and our special guest Jarrod Williams, Directo...2024-08-2024 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersRe-Release: Using Permission-Based Asking with Your Donors and Securing MeetingsIt’s the most intimidating part of fundraising: asking someone for a gift.   But that’s not the only thing that fundraisers need to ask for. You’re also requesting meetings, inviting donors to attend events, and asking them to share the personal drivers behind their giving.   So, whatever you’re asking for – how do you do it in a way that honors the donor as a partner in your mission?  We developed our Permission-Based Asking™ model as a framework for more authentic dialogue. No more guessing...2024-08-0736 minDécouvertes - Les gladiateurs découvrent !Découvertes - Les gladiateurs découvrent !VERITUS - Une aventure en pixels ! [FR]Zykino vous propose aujourd'hui d'en savoir plus sur ce jeu d'aventure aux somptueux pixels ! Retrouvez plus de contenu de Zykino : https://www.youtube.com/user/Zykino1337 🎮 : Veritus : https://store.steampowered.com/app/2513580/Veritus/ 🔑 : Merci à Colorgrave ! Merci à nos Mécènes du mois ! Ardarin Broudaff Glentharil Le Baron d'Onyx Mangazore Mazamara ZeCid Zmoi6 Tags: #Veritus #Zykino #FR Vous avez aimé ? Vous pouvez aider ! https://fr.tipeee.com/les-jeux-du-cygne Retrouvez toutes les séries en cours : https://planning.lesjeuxducygne.fr Vous êtes les bienvenus sur notre Discord : https://discord.gg/pS...2024-07-2900 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersApplying The Veritus Way Internationally!Did you know that Veritus Group is an international consulting agency, with offices in the UK & Europe (in addition to our US & Canada team)? We often get questions about how The Veritus Way works in different cultural settings, so we wanted to spend some time sharing about our work with international clients and highlighting what’s been working well for them.    In this episode, Jeff is joined by Sara Di Lullo, Director of Client Engagement for Veritus UK and Europe, along with Karen Kendrick, Senior Director of Client Engagement for Veritus Group in the U.S. a...2024-07-2320 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersSpecial Episode: Live from the AADO ConferenceVeritus Group was incredibly honored to be the Presenting Sponsor for the AADO Conference in 2024.    AADO (African American Development Officers Network) is a network of more than 3,500 fundraising professionals of color. Their annual conference is the premier event for fundraising, development, and operations professionals of color, and their allies.     During the conference, our team sat down with several AADO leaders and conference presenters to talk about the projects they’re working on and the path toward racial justice in the non-profit sector.    Our guests on this episode are Birgi...2024-07-0938 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDo You Know the Hidden Potential in Your Donor File?Over the past two decades, our team at Veritus has analyzed hundreds of different non-profits’ data files, and we see the same trends over and over again. While overall revenue may go up year-over-year, many donors give less over time (or go away altogether). But organizations are often unaware this is happening because the loss is covered up by gifts from new donors.   So, what can you do about this? The first thing to do is start analyzing your donor file so you can understand where you have opportunities. For today’s episode, Jeff is joined by Theres...2024-06-1833 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersYes, You Do Need to Ask All Year Long!Asking your donors for gifts isn’t something you should save for the year-end giving season. When you’re tuned in to your donor’s giving preferences and interests, you can bring them additional giving opportunities even outside their regular giving season. For this episode, we invited two guest fundraisers and clients of ours to share their expertise on this subject. Sarah Coen-Frei, Senior Individual Giving Manager at Minnesota Public Radio, and Fritz Gutwein, Major Gift Officer at Bread for the World, join Veritus Group’s Karen Kendrick (Senior Director of Client Engagement) and Diana Frazier (Senior Client E...2024-02-2035 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersHow The Veritus Way Changed Our Work with Partners: An Interview with the East Texas Food BankAt the AFP Conference last summer, two fundraisers from the East Texas Food Bank reached out to Jeff. They wanted to share with him how taking our Certification Course two years ago has made a huge difference for them in building deeper donor relationships and bringing in more revenue for their mission. We felt so inspired by the conversation and the long-term results they’re seeing now, two whole years after taking the training. So, for today’s episode, we invited Hannah Harris, Donor Engagement Advisor, and Alex Fruth, Director of Development for the East Texas Food Bank...2023-10-2429 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersRe-Release: Five Things Every Fundraiser Should Do in the SummerIt’s summertime! Hopefully, you’re taking some quality time off. And whenever you’re back in the office, you may even find yourself with some quiet days where your inbox is not blowing up and all your meetings are cancelled. This is a great time to reflect and plan for how you’re going to meet your goals by year-end. In this episode re-release from 2021, Jeff is joined by Lisa Robertson, Director of Client Services at Veritus Group. Together, they share five ideas for what you can do this summer that will set you up for a succes...2023-07-1111 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersEverything You Need to Know About the Latest Fundraising Effectiveness Project ReportThe 2023 report by the Fundraising Effectiveness Project revealed that for the first time in a decade, the national average for major giving revenue went DOWN by -4% in 2022. This has generated a lot of concern in the fundraising community about the future of philanthropy. The good news is – you don’t have to accept decreasing revenue as the new normal.  When this report came out, we took a look at how our clients had done by comparison. While the findings showed that nationally, major gifts revenue was down -4% for the first time since 2013, our clien...2023-05-0923 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersBoards + Fundraising: How to Create a Thriving PartnershipAre your board members actively engaged in fundraising for your non-profit? And if not – how can you encourage them to get involved? In this episode, Jeff Schreifels and Karen Kendrick are joined by Renita Tyson for a conversation about how non-profits can build a better partnership with their boards. Renita is a Client Experience Leader at Veritus Group with a background in numerous sectors, from Fortune 500 companies to small industrial manufacturers. She’s held positions in sales, marketing, development, and senior management, and she also brings her own experience as a board member herself. Whether you’...2023-03-1421 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersHow Self-Love Transforms Everything, Including FundraisingSometimes fundraisers are so self-sacrificing in their work that they lose themselves. They give 110%, until they can’t do it anymore. These are the ones who are at risk of burning out and leaving the profession entirely. That’s why we’re devoting this episode to a conversation about self-love and setting boundaries to give yourself room for renewal. When you practice self-love and self-care, you’ll be able to bring more to your role as a fundraiser and create deeper relationships with donors from a place of self-awareness and respect. This special episode features Karen Ke...2023-02-1451 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhy Outsourcing Management Is Key to Your SuccessSuccessful fundraising programs depend on great managers who can provide fundraisers with feedback, accountability, and encouragement. It’s a full-time job, and it requires a certain set of skills. Yet many non-profit managers are expected to continue to manage their own caseloads in addition to their team’s. They may have been moved into their role without training or support. And on top of that, the skills that make someone a successful fundraiser don’t necessarily translate to being an excellent manager. This is where a co-management solution comes in. In this podcast episode, Richard and Je...2023-01-1015 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real Fundraisers5 Things to Do When You Get Back from the HolidaysWhen you get back to the office or start up your computer again after a holiday, it always takes a while to get re-oriented. If you do a little prep now, you’ll thank yourself when you come back with a clear game plan to follow! We hope you have a peaceful and relaxing holiday season, with some time off that helps you to recharge. And when you get back to work, you can feel confident that you’re starting the year off right with these areas as your top priorities during your first week back. Sh...2022-12-2012 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersCreative Ways to Stand Out at Year-EndThere’s a temptation to send out more communication at the end of the year. And it’s understandable; there’s a lot to share during this season, and you want to keep your donors informed. But communicating more frequently doesn’t make it more effective. In fact, if you send emails and letters about every event, fundraising campaign, organizational report, and holiday greeting, your donors may start to tune out. In this podcast episode, we’re sharing our tips to help you create engaging and relevant communications that will stand out to your donors during the...2022-12-0524 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersUsing Permission-Based Asking with Your Donors and Securing MeetingsIt’s the most intimidating part of fundraising: asking someone for a gift. But that’s not the only thing that fundraisers need to ask for. They’re also requesting meetings, inviting people to give their time at events, and asking donors to share the personal driver that inspires their giving. So, whatever your ask is for – how do you do it in a way that honors the donor as a partner in your mission? We developed our Permission-Based Asking™model as a framework for more authentic dialogue. No more guessing what your donor is t...2022-11-1537 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersBringing Your Authentic Self to Your WorkDoes your organization encourage you to bring your authentic self to your work in the non-profit space? Or do you feel pressure to self-censor certain parts of your identity? Many non-profit employees say that their workplace culture has created an environment where they’re not comfortable or do not feel safe bringing their authentic selves to work. And this is particularly damaging in fundraising, where you need to bring a certain amount of vulnerability because of the deeply personal nature of your work with donors. To help promote authenticity in non-profit organizations, we’ve invited two...2022-10-2643 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersTerrible Things Non-Profits Do That Drive Donors AwayUsually, people have the best of intentions. But it’s shocking how many organizations have internalized some misguided views of fundraising without realizing how their mindset is hurting their donor relationships. There’s plenty of wrong thinking out there, and on today’s episode, we’ll talk about what it looks like when fundraising leaders and professionals don’t prioritize the donor. Remember, donors are not a means to an end. They’re the lifeblood of your organization and partners in achieving your mission. Keep an open mind as you listen in today; if you’ve made these...2022-10-1735 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersTaking Your Donor to the Scene, Without Promoting a Savior MentalityWe talk a lot about the importance of taking your donor to the scene so that the need feels real and personal to them. But there’s a risk of exploiting the very communities you serve if their stories are not told in an honoring way. Some non-profits paint themselves as the heroes, when really, the people they serve deserve the credit for and ownership of their stories. Particularly in communities where the population served may be mostly Black or Latinx, while the non-profit staff members are white, it can feel like another instance of “white saviorism” which...2022-10-0354 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Veritus Way in Action: Interviews with Our ClientsWhat is it that makes The Veritus Way of fundraising so successful? To tell you more about it, we’ve invited a couple of our clients to share about their experiences with the Veritus approach to fundraising. Listen in to learn about how they approached integrating The Veritus Way into their work, the challenges they faced and how they overcame them, and what they would share with others who are working to implement a new approach to fundraising. You may recognize some of your own challenges in their stories and successes. Sh...2022-09-1928 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersTiering Your Donors: The Ultimate Caseload Management StrategyDo you have a strategy to help you allocate your time per donor? The reality is, you only have so much time in a day. And you need to be a good steward of that time. So, while we value all donors as people, the impact they have is not equal. Some will give much more than others, and those donors need a bigger investment of your time and energy. On this episode, Jeff is joined by Lisa Robertson, our Director of Client Services, to talk about the idea of tiering donor caseloads. This is...2022-09-0619 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real Fundraisers5 Reasons Why We Love Mid-Level (And You Should Too!)What’s so great about mid-level? We’re so glad you asked! More and more organizations are discovering that mid-level is the key to retaining donors and donor value. When you have a mid-level program that’s focused on building relationships with donors and discovering their passions and interests, it allows you to qualify and move more donors to major gifts. And in addition to inspiring more donor engagement and connection, a mid-level program really makes a difference for your organization’s bottom line. This podcast episode features Kara Ansotegui, one of our Client E...2022-08-1514 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersTips to Better Serve Your DonorsLooking for inspiration to help you plan for the fall fundraising season? Look no further! Since we’re privileged to work with so many different non-profit organizations, we have a bird’s-eye view of the latest fundraising trends and themes. From year-end planning to giving trends to technology in the relational giving space – exciting things are happening. On this podcast episode, Jeff and Richard are joined by Lisa Robertson, our Director of Client Services, to share some tips based on what’s working well for our clients. Listen in for some great ideas and strategies to energ...2022-08-0222 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersFifteen Questions to Help You Go Deeper with Your Donor (re-release)In this re-release of our all-time most popular episode, Richard and Jeff share 15 questions for you to use in conversation with your donors to help you better understand their passions, interests, and goals for their giving. No matter what you think you know about your donor, always stay curious about their story. Do you really know why they give to your organization? Your donors want to be known. When you ask these kinds of open-ended questions, it creates an opportunity for deeper connection with your donors. Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll le...2022-07-1919 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersHow to Approach Fundraising When Your Mission Doesn’t Fit in a Neat BoxTalking about your mission with donors can sometimes feel challenging, especially if you’re an organization that provides indirect services. Do you know if you’re effectively communicating your mission and impact to your donors? It may seem pretty straightforward for organizations that provide direct services like housing, meals, or other tangible items. But what if your organization is an advocacy group or a similar kind of organization that gets results through others? On today’s podcast episode, Jeff is joined by Karen Kendrick, our Senior Director of Learning at Veritus Group, for a conversation about...2022-07-0524 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersMoving Out of a Membership MindsetMany non-profits have a membership model as a key part of their fundraising strategy. And while membership donors can be some of the most loyal and consistent in their giving, a membership model can also be limiting. Donors are going to give what you ask for. If you ask donors to give $120 a year (for a free tote bag!), that’s what people will give you. But your donors have the capacity and the desire to do more – if you bring them an offer that matches their passions and interests. If you’re not incorporating relationship-based fundraising into y...2022-06-2041 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersKeep, Lift, Move: The Three Objectives of a Successful Mid-Level ProgramMore and more non-profits are discovering that mid-level is the key to a healthy donor pipeline. If you’re wondering where to find more major donors, the answer is almost always: look to your mid-level donors. But how do you know if your mid-level program is working as it should? At Veritus, we evaluate mid-level programs based on three key objectives: Keep, Lift, and Move. When you measure each of these components, you’ll be able to see the real impact of your mid-level program in growing your donor pipeline. For this podcast episode, Richard and...2022-06-0610 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersHow to Approach Donor Stewardship in Planned GivingMany non-profits feel that once they’ve secured a planned gift from a donor, their work is done. There may not be any plans for follow-up or intentional cultivation of legacy donors after the gift is committed. Yet, we know that impact reporting is essential to donor retention. And this is no different for planned gifts. Keep in mind that 50% of donors are going to change their wills in the final years of their lives, often removing provisions for organizations who they’ve lost touch with. So, how do you report on the impact of a fu...2022-05-2412 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersSupporting Black & Brown Fundraisers in the Non-Profit SectorWhen people of color are not allowed to speak for themselves or their voices are not heard, there’s a psychological toll that often leads to burnout. Black and Brown fundraisers are leaving their organizations because they feel isolated and unwelcome. So, what’s the role of the non-profit sector in fighting systemic racism? How can leaders support Black and Brown staff? This is an important conversation all leaders need to be a part of, which is why we invited a special guest to join us for this episode. Kia Croom is a fundraising executive with over 20 year...2022-05-0942 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersHow to Take Your Org From Transactional to Relationship-Based Fundraising (Webinar Replay featuring The American Cancer Society)You know you need to move your non-profit from a transactional model to relationship-based fundraising, but maybe you’re not sure where to start, or how to get everyone on board and fully invested in this change. That’s exactly the challenge that the American Cancer Society faced three years ago, when they decided it was time to adopt a new approach to major and mid-level gifts. Since then, fundraising revenue for these areas has doubled. How did they do it?! Tune in to hear their story firsthand. This special podcast episode is a replay of a webi...2022-04-261h 02Real Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersHow to Be a Champion for Organizational ChangeCreating change in your organization can feel like a daunting task. Where should you start? How do you stay on track? In this podcast episode, Richard and Jeff interview a special guest, Ruth Ann Dailey, the Senior Vice President of Philanthropy at the American Cancer Society. Ruth Ann played a critical role in championing change in how ACS approached major gifts. And the result? They were able to double their major and mid-level revenue in just three years. Join us for an inspiring conversation about how ACS did this and how you can advocate for and influence...2022-04-1933 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhat’s Holding You Back From Investing in Major Gifts?When non-profit leaders decide there’s no room in the budget for a major gifts program, it’s counterproductive, because they’re missing out on a huge revenue opportunity. An investment in major gifts can have an ROI of 10:1, or even more. So let’s say you’re convinced that the investment in major gifts is worth it – now, how do you get a major gift program up and running, or make an existing program better? In this podcast episode, Richard and Jeff will speak to the ROI of major gifts, as well as the foundational...2022-04-0517 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDoes ‘The Veritus Way’ Work for Smaller Organizations?If you’re at a smaller organization, you might be thinking: “The Veritus Way sounds great, but it won’t work for us. We just don’t have the resources.” Well, here’s the good news: whether you’re a one-person shop or a large-scale non-profit – our systems and processes can help you build more authentic relationships with your donors, whatever the size of your organization. In this podcast episode, Richard and Jeff are joined by Theresa Tapocsi, one of our incredible Client Experience Leaders. Theresa will speak to her own experience as a fundraiser in a small organizati...2022-03-2116 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDo You Need a Legacy Society?Does your organization need a legacy society? And how do you go about starting one? These programs can have a huge impact and will help you better serve your donors by giving them an opportunity to do even more for the causes they care about. In this podcast episode, Bob Shafis, our Director of Planned Giving Services at Veritus, talks with Richard and Jeff about what to consider when setting up a planned giving society to ensure your success. Learn more about creating a legacy society or planned giving program in our FREE White Paper, “Ho...2022-02-2215 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersYou Can't Have Major Gifts Without Donor OffersYou can have a mid or major gift program that is set up with the right structure, full caseload of qualified donors, great ongoing management, but if you don’t have compelling offers for donors to invest in, you won't be successful. In today’s podcast, Jeff and Richard talk with guest, Theresa Tapocsi, who leads Veritus’ efforts helping non-profits complete our Donor Impact Portfolio(DIP). The Donor Impact Portfolio is designed to help non-profits take all their programs and projects that make up their mission, and match it up with the entire budget, including overhead so that you know exactl...2021-08-2423 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Three Things Leaders Get Wrong About Mid-LevelWe at Veritus Group have been implementing and managing mid-level programs for many years now. Over that time, we’ve discovered how non-profit leaders have misconceptions about what a successful program consists of. In today’s podcast episode, Jeff is joined by Lisa Robertson, Veritus Group’s Client Learning and Experience Leader, who has helped many Veritus clients launch successful mid-level programs. Jeff and Lisa discuss three things leaders get wrong about mid-level and how to overcome them, so you can be assured of having a winning program for years to come.2021-07-1312 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersFive Things Every Fundraiser Should Do in the SummerIt’s summertime! Hopefully, you have a chance to breathe a bit. Today’s episode is all about what you can do during the summer, now that you have some time to think, that will help you have a successful year-end. Jeff is joined by Lisa Robertson, Veritus Group’s Client Learning and Experience Leader. Together, they’ll give you five ideas for what you can do during the summer that will allow you to achieve all of your goals by year-end.2021-06-2210 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersNot Everything We Say Is TrueDid you know that not everything Richard and Jeff say is true? Well, okay, it’s true, but it may not be exactly true for you and your situation as it pertains to how you implement The Veritus Way at your organization. Today’s podcast episode explores how The Veritus Way can work for your organization even if you don’t apply everything to the letter of the law. The podcast also welcomes a new guest host, Karen Kendrick (our Director of Learning) along with two guests: Lisa Robertson, one of our Veritus Client Experience Leaders and Greg G...2021-05-2446 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Donor Engagement PlanAs you know, The Veritus Way of Major Gifts is all about helping you design a structure, so you have the freedom and ability to create authentic relationships with your donors. The main tool we use to develop that structure is our Marketing Impact Chart. Guess what? We’re changing the name of the MIC and in this podcast episode, we tell you what it is and why we’re changing it, along with telling you why this tool has made a significant impact with thousands of front-line fundraisers all around the world. ------------ Do...2021-04-2614 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersSeven Ways to Stand Out with your DonorsYour donors are busy. There's a lot of noise in their lives. The front-line fundraisers who can cut through that noise and get noticed by their donors will have the ability to win their hearts and minds. In today's episode, Richard and Jeff give you seven ways to stand out with your donor, so they'll engage with you AND allow you to build an authentic relationship with them.2021-03-2322 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersFrom $1,000 to $100,000You know that donor that gives every year in November a check for $1,000… and they’ve been doing it for a thousand years? Yeah, you know, that one. You’re most likely thinking, “Every November I can always expect that check to come in, but it's not really worth it to me to reach out and find out who they are. They’re not going to give more.” In this episode, Richard and Jeff tell you a story of how an MGO decided NOT to listen to that story in their head, and instead they reached out to that $1,0...2021-03-1014 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersMore Myths in Major GiftsThere are so many myths in major gift fundraising that Richard and Jeff devote a whole chapter to it in their latest book, “It’s Not JUST About  the Money.” These myths hurt not only the success of a major gift program, but the development of front-line fundraisers.  Today’s episode debunks several myths and gets to the truth of what major gifts is really about. It continues on the theme of a previous episode in November 2020.2021-02-1921 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersAnswers to Your Burning QuestionsProfessional fundraisers have lots of questions about how you can do your work better. Each week, Richard and Jeff hear from your colleagues all over the world on how they can be better fundraisers. Today’s podcast answers some of the most burning questions they get.  They hope that their answers will help you think differently and inspire you in the work you do every day to help change the world.2021-02-0120 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersNew Year's Resolutions, Part 2Join Richard and Jeff for Part 2 of their discussion of six New Year’s Resolutions. In this podcast they outline the second 3 resolutions that you may have never heard of before… however, they’re resolutions that are embodied in every successful Major Gift Officer they’ve met.  Start your year off right and find out what all successful Major Gift Officers have in common.2021-01-1910 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersNew Year's Resolutions, Part OneGoodbye 2020! In today’s podcast Richard and Jeff highlight 3 resolutions to start your new year. They’ll not only inspire you, but they’ll help you become a better front-line fundraiser in 2021. We can’t think of a better way to start the new year than to have some concrete ideas on how to help you develop stronger relationships with your donors and to help you find more joy in your work.2021-01-0523 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Six Economic Realities of Major GiftsYou aren’t alone if you don’t fully understand the economics of major gifts and how it should work. Over the years, the Veritus team has run into CEOs and managers of major non-profits who didn’t get it either. In our opinion, this is just one of the reasons major gifts continues to elude non-profits… you just don’t understand the economics of it and how to be successful. That’s okay. Because in today’s podcast, Richard and Jeff talk about the Six Economic Realities of Major Gifts, which they write about in their new b...2020-12-2118 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Donor-Facing Back OfficeWe often talk to leaders and managers of non-profits who tell us they’re leading a donor-centered non-profit. That’s great! But then we start asking questions: 1. Do you have a system set up to thank donors properly? 2. Do you have an infrastructure that allows you to get information on donor impact from the program side? 3. Does finance and program sit at the table with major gift officers to discuss donor offers? 4. Do you provide administrative support for your major gift team? Most often, the answer is no. In...2020-12-0818 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Biggest Barrier to Major Gift SuccessWhat is the biggest barrier to major gift success? It’s a lack of leadership. It was this lack of leadership that inspired Richard and Jeff to write their latest book, “It’s Not JUST About the Donor.” And it’s the focus of today's episode. In this episode Richard and Jeff address this lack of leadership by outlining all the great leadership qualities they’ve seen where major gift programs are flourishing. Hopefully, you too will be inspired to take on these qualities that are absolutely necessary for success.2020-11-2319 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDispelling the Myths about Major GiftsThere are many myths about major gifts out there that impede the growth of major gift programs.  In fact, in Richard and Jeff's new book, It’s Not JUST About the Donor, they start out one by one dispelling the myths that they’ve heard from non-profit leaders over the years. In today's episode, Richard and Jeff talk about a few of these myths that, unless we bring them to light,  either they have hurt or will certainly hurt your major gift program. Join them for a lively discussion and an opportunity to get this new bo...2020-11-1016 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersEquity in the Non-Profit WorkforceYou probably intuitively already know this: women make up 70% of the non-profit workforce, yet there are huge inequities in pay and leadership positions for women. And the pandemic has made this even worse. Why? In today’s podcast, Richard and Jeff talk with Mazarine Treyz, a successful veteran fundraiser, consultant, author and speaker. They’re joined by Karen Kendrick, Veritus Group’s Director of Learning – and we'll get their perspectives on why we have this inequity, how it came to be, and what can be done to change it. We think you’ll be inspire...2020-10-2730 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhat is The Veritus Way?You may be wondering what we mean when we say you really need to adopt “The Veritus Way” of major gift fundraising. The Veritus Way is simply the structure we apply to major gift programs, all in the context of building authentic relationships with donors. That structure includes: working with no more than 150 qualified donors in a portfolio, tiering those donors, creating a cash-flowed revenue goal and strategic plan (which includes knowing the donor’s passions and interests and communication preferences) for every donor and having consistent weekly meetings with management to keep the MGO focused and accoun...2020-10-0635 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersStrategies to End the Year StrongThis year has been unlike any other, for major gift fundraisers. Your work has been completely upended. Yet here we are, heading into what will be the busiest and best giving period of the year. Or you hope it will be the busiest and best. There are so many uncertainties. You can only control what you can control – what you do with your portfolio between now and the end of December. In today's episode, Richard and Jeff share some tips and strategies on how you can end your year strong. Learn what you ne...2020-09-2217 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersFifteen Questions to Help You Go Deeper with Your DonorDo you want to be a great Major Gift Fundraiser?One trait of all great MGOs is that they are curious people. That curiosity leads to developing authentic relationships. How often do you go to a dinner party or gathering, and you come back and realize no one has asked anything about you? This happens to us all the time. It doesn’t feel good. If you think about it, what a missed opportunity we all have by not being curious about one another. Unfortunately, this also happens with major gift officers. How well do yo...2020-09-0119 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersTen Ways to Get Rid of Your DonorDo you want to get rid of the donors in your portfolio? We would hope not. Yet by the way many major gift officers are cultivating and stewarding donors, you would think they are. In this episode, Richard and Jeff outline ten different ways that MGOs are actively trying to get rid of their donors without even knowing it. Hopefully, you aren’t practicing any of these ten. In fact, if you’re doing the opposite of everything we say in the podcast today, you’re probably a pretty good MGO.  Your work as an M...2020-08-1817 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersShould MGOs Get Bonuses?Over the years, MGOs and managers have asked Richard and Jeff if they think MGOs should get bonuses if they meet or exceed their revenue goals. In today’s episode, they answer that question, and you might be surprised by what they say. They also discuss how non-profit leaders and managers should treat MGOs so that they’ll want to stay much longer than the average 1.8 years! Not only will MGOs stay longer if they are treated properly, but it will pay off with donors as they develop trust with the MGO and your...2020-08-0412 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersFive Reasons MGOs FailAs a major gift fundraiser, do you feel you’re being supported enough so you can be successful? Unfortunately, we run into many MGOs who are basically left on their own, without the support they need to build authentic relationships with donors. In today’s podcast episode, Richard and Jeff discuss the five reasons MGOs fail – and you’ll be surprised that most of the reasons have nothing at all to do with the MGO. We believe that the work of a major gift officer is one of the hardest in the non-profit sector...2020-07-2112 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhat’s Wrong with University Major Gift Fundraising?In most of the higher education institutions where Veritus Group has conducted data assessments, they’re performing terribly. What’s wrong here? Universities have resources. They have dozens (if not hundreds) of major gift officers, researchers, and stewardship officers. And yet what we find is that they don’t have real relationships with donors and alumni. Some of them are still raising millions if not billions of dollars… yet they could be doing so much better forming authentic relationships with donors and alumni! In today’s rebroadcast of an episode from January, R...2020-07-0715 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersNow is the Time to Invest in Major Gifts“You can’t be serious!” This is the reaction Richard and Jeff get from many non-profit leaders when we tell them NOW is the time to start a major gift program. Yes, even in the midst of uncertainty, your organization should either be starting or heavily investing in your current major gift program. Why? Because this is where you’ll eventually see most of your NET revenue come from. Need inspiration to do it? Well, in this podcast episode, our guest is Joyce MacDonald, the President and CEO of Greater Public Media. T...2020-06-1627 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Sky is Falling!If you just read the headlines from fundraising news publications, you’d think the sky is falling and revenue from non-profits is tanking. But is it? If you actually get past the “doom and gloom” headlines, you’ll read that giving is actually up in 2020 vs. 2019! What? Yep, giving is up. In this episode, Richard goes on a rant about the effects of these negative headlines, and he urges non-profit leaders to not succumb to them by not reaching out to donors. Then, he and Jeff give you some practical steps to reach...2020-06-0216 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersAre All Your Eggs in One Basket? Diversifying your revenue streamsThis pandemic has been a stress test for many non-profits. The biggest threat to the future of a non-profit in times like this is the lack of multiple funding streams for a non-profit. Today, those organizations that rely heavily on events, or corporate and government funding, are struggling. And non-profits that only rely on direct-response to bring in the majority of their revenue are reeling. Why? Because having a diverse array of funding streams, especially those who promote individual donor giving, will help you get through economic downturns. And as you know, we’re in a...2020-05-1918 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersForget Pivoting — It's Time to Really ChangePivoting is good, but it implies that once we get back to normal, we just go back to what we used to do. Well, this pandemic is giving us the opportunity to not only pivot, but to permanently change. Change what? Change the way we evaluate MGOs and major gift programs.  Richard and Jeff believe that the old metrics that most non-profits use to measure major gift officers perpetuates transactional giving. In this episode, Richard and Jeff discuss why we need to let go of the old metrics and suggest a f...2020-05-0525 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersPlanned Giving in a Time of CrisisIn this episode, Richard and Jeff are joined by Veritus Group's Director of Planned Giving Services, Bob Shafis. Bob will discuss with them why you should be considering several planned giving strategies now, and how to do it.  They’ll also talk about the $2.2 Trillion Care Act that was recently enacted and how it will affect your non-profit. Join Richard, Jeff and Bob for an informative discussion and get inspired to use planned giving as a tool that will help you now in this crisis and well into the future. 2020-04-1330 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersGetting your Coronavirus Story Right and AskingDo you know your organization’s coronavirus story? In other words, if a donor asked you how the virus is affecting your organizations mission would you know what to say? Our team at Veritus is worried that many non-profit leaders and managers haven’t figure out how the virus has really affected your mission. What potential shortfall are you looking at? What added services are you now providing that you weren’t before? What is all this costing you? In today’s podcast, Richard and Jeff specifically speak to non-profit leaders and managers about making sure you...2020-04-0819 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersAnswers to Your COVID-19 Crisis QuestionsIn today’s episode Richard and Jeff give you an update on stories they're hearing from other major gift officers and start answering a number of questions from your colleagues about how you should fundraise, given this crisis we're all in. At the end of the episode we also direct you to our COVID-19 Resource Page and tell you about two new courses we've designed just to help you through this crisis and, because we don’t want cost to be a factor, we’ve decided you can pay whatever you can to take this four week, eight...2020-03-2633 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersSpecial Episode — How Should I Think about Fundraising in a Crisis?You are now fundraising in an unprecedented time in our history. You may be worried, anxious or concerned personally and professionally. All those feelings are normal. Richard and Jeff have recorded a special podcast to help you think about major gift fundraising in a crisis like the one we face today. Both of them have been through multiple national and international crises and tragedy, and they have experience on how non-profits and major gift fundraisers should respond. We hope this special podcast is helpful in your work and gives you comfort that over...2020-03-2030 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Importance of Administrative AssistantsAs you know, the most important job for an MGO is to build relationships with their donors. How are you going to do that without administrative support? You can’t. We hear from so many MGOs who say they’re bogged down doing expense reports, handling travel details and entering information into the database. They’re doing so much admin work they end up having very little time to talk to donors! In today’s episode, Richard and Jeff talk about the importance of what an administrative assistant can do to support major gifts an...2020-03-1026 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersBad BossesYou’ll often hear that fundraising professionals are “jumping ship” every 1.8 to 2.3 years in search of something better. Quite frankly, the number one reason people quit their job is because they have a bad manager or leader as a boss. Today Richard and Jeff are joined by fundraising expert, author and writer of the popular blog, “Future Fundraising Now,” Jeff Brooks. Jeff has worked with hundreds of organizations and has some great stories and interesting observations about why we seem to have such bad bosses in the non-profit sector. Best of all, we co...2020-02-2526 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Spirituality of Major Gift FundraisingToday’s podcast episode is a little different. We’re talking about the spirituality of major gift fundraising. No, we’re not talking about religion, but we ARE talking about how fundraising has a spiritual nature to it – not with a capital “S,” but with a small “s.” Richard and Jeff explore the mystical act that happens at the moment a donor gives, and the organization receives that gift. Find out not only why we think fundraising is a spiritual endeavor, but also how you can continue to keep your heart soft and focused on the need, so you...2020-02-1116 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhat's Wrong with Planned Giving?In today’s episode, Richard and Jeff talk with Veritus Group's new Director of Planned Giving Services, Robert Shafis. Robert is one of the most knowledgeable, sought-out experts on planned giving in the country. And now he’s working with Veritus to help non-profits everywhere do planned giving right! Specifically, Robert highlights some of the main problems and misconceptions about planned giving, and what can be done to turn those problems into solutions. Then he offers everyone listening the opportunity to receive a free planned giving assessment.2020-01-2931 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhat’s Wrong with University Major Gift Fundraising?If you think universities have it all figured out with major gift  fundraising, you’d be very wrong. In fact, at most of the higher education institutions where Veritus has conducted data assessments, they’re performing terribly. Universities have resources. They have dozens (if not hundreds) of major gift officers, researchers, and stewardship officers. And yet what we find is that they don’t have real relationships with donors and  alumni. Some of them are still raising millions if not billions of dollars… yet they could be doing so much better! In this episode, R...2020-01-0815 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersIt's Good to Have Older DonorsAre you concerned that the donors on your file are too old? Are you scrambling to get younger donors? Don’t be. In major gifts and planned giving, the vast majority of your revenue will come from donors who are 55 and older. So why is everyone  so enamored with younger donors? This episode teaches you why older donors should be the bread and butter of your major gift program – and why you shouldn’t be anxious about finding  younger donors.2019-12-1811 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersIs Your Manager Ignorant About Major Gifts?This episode sheds light on some of the craziest misconceptions we’ve heard from leaders and managers about major gifts, and what you can do as a major gift officer to help educate them and set them straight. Major gift fundraising is too important to be left to folks who don’t know what they’re doing. There’s too much riding on your organization’s future not to know how a major gift program should be run correctly. Get inspired to help your manager or non-profit leader understand how major gifts actually works.2019-12-0420 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDo You Know the ROI of Your Donor Portfolio?Most of the time, when we ask a major gift fundraiser what the Return on Investment (ROI) of their portfolio is, we get nothing but a blank stare – and then a look of panic. Well, you don’t have to panic. In this episode, Richard and Jeff talk about how to calculate your ROI. They tell you what’s acceptable for a new portfolio vs. a mature one. They discuss how it should grow over time, and they let managers and leaders know it takes TIME to develop. Then they list 12 reasons why there is low RO...2019-11-1330 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersCan We All Just Get Along?To serve your major donors outrageously, you have to know your programs and projects so well that you’re able to inspire those donors to make a significant gift to your organization. The most effective and best way to do that is to get to know the people behind those programs. These are the program, finance, HR, and executive team that are passionate about your organization’s mission. In this episode, Richard and Jeff have some great tips for how you can do this.2019-10-2914 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersKeeping Good Major Gift OfficersMajor gift fundraising has a problem: MGOs are leaving their non-profits after only 1.8 years on the job! How can they build lasting relationships with donors that way? In this episode, Richard and Jeff discuss why people are leaving, and how managers can work with MGOs to keep successful, experienced staff intact.2019-10-1517 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersChanging Your Non-Profit Culture, with Mark RovnerIn the last decade there's been a lot of talk about building a culture of philanthropy. But who's actually doing it? And what does it actually take to do it? In this episode, Richard and Jeff interview Mark Rovner, the founding principal of SeaChange and a much sought-after keynote speaker. Mark will give you some great ideas on how YOU can help change your non-profit’s culture, how to be effective in doing it, and how not to lose hope in the process.2019-09-2421 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersMajor Donors and Capital Campaigns – with Amy EisensteinIs your organization considering creating a capital campaign in the near future? Before you spend a bunch of time, energy and money on it, you have to listen to Richard and Jeff talk with Amy Eisenstein, the CEO and Co-Founder of Capital Campaign Toolkit. Amy has a unique approach to capital campaigns, one that could save you thousands of dollars if you heed her advice. She has some really good questions for you to answer as you consider whether or not you should start a campaign. She also gives you tips and advice for what not to...2019-09-1026 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersDiscover Your Major Donors' Passions and InterestsDo you wonder what it will take to take your major gift program to another level?  The answer is not about some new strategy or innovation. The answer to bringing more net revenue from your major gift program is to get to know your donors so well you know their passion and interests and why they have them. If you know those and why, you can match that up with everything your organization does to change the world. In this podcast episode, Richard and Jeff talk about your knowing your donor’s passions and...2019-08-2927 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersCreating Compelling Donor Offers, with guest Tom AhernHow do you create compelling donor offers that will result in gifts that are significant, or even transformational? In this episode, Richard and Jeff talk with legendary fundraiser, copy-editor and author Tom Ahern about how he helps clients reach donors and motivate them to action.2019-08-1330 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersUsing Technology to Connect with Donors – with Greg WarnerHave you ever thought it would be nice to be able to qualify,  steward, and cultivate your donors in a more efficient, less costly way – all while using new technology? In this episode, Richard and Jeff talk with Greg Warner, the CEO and founder of MarketSmart. Greg talks about what inspired him to start his company and how hundreds of non-profits are using his software to help them connect with donors. You’ll notice immediately Greg’s passion for fundraising and donors.  He wants to change how our industry views donors and help fundraisers do  what they...2019-07-3030 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersInspiration for Major Gifts Work – with Frank MumfordIn this episode, Richard and Jeff will inspire you for major gifts fundraising with some great thoughts and ideas you can implement right now. They talk with Frank Mumford, a major gift officer with Greater Twin Cities United Way, who shares his experience and tells a story about how noticing "little things" can have a big payoff with your donors.2019-07-0930 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersNew Ideas to Cultivate Your Major DonorsDo you ever get in a rut about what you should be doing with your donors to cultivate them properly? Richard and Jeff hear from many major gift fundraisers who are just tapped out of ideas.  Today’s episode is LOADED with new ideas for you to use when cultivating and stewarding your donors, all with the intent to help you understand their passions and interests – which will allow you to solicit your donors in a more meaningful and impactful way. 2019-06-2724 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhat Does It Take to be a Great MGO?The job of a major gift officer is difficult. In this episode, we talk with Christine Tesmer, a major gift officer from Colorado Public Radio. We get insight into her success, what it takes and how she manages work and life. We also learn how her unique background in sales prepared her for her role as a major gift officer. Her story is compelling and offers great ideas for you to be successful in your role.2019-06-1331 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhy Do We 'Qualify' Major Donors?Major gift fundraisers are going to get frustrated quickly if they focus on donors who don't want to talk to them. In this episode, Richard and Jeff tell you what it means to "qualify" these donors, so you're talking only to the donors who respond to the individual attention you want to give them. When your focus is on these receptive donors, you'll be more successful in achieving – and exceeding – your goals for their giving.2019-05-2823 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersCurrent Donors Aren't Prospects: Thinking Differently About DonorsMajor gift fund-raisers can slip into thinking of people as "prospects" even after they've given many times. Richard and Jeff examine this practice and encourage a different approach to these people who are already partnering with you to change the world.2019-05-0817 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersThe Major Gifts Pipeline, with guest Jeff BrooksHow do you keep donors moving from direct response giving, to bigger gifts, into your major gift program? Fundraising expert Jeff Brooks talks with Richard and Jeff about the major gifts "pipeline" and the best things you can do to keep, lift and move your donors forward.2019-04-2427 minReal Talk for Real FundraisersReal Talk for Real FundraisersWhy doesn't the word "Annual" belong in a MGO's vocabulary?Richard and Jeff kick off their podcast by discussing how donors give best – not as an annual duty, but as an ongoing response to their desire to do good in the world, through your organization. The "Nothing But Major Gifts Podcast" is a production of Veritus Group, an industry leader in major gifts fundraising. Learn more at VeritusGroup.com.2019-04-0819 minFundraising Voices from RNLFundraising Voices from RNLRichard Perry and Jeff Schreifels, Veritus Group - Major GivingWorking with major donors to ignite their passion to give is the #1 to transform your organization. Richard Perry and Jeff Schreifels know this, and talk in this episode about what's changing with major giving, and how to provide gift officers the tools to connect with the best major and planned giving donors. Check out Veritus Group at veritusgroup.com2018-11-0218 minSelected Short Stories by CRANE, StephenSelected Short Stories by CRANE, StephenEp. 29: Richard Perry from Veritus Group on Major Gift FundraisingOn today’s how I chat major gifts and major gift fundraising with Richard Perry from Veritus Group. Richard has over 30 years’ experience helping nonprofits transform their Major Donor programs. He co-founded The Domain Group, which was one of the largest full-service fundraising consulting agencies serving major national, regional and local non-profits in the United States before starting Veritus group and the Major Gift Academy and online course and resource for major gift training and development. Hope you like it! More on Veritus: https://veritusgroup.com/ More on the Major Gift Academy: https://www.majorgiftacademy.com/2017-10-2428 minThe Good Journey PodThe Good Journey PodEp. 29: Richard Perry from Veritus Group on Major Gift FundraisingOn today’s how I chat major gifts and major gift fundraising with Richard Perry from Veritus Group. Richard has over 30 years’ experience helping nonprofits transform their Major Donor programs. He co-founded The Domain Group, which was one of the largest full-service fundraising consulting agencies serving major national, regional and local non-profits in the United States before starting Veritus group and the Major Gift Academy and online course and resource for major gift training and development. Hope you like it! More on Veritus: https://veritusgroup.com/ More on the Major Gift Academy: https://www.majorgiftacademy.com/2017-10-2300 min