About this episode

The episode discusses the importance of understanding donors and the challenges fundraisers face in building trust and retention.

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…

People in this episode

Host: Jeff Schreifels

Guest: Jeff Brooks

Topics covered

• donor understanding
• fundraising success
• donor retention
• nonprofit challenges
• community and mentorship
• technology in fundraising

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Veritus Group

More episodes of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers

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• Diana Frazier: Is Your Donor Database Actually Working for You? · March 11, 2026 · 23 min
• Holly Rustick: Why Your Non-Profit Needs a Grant Strategist (Not Just a Grant Writer) · February 24, 2026 · 36 min
• Diana Frazier: 6 Things Every Fundraiser Should Focus On in 2026 · January 30, 2026 · 34 min
• Christopher Beck: Five Questions Every Non-Profit Leader Needs to Answer About Equity · January 21, 2026 · 37 min
• Diana Frazier: What Makes Great Fundraisers Great at Year-End · November 26, 2025 · 35 min

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