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

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

June 29, 2026 · 47 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the reasons behind fundraiser turnover and strategies to retain talented fundraisers.

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 lose donor trust, relationship momentum, institutional knowledge, and often significant future revenue. In this episode of Real Talk for Real Fundraisers , Jeff Schreifels is joined by co-host Christopher Beck for a candid and important conversation with Daphne Valcin, MCC, founder of Valcin Strategic Solutions , a leadership development consulting firm focused on helping organizations build stronger leaders and healthier workplace cultures. Drawing from her extensive experience as an executive coach, trainer, non-profit leader, and leadership development consultant, Daphne offers powerful insight into why so many talented fundraisers are leaving, and what leaders can do to change that. Throughout the episode, Jeff, Christopher, and Daphne unpack the deeper causes of fundraiser burnout, moving beyond the assumption that turnover is simply an HR issue. They explore how vague job descriptions, poor onboarding, unrealistic workloads, weak management, and outdated leadership styles create environments where fundraisers…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jeff Schreifels, Christopher Beck

Guest: Daphne Valcin

Topics covered

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Valcin Strategic Solutions, Veritus Group

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