Use AI to Be More Effective, Not Replace People

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 at Veritus Group, for a practical, no-fluff conversation about what actually matters for fundraisers heading into 2026. 

Whether you’re a frontline major gift officer managing a caseload, a development director overseeing a team, or an executive director trying to remove organizational roadblocks, this episode lays out six priorities that separate reactive fundraising from disciplined, relationship-based growth. 

Jeff and Diana dig into what they’re seeing every day in coaching conversations with fundraisers across the country. In an era of AI, automation, and constant distraction, the organizations winning in 2026 are the ones that stay relentlessly focused on planning, accountability, and donor relationships, while leaders do the hard work of fixing systems that quietly undermine success. 

This episode offers clear guidance on how to build donor plans without overwhelm, why mid-level programs are now non-negotiable, and how to leverage tools like AI and donor-advised funds without losing the human connection that drives major gifts. This grounded, tactical conversation is designed to help you simplify your focus, remove friction, and set up your strongest fundraising year yet! 

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

• How to create a clear, customized plan for every donor using a simple 30-60-90 day framework that keeps fundraisers proactive instead of reactive 

• What leaders must do to remove internal barriers, align teams, and ensure donors can give at their full capacity 

• Why relationship-based mid-level programs are now essential, and how they are driving consistent revenue growth while feeding major gift pipelines 

• How to approach donor-advised funds (DAFs) and AI tools strategically, using both to increase impact and efficiency without sacrificing personal donor relationships 

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] 2026 Non-Profit Fundraising Trends Every Fundraiser Needs to Know 

• [White Paper]  Building a Culture of Philanthropy 

• [Blog] Donor Advised Funds Series, Part 1: Your Donors Stopped Giving. True or False?