Real Talk for Real Fundraisers

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 Theresa Tapocsi (Client Experience Leader) and Amy Chapman (Director of Client Engagement) for a conversation about how we perform our free donor file assessment to identify the hidden potential in your donor file.   The sooner you understand what’s happening in your data, the sooner you can take action. We hope this episode helps you think about your next steps in analyzing your donor data for opportunities to better engage your donors.  Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…   The data points Veritus looks at in our free Donor File Assessment and where organizations have the greatest opportunities to improve their fundraising programs  How we use historical performance to determine a 5-year forecast for your organization  Common reasons why non-profits reach out to Veritus for our free, no-obligations assessment of their donor file  Tips for anyone looking to start analyzing their own donor data in this way 

As a fundraiser, you play two roles in any donor meeting. First, you’re there to be a partner to your donor, which means you’re seeking to learn more about their passions so you can help to match those with your organization’s programs.     And your second role is to act as a facilitator so that everyone is on the same page about the purpose of the meeting and leaves feeling like their time was well-used. This is a real skill that requires some practice.     In this podcast episode, Karen and Matt share their top tips for how fundraisers can successfully facilitate a donor meeting using our Permission-Based Asking™ model.    Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…   Some common challenges fundraisers have around meeting facilitation  An overview of our Permission-Based Asking™ model  Our team’s top tips for facilitating an effective meeting with a donor 

Becca Burgess, VP of Client Services at Moore, and Kara Ansotegui, Senior Director of Leadership Annual Giving at the American Cancer Society, discuss the critical collaboration between mid-level and direct response fundraising. They explore the differences in engagement tactics and highlight barriers to effective coordination. Listeners will learn creative strategies for aligning fundraising teams and enhancing donor relationships at every level. The conversation reveals how collaboration can lead to stronger donor pipelines and ultimately, greater success in fundraising.

Many non-profit leaders rely on metrics because it’s easier than sitting down with their frontline fundraisers each week and helping them stay focused and accountable to their strategic plan. But when your fundraising performance metrics are not aligned with building meaningful relationships with your donors, it can cause a whole host of problems.  What are the metrics that really matter in fundraising, and how can managers best support their teams to stay on track with those key performance goals?  In this podcast episode, Jeff is joined by Matt and Debi for a conversation about the metrics that truly matter for your fundraising success and how we approach these metrics in our coaching work with fundraisers.  Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…   The difference between managed metrics (meaningful connections, cash flowed revenue goal, etc.) versus unmanaged metrics (visits, phone calls, emails)  How we define and measure meaningful connections  Our advice to leaders for how to provide fundraisers with coaching and accountability around the metrics that matter 

Many fundraisers aren’t starting their caseloads from scratch – they’re inheriting a donor caseload that was previously managed by someone else. Whether you’re a new hire, or you’re moving into a new role within the same organization and taking on a new caseload, this transition can be complicated.   How do you introduce yourself to these donors who already know your organization, but not you?   In this episode, Matt Gill and Diana Frazier offer steps you can take to help you navigate this transition depending on the specifics of your situation. We hope these tips will help you feel more confident about stepping into your new role in a way that honors the donor and strengthens their connection to your organization!  Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…   What to do based on the different scenarios in which you might be inheriting a caseload (starting at a new organization, or moving into a new role at your current organization, or redistributing caseloads) Protocols for introducing yourself to donors and where to use warm hand-offs from a previous caseload manager  Tips for leadership on how to support fundraisers who are taking on a new portfolio 

Is your organization set up to support the donor journey? What structures do you have in place to develop your donor relationships from initial acquisition to cultivation, mid-level, major gifts, and planned giving? These are some of the questions you need to consider as you work to build a healthy donor pipeline. In this episode, Richard and Jeff discuss five key focus areas for organizations seeking to improve their donor’s experience at every stage of their giving journey.   Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about… Why you need everyone in the organization to embrace a culture of philanthropy The different stages of a donor’s journey with your organization and how to support them as the relationship progresses Balancing your investments across in every stage of the donor journey Creating offers that will inspire donors and deepen their commitment to your organization

Ever been in a donor meeting that goes off the rails? Discover how to steer conversations back on track while respecting everyone's time. Learn the art of preparation and setting clear expectations. Explore the value of Permission-Based Asking to foster authentic dialogue with donors. Uncover strategies to manage environments and emotional responses, enhancing engagement and partnership. It's all about practice and authenticity to build productive relationships in fundraising!

In celebration of Women’s History Month, today’s episode is all about how women are shaping and changing the field of fundraising. Our special guest joining us for this conversation is Yolanda F. Johnson, President and Founder of YFJ Consulting and Women of Color in Fundraising and Leadership (WOC)™, which specializes in fundraising, philanthropy, and best practices for equity and inclusion. Listen in to learn more about Yolanda’s work and to hear her perspective on lifting up more women and people of color in the non-profit sector. If you enjoy the episode and you’d like to continue the conversation with Yolanda, see the show notes below for ways to get in touch. Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about… Yolanda’s work through her organization, Women of Color in Fundraising and Philanthropy (WOC)™ The four pillars of allyship, and how embracing the idea of “sponsorship” can help to elevate more women and women of color in the sector    Mentorship opportunities for women who are interested in non-profit management and leadership Moving away from the scarcity mindset and finding ways for women to work together, to champion each other

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 Experience Leader) for this conversation about how to approach asking year-round.  We hope you find these tips helpful as you work toward your next donor asks! Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…  Moving away from transactional asking (e.g. waiting for year-end appeals) to adopt a more relational model How to use Permission-Based Asking when asking your donor for a gift Inspiring donors to give outside of their regular giving season

When you work at a non-profit organization, just as in any job, there will be times that you feel stuck, discouraged, or uninspired. This work is hard, and it’s not uncommon to experience feelings of burnout or frustration.  If you’re in a space like that, how do you shift your energy so you can bring your best self to your work with donors? For this episode, Karen and Renita share some questions to ask yourself on those days to help you approach your energy differently. We hope these suggestions leave you feeling encouraged with some strategies to help you move forward and find more satisfaction in your daily work! Show Highlights: In this episode, you’ll learn about…  Mindset challenges that affect how you feel and show up in your work Practices to help you avoid burnout as a non-profit professional Steps leaders can take to support their staff