Jeff Porter is joined by Jeff Schreifels, Principal and Owner of Veritas Group, a fundraising consulting firm that helps nonprofits build stronger donor pipelines—from donor acquisition and retention to mid-level growth, major gifts, and planned giving. With nearly four decades of fundraising experience, Jeff shares a practical framework for how events should support (not replace) long-term donor development.
Together, they unpack how to turn event attendees into mission-driven donors, why events are often best viewed as a marketing function, and what it really takes to move supporters from a one-time paddle raise to meaningful, lasting generosity. They also dig into the role boards play in fundraising—where they can accelerate growth, where they can unintentionally create pressure, and how nonprofits can better educate and equip them for success.
In this episode (highlights)
- Why events are part of the donor pipeline, not the pipeline itself
- The difference between event donors and mission donors
- How auctions and engagement tools support donor acquisition
- Moving donors from $250 paddle raises to transformational gifts
- The role of mid-level donors and how to qualify them properly
- Why major gift teams should not be running events
- Common mistakes nonprofits make when events become departments
- How boards can help (and hurt) donor development efforts
- Setting expectations with table captains and event guests
- Using pre-event and post-event strategy to maximize long-term impact
Who Should Listen
- Nonprofit leaders and executive directors
- Development and advancement teams
- Board members involved in fundraising
- Event planners looking to align events with long-term strategy
- Anyone trying to move beyond “one-and-done” fundraising events
Links & Resources:
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