“Don’t treat me like an ATM.” That’s what one major donor told Chris Gabriel—and it reveals one of the biggest problems in fundraising today.

In this episode, Chris explains why transactional thinking damages donor relationships and leads to missed opportunities for deeper impact.

He reframes the role of fundraisers—not as sellers, but as guides helping donors fulfill their highest purpose.

If you want to build stronger, more meaningful donor relationships, this conversation offers a blueprint you can start using immediately.

What makes someone leave a stable career in finance to step into the emotional world of nonprofit work? In this episode, Adam Faitek shares how he unexpectedly found his calling in fundraising—and why it became so much more than just raising money. From helping families facing childhood cancer to building trust with donors, Adam reveals the human side of philanthropy. This conversation dives deep into purpose, community, and the real impact behind every dollar given. If you’ve ever wondered what drives meaningful work, this episode will stay with you.

Some episodes teach technique. This one teaches posture. In this conversation, Matt Sheffield shares why his fundraising philosophy starts with humility, small ego, and deep respect for the donor. He explains how being part of Mosaic’s mission for decades has taught him to see fundraising not as pressure, but as partnership. Drew and Matt explore how to earn trust, how to steward major gifts well, and how to help donors create the kind of legacy they truly want to leave behind. Along the way, Matt shares moving stories about mentors, families, and the people who modeled generosity for him. It is the kind of episode that will challenge you to think about fundraising as something far more relational and lasting than a campaign goal.

Aldervan Daly didn’t get into fundraising because of a big emotional calling — he got in through a database. Then theater taught him the rest.

In this episode, Alder van shares how data and storytelling work together, why your donor profile isn’t the same as your donor relationship, and how to stay human in a job that can easily turn transactional. You’ll hear his take on planned giving, board dynamics (“my donor” isn’t a thing), and how to tell stories without putting people on display. Honest, practical, and surprisingly funny.

What if fundraising wasn’t actually about money?

In this episode of Fundraising Leaders with Drew, host Drew Clancy sits down with Jeff Kramer—Chief Development Officer at Nova Ukraine and 43-year veteran of the fundraising world—to reframe everything you thought you knew about development. Jeff shares how a moment at a Jewish summer camp set him on a path of service, how mentors “raised him in the profession,” and why he believes the ask should be the easiest part of fundraising.From Mercy Ships to Nova Ukraine, Jeff’s philosophy is simple: fundraising is about identifying, cultivating, and stewarding relationships that change lives.

Money is just the tool. He unpacks why he’ll fly anywhere in the world to meet a donor, how field visits in Ukraine and Africa transformed his approach, and why authenticity, gratitude, and sustainability matter more now than ever

In this episode of Fundraising Leaders with Drew, host Drew Clancy talks with Matt Altstiel, Vice President for Development at the Alliance for the Great Lakes. Matt shares how his journey from adult education classrooms to Chicago Public Schools to urban planning led him to environmental advocacy—and why all of it comes down to one core skill: talking to people. He breaks down how the Alliance uses vivid storytelling (“a credit card’s worth of plastic in our bodies every week”) to make complex issues like microplastics and policy feel personal, urgent, and solvable.

A surprise $50K pledge changed everything for a young counselor—and set the course for a career in philanthropy. In this conversation, Dr. Mario Hicks shares how that moment at Cradle Beach Camp shaped his approach to major gifts: from curiosity to relationship-building to aligning donor passions with institutional priorities. He breaks down his experience at Daemen University—moving alumni from nostalgia to the “new Daemen”—and why they needed more than scholarships to inspire. Think compelling projects (like a gross anatomy lab), cross-sector relevance, and an “invite-to-participate” narrative. You’ll also hear how annual giving feeds leadership and major gifts, and why matches and challenges activate leadership donors as ambassadors. Practical, grounded, and deeply mission-focused.

What does it mean to be a “chief storyteller” in higher education?

In this episode, host Drew Clancy sits down with Dr. Hilary Link, President of Drew University, to explore the art and strategy of fundraising in today’s shifting landscape. Dr. Link shares how she weaves Drew’s story into every conversation—whether with alumni, students, parents, or community members—and why storytelling makes giving both more personal and more powerful. Together, they examine the narrowing donor pipeline, the rise of targeted philanthropy, and the shift from broad alumni participation to high-impact major gifts. This conversation is a masterclass in balancing tradition with innovation and redefining what it means to fundraise with purpose.

How do you keep fundraising fresh year after year? Heidi Daniels believes the key lies in creativity and mission alignment. In her conversation with Drew Clancy, Heidi reflects on her experiences leading annual funds and shares strategies for re-energizing campaigns with innovative approaches. From education briefings before galas to building long-term donor relationships, Heidi offers practical tips and heartfelt stories about what really works in development.

What does it take to lead lasting change within systems designed to resist it?

In this powerful conversation, Lisette Nieves—President of the Fund for the City of New York—shares her journey from growing up in the Bronx to shaping citywide and national policy. With a track record spanning government, education, and social impact, Lisette opens up about what real equity looks like, how to navigate power with integrity, and why urgency without burnout matters. Whether you're a public leader, nonprofit strategist, or just someone trying to do meaningful work, this episode offers hard-earned insights—and hope.