Tom Ahern: Lessons in Fundraising, Love, and the Language of Giving

In this heartfelt and wisdom-packed episode, Jeff Schreifels sits down with the legendary Tom Ahern, one of the most sought-after experts in donor communications and fundraising copywriting.

With decades of experience, six books under his belt, and a career that began in commercial marketing, Tom shares his fascinating journey into the non-profit world and how marketing principles, psychology, and genuine human connection have shaped his approach to fundraising.

Tom talks about the early days of learning direct response, the transformative power of donor newsletters, and the importance of speaking directly to donors’ hearts. He opens up about what works and what doesn’t in fundraising copy, and why mistakes and even complaints are signs that you're doing something right.

This conversation also takes a deeply personal turn, as Tom reflects on the life and loss of his beloved wife and partner, Simone Joyaux. He shares movingly about their life together, her legacy in the fundraising world, and how grief, love, and generosity continue to shape his work today.

Whether you’re a new fundraiser or a seasoned pro, this episode is rich with insights, warmth, and real-life stories that will stay with you long after you listen.

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

● Powerful tools to help you improve your donor communication

● Why embracing mistakes, feedback, and even complaints can actually lead to better fundraising results

● The importance of mentorship and continuous learning in fundraising careers

You can learn more about Tom and grab a copy of one of his books here.

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] Are Donors Even Reading Your Emails? 13 Pro Tips to Help You Write Better Emails

● [White Paper] Digital Touch Points: Meaningful Ways to Connect with Donors

● [Blog] In Fundraising, Vulnerability Is Your Greatest Strength