Hey Nonprofit Lowdown listeners! Rhea Wong here with an episode that’s all about shifting your mindset from fear to possibility. 💡 I’m sharing a powerful story about a farmer and his horse, illustrating how we often jump to conclusions, but we don’t truly know if something is “good” or “bad” until we look at the bigger picture. It’s time to ask: What could go right? In a world filled with crisis, it’s easy to catastrophize, but what if we embraced challenges as opportunities for growth? Let’s f...
Mar 03, 2025•15 min
Are you feeling the stress of federal funding uncertainty? You're not alone. In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I dive into how you can take control of your nonprofit’s financial future—even with all the unknowns in the air. I walk you through diversifying your revenue and engaging your board in major gift fundraising. Plus, I share a step-by-step playbook on how to build resilience and secure financial stability, no matter what happens in Washington. PLUS – Don't miss out on my free training...
Feb 24, 2025•21 min
Are you tired of feeling like you're stuck in the endless loop of chasing donors, getting ghosted, and facing constant objections? If so, this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown is a must-listen! In today's episode, I dive into the Top 3 Mistakes Fundraisers Make and give you a game plan on how to fix them NOW. Here’s what we’re talking about: 1️⃣ Stop Chasing Donors Who Aren’t Interested – Learn how to qualify prospects and focus on the right people! 2️⃣ Don’t Rush the Ask – Slow down, build a...
Feb 17, 2025•22 min
Feeling the pressure in the nonprofit world? Between funding cuts, executive orders, and the chaos of social media, it’s been a lot lately. But guess what? I’ve got your back. In the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown , I’m diving into the shifting landscape of nonprofit marketing in 2025 — and how to navigate it without burning out. 🔥 From understanding Gen Z’s influence to leveraging AI and automation, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. 🧠 If you’re tired of the same old strategies ...
Feb 10, 2025•21 min
Get ready to shake things up in the nonprofit world in 2025! In this spicy episode, I bring together powerhouse voices from the nonprofit sector—Brooke Ritchie Babbage, Tania Bhattacharyya, Rachel Bearbower , Cindy Wagman, and Jess Campbell. Together, we are diving deep into what’s no longer working and what should be left behind for the year ahead. ✨ The Darlings You Need to Kill This isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about doing away with the outdated, overused, and inefficient practices holdin...
Feb 03, 2025•16 min
In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown , I break down what sets the most successful leaders apart. It’s not just about grit and determination—it’s about having something to prove , embracing discomfort , and using accountability as fuel. Whether it’s frustration with the system, the hunger to make a difference, or the desire to silence critics, it’s that extra fire that drives leaders to go above and beyond. If you're ready to take bold action, embrace the discomfort, and prove to yourself and the...
Jan 27, 2025•8 min
If you’ve ever been frustrated by email newsletters that fall flat (or even worse, end up in the dreaded unsubscribe pile, this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown is for YOU! 💡 In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 most common email newsletter mistakes I see nonprofits making—and how to FIX them! ✨ 🔑 Highlights include: Too long? Simplify and cut the clutter! Is it relevant to me? Answer the “What’s in it for me?” question! Not frequent enough? Don’t be afraid to email regularly—value > fr...
Jan 20, 2025•16 min
In today’s episode, we dive into the transformative power of seeing the world through someone else's eyes. When we understand the world from their perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of people and connect in more meaningful ways. It’s a humbling reminder that the greatest honor we can have is to be a conduit for somebody else’s story. We also discuss the fundraising landscape in 2025, and why now is the time to focus on individual and major gift fundraising . With changes on the horizon ...
Jan 13, 2025•23 min
In the first episode of Nonprofit Lowdown for 2025, I introduce and explore the ‘Let Them’ theory inspired by self-help guru Mel Robbins. I discuss how relinquishing control over others’ actions can lead to greater mental and emotional peace, especially in the realm of fundraising and board management. I also highlight the importance of clearly defining expectations, the power of self-reflection, and the need for radical acceptance. This episode aims to provide nonprofit leaders with tools to fo...
Jan 06, 2025•24 min
Hey, Nonprofit Lowdown listeners! Rhea here, bringing you the final episode of 2024. It’s been a year full of incredible insights, heartwarming stories, and actionable tips for nonprofit leaders like you. I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this journey — we’re officially in our 6th year of the podcast! Can you believe it?! 🙌 For this last episode, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite moments from 2024 to recap and relive the magic of the year. From fundraising strategies...
Dec 23, 2024•34 min
As we head into the final stretch of the year, fundraising is on everyone’s mind. In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown , I’m breaking down the crucial differences between annual gifts and major gifts – two very different types of donors that require distinct strategies. 🔑 What You'll Learn: The key mindset and motivation behind annual vs. major donors (Hint: it's not just about money!) How your tactics need to change depending on the donor segment – from scalable email campaigns to perso...
Dec 16, 2024•25 min
In this solo episode of Nonprofit Lowdown , I dive deep into one of the most pressing issues in the nonprofit world—burnout. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, like you’re running in place just to keep your nonprofit afloat, this episode is for you. I share a game-changing framework to help nonprofit leaders prioritize their time, focus on high-impact activities, and avoid the dreaded burnout spiral. You’ll learn: - Why all tasks are NOT created equal—and how to identify the ones that really matte...
Dec 09, 2024•21 min
Nonprofit Lowdown is back with another insightful conversation, this time with fundraising expert Elizabeth Goldberg! If you're looking to build a major gifts program from scratch, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from the textile industry to the world of nonprofit fundraising. She talks about the importance of relationship-building, focusing on donor needs, and how to ask the right questions to truly understand what your donors care abou...
Dec 02, 2024•44 min
On this week's Nonprofit Lowdown episode, I sat down with my special guest Dana Snyder, founder of Positive Equation and author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind . 💡 In this episode, we dive deep into the power of monthly giving and how you can harness the subscription economy to build sustainable revenue for your nonprofit. 🌱 Dana shares her journey from solopreneur to a thriving business, giving tips on hiring, mastering time management, and investing in business coaches (yes, it takes money ...
Nov 25, 2024•40 min•Ep. 314
If you're in the nonprofit world and marketing feels like a mystery or a necessary evil , you're not alone! In this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown , I chat with Billy Broas , a messaging strategist and founder of Five Lightbulbs , about how to make marketing simple and effective — without being sleazy or salesy. 🙌 Billy’s insights are game-changing for nonprofit leaders who want to raise more funds and build stronger connections with their audience. In this episode, you'll learn: 🔑 How to...
Nov 18, 2024•42 min•Ep. 313
In this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Emily Rasmussen, the founder and CEO of Grapevine, to dive into the power of Giving Circles and the future of philanthropy. 💸✨ 👥 What exactly is a giving circle? Emily explains how this simple yet powerful concept is bringing everyday philanthropists together to pool their resources, build community, and make a bigger impact. It's all about democratizing philanthropy, where everyone can contribute—whether it’s time, talent, treasure,...
Nov 11, 2024•34 min
🎙️ Join me, Rhea Wong, on this week’s Nonprofit Lowdown as I sit down with Margaret Huang, the incredible president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and SPLC Action Fund. Together, we dive into how we can make geographically specific causes nationally relevant—especially in today's political climate. Margaret shares her unique journey in becoming a leader of one of the most impactful nonprofits in America. We discuss the importance of intersectionality in civil rights and how t...
Nov 04, 2024•37 min
🎧 Join me on this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as I chat with the amazing John Lepp, partner at Agents of Good, author of Creative Deviations, and the "Ted Lasso of fundraising"! 🏆✨ Together, we dive deep into the art of empathetic marketing and its crucial role in nonprofit fundraising. 💖 John shares his journey from journalism to direct marketing, emphasizing the power of direct mail in a digital age. 📨💌 He challenges us to rethink how we connect with donors, highlighting the impor...
Oct 28, 2024•44 min
Join me, Rhea Wong, on this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as I sit down with the fabulous Julia Campbell, social media maven! 🙌 We're diving deep into the current state of social media—and let’s just say, it’s not great. 😅 Is social media feeling more like a burden than a blessing? You’re not alone! Julia and I explore why it’s often overwhelming and how nonprofits can shift their approach from broadcasting to engaging. 🚀 Discover: ✅ The true purpose of social media in fundraising ✅ How to mea...
Oct 21, 2024•43 min
Hey, podcast listeners! Join me as we dive into the buzz surrounding Giving Tuesday —the fundraising Super Bowl of the year! 💰✨ In today's episode, I am joined by: Woodrow Rosenbaum , Chief Data Officer of Giving Tuesday Stephanie Russell , Executive VP of RKD Group We discuss the latest GivingPulse Report and share crucial insights on how to effectively engage donors this Giving Tuesday. 🤝 🔍 Key Takeaways: Understanding Donor Behavior : Learn why it’s essential to understand donor motivation...
Oct 14, 2024•36 min
Hey, podcast listeners! 🎙️ Join me on this week’s Nonprofit Lowdown as I chat with my friend Maria Rio, founder and CEO of Further Together and host of The Small Nonprofit podcast! 🌟 We dive deep into community-centric fundraising and how it shifts our focus from individual organizations to the well-being of the entire community. From Maria's journey as a street fundraiser to her insights on equity and social justice in fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to rethink ...
Oct 07, 2024•38 min
🤔 Are you struggling with board dynamics? Wondering how to engage board members effectively without micromanaging? In this episode, Melissa Madzel, founder of Do Good Connections, shares insights from her years in executive search, exploring: The lifecycle of boards and the importance of strategic recruitment How to foster strong leadership within your board Tips for decoupling board membership from fundraising pressures Best practices for onboarding and setting expectations If you’re an ED loo...
Sep 30, 2024•37 min
🎙️ This week, I’m chatting with my business bestie, Brooke Richie-Babbage. We’re diving deep into the challenges many of us have faced in 2024—yes, it’s been a tough year! ✨ From feeling stuck to grappling with budget concerns, we’re exploring why so many nonprofits are struggling, despite doing everything “right.” We talk about the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how to break through the noise in a world flooded with information. 💡 Join us as we share personal stories of our ow...
Sep 23, 2024•29 min
Get ready to dive deep into the world of donor stewardship and recognition in our latest episode! 🎉 We’re unpacking the secrets to keeping your donors engaged and ensuring they don’t slip through the cracks. 🔍 Here’s what you’ll learn: - The 53% Rule: Why the majority of your time should be spent on stewardship. - The Leaky Bucket Problem: How to address the staggering 45% donor retention rate and why focusing on retention can transform your year economically. - Personalization Matters: Discov...
Sep 16, 2024•26 min
Are you ready to dive into the art of solicitation for nonprofits? 💸 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our latest episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss! In this episode, we tackle the final stage of the fundraising process—solicitation. From crafting the perfect ask to understanding the value exchange, we're breaking down the essentials to help you make compelling requests and secure those crucial donations. ✨ **What You'll Learn:** - **The Power of Preparat...
Sep 09, 2024•32 min
🎙 Hey podcast listeners! Rhea Wong here with **Nonprofit Lowdown**, bringing you the latest insights on fundraising. This Labor Day, we're diving into the art of **cultivation** – think of it as the dating phase in donor relationships! 💌 Tune in to explore: - **Cultivation Strategies**: How to move donors from awareness to active engagement. - **Generational Preferences**: What each generation prefers when it comes to communication and giving. - **Effective Donor Management**: Get practical ti...
Sep 02, 2024•32 min
Hey, fundraisers! 🎙️ On this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, we’re diving deep into the world of **donor qualification**. Ever wonder why you’re chasing after donors who don’t seem to be that into you? Let’s talk about the 5% that really matters: 🔍 **Identification**: Who’s your type? 🤔 **Qualification**: Do they want to date you? 💞 **Cultivation**: Let’s get to know each other! 💍 **Solicitation**: Seal the deal! 🌟 **Stewardship**: Keep building that relationship! I'm sharing why skip...
Aug 26, 2024•20 min
Hey, nonprofit leaders! 🎙️ If you’re looking to up your fundraising game, you’re in for a treat. Join me for an incredible workshop that’s set to transform how you approach donor relationships. In this workshop, I break down my proven strategies for engaging with donors, making major gifts, and turning those one-time contributions into lasting partnerships. 💡 Expect actionable insights, lots of laughter, and a deep dive into making your fundraising efforts more effective and impactful. 🎯 **Wh...
Aug 19, 2024•41 min
This week, I had an enlightening conversation with Jay Frost about how the old rules of fundraising are DEAD. 🛑 2024 has been a wild ride, especially in the fundraising world, and I’m here to share how you can not only survive but THRIVE in this new landscape. 🌟 Here are some key takeaways: - **Moves Management is Dead**: I explain why the traditional moves management calendar might not be effective in 2024. Instead, focus on creating a customized experience for major donors. 🔄🚫 - **The Powe...
Aug 12, 2024•47 min
Ever wondered why nonprofits sometimes seem to fumble when a big donation comes in? 🤔 Join Rhea Wong as she welcomes back Lisa Greer for another insightful conversation on the latest episode of **Nonprofit Lowdown**! In this episode, we dive deep into: 📚 Lisa's new book, **"The Essential Fundraisers Handbook"**—a must-read for anyone in the nonprofit sector. 🚀 Why traditional moves management is outdated and how it's failing both donors and fundraisers. 🛠️ Practical tips for personalizing do...
Aug 05, 2024•41 min
