Nonprofit Lowdown

Latest Episodes:

#322- The Edge of Excellence Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

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 world what you’re capable of, check out my Big Ask Gifts program and apply today!

Important Links:

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#321- Why Your Email Strategy Impacts Fundraising Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

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 > frequency. Bad subject lines? Your subject line is your first impression. Make it count! Too organizational-centric? Think about your audience’s needs, not just your own. Not checking your stats? Track click-throughs, replies & real engagement—not just open rates. Dirty email list? Time for a clean-up to ensure you're reaching the right people! Too many CTAs? Focus on ONE clear action per email. Too fancy? Keep it simple—clean and readable > over-designed. Boring content? Inject personality and a strong point of view! Be remarkable, not beige!

This episode is packed with practical tips that will transform how you communicate with your audience and boost your nonprofit’s engagement.

Ready to send emails that get opened and read? Tune in now and let’s make your newsletters work harder for you! 💪

Want my two email clean-up sequence? Send an email to hello@rheawong.com.

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

Major Gifts Blueprint Webinar on January 30th

https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsblueprint

#320- Building Trust Through Curiosity Jan 13, 2025

Show notes

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 at both the federal and state levels, relying on government funds may no longer be a sustainable option. It’s time to double down on personal connections, relationships, and empowering donors to make the impact they want to see in the world.

Key Takeaways:

The importance of seeing the world through others' perspectives.
How empathy and understanding can help us truly connect and support others.
Why being a conduit for someone else’s story is a powerful and humbling role.
Fundraising in 2025: Why focusing on individual and major gifts is crucial.
How to prepare for a shifting landscape in funding at the federal and state levels.

Contact: Have questions or want more advice? Reach out at hello@rheawong.com.

Thank you for listening!

If you enjoyed today’s episode, let me know! Your feedback helps me create content that’s valuable to you. Stay tuned for more tips and insights to help you succeed in your fundraising journey.

Until next time, take care, friends!

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#319- Let Them Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

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 focus on what they can control and improve their overall effectiveness.

The Let Them Theory Book: https://amzn.to/3W0xz7T

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#318 - Best of 2024 Dec 23, 2024

Show notes

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 to leadership lessons, we’ve covered it all. And as we head into 2025, I can’t wait to bring you even more amazing content. ✨

If you've found value in this podcast, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) and share it with a friend who could benefit from the conversation. Your support means the world. 💙

Wherever you are, I hope you’re getting some well-deserved rest and ready to hit the ground running in the new year. See you in 2025! 🎉

Important Links:

Full Episode #270 - Managing Your Mindset for Fundraising Success with Hugh Ballou: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/x5jPX5vHcPb

Full Episode #271 - My First $1M Gift with Dr. Emerald Mitchell: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VO2wvDtHcPb

Full Episode #273 - Fractional Fundraising with Cindy Wagman: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/3l3Bd9rHcPb

Full Episode #288 - The 5 Minute Ask with Kel Haney: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/iMBzcBnHcPb

Full Episode #299 - Old Rules Are Dead: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/mdXMjtXGcPb

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#317 - You Say You Don't Have Enough Time... Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

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 personalized meetings. 📅
Stewardship: Why your approach to thanking and engaging donors should look very different for these two groups. 💌
How to balance both types of giving to create a stable AND transformative fundraising strategy. 🌱

If you’ve ever struggled to tell the difference between an annual donor and a major donor, or wondered how to optimize your fundraising efforts, this episode is for YOU.

Important Links:

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#316- Burnout Breakthrough: The 4-Step Framework Every Nonprofit Leader Needs to Save Time and Maximize Impact Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

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 matter.

- The 4 key quadrants to organize your time and maximize ROI.

- How to leverage delegation, automation, and elimination to reclaim hours in your day.

- The surprising truth about donor retention and why it’s your secret weapon for growth.

Special Resources:

Download the free worksheet mentioned in the episode to start tracking your time and organizing your priorities like a pro.

Bonus:

Mark your calendar for December 12th! Join me for a free webinar, Why Major Gift Fundraising Sucks—and What to Do Instead. Sign up on my website here.

Action Steps:

-Track your activities over the next 3–5 days and identify where you’re spending your time.

-Focus on strategic revenue-generating activities for maximum impact.

-Share your feedback on this solo episode and suggest topics you’d love to hear in 2025!

Let’s make 2025 the year of strategic focus and growth for your nonprofit!

Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow nonprofit leaders.

#315- Starting Your Major Gift Program with Elizabeth Goldberg Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

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 about. 💬

🔥 Key Takeaways:

How to really listen to your donors (beyond just the words they say)
The art of building authentic, long-term relationships with major donors
Why it's not just about the "ask" – it's about the relationship
How to navigate generational differences in communication preferences
And more on how to create a major gifts program that aligns with your mission. ✨

Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, Elizabeth's wisdom and personal stories are invaluable. Tune in to hear how focusing on the donor's philanthropic goals can transform your approach to fundraising.

Important Links:

Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-goldberg-ma-216993b/

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#314- Monthly Giving with Dana Snyder Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

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 to make money!). 💸 Plus, we get real about the challenges nonprofits face with donor retention and how to build a successful monthly giving program that not only drives income but nurtures long-term relationships. 🤝

Why should you listen?✅ Want to scale your nonprofit with recurring donations?✅ Struggling with donor retention?✅ Need a breakthrough on how to automate your fundraising efforts?

This episode is for YOU! 🎧

Important Links:

Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarsnyder/

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

#313- Simple Marketing for Smart People with Billy Broas Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

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 market your cause without feeling “icky”

💡 The Five Lightbulbs Framework that helps you connect with donors in a more meaningful way

💬 Why marketing is about educating your audience (not just promoting)

🎯 How to craft a message that warms up your audience, making fundraising feel like a natural next step

Whether you're a nonprofit pro or new to the game, this episode will help you shift your perspective on marketing and build strategies that feel authentic and resonate with your supporters.

Tune in NOW and get ready to make fundraising easier, smarter, and more impactful!

Important Links:

Connect with Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billybroas/

The Five Lightbulbs: https://FiveLightbulbs.com

My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey

My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/