Nonprofit Lowdown

Latest Episodes:

#292 - Busy is a 4 Letter Word with Kishshana Palmer Jun 24, 2024

Show notes

Are you stressed from endlessly chasing to-do lists?

This week, we dive into why the relentless hustle can leave executive directors of nonprofits running on fumes and what you can do about it. 👀

Kishshana Palmer makes a much-anticipated return to the show, and this conversation is nothing short of a revelation. We explore the intersection of personal wellness and leadership in the nonprofit sector—why neglecting self-care harms not just you, but also the causes you’re so passionate about.

Kishshana, a renowned speaker, trainer, and the Beyoncé of our nonprofit world, brings her unique insights to the table, and trust me, you won’t want to miss this!

As an author, speaker, and influencer (yes, I dared to say it), she's known for her straight talk and infectious energy.

🌟If there’s a beacon of hope and wisdom on how to balance passion with personal wellness, it’s Kishshana. She believes in actionable strategies and is here to challenge the outdated notion that suffering is a badge of honor in our sector.

Curious about strategies to strike a balance between your relentless drive and personal well-being?

This episode is packed with practical tips and much-needed motivation for nonprofit leaders who are always giving but seldom taking time for themselves.

Grab your coffee, put your feet up, and join us for a chat that might just change your perspective on work-life balance.

Important Links:

https://www.kishshanapalmer.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kishshanapalmer/

Preorder her book: https://www.amazon.com/Busy-Four-Letter-Word-Achieving/dp/1394243197

Christmas In June deal: https://rheawong--outintheboons.thrivecart.com/christmas-in-june-black-friday-bundle/

#291 - Why Fundraising is Broken with Allison Fine Jun 17, 2024

Show notes

Do your donor relationships feel like transactional nightmares or mutually beneficial partnerships?

Post 2020, many nonprofit executive directors find themselves wrestling with dwindling donor bases, transactional relationships, and the struggle to turn one-time gifts into enduring support. The transactional approach is not only soul-sucking for your staff but also ineffective for fostering long-term donor relationships.

The same old tactics just won’t cut it if you want to attract and nurture the donors of tomorrow.

Today’s guest, Allison Fine of Every.org has dedicated her career to merging technology with social good. From her early days in the nonprofit sector to writing influential books like The Networked Nonprofit and The Smart Nonprofit, Allison has been a thought leader and advocate for ethical, relational fundraising.

Tune in to this episode to hear Allison Fine's fresh take on turning fundraising from a transactional nightmare into a relational dream.

Trust me, you won't want to miss this one!

Important Links:

https://www.every.org/

Allison Fine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-fine-a07132/

Governance as Leadership: A Conversation with William Ryan (https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/governance-as-leadership-a-conversation-with-willi)

#290 - Future of Fundraising with Nathan Chappell Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

🛑 Feeling the pinch in your fundraising efforts lately?

In the evolving landscape of giving, traditional donor methods are on the decline. As fundraisers, it's essential to prioritize deep, meaningful relationships over mere transactions.

But how can we do that effectively in an era where people are more selective about where their dollars go? 🤔

In today's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, Rhea sits down with the incredibly insightful Nathan Chappell to discuss the future of fundraising.

This isn't just about adapting to change; it's about pioneering a new era of generosity.

💡 With fewer people donating through traditional channels, our approach to fundraising needs a radical rethink. Nathan and Rhea dive deep into how we can create genuine connections with donors and reimagine the philanthropic landscape.

Nathan Chappell is not just a fundraising expert; he's a driving force in the sector. As the co-author of The Generosity Crisis, Senior Vice President at DonorSearch, co-founder of Fundraising AI, and co-host of the podcast Fundraising AI, Nathan brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table.

His life's mission? To bridge the gap between generosity and innovation, making giving more impactful and relevant in today's world.

Ready to revolutionize your approach to fundraising and foster deeper donor relationships?

Tune in to this enlightening conversation with Rhea and Nathan to uncover practical strategies and inspiring insights.

Get ready for a discussion that will leave you inspired and equipped to tackle the future of fundraising head-on! 🌟

Important Links:

https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

Second Annual Fundraising AI Global Summit with Nathan Chappell and Mallory Erickson on October 1, 2024:https://fundraising.ai/summit/

#289 - How to Make the Most of Your Interns with Marti Fischer Jun 03, 2024

Show notes

🤪 Feeling the intern overwhelm?

You’re not alone! Executive Directors of nonprofits often face the daunting task of sorting through intern candidates, training them, and deciding what tasks they can handle—balancing between busywork and overwhelming challenges.

These young minds need ownership of their roles, even in a short timeframe, and directors must create guiding processes, mentoring opportunities, and special projects to help them thrive.

Sounds exhausting, right? Tune in to this episode because help is here! 👏

Join Rhea Wong as she sits down with Marti Fischer, the principal of Marti Fischer Group, a seasoned coach, and an author who specializes in helping young professionals transition from school to career.

📖Marti’s book, “Make Your Internship Count,” serves as a vital resource both for interns looking to maximize their learning and for employers striving to make the most out of internship programs. Dive deep into practical strategies, insightful anecdotes, and the must-do’s to shape an internship program that benefits everyone.

▶️Ready to turn your internship program from chaotic to cohesive? Press play and gain invaluable insights from Marti Fischer and Rhea Wong. Your next great intern experience starts here!

Important Links:

Get in touch with Marti: https://www.martifischergroup.com/

Buy her Book: https://www.martifischergroup.com/books/

#288 - The 5 Minute Ask with Kel Haney May 27, 2024

Show notes

Feeling jittery about making that fundraising call?

You’re not alone. Many fear the dreaded hang-up when reaching out to potential donors. But imagine turning calls from cold to gold, sparking genuine connections that open doors to vital funds.

This week, I chat with the remarkable Kel Haney about turning dreaded fundraising calls into thrilling opportunities for growth.

Kel brings a unique perspective from her vibrant past as a theater director, turning every fundraising call into a compelling story with a happy ending. With over $6 million raised through engaging conversations, Kel’s approach debunks our deepest fears about the dreaded "ask."

Want to learn how you can harness the power of storytelling and genuine connection to make fundraising calls less about asking for money and more about forging meaningful relationships?

Tune into this insightful episode to unleash the power of the 5-minute ask in your own campaigns.

Important links:

https://www.kelhaney.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kel-haney-15a24a10

#287 - Why Your Board Isn't Participating in Fundraising May 20, 2024

Show notes

🚀 Is your board more like a stubborn mule than a spirited stallion when it comes to fundraising? 🐴

On today's edition of Nonprofit Lowdown, we're diving into a burning question that keeps many of you up at night: "Why won't my board fundraise?"😡

You're not alone in this struggle—research shows only 41% of boards are engaged in fundraising. Shocking, right?

In this episode, we get real about the multitude of reasons why boards shy away from fundraising duties—from lack of awareness and understanding of their roles to deeper issues like money baggage. We discuss strategies to energize your board: assessing willingness and skill, empowering through training, and setting clear and achievable expectations.

💡 Discover:

How to diagnose and address the specific reasons behind your board's fundraising hesitance.

Effective methods to transform your board from passive participants to active champions of your cause.

Tired of doing the heavy lifting alone? Tune into this episode for practical tips that will help you craft a board that not only understands their fundraising role but excels at it!

Important links:

https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/episodes/244---Innovations-in-Board-Management-with-Bill-Ryan-e26onag

#286 - Annual Donors vs. Major Donors May 13, 2024

Show notes

🌟 Are you wrestling with understanding what your donors really want?🌟

If you're an executive director on the hunt for that sweet strategy that separates annual donors from major donors, pull up your comfy chair! Here’s the scoop: treating both types of donors with the same approach just isn’t cutting it. Annual and major donors are as different as chai is from espresso – both amazing but distinct in flavor!

On today’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’ll be diving deep into the magic formulas that distinguish these donors not just by the size of their gifts but by their expectations, engagement, and your strategic communications with them. Understanding these critical differences can revolutionize your approach, shifting your outcomes from spinning wheels to celebrating wins!

💡 In this must-listen episode, we’ll explore:

Why recognizing and catering to the unique characteristics of annual versus major donors can drastically enhance your fundraising efforts.
Practical strategies to tailor your outreach, making every donor feel like the hero in their own story.
The secret to transitioning from transactional to transformational relationships with your donors – because they're more than just ATMs!

Ready to stop the guesswork and start engaging effectively? Tune into the full episode to transform your donor interactions from ordinary to extraordinary. Trust me; your nonprofit can’t afford to miss out on this gem!

Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and join our vibrant community of nonprofit leaders just like you!

Important links:

https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

#285 - Why Your Donors Aren't Giving Again May 06, 2024

Show notes

What if I told you the reason 82% of your donors never give again is because of something you’re doing? 😳

It’s true - we churn through first-time givers by failing to build real relationships and showcase impact. We leave donors confused about what their money achieved, then bombard them with more asks.

Donors ghost you because you’re giving them buyer’s remorse. 👻

On this week’s straight-talk episode, I’m exploring the psychology behind why donors flee and how we inadvertently trigger their buyer’s remorse. Learn how to flip the script to create onboarding journeys that wow donors by:

Asking the right questions to uncover their motivations
Closing the story loop to spotlight their investment
Shifting from extracting value to nurturing truly reciprocal partnerships

If you’re shaking your head thinking, “Rhea gets me!” - this discussion is for you. I’m bringing solutions that transform donor retention from 20% to 80% overnight. Listen now!

Important links:

https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program

#284 - Pipeline Training Apr 29, 2024

Show notes

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Yeah, me too. And let me tell you, focusing all our energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but we're left feeling unsatisfied. 😖

Let's talk about moving away from survival-mode tactics that leave us feeling icky and instead, start nurturing genuine relationships with our donors. I'm dishing out all my secrets on identifying prospects and building a donor pipeline of people who are as excited about our cause as we are—because let's face it, sending a million "just checking in" emails is about as fun as watching paint dry.

In this episode, I'm breaking down why it's crucial to focus on those individual donors and how creating meaningful connections can lead to those juicy, significant gifts we dream about.

Remember, folks—desperation is the world's worst cologne. It's time to start fundraising with confidence, swagger, and a whole lot of heart. 💖

Important links:

https://go.rheawong.com/wheredodonorscomefrom

#283 - The Future of AI with Devi Thomas Apr 22, 2024

Show notes

Feeling overwhelmed by the tsunami wave of AI chatter? Wondering how your nonprofit can ride the AI wave without wiping out? You're not alone.

The rapid evolution of AI technology has everyone's heads spinning, trying to figure out how to adopt it responsibly and effectively to amplify their impact.

In today's episode, I sit down with the phenomenal Devi Thomas, a beacon of knowledge from Microsoft Philanthropies, who's illuminating the path for nonprofits in the digital age. Her insights reveal that the integration of AI isn't just a trend; it's a toolset for improving efficiency, personalizing donor engagement, and scaling impact with a tactical edge.

Devi, preaches that adopting AI starts with embracing our curiosity and permitting ourselves to experiment.AI's potential to revolutionize nonprofit operations is immense - if wielded with intention, transparency, and inclusivity.

Ready to demystify AI and propel your organization into a future where tech and purpose align more closely than ever? Tune in to the full episode and learn how AI can be your co-pilot in achieving more with less, without losing the human touch that defines our missions.

Important Links:

https://nonprofitcommunity.microsoft.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devi-thomas/

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