Nonprofit Lowdown

Latest Episodes:

#272- No More Money Shame! with Shulamit Ber Levtov Feb 05, 2024

Show notes

Sick of shame sabotaging your fundraising? 😣 Turns out our money baggage builds invisible barriers between us and the resources we need. But together with my soul sister Shulamit Ber Levtov, we're busting through old stories to unlock flow! 💸

In this week's episode, Shula and I get real about how oppressive systems and early traumas wire our minds for lack - and why fixing feelings is the fast track to funding. We explore simple but powerful practices like self-compassion, boundary setting, and rewriting scarcity scripts that help shift stuck energy inside and out.

The truth that transformed my money journey? Healing shame and embracing our worthiness is an inside job, but community makes it possible. So if pesky inner blocks have you chasing (not attracting) dollars, join us! With compassion and clarity, we can rewrite old narratives into sources of strength for serving true abundance. 💗

Now let's drop faulty core beliefs to unlock core purpose! Hit play as Shula schools me on reconciling mind, body and money for good! 🎧

Important Links:

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

https://www.instagram.com/the_entrepreneurs_therapist/?hl=en

#271 - My First $1M Gift with Dr. Emerald Mitchell Jan 29, 2024

Show notes

Does chasing big donor bucks leave you feeling shook? Here’s a little secret to flip the switch on our inner dialogue so you can start bringing in major gifts: When you fix your mindset, you fix your money probs.

But don’t take my word for it! I’m all about a case study too.

Once upon a nonprofit, Emerald felt like an imposter around donors. But together we unpacked limiting money stories and reframed fundraising as an adventure, not a burden. Soon after, she received her first record $2.5 million donation for her nonprofit, Moves and Grooves, inc., and her budget has been growing strong and steady ever since.

Tune in as Emerald shares her journey as a woman of color from scarcity to confidently leading with inspiration. You'll hear how one bold conversation and the power of authentic connection sparked her inner transformation and opened the floodgates of support.

The moral? All we need to unlock our inner fundraising rockstar is inner permission plus a solid plan. 💥 So if pesky money blocks feel like obstacles, let's shatter them! Abundance awaits, friends. Now…click play! 🎧

Important Links:

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

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

Connect with Dr. Emerald Mitchell https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-emerald-mitchell-37a93679/

#270 - Managing Your Mindset for Fundraising Success with Hugh Ballou Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

Fundraising leaving you frazzled? 😫 I've been there too. Turns out the problem isn't stingy donors - it's our own money mindset. 😳

I used to get bent out of shape whenever a gift fell through or the budget got tight. Then I learned around 80% of fundraising flows from how we feel about finances deep down.

Repeat after me: “Scarcity thinking repels resources. Inner abundance attracts support.”

Join me and nonprofit Jedi Hugh Ballou as we confront the roots of money trauma and offer refreshing perspectives to rewrite our limiting stories. Shift reactive panic into responsive inspiration through emotional awareness and box breathing. Stop chasing uninterested donors by embodying, then emanating, the very wealth consciousness we seek.

The path from poverty mentality to prosperous reality starts within.

Listen in as we map it out together.

Important Links:

Free Webinar: 3 Reasons Why You are Burned Out on Fundraising - https://go.rheawong.com/3reasonswebinar

Connect with Hugh Ballou - https://hughballou.com

#269 - Where Do Donors Come From? Jan 15, 2024

Show notes

Sick of "spraying and praying" when it comes to finding new donors? I'm dishing my best tips on targeting your ideal supporters in this solo episode.

I'm tackling the common mistakes I see nonprofits make, from failing to define their audience to not optimizing existing channels. Expect straight talk on the pros and cons of various donor acquisition strategies out there - no hype, just what really works!

The key is getting specific. I'll share how to create detailed donor avatars, survey existing supporters, and use that intel to craft outreach that truly resonates. This clarity attracts great donors and repels those not aligned with your mission.

Want my exclusive advice on messaging that converts the right prospects? I've tested this stuff in the real world, so you know it's legit.

This episode is just a sneak peek at the P in my signature SPACE fundraising methodology I’ve used as the framework for my revamped Big Asks Gifts Program to transform your Processes.

We’re launching the 6 month BAG program right now to help you take their fundraising to the next level over 6 months. I only work with a limited number of EDs and DoDs each round, so check it out at rheawong.com if you think we might be a good fit!

Can't wait to connect and chat all things donor acquisition. Let's take your outreach to the next level!

Important Links:

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

#268 - State of Mind Jan 08, 2024

Show notes

Are you trudging through the fundraising world, feeling the weight of 'never enough'? It's time to drop the scarcity storyline and embrace the abundance that surrounds us. We've all carried baggage into our donor meetings, narratives laced with trauma and social hurdles. But what if I told you, it doesn't have to be that way?

Let’s talk about the biggest game-changer in fundraising – your mindset. In today's episode, we're exploring how the tales we tell ourselves can make or break our fundraising effectiveness. I dive into the deep end of money narratives, discuss how our brain operates under stress, and reveal how shifting your state of mind from survival to executive mode can transform your fundraising efforts.

You don't want to miss this journey beyond the numbers, into self-awareness where you'll find the key to long-term fundraising success isn't just in the ask—it's in the attitude. It's time to cultivate an abundance mindset, and I'm here to guide you.

Your next big ask might just need the SPACE you'll discover within.

Important Links:

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

BONUS- Top 5 Gems of 2023 Dec 26, 2023

Show notes

🎆 Happy 2023! Before we dive into the new year, let's recap my 5 most popular Nonprofit Lowdown episodes from 2022.

These insightful convos cover everything from ditching toxic fundraising tactics to navigating across generations in the workplace and beyond. I've compiled the very best nuggets of wisdom to inspire you to find greater connection and community in the year ahead.

We touch on themes like the power of deep listening, building trust through questions vs demands, understanding generational differences with empathy, and more. Each guest brings a unique lens but underscores the same core truth:

Fundraising works best when we lead with shared humanity, not organizational needs.

I'm committed to helping this industry unlearn bad habits in 2023 so we can build authentic, equitable partnerships between nonprofits and philanthropists. And have a lot more fun while we're at it! 😊

If these greatest hits resonate, make sure to subscribe and stick around as we continue the conversation this year. Thank you for joining me on this mission to create better fundraiser-donor relationships rooted in care.

Listen to the full episode here and get inspired for the year to come!

🎧Important Links:

#219 - Listening + Speaking with Intent with Jason Frazell - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/219-listening-speaking-with-intent-with-jason-frazell/id1436858854?i=1000593176725

#223 - Negotiating like a Hostage Negotiator with Troy Smith - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/223-negotiating-like-a-hostage-negotiator-with-troy-smith/id1436858854?i=1000598249006

#224 - Why Major Donor Processes Suck and What to Do Instead with Greg Warner - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/224-why-major-donor-processes-suck-and-what-to-do/id1436858854?i=1000599328901

#243 - Gen Z staff, Gen X leaders with Darren Isom - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/243-gen-z-staff-gen-x-leaders-with-darren-isom/id1436858854?i=1000619122514

#257 - How to Stop Chasing Donors and 10x Your Thinking with Brooke Richie-Babbage, Cindy Wagman and Jess Campbell - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/257-how-to-stop-chasing-donors-and-10x-your-thinking/id1436858854?i=1000630681751

#267 - Email: Your First Stop for Funding with Christina Edwards Dec 18, 2023

Show notes

Burned by social media and its tiny ROI? 📥 Time to make email your BFF for bringing home the bacon in 2023!

Digital marketing maven Christina Edwards explains why email crushes social media when it comes to converting supporters into donors. Listen and learn why you should centralize and optimize this workhorse channel ASAP.

We cover the ideal email frequency, metrics to track, ingredients for compelling subject lines and content, tips for cleaning your list, and plenty more nuts and bolts. Christina also shares tactical ideas for year-end campaigns.

Her bottom line says it all: “The more emails you send, the more money you make. The two go hand in hand." So get over your fear of flooding inboxes and start maximizing this money magnet!

Ready to have a breakthrough in connecting with supporters? Christina is bringing the email excellence - take notes!

Important Links
https://www.splendidcourses.com/email

#266 - Is Your Website "Funder Friendly"? - with Lou Kotsinis Dec 11, 2023

Show notes

Does your nonprofit website attract donors like a 20-year-old Geo Metro? 🚗 Here's how to give it a sleek new upgrade without breaking the bank.

Lou Kotsinis of BCS Interactive shares his 20+ years of digital marketing expertise to help nonprofits level up their online presence. A beautiful website matters - it’s often the first impression funders have of your work!

We discuss common pitfalls in positioning, storytelling, user experience and functionality. Plus simple fixes that create a seamless, conversion-focused donor journey.

Lou also gives tips on choosing intuitive donation platforms, website content that converts, calls to action that compel without annoying, and more.

The bottom line? Nonprofit websites should make donors feel loved, not bamboozled! Put yourself in their shoes. Understand their passion points and perspective. Then craft an experience that makes them eager to engage with your cause.

“Love your audience. If you love your audience [and] understand what their needs are, that can't help but be reflected in your website.” - Lou Kotsinis

Ready for website wisdom that’s equal parts strategic and practical? Have a listen!

Important Links:

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

https://www.usertesting.com/

BONUS: End Your Year Strong with Email with Jess Campbell Dec 07, 2023

Show notes

Are visions of year-end dollar signs turning into lumps of coal? 💸 We’ll help you turn your fundraising frown upside down with an email marketing strategy that converts before 2023 comes to a close! Here’s how to salvage your campaign in the final weeks of 2023.

Email marketing whiz Jess Campbell of Out in the Boons returns to share late-game fundraising tactics. The season isn’t over even if Giving Tuesday bombed - there’s still lots of money left to raise before January 1st!

We dive into setting achievable goals, writing compelling subject lines, using emoji and personalization to boost engagement, following up with lapsed donors, and more. Jess also explains why you should add text messaging to your outreach mix.

The bottom line? Keep emailing consistently through December. Using a strategic cadence of valuable content leading to clear calls-to-action is key to converting supporters into philanthropists. And never miss a chance to steward and recognize donor generosity!

If you’re feeling frantic about finishing your campaign strong, don’t miss Jess’s affordable new monthly fundraising email template membership. It’s packed with plug-and-play solutions to save you time while growing donations.

Ready for an email makeover to raise year-end revenue? Take notes - Jess is bringing the expertise!

Important Links:

The Fundraising Template Shop - https://www.thefundraisingtemplateshop.com/membership

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons/
“The Nonprofit Email Report”- https://www2.neonone.com/l/679793/2023-08-08/277h7w/679793/1691513830BLlHeTzH/Influencer___GT_EOY_Email_Report.pdf

#265 - Philanthropy Revolution with Lisa Greer Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Fundraising can feel transactional, manipulative, and just plain icky. But it doesn’t have to be that way. As donor-turned-expert Lisa Greer explains, with authentic connection and a "ditch the pitch" mindset, fundraising can actually feel human.

Lisa gets what it’s like to be on the receiving end of clumsy asks and ill-informed wealth screens. After an awkward start to her own philanthropy journey, she vowed to revolutionize the donor experience.

In this candid conversation, we discuss:

Why donors aren’t some strange "other" species
The power of self-aware storytelling
Ditching disingenuous pitches
How to navigate the money

Lisa argues we need a philanthropy revolution to fix this - one centered around trust, transparency, and treating donors as partners instead of ATM machines.“I'm helping organizations change the way they do things based on how a donor hears things and how a donor interprets things.” - Lisa Greer

The bottom line? We have to get over our own discomfort with wealth and get curious about donors as individuals - what matters to them and why they give as they do.

To hear more of Lisa’s straight-talk around transforming nonprofit fundraising, have a listen to the full episode and share it with someone who needs a refresh!

Important Links

Book: Philanthropy Revolution: How to Inspire Donors, Build Relationships, and Make a Difference by Lisa Greer:https://www.lisagreer.com/book

Preorder: The Fundraiser’s Handbook: A Guide to Maximizing Donations, Retaining Donors, and Saving the Giving Sector for Good by Lisa Greer: https://www.amazon.com/Fundraisers-Handbook-Maximizing-Donations-Retaining/dp/1939096154

Blog: https://philanthropy451.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisazgreer/

X: https://x.com/lisazgreer

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