Nonprofit Lowdown

Latest Episodes:

#366- A Giving Tuesday Pep Talk You Actually Need Dec 01, 2025

Show notes

I’m coming to you the Monday after Thanksgiving, still full of pie and finally catching my breath. I hope you had a moment to rest too, because I know what tomorrow means for so many of us: Giving Tuesday and the sprint to year-end.

If you’re feeling the weight of it all—your goals, your board, the world in general—I just want you to know: I see you. You’re doing meaningful work in a very complicated year. Please give yourself a little grace.

Before you send that Giving Tuesday email, here are three simple things to double-check:

1. Rethink your subject line

2. Don’t rely on just one email

3. Add a real PS and invite repliesBonus: Make your donate button obvious. People skim. Help them.

I’m hosting a free year-end reflection + 2026 planning session for newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to join, the signup link is in the show notes.

You’re not alone in this. You’re doing great work. Now go out there and raise what you can—and let the rest go.

Important Links:

Year-End Major Gifts Sprint Workshop:

https://go.rheawong.com/yearendsprint

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#365- Stop Drowning in Admin and Let the Robots Robot Nov 24, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, I get real about the biggest pain point every fundraiser knows too well: we’re drowning in admin and not spending nearly enough time building real relationships. I share why most of us feel burned out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the work we came here to do.

I talk about my own journey as an accidental fundraiser and how AI would’ve saved me years of stress. Today, AI can help us clear inboxes, prep for donor meetings, draft campaigns, and take back precious time if we use it ethically and keep humans in the loop.

I walk you through the real concerns (bias, data, hallucinations), why mission-driven leaders must have a seat at the AI table, and how even saving 15 minutes a day adds up to days of reclaimed time for actual donor relationships.

Before diving into any tools, I guide you through identifying where your fundraising pipeline is leaking so AI can solve the right problems.

This episode is all about freeing yourself from drudgery so you can do the human, mission-centered work you’re meant to do.

Important Links:

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#364- Giving Tuesday But Make It Major Gifts Nov 17, 2025

Show notes

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m sharing a juicy slice of one of my free live webinars—and trust me, this isn’t your typical “Giving Tuesday tips” vibe.

Instead of talking about social posts, I break down how to turn Giving Tuesday into a major donor discovery day. Yep. One day. Major donor pipeline. Let’s go.

Why Giving Tuesday is secretly one of the BEST moments to surface major donor prospects.
The wild fact that 3% of your Giving Tuesday audience could literally fund your next program—and how to spot them.
The real difference between annual donors and major donors (and why treating everyone the same is costing you).
How to use simple “signals” to catch the folks who are quietly watching your work and ready to step up.
Why in-person meetings boost your major gift success by 70%—and how to book more of them during year-end.
Exactly how I segment donors into Lane A (annual givers) and Lane B (top 30 major prospects) without burning out.
Wins from my students who’ve skyrocketed year-end revenue and landed surprise 5-figure gifts.

Major donors often self-cultivate and self-solicit. Your job is to create the right conditions so they raise their hands. This episode shows you how to turn Giving Tuesday traffic into real conversations and transformational gifts.

This episode features just a portion of my free webinar. If you want the full session—plus more tools to grow your major gift program

Inside the Episode: Why You’ll Want to Listen:Want More Trainings Like This?

Important Links:

Webinar Registration: https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsplaybook-5083-1612

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#363- Making the Case for Your Board Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

If you’ve been listening to me for a while, maybe caught one of my trainings, or you’re on my email list, this is your nudge: now is the time to work with me on your major gift strategy.

I only have 20 spots left between now and the end of 2025 in my Big Ask Gift Program, and prices will increase in 2026.

Let’s be real — one of the biggest blockers I see when folks reach out to me is their board. Maybe they say, “We only have $1,000 for professional development,” or they hesitate because they can’t see the ROI clearly.

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m walking you through exactly how to make the case to your board — with plain numbers, clear ROI, and a ready-to-forward approval packet that gets a yes fast.

Your donors are being spoken to — the only question is, by who? Let’s make sure it’s you, with a clear, confident strategy.

Important Links:

How Much Revenue Is Your Nonprofit Leaving on the Table?: https://magic-sparkle-maker-45.lovable.app/

Book an Evaluation Call Here: https://go.rheawong.com/application

Board Video: https://share.descript.com/view/kgx4gQmiyzY

Webinar Registration: https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsplaybook-5165

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#362- What You Need to Know Before Giving Tuesday with Jess Campbell Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

We’re counting down to Giving Tuesday, and my good friend Jess Campbell is dropping ALL the fundraising wisdom you need to finish the year strong.

She’s the queen of email 👑 — but in this convo, Jess goes way beyond inbox strategy to share the “do this, not that” of end-of-year campaigns.

From securing a match donor (“matches are magic!” ✨) to building real momentum before December 31, this episode is your Giving Tuesday survival guide.

Important Links:

Connect with Jess: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-campbell-outintheboons/

Out in the Boone: https://www.outintheboons.me/

Webinar Registration: https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsplaybook-5165

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#361- Plugging Donor Leaks Before Year-End Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

We’re in what I like to call the Super Bowl of fundraising — that mad sprint to December 31st. Before you pour all your time and energy into your year-end campaign, I want to make sure you’re not losing money through hidden leaks in your donor funnel.

In this episode, I break down the four biggest leaks that cost nonprofits thousands every year — and how to fix them before the giving rush begins:
1️⃣ Acquisition – why prospects might not even be paying attention to you.
2️⃣ Conversion – how a confusing donation page can kill your momentum.
3️⃣ Upgrade – the missed opportunities right under your nose.
4️⃣ Retention – the biggest leak of them all.

Plus, I’m sharing a free Holiday Giving Readiness Checklist to help you plug those leaks and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.

Important Links:

Holiday Giving Readiness Checklist: https://go.rheawong.com/holidaygivingreadinesschecklist

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#360- What K-Pop Demon Hunters Taught me About Fundraising Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

As we sprint toward the Super Bowl of fundraising — year-end giving — let’s talk about something that too many of us overlook: stewardship.

Recently, I joined a K-Pop Demon Hunters singalong with 250 strangers in a rainy Brooklyn room. Did I hit the right notes? Nope. Did it matter? Also nope.

Because we created something beautiful together. And that’s what fundraising should feel like.

It’s not about getting money. It’s about creating moments — real, human, magical moments of connection.

When we shift from being resource extractors to facilitators of meaning, something incredible happens:

💡 Donors stop ghosting.
💡 Conversations get deeper.
💡 Giving becomes joyful — for everyone.

If fundraising feels like a grind, remember:
"Pressure is a privilege." You get to connect people to purpose. You get to lead with values. You get to create magic.

Want to create better donor experiences? Apply for a donor growth evaluation call .

https://go.rheawong.com/application

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/⁠

#359- Accidental Fundraiser with Stephanie Roth and Haley Bash Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

I sat down with Stephanie Roth and Haley Bash, co-authors of the updated Accidental Fundraiser, and we got into what it really means to fundraise when you didn’t plan on it—and maybe don’t feel totally ready for it.

We talked about:

Why so many people still feel uncomfortable asking for money
How house parties can be more effective (and fun) than galas
The power of tapping your volunteers as donors
Fundraising as a form of community organizing
And why trying to ask everyone for everything never works

One thing I loved: You don’t need fancy tools or big events to raise real money. A solid list, a clear plan, and authentic relationships can take you far.

This episode is full of practical advice and encouragement—especially if you’re building the plane while flying it. You’re not alone.

Important Links:

Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-roth-17b15b5/

Connect with Haley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleybash/

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/⁠

#358- Donor Retention with Erika Carley Oct 06, 2025

Show notes

I’m so excited about this episode with the amazing Erika Carley, Chief Impact Officer at National Angels (and one of the smartest donor retention minds I know).

If you’ve ever said, “We just need more donors,” STOP. What you really need is to keep the donors you already have — and Erica is here to show us how.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
✨ Why donor retention should be your first priority
✨ The “golden donation” (spoiler: it’s the second gift)
✨ How to make donors feel something — and why that matters
✨ Real stewardship strategies: handwritten cards, voice memos, texts, stickers… even angel wings!
✨ What it means to create belonging for your donors

One of my favorite takeaways? It’s not about the number of stewardship touches — it’s about the quality and the consistency. And yes, we even talk about ghosting donors… and being ghosted 😬

If you do nothing else this year, please — I beg you — look at your donor retention numbers. This episode will give you the tools (and hopefully the inspiration) to turn those numbers around.

Important Links:

Zeffy: ⁠https://www.zeffy.com/?ref=Rhea⁠

Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-carley123/

How to Train ChatGPT: ⁠https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300⁠

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/⁠

#357- The Hidden Cost of Your Tech with Rachel Bearbower Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

This week, I’m chatting with my brilliant friend Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency and my go-to tech guru. We’re talking all things tech stacks — the good, the bad, and the painfully expensive.

In this episode, we dig into:
✅ Why so many nonprofit tech setups are a hot mess
✅ What tools are actually worth the money and time
✅ The hidden costs (staff time, training, maintenance, etc.)
✅ How to build a Lego-style tech stack that actually works together
✅ Donor experience tips, especially for recurring giving
✅ Why there’s no such thing as the perfect CRM

I also share some real talk: if you feel behind on tech, you’re not alone and you’re not deficient — the world has changed fast, and we’re all just trying to keep up.

This one is jam-packed with practical insights, a few strong opinions, and some solid laughs. If you’re an ED, fundraiser, ops person, or anyone just trying to make your tech stack less painful — this one’s for you.

Important Links:

Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/?ref=Rhea

Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbearbower/

How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300

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/