Nonprofit Lowdown

This final episode for 2025 has no tips, no tactics, no strategies. Just a moment to acknowledge the grief, exhaustion, and weight so many of us—especially in the nonprofit sector—are carrying right now.If leadership feels heavier than usual…If fundraising feels harder…If you’re tired but still showing up anyway…This episode is for you.Nonprofits are the quiet machinery of hope. When the world burns, we’re the ones stitching it back together. That work isn’t glamorous, but it matters deeply.You don’t need to fix the whole world today.You just need to keep your corner lit.Give yourself permission to rest, to feel, and then—when you’re ready—to come back steady in 2026. Because hope isn’t passive. Hope is funded.Happy holidays, friends. Take care of yourselves.And as always—get that money, honey. 💛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/⁠⁠ 

2025 was a pressure cooker year. Tariffs. Funding cuts. Attacks on DEI. AI overload. Donor fatigue. Burnout everywhere.In this episode, I reflect on what 2025 revealed about leadership, fundraising, and trust—and more importantly, what to do next as we head into 2026.Here’s what I cover:- Why burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a structural reality- The 5 trends that will define successful fundraisers in 2026- Why quality conversations > mass outreach noise-Why simplification beats expansion (stop chasing shiny objects)- How collaboration is the real power move-And why clarity of identity is the only true moat leftIf 2025 left you feeling behind, overwhelmed, or questioning your impact—this episode is your reminder that surviving was the win.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/⁠ 

Feeling let down by Giving Tuesday results? You're not alone! Discover why this day is just the beginning of a 28-day fundraising sprint. Learn about the four pillars of campaign failure and how to avoid them, from audience segmentation to offer clarity. Rhea emphasizes the importance of clean lists and personalized outreach. With actionable solutions like building an omni-channel strategy and consistent follow-ups, you'll be ready to turn setbacks into success. Get ready to refine your approach and boost your year-end fundraising!

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 line2. Don’t rely on just one email3. 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/⁠

Fundraisers often face burnout from overwhelming admin tasks, hindering relationship building. The discussion highlights how AI can alleviate this burden, allowing more time for meaningful connections. Rhea shares her own journey as a fundraiser, reflecting on how AI could have simplified her path. Ethical concerns around bias and data management in AI are also addressed, emphasizing the importance of human oversight. Practical advice on pinpointing areas for AI application in fundraising sets listeners up for reclaiming precious time.

Unlock the potential of Giving Tuesday by transforming it into a major donor discovery day! Discover how 3% of your audience could fund future programs and learn the vital differences between annual and major donors. In-person meetings can boost success by 70%, and the right signals can help you identify self-cultivating donors. Dive into strategies for segmenting your donor list and avoid common pitfalls that could cost you cash. Get ready to take actionable steps towards securing transformative gifts!

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/⁠ 

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/⁠ 

It’s crunch time for year-end fundraising! Discover the four major leaks in your donor funnel that could be costing you dearly. From ineffective acquisition strategies to confusing donation pages, each leak can derail your momentum. Learn how to optimize donor experiences and capture missed opportunities, all while keeping your commitment to donor retention strong. Plus, get your hands on a handy Holiday Giving Readiness Checklist to ensure your campaign finishes on a high note!

In a lively discussion about fundraising, the fascinating connection formed at a K-Pop Demon Hunters sing-along illustrates the magic of community. Fundraising should focus on creating meaningful moments, not just extracting resources. By shifting from a transactional mindset to fostering genuine relationships, fundraisers can deepen donor connections and make giving joyful. Stewardship takes the spotlight as a crucial element, reminding readers that leading with values builds trust and inspires generosity.