Nonprofit Lowdown

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/⁠ 

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 moneyHow house parties can be more effective (and fun) than galasThe power of tapping your volunteers as donorsFundraising as a form of community organizingAnd why trying to ask everyone for everything never worksOne 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/⁠ 

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 donorsOne 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/⁠ 

Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency, dives into the chaotic world of nonprofit tech. She reveals the painful truth about the hidden costs of tech setups—staff hours, maintenance, and integration issues often outweigh software fees. With her Lego-style approach, Rachel explains how to build an effective tech stack and emphasizes the importance of a seamless donor experience for better retention. Tune in for practical insights that demystify nonprofit tech and help organizations thrive!

Joining the conversation is Greg Warner, CEO of MarketSmart and a fundraising expert turned advocate for donor trust, having faced the challenges of being a frustrated donor himself. The discussion delves into why traditional methods, like wealth screening, can erode donor relationships. Greg emphasizes the importance of building trust and transparency, shifting from extractive tactics to partnership. He advocates for prioritizing major gift stewardship, understanding non-linear donor journeys, and aligning donor goals with organizational missions for successful fundraising.

This week on Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m joined by my business bestie and returning favorite, Brooke Richie-Babbage — strategist, executive, founder of Bending Arc, and all-around AI powerhouse.We’re diving deep into how AI is actually being used in the nonprofit space — beyond the hype.We discuss:How AI can support (but not replace) your thinkingUse cases for AI in finance, fundraising, and data analysisTools for donor segmentation and engagementWhy donor trust and ethical data use matter more than everHow to create guardrails, policies, and inclusive practices around AIWe also talk about the messy but necessary process of innovation, how to lead AI adoption with integrity, and why nonprofits must be part of the AI conversation — or risk being left behind.If you're curious about AI but unsure where to start, this one’s packed with insights, real examples, and practical tools you can use right away.Important Links:Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/register?&utm_source=Rhea_Wong Connect with Brooke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrichiebabbage/ Fast Forward: https://www.ffwd.org/ai-for-humanity How to Train ChatGPT:  https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/ 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/ 

Mitch Stein, Head of Strategy at Chariot and expert in donor-advised funds (DAFs), breaks down DAFs, revealing they're not just for the wealthy. He shares insights on why a staggering $250 billion sits in these funds and how nonprofits can access it. Mitch emphasizes the importance of building relationships over just courting fund managers to unlock DAF dollars. He also highlights common pitfalls like missed acknowledgments and poor data practices, providing practical tips for better stewardship and fundraising success.

This episode is a juicy one. I’m joined by my pal Nate Wong. Nate is a partner at The Bridgespan Group and co-author of a recent white paper, “AI Cannot Be Ignored,” which dives deep into the opportunities (and responsibilities!) that AI presents to nonprofits and the broader social sector.With the Fundraising.AI conference around the corner—where I’ll be speaking, by the way—this conversation couldn’t come at a better time.This episode was both energizing and sobering. AI isn’t just about saving time—it’s about making space for what matters: human connection, meaningful strategy, and real impact. But we can’t be passive. We have to actively shape how AI shows up in our work—and that starts by engaging with it, not avoiding it.Important Links:Connect with Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielkwong/ AI for Humanity: https://www.ffwd.org/ai-for-humanity Bridgespan: https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/exploring-ai-opportunities-for-nonprofits-and-the-social-sector How to Train ChatGPT:  https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/ 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/ 

Join fundraising powerhouses Kel Haney, Jess Campbell, and Rachel Bear Bauer as they dive into the essentials of year-end fundraising. Kel highlights the power of personal phone calls to engage mid-level donors. Jess shares strategies for mapping donor touchpoints and email cadence to maximize engagement. Rachel emphasizes the importance of auditing your tech stack to improve efficiency and donor stewardship. They also discuss balancing AI with human connections, using analog tactics to stand out, and the significance of securing major gifts early for campaign success.

I am so excited to drop this convo with my friend and powerhouse guest, Tisha Hyter.We’re talking all about something I’m totally obsessed with right now: the Primetime Woman – women aged 45–65 who are stepping into their full power, purpose, and philanthropic influence.Tisha and I go deep on:💥 What it means to be a Primetime Woman💰 Why this group is the most philanthropic cohort in history👯‍♀️ How women are giving in community and using their skills – not just writing checks👀 Why we’re DONE with the BS and want real impact and real connection⚰️ And yep… I said it: the big gala is dead. (Long live pickleball tournaments & purpose-driven tea parties!)Tisha shares her own journey – from sales and marketing to sleigh-at-home mom (yes, sleigh 💅) to nonprofit leader – and how turning 50 became her "locker room moment" to reimagine the second half of life.As a proud Primetime Woman myself, this one felt personal. If you’re a nonprofit leader wondering how to tap into this powerful group of donors (and avoid turning them off), this episode is for you.Important Links:Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/ 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/