Nonprofit Lowdown

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.

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/⁠