Nonprofit Lowdown

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 CRMI 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/ 

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/ 

In this special episode, I host my powerhouse 10X crew for an energetic roundtable on one of the nonprofit sector’s most important seasons: end-of-year fundraising.The conversation covers:The fundraising landscape in 2025How to use AI and automation without losing the human touchMaintaining donor trustThe importance of mid-level donor strategyZigging when others zag (analog in a digital world)How to audit and prep your tech stackWhy major gifts still matter—and take timeWhether you're a small shop with limited resources or a seasoned fundraiser navigating a changing landscape, this episode is packed with practical insights, tools, and strategies to supercharge your year-end campaign.Important Links: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/ 

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/ 

Welcome back to Nonprofit Lowdown — I'm Rhea Wong, and today you're getting the raw, unfiltered replay of the power session I co-led with my ride-or-die, Brooke Ritchie-Babbage, at AFP’s Fundraising Day in NYC.Here’s what we unpack:✅ The ONE written give/get policy that shuts down the “I don’t fundraise” excuse. ✅ Our 2x2 skills map that sorts your board in 10 minutes flat. ✅ Real-world tools: board report cards, mini dinner salons, and a no-guilt off-ramp that gets even the most reluctant board members into gear. ✅ PLUS: how to rewrite the money stories that keep smart people stuck — and the questions that flip the script fast.Enough talk. Let’s build a board that raises real money. 🎙️💸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/ 

This week, I’m joined by the ever-brilliant Connor Kirkpatrick, Director of Development at Book Harvest.Connor’s a proud alum of my Big Ask Big Give program, and in this convo we go deep on:-Going from 8 to 24 major donors in 2 years-Using data + automation to build a scalable fundraising engine-What it really means to build a culture of philanthropy💥 Connor proves that when you mix solid strategy with bold authenticity, fundraising magic happens.Important Links:Connect with Connor : https://www.linkedin.com/in/connorpkirkpatrick/  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/ 

Welcome to the FIRST episode of Fundraising Fri-Yay with me, Rhea Wong! 🎉Kicking things off with a solo episode that gets real about the uncertainty we’re all feeling right now in the nonprofit world—tariff shifts, funding freezes, economic turbulence... it’s a lot. But here’s the deal: panic won’t pay the bills. So instead of reacting, let’s respond—with strategy. 💪✨ You’ll learn:🔹 How to double revenue with a 10% lift in donor retention🔹 Why monthly giving + donor-advised funds are your secret weapons🔹 How to communicate for confidence, not crisis🔹 Ways to build internal “shock absorbers” so you're ready for anythingWhether you're leading a small shop or a big team, this episode is packed with actionable steps to help you not just survive—but THRIVE—in economic uncertainty.Let’s make every Friday a little smarter, a little bolder, and a lot more impactful.