Nonprofit Lowdown

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/ 

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.

I’m so excited to share this powerful convo with my friend and guest, Rhonda Allen, CEO of Dev Color. We went in on what it means to lead an org that centers Black technologists — especially in a moment when DEI is under fire and folks are playing it safe.In this episode, we talk about: ➡️ Navigating leadership as a Black woman in tech ➡️ What it really takes to fundraise when DEI isn’t “trendy” anymore ➡️ Why small, authentic human connections > big flashy events ➡️ How AI is reshaping our world — and why we need Black leaders at the table ➡️ The personal cost (and power) of showing up as the face of the work🖤 Rhonda drops so many gems, and I walked away feeling grounded, energized, and more committed than ever to staying 10 toes down for the mission.💥 “Let the robots robot. Let the humans human.” — yeah, I said that, and I stand by it.Important Links:Connect with Rhonda : https://www.linkedin.com/in/rhallen/ 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-honeyMy Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/

I had the real pleasure of sitting down with my brilliant friend Anysa Holder, Chief Advancement Officer at Easterseals NJ, on the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown. 🙌🏽We covered so much ground, including:💥 What it’s like to stay in the nonprofit sector for 15+ years💥 The emotional labor of fundraising (especially as women of color)💥 Unpacking money trauma and mindset💥 Why board training needs a major upgrade—and how Anysa’s leading that charge💥 How to avoid burnout while staying mission-drivenOne of my favorite things Anysa said?👉🏽 “The whole job is unpacking stuff… because it’s relational.”We laughed, got deep, and got real about what it takes to do this work and still stay grounded.If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or just trying to do meaningful work without losing yourself—this one is for you.Important Links:Connect with Anysa : https://www.linkedin.com/in/anysaholder/ The Donor Reckoning: https://go.rheawong.com/thedonorreckoningUpcoming 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/ 

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start converting—join me live on July 23.🎯 The Donor Reckoning™ is where real pipeline repair starts. There’s No fluff. No replay. Just results.https://go.rheawong.com/thedonorreckoning