Nonprofit Lowdown

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/⁠ 

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/