

Nonprofit Lowdown
Rhea Wong
This is Nonprofit Lowdown where I review and recommend the best ideas, resources, tools, tricks and tips to run your nonprofit like a pro!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 10, 2025 • 26min
#328- Why Your Donor Pipeline is Dry
It’s Rhea Wong back with another episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, and today, we’re diving deep into a topic I’m passionate about—MARKETING! If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I don’t have enough prospects in my pipeline,” or “Why are my donors not responding?” then this episode is for YOU. I’m breaking down two key issues that nonprofits face:1️⃣ Why your donor pipeline is running dry. 2️⃣ Why the donors you DO have are ghosting you.Let’s face it—donors aren't ignoring you because they’re too busy; they’re ignoring you because you haven’t given them a compelling reason to engage! In this episode, I share actionable strategies on: ✨ How to fill your pipeline with new prospects. ✨ How to make your donors feel like they matter—so they’ll actually engage with YOU. ✨ Why marketing is your fundraising secret weapon. Want to hear more? Tune in and start building stronger connections with your donors TODAY!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/

Mar 3, 2025 • 15min
#327- How to Expand Your Fundraising with Your Board
Hey Nonprofit Lowdown listeners! Rhea Wong here with an episode that’s all about shifting your mindset from fear to possibility. 💡I’m sharing a powerful story about a farmer and his horse, illustrating how we often jump to conclusions, but we don’t truly know if something is “good” or “bad” until we look at the bigger picture. It’s time to ask: What could go right? In a world filled with crisis, it’s easy to catastrophize, but what if we embraced challenges as opportunities for growth? Let’s focus on what’s working, stay proactive, and stay grounded in times of uncertainty. 🎧 In this episode, I talk about: The nature of luck & how to increase your chances of success. Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Action steps to stay proactive, including creative financing and leadership investment.Are you ready to take action and flip the script? If you’re ready to take your nonprofit to the next level, join me for a FREE Board Fundraising Training on March 4th. We're in this together! 💪Important Links:Upcoming Events and Webinars: 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/

Feb 24, 2025 • 21min
#326- How to Elevate Your Fundraising with Your Team
Are you feeling the stress of federal funding uncertainty? You're not alone. In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I dive into how you can take control of your nonprofit’s financial future—even with all the unknowns in the air.I walk you through diversifying your revenue and engaging your board in major gift fundraising. Plus, I share a step-by-step playbook on how to build resilience and secure financial stability, no matter what happens in Washington.PLUS – Don't miss out on my free training on March 4th to help your board members become active fundraising allies.Tune in for practical strategies that will prepare your nonprofit to thrive, no matter what the future holds.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/

Feb 17, 2025 • 22min
#325- 3 Biggest Mistakes You're Making with Donors
Are you tired of feeling like you're stuck in the endless loop of chasing donors, getting ghosted, and facing constant objections? If so, this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown is a must-listen! In today's episode, I dive into the Top 3 Mistakes Fundraisers Make and give you a game plan on how to fix them NOW. Here’s what we’re talking about: 1️⃣ Stop Chasing Donors Who Aren’t Interested – Learn how to qualify prospects and focus on the right people! 2️⃣ Don’t Rush the Ask – Slow down, build a relationship, and set the stage for long-term giving. 3️⃣ Avoid the Friend Zone – It’s great to build relationships, but don’t mistake friendship for commitment. 💡 Ready to stop wasting your time and start raising money like a pro? Tune in and let’s make this year YOUR best year for fundraising!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/

Feb 10, 2025 • 21min
#324- Nonprofit Marketing in 2025: Navigating the Chaos and Creating Real Connections
The podcast dives into the chaotic world of nonprofit marketing as we approach 2025. It highlights the importance of building authentic connections with donors amidst funding cuts and social media pressures. The discussion emphasizes understanding Gen Z’s influence and harnessing AI and automation to work smarter. Listeners are provided with actionable strategies for audience growth and effective fundraising, all while navigating the shifting landscape of nonprofit engagement. This is a must-listen for those craving innovative marketing ideas!

Feb 3, 2025 • 16min
#323- Killing Your Fundraising Darlings
Get ready to shake things up in the nonprofit world in 2025! In this spicy episode, I bring together powerhouse voices from the nonprofit sector—Brooke Ritchie Babbage, Tania Bhattacharyya, Rachel Bearbower , Cindy Wagman, and Jess Campbell. Together, we are diving deep into what’s no longer working and what should be left behind for the year ahead.
✨The Darlings You Need to Kill
This isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about doing away with the outdated, overused, and inefficient practices holding your organization back. In this episode, we share which nonprofit darlings we believe need to go.
💥 What’s the take-home?
2025 is going to be a year for nonprofit leaders to pivot and adapt to the changing landscape. Whether it’s in your fundraising strategy, digital presence, donor retention, or your team’s capacity, this episode will give you the clarity to say goodbye to what’s no longer serving you and embrace the future with courage.
What darlings are you killing this year? Let us know on social or hit up Rhea directly at hello@rheawong.com.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!
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/

Jan 27, 2025 • 8min
#322- The Edge of Excellence
In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I break down what sets the most successful leaders apart. It’s not just about grit and determination—it’s about having something to prove, embracing discomfort, and using accountability as fuel. Whether it’s frustration with the system, the hunger to make a difference, or the desire to silence critics, it’s that extra fire that drives leaders to go above and beyond.
If you're ready to take bold action, embrace the discomfort, and prove to yourself and the world what you’re capable of, check out my Big Ask Gifts program and apply today!
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/

Jan 20, 2025 • 16min
#321- Why Your Email Strategy Impacts Fundraising
If you’ve ever been frustrated by email newsletters that fall flat (or even worse, end up in the dreaded unsubscribe pile, this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown is for YOU! 💡
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 most common email newsletter mistakes I see nonprofits making—and how to FIX them! ✨
🔑 Highlights include:
Too long? Simplify and cut the clutter!
Is it relevant to me? Answer the “What’s in it for me?” question!
Not frequent enough? Don’t be afraid to email regularly—value > frequency.
Bad subject lines? Your subject line is your first impression. Make it count!
Too organizational-centric? Think about your audience’s needs, not just your own.
Not checking your stats? Track click-throughs, replies & real engagement—not just open rates.
Dirty email list? Time for a clean-up to ensure you're reaching the right people!
Too many CTAs? Focus on ONE clear action per email.
Too fancy? Keep it simple—clean and readable > over-designed.
Boring content? Inject personality and a strong point of view! Be remarkable, not beige!
This episode is packed with practical tips that will transform how you communicate with your audience and boost your nonprofit’s engagement.
Ready to send emails that get opened and read? Tune in now and let’s make your newsletters work harder for you! 💪
Want my two email clean-up sequence? Send an email to hello@rheawong.com.
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/
Major Gifts Blueprint Webinar on January 30th
https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsblueprint

Jan 13, 2025 • 23min
#320- Building Trust Through Curiosity
In today’s episode, we dive into the transformative power of seeing the world through someone else's eyes. When we understand the world from their perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of people and connect in more meaningful ways. It’s a humbling reminder that the greatest honor we can have is to be a conduit for somebody else’s story.
We also discuss the fundraising landscape in 2025, and why now is the time to focus on individual and major gift fundraising. With changes on the horizon at both the federal and state levels, relying on government funds may no longer be a sustainable option. It’s time to double down on personal connections, relationships, and empowering donors to make the impact they want to see in the world.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of seeing the world through others' perspectives.
How empathy and understanding can help us truly connect and support others.
Why being a conduit for someone else’s story is a powerful and humbling role.
Fundraising in 2025: Why focusing on individual and major gifts is crucial.
How to prepare for a shifting landscape in funding at the federal and state levels.
Contact: Have questions or want more advice? Reach out at hello@rheawong.com.
Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, let me know! Your feedback helps me create content that’s valuable to you. Stay tuned for more tips and insights to help you succeed in your fundraising journey.
Until next time, take care, friends!
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/

Jan 6, 2025 • 24min
#319- Let Them
In the first episode of Nonprofit Lowdown for 2025, I introduce and explore the ‘Let Them’ theory inspired by self-help guru Mel Robbins. I discuss how relinquishing control over others’ actions can lead to greater mental and emotional peace, especially in the realm of fundraising and board management. I also highlight the importance of clearly defining expectations, the power of self-reflection, and the need for radical acceptance. This episode aims to provide nonprofit leaders with tools to focus on what they can control and improve their overall effectiveness.
The Let Them Theory Book: https://amzn.to/3W0xz7T
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/


