Nonprofit Lowdown

Are you ready to dive into the art of solicitation for nonprofits? 💸 Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, our latest episode is packed with insights you can't afford to miss! In this episode, we tackle the final stage of the fundraising process—solicitation. From crafting the perfect ask to understanding the value exchange, we're breaking down the essentials to help you make compelling requests and secure those crucial donations. ✨ **What You'll Learn:** - **The Power of Preparation:** How to create real value for your donors before making the ask. - **Matching Needs and Desires:** Tailoring your approach to align with donor interests and capacity. - **Effective Solicitation Methods:** When to go in-person vs. using other communication channels. - **Navigating Donor-Advised Funds:** Tips for handling anonymous or indirect donations. - **The Pyramid of Value:** Understanding what motivates donors and how to tap into their desires. Don’t miss out on these game-changing strategies that can transform your approach to fundraising. Subscribe, listen, and get ready to elevate your nonprofit's success! Important Links: Free Webinar: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4317252143685/WN_Ou6hEuuGQ_29_IjYTTAcAA#/registration  Free Annual Fundraising Plan Tracker: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey  My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program 

🎙 Hey podcast listeners! Rhea Wong here with **Nonprofit Lowdown**, bringing you the latest insights on fundraising. This Labor Day, we're diving into the art of **cultivation** – think of it as the dating phase in donor relationships! 💌 Tune in to explore: - **Cultivation Strategies**: How to move donors from awareness to active engagement. - **Generational Preferences**: What each generation prefers when it comes to communication and giving. - **Effective Donor Management**: Get practical tips on avoiding the pitfalls of outdated "moves management. Plus, grab your **FREE** cultivation template below and mark your calendar for our **September 11th webinar** on the latest shifts in donor behavior. 🗓️ Register below– it's completely free! Don't miss out on this opportunity to refine your approach and maximize your impact. Listen in, take notes, and let’s make those donor relationships thrive! Important Links: Free Webinar on September 11th: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4317252143685/WN_Ou6hEuuGQ_29_IjYTTAcAA#/registration  Free Annual Fundraising Plan Tracker: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey  My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program 

Hey, fundraisers! 🎙️ On this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, we’re diving deep into the world of **donor qualification**. Ever wonder why you’re chasing after donors who don’t seem to be that into you? Let’s talk about the 5% that really matters: 🔍 **Identification**: Who’s your type? 🤔 **Qualification**: Do they want to date you? 💞 **Cultivation**: Let’s get to know each other! 💍 **Solicitation**: Seal the deal! 🌟 **Stewardship**: Keep building that relationship! I'm sharing why skipping the qualification step can lead to wasted time and effort, and how to ensure you’re focusing on the right prospects. From capacity and affinity to recency and relationships, learn how to identify who’s truly engaged and ready to support your cause. Plus, get tips on segmenting your list, the importance of consent, and why focusing on the most qualified leads can transform your fundraising strategy. 🤑 💌 **Don’t miss out**! Tune in now for actionable insights that will help you stop chasing after uninterested donors and start engaging with the ones who matter most. Important Links: My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey  My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program 

Hey, nonprofit leaders! 🎙️ If you’re looking to up your fundraising game, you’re in for a treat. Join me for an incredible workshop that’s set to transform how you approach donor relationships.  In this workshop, I break down my proven strategies for engaging with donors, making major gifts, and turning those one-time contributions into lasting partnerships. 💡 Expect actionable insights, lots of laughter, and a deep dive into making your fundraising efforts more effective and impactful. 🎯 **What You’ll Learn:** - How to identify and engage with potential major donors. - The secrets to successful donor cultivation and solicitation. - Tips for effective email marketing and leveraging social media. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your approach, this workshop is packed with practical advice that you can put into action right away. 🔍💰 Let’s get ready to elevate our fundraising game and make a bigger impact together! 💪✨ Important Links: My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey  My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program 

This week, I had an enlightening conversation with Jay Frost about how the old rules of fundraising are DEAD. 🛑 2024 has been a wild ride, especially in the fundraising world, and I’m here to share how you can not only survive but THRIVE in this new landscape. 🌟 Here are some key takeaways: - **Moves Management is Dead**: I explain why the traditional moves management calendar might not be effective in 2024. Instead, focus on creating a customized experience for major donors. 🔄🚫    - **The Power of Individual Giving**: Discover why individual gifts make up a significant portion of fundraising and how to craft a strategy that taps into this potential. 💡💵 - **The Importance of Consent**: Learn how to build authentic relationships with donors by being transparent and asking for permission before making an ask. This approach helps in creating a trust-based partnership rather than just a transactional one. 🤝✨ - **Rethink Wealth Screening**: We discuss the limitations of wealth screenings and why a more holistic approach, including surveys and direct engagement, might be more effective in understanding and connecting with your donors. 📊🔍 If you’re in the nonprofit sector or just curious about the intricacies of major gift fundraising, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now to gain insights and strategies that could transform your approach to donor relationships! Important Links: 💥 **Don’t Miss Out:** I’m hosting a FREE webinar on August 15th at 2 PM Eastern to dive deep into the updated strategies you need to succeed. Register at http://rheawong.com .  My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey  My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program 

Ever wondered why nonprofits sometimes seem to fumble when a big donation comes in? 🤔 Join Rhea Wong as she welcomes back Lisa Greer for another insightful conversation on the latest episode of **Nonprofit Lowdown**! In this episode, we dive deep into: 📚 Lisa's new book, **"The Essential Fundraisers Handbook"**—a must-read for anyone in the nonprofit sector. 🚀 Why traditional moves management is outdated and how it's failing both donors and fundraisers. 🛠️ Practical tips for personalizing donor experiences without getting bogged down by understaffed teams. 💡 Why wealth screens might be more creepy than useful and what you can do instead. 🔍 How to really understand and connect with your donors on a human level. Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just stepping into the nonprofit world, this conversation is packed with insights that could transform how you engage with donors. Don’t miss out! Important Links: Lisa’s Book: https://a.co/d/0mu1ff9  My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program 

Join Rhea Wong in this solo episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as she shares her top 10 insights and lessons learned from her journey as an Executive Director. This episode is inspired by Brittany, a new Executive Director Rhea met during a recent speech in Vegas. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into your role, this episode is packed with wisdom that'll help you navigate the challenges and triumphs of being at the top. Key Takeaways: Perceptions Matter: Everything you do will be interpreted by your team, so be mindful of your actions and behaviors. Manage Expectations: No one will meet your high standards perfectly; learn to manage your expectations and delegate effectively. Protect Your Time: Focus on high ROI tasks and protect your most valuable asset—your time. Face Your Fears: The tasks you avoid out of fear are often the ones that will move the needle the most. Hire Slowly, Fire Quickly: Take your time to hire the right people and don't hesitate to let go of those who are detrimental to your culture. Adjust at the Top: The skills that got you to the top won't necessarily help you succeed there. Adapt and evolve. Self-Awareness: Your emotional state impacts your team. Be responsible for managing it. Get a Coach: Even top performers need a coach. An external perspective can help you grow. Find a Community: It's lonely at the top; find a community for support and camaraderie. Choose Happiness: You can be right or you can be happy, but you can't be both. Prioritize your happiness and team cohesion.

In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Holly Rustick to explore the nuances of grant writing and discuss the challenges within the nonprofit sector. Holly shares her journey from stumbling into grant writing while abroad, to becoming a seasoned grant writer and nonprofit consultant. We delve into the strategic differences between in-house and freelance grant writers. Holly advocates for freelance grant writers due to their specialized focus and flexibility, contrasting with the often overloaded roles of in-house grant writers who juggle multiple responsibilities. She emphasizes that freelance grant writers can offer tailored expertise without the overhead costs associated with full-time staff. 🌐 Discover why grant writing isn't just about securing funds—it's about building relationships and understanding your nonprofit's impact. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or curious about the grant writing process, this episode is packed with actionable insights! 🎧 Listen and learn how to navigate the grant writing maze to drive your nonprofit’s mission forward. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation with Holly Rustick! Important Links: https://grantwritingandfunding.com/

Navigating the fundraising world as a BIPOC expert comes with its own set of unique challenges.  From overcoming systemic barriers to building impactful relationships in spaces that traditionally haven't embraced diversity. This episode dives into the gritty realities and triumphs of fundraising while black. Christopher Beck is a seasoned Major and Principal Gift Advisor, who shares his journey from accidental fundraiser to powerhouse connector. From early mentors to high-stake donor interactions, Christopher unpacks the nuances of 'relationship capital' and its transformative power in the world of high-level giving. 🎙️ Tune into this insightful conversation to learn how authenticity, resilience, and a deep understanding of donor psychology drive success in fundraising. Whether you’re a BIPOC fundraiser or an ally in the field, this episode is filled with actionable wisdom for everyone. Join us in shifting the narrative towards more equitable fundraising practices. Listen now! Important links:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisbeckone/

Ever felt the sting of microaggressions while doing your nonprofit work?  Or perhaps you’ve noticed that most fundraising departments are predominantly white, leaving women of color to navigate tricky, often unwelcoming spaces?  I am here to help as I welcome a powerhouse panel of experts who delve into the world of Black women fundraisers, the difficulties they face, and the importance of inclusive support networks. Learn firsthand from Christal Cherry, Aquanetta Betts, Ninjia Miles, and Christal Crosby as they share their journeys, insights, and powerful advice. ⭐Christal Cherry: Founder of F3 (Fabulous Female Fundraisers) and a veteran in the nonprofit sector, her career is a testament to resilience and the power of community. ⭐Aquanetta Betts: Director of Planned Giving at George Mason University, Aquanetta emphasizes the importance of creating knowledge-sharing spaces within the fundraising community.  ⭐Ninjia Miles: Director of Development for Black Philanthropy at Indiana University Foundation, Ninjia provides insights into the philanthropic contributions of communities of color and the critical need for diverse fundraisers who understand these nuances. ⭐Christal Crosby: Director of Events and Programs at Case Western University, Christal shares her experiences and the importance of institutions preparing adequately to support and integrate diverse leadership. Navigating the nonprofit sector can be a daunting task, especially for women of color.  This episode provides not only a candid discussion but practical advice for executive directors on how to foster an inclusive culture that truly supports BIPOC fundraisers.  Don’t miss out on this critical conversation! Hit play on this insightful episode of Nonprofit Lowdown to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to make lasting, positive changes in your organization.  Let's create a more inclusive world, one fundraiser at a time! Important Links:  fabfemalefundraisers.org