Nonprofit Lowdown

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

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/ 

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/ 

Hey, Nonprofit Lowdown listeners! Rhea here, bringing you the final episode of 2024. It’s been a year full of incredible insights, heartwarming stories, and actionable tips for nonprofit leaders like you. I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this journey — we’re officially in our 6th year of the podcast! Can you believe it?! 🙌 For this last episode, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite moments from 2024 to recap and relive the magic of the year. From fundraising strategies to leadership lessons, we’ve covered it all. And as we head into 2025, I can’t wait to bring you even more amazing content. ✨ If you've found value in this podcast, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) and share it with a friend who could benefit from the conversation. Your support means the world. 💙 Wherever you are, I hope you’re getting some well-deserved rest and ready to hit the ground running in the new year. See you in 2025! 🎉 Important Links: Full Episode #270 - Managing Your Mindset for Fundraising Success with Hugh Ballou: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/x5jPX5vHcPb  Full Episode #271 - My First $1M Gift with Dr. Emerald Mitchell: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VO2wvDtHcPb  Full Episode #273 - Fractional Fundraising with Cindy Wagman: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/3l3Bd9rHcPb  Full Episode #288 - The 5 Minute Ask with Kel Haney: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/iMBzcBnHcPb  Full Episode #299 - Old Rules Are Dead: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/mdXMjtXGcPb  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/ 

As we head into the final stretch of the year, fundraising is on everyone’s mind. In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m breaking down the crucial differences between annual gifts and major gifts – two very different types of donors that require distinct strategies.  🔑 What You'll Learn: The key mindset and motivation behind annual vs. major donors (Hint: it's not just about money!) How your tactics need to change depending on the donor segment – from scalable email campaigns to personalized meetings. 📅 Stewardship: Why your approach to thanking and engaging donors should look very different for these two groups. 💌 How to balance both types of giving to create a stable AND transformative fundraising strategy. 🌱 If you’ve ever struggled to tell the difference between an annual donor and a major donor, or wondered how to optimize your fundraising efforts, this episode is for YOU. 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/ 

In this solo episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I dive deep into one of the most pressing issues in the nonprofit world—burnout. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, like you’re running in place just to keep your nonprofit afloat, this episode is for you. I share a game-changing framework to help nonprofit leaders prioritize their time, focus on high-impact activities, and avoid the dreaded burnout spiral.  You’ll learn: - Why all tasks are NOT created equal—and how to identify the ones that really matter. - The 4 key quadrants to organize your time and maximize ROI. - How to leverage delegation, automation, and elimination to reclaim hours in your day. - The surprising truth about donor retention and why it’s your secret weapon for growth. Special Resources: Download the free worksheet mentioned in the episode to start tracking your time and organizing your priorities like a pro. Bonus: Mark your calendar for December 12th! Join me for a free webinar, Why Major Gift Fundraising Sucks—and What to Do Instead. Sign up on my website here. Action Steps: -Track your activities over the next 3–5 days and identify where you’re spending your time. -Focus on strategic revenue-generating activities for maximum impact. -Share your feedback on this solo episode and suggest topics you’d love to hear in 2025! Let’s make 2025 the year of strategic focus and growth for your nonprofit! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow nonprofit leaders.

Nonprofit Lowdown is back with another insightful conversation, this time with fundraising expert Elizabeth Goldberg! If you're looking to build a major gifts program from scratch, this episode is a must-listen. 💡 In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from the textile industry to the world of nonprofit fundraising. She talks about the importance of relationship-building, focusing on donor needs, and how to ask the right questions to truly understand what your donors care about. 💬 🔥 Key Takeaways: How to really listen to your donors (beyond just the words they say) The art of building authentic, long-term relationships with major donors Why it's not just about the "ask" – it's about the relationship How to navigate generational differences in communication preferences And more on how to create a major gifts program that aligns with your mission. ✨ Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, Elizabeth's wisdom and personal stories are invaluable. Tune in to hear how focusing on the donor's philanthropic goals can transform your approach to fundraising. Important Links: Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-goldberg-ma-216993b/   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/ 

On this week's Nonprofit Lowdown episode, I sat down with my special guest Dana Snyder, founder of Positive Equation and author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind. 💡 In this episode, we dive deep into the power of monthly giving and how you can harness the subscription economy to build sustainable revenue for your nonprofit. 🌱 Dana shares her journey from solopreneur to a thriving business, giving tips on hiring, mastering time management, and investing in business coaches (yes, it takes money to make money!). 💸 Plus, we get real about the challenges nonprofits face with donor retention and how to build a successful monthly giving program that not only drives income but nurtures long-term relationships. 🤝 Why should you listen?✅ Want to scale your nonprofit with recurring donations?✅ Struggling with donor retention?✅ Need a breakthrough on how to automate your fundraising efforts? This episode is for YOU! 🎧 Important Links: Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarsnyder/  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 in the nonprofit world and marketing feels like a mystery or a necessary evil, you're not alone! In this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I chat with Billy Broas, a messaging strategist and founder of Five Lightbulbs, about how to make marketing simple and effective — without being sleazy or salesy. 🙌 Billy’s insights are game-changing for nonprofit leaders who want to raise more funds and build stronger connections with their audience. In this episode, you'll learn: 🔑 How to market your cause without feeling “icky” 💡 The Five Lightbulbs Framework that helps you connect with donors in a more meaningful way 💬 Why marketing is about educating your audience (not just promoting) 🎯 How to craft a message that warms up your audience, making fundraising feel like a natural next step Whether you're a nonprofit pro or new to the game, this episode will help you shift your perspective on marketing and build strategies that feel authentic and resonate with your supporters. Tune in NOW and get ready to make fundraising easier, smarter, and more impactful! Important Links: Connect with Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billybroas/  The Five Lightbulbs: https://FiveLightbulbs.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/ 

In this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Emily Rasmussen, the founder and CEO of Grapevine, to dive into the power of Giving Circles and the future of philanthropy. 💸✨ 👥 What exactly is a giving circle? Emily explains how this simple yet powerful concept is bringing everyday philanthropists together to pool their resources, build community, and make a bigger impact. It's all about democratizing philanthropy, where everyone can contribute—whether it’s time, talent, treasure, or connections! We discuss: - How giving circles are transforming philanthropy by empowering people to give in a recurring, community-driven way - The importance of building community among donors, not just managing a list - Why everyday donors should feel like part of a movement, not just a name on a donor roll - The growing trend of giving circles as the fastest-growing form of philanthropy and why this model is so effective in today’s nonprofit world 💡 Whether you're looking for fresh ideas on how to engage your donors or you're curious about new ways to build sustainable fundraising, this episode is for you! Important Links: Giving Tuesday: https://www.givingtuesday.org/  Connect with Emily: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-rasmussen-02816619/  Grapevine: https://www.grapevine.org/  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 

🎙️ Join me, Rhea Wong, on this week’s Nonprofit Lowdown as I sit down with Margaret Huang, the incredible president and CEO of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and SPLC Action Fund. Together, we dive into how we can make geographically specific causes nationally relevant—especially in today's political climate. Margaret shares her unique journey in becoming a leader of one of the most impactful nonprofits in America. We discuss the importance of intersectionality in civil rights and how the SPLC is addressing threats to our democracy that start in the South but resonate nationwide. Whether you’re in New York or beyond, this conversation is a must-listen. It’s not just about the South; it’s about all of us. Don’t miss out on Margaret’s insights into the changing landscape of civil rights and the power of grassroots mobilization. Important Links: Giving Tuesday: https://www.givingtuesday.org/  Connect with Margaret: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-huang-she-her/  SPL Center: www.splcenter.org   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 me on this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as I chat with the amazing John Lepp, partner at Agents of Good, author of Creative Deviations, and the "Ted Lasso of fundraising"! 🏆✨ Together, we dive deep into the art of empathetic marketing and its crucial role in nonprofit fundraising. 💖 John shares his journey from journalism to direct marketing, emphasizing the power of direct mail in a digital age. 📨💌 He challenges us to rethink how we connect with donors, highlighting the importance of personal relationships over mere transactions. This episode is packed with insights on list segmentation, donor behavior, and how to truly engage your supporters. If you're ready to transform your fundraising strategy and foster real connections, you won't want to miss this! 🚀 Important Links: Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlepp/  Agents of Good: https://agentsofgood.org/  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 me, Rhea Wong, on this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as I sit down with the fabulous Julia Campbell, social media maven! 🙌 We're diving deep into the current state of social media—and let’s just say, it’s not great. 😅 Is social media feeling more like a burden than a blessing? You’re not alone! Julia and I explore why it’s often overwhelming and how nonprofits can shift their approach from broadcasting to engaging. 🚀 Discover:  ✅ The true purpose of social media in fundraising  ✅ How to measure success beyond vanity metrics  ✅ Tips to overcome the comparison game  ✅ Strategies to build community and drive action off-platform Whether you’re feeling lost in the sea of social media or just need a fresh perspective, this episode is packed with insights to help you leverage these platforms for good! 💪 Tune in now and let’s get to work transforming your social media strategy! 🎙️✨ Important Links: Connect with Julia: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliacampbell/  Marketing for the Modern Nonprofit: https://jcsocialmarketing.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/ 

Hey, podcast listeners! Join me as we dive into the buzz surrounding Giving Tuesday—the fundraising Super Bowl of the year! 💰✨ In today's episode, I am joined by: Woodrow Rosenbaum, Chief Data Officer of Giving Tuesday Stephanie Russell, Executive VP of RKD Group We discuss the latest GivingPulse Report and share crucial insights on how to effectively engage donors this Giving Tuesday. 🤝 🔍 Key Takeaways: Understanding Donor Behavior: Learn why it’s essential to understand donor motivations and engagement strategies. In-Person Engagement: Explore innovative ways to harness the power of in-person connections amidst digital noise. Donor Retention Strategies: Discover how to retain first-time donors and convert them into loyal supporters. 🎧 Tune in now for actionable tips to maximize your fundraising efforts this season and beyond! Let’s make this Giving Tuesday your best one yet! Important Links: GIvingPulse Report: https://www.givingpulse.givingtuesday.org/  Connect with Woodrow: https://www.linkedin.com/in/woodrowrosenbaum/  Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/slaudrussell/  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/ 

Hey, podcast listeners! 🎙️ Join me on this week’s Nonprofit Lowdown as I chat with my friend Maria Rio, founder and CEO of Further Together and host of The Small Nonprofit podcast! 🌟 We dive deep into community-centric fundraising and how it shifts our focus from individual organizations to the well-being of the entire community.  From Maria's journey as a street fundraiser to her insights on equity and social justice in fundraising, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to rethink how we approach donor relationships. 💖 Important Links: Connect with Maria: https://linkedin.com/in/mariario  Community Centric Fundraising: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/tag/maria-rio/  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/ 

🤔 Are you struggling with board dynamics? Wondering how to engage board members effectively without micromanaging? In this episode, Melissa Madzel, founder of Do Good Connections, shares insights from her years in executive search, exploring: The lifecycle of boards and the importance of strategic recruitment How to foster strong leadership within your board Tips for decoupling board membership from fundraising pressures Best practices for onboarding and setting expectations If you’re an ED looking to navigate the complexities of board relationships, this episode is for you! Important Links: Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamadzel  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 chatting with my business bestie, Brooke Richie-Babbage. We’re diving deep into the challenges many of us have faced in 2024—yes, it’s been a tough year! ✨ From feeling stuck to grappling with budget concerns, we’re exploring why so many nonprofits are struggling, despite doing everything “right.” We talk about the importance of authenticity in storytelling and how to break through the noise in a world flooded with information. 💡 Join us as we share personal stories of our own missteps (hello, hiring mistakes and epic event flops) and discuss the power of acknowledging our gaps to foster growth. 🌟 If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure, you're not alone! Tune in to hear how to embrace uncertainty and keep moving forward. Important Links: Connect with Brooke: https://brookerichiebabbage.com/  Brooke’s Courses: https://brookerichiebabbage.com/courses-resources/  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/ 

Get ready to dive deep into the world of donor stewardship and recognition in our latest episode! 🎉 We’re unpacking the secrets to keeping your donors engaged and ensuring they don’t slip through the cracks. 🔍 Here’s what you’ll learn: - The 53% Rule: Why the majority of your time should be spent on stewardship. - The Leaky Bucket Problem: How to address the staggering 45% donor retention rate and why focusing on retention can transform your year economically. - Personalization Matters: Discover how understanding and aligning with your donors' unique preferences can drastically improve your retention rates. - Seven Touch Points: Learn why you need multiple touch points before asking for another donation and how to effectively implement them. - Metrics That Matter: Essential metrics you should be tracking to ensure your efforts are paying off. 💡 Call to Action: Don’t miss out on downloading my essential template and taking our fun, free self-diagnosis quiz. These tools are designed to supercharge your stewardship strategy and boost your donor relationships! Important Links: Free Quiz: https://go.rheawong.com/freebie-quiz  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  My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/ 

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