Every nonprofit is losing donations because they’re not focusing on what truly matters, engaging and building relationships with major donors. In Episode 20 of the “Hey Nonprofits” podcast, host Trevor Nelson sits down with fundraising expert Trisha Brauer to share strategies that nonprofits can use right now to transform their donor engagement. If your organization struggles to ask for large donations, connect with high-level donors, or get consistent funding, this episode is the solution you need. Learn the proven approaches other nonprofits are using to raise more money and what to avoid doing that could drive donors away.

Sign up for our newsletter to get actionable tips and strategies for nonprofit growth directly to your inbox: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Trisha Brauer, leveraging years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, explains how to address challenges like donor gatekeeping, hesitations to “pick up the phone,” and how nonprofits unwittingly treat donors like ATMs instead of valued partners. From the importance of building deeper donor relationships to powerful ways to thank and engage your supporters, this conversation takes a deep dive into the common pitfalls nonprofits need to overcome. You’ll also explore how clear communication and personalized stewardship can increase donations at every level.

Need help with your fundraising strategy? We offer FREE nonprofit coaching to help your organization succeed. Get started here: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

Discover the 4 major mistakes nonprofits make: ignoring relationships, being afraid to ask, failing to communicate value, and skipping donor follow-up. If these sound familiar, this episode will help you take actionable steps to fix them and create long-lasting donor connections. Don’t just fundraise, build a community of loyal supporters.

Listen to “Hey Nonprofits” Episode 20 today and learn how nonprofits thrive by mastering donor engagement with tips and expert insights from Trisha Brauer.

✈️ Do your donors like to travel? Allow them to spend their travel budgets to have a great vacation, AND fund your nonprofit! Reserve an item here https://hgafundraising.com/

💡 Sign up to our newsletter to receive weekly fundraising tips:

https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Need help with fundraising? We offer FREE non-profit coaching 👇

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

Chapters:

0:00 Introduction: Understanding the $2,500 Tipping Point

2:07 Why Tough Conversations Are Essential for Major Gifts

3:29 Breaking Gatekeeping: Empowering Fundraisers to Succeed

5:16 Personalizing Donor Stewardship: The Difference It Makes

7:57 Hospitality in Fundraising: Lessons from Ritz-Carlton

14:42 Building Long-Term Donor Trust Through Connection

18:28 Simplifying Fundraising Events: Less Is More

25:00 Modern Fundraising Themes That Engage and Delight

28:10 Auction Secrets: Timing and Strategy for Success

33:10 Pre-Commitment Strategies: Securing Funds Early

36:11 Top Revenue Enhancers: Golden Tickets & Mystery Pulls

39:10 Final Thoughts: Fostering Donor Loyalty