Is your nonprofit run more like a passion project than a business? A former Silicon Valley CTO reveals why that mindset is costing you donations and limiting your impact. This isn't about choosing mission over money. It's about using smart business strategy to fuel that mission.

On this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson sits down with Christa Stelzmuller, the Chief Technology Officer of Charity: Water. Christa shares how she applies powerful lessons from the for-profit world to the nonprofit sector. Learn how to think about your donors as consumers, why technology is not a cost center but your greatest tool for growth, and how simple changes in your fundraising approach can lead to incredible results. This conversation provides a clear roadmap for any nonprofit leader looking to increase their funding and make a bigger difference.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Christa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cstelzmuller/

Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

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

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

0:48 - Meet the Silicon Valley CTO Helping Nonprofits

1:37 - What is Charity: Water?

2:15 - This Global Crisis is Actually Solvable

3:44 - Why Building a Well is Not Enough

5:07 - How They Plan to Double 18 Years of Work in 5

7:29 - Their Genius "100% Model" You Should Steal

10:10 - How to Make a $20 Donor Feel Like a Million Bucks

11:26 - Using Tech to Tell a Better Story

13:30 - Data vs. Heart: Reporting Both Sides of Your Impact

15:23 - You're a Non-Profit, Not a Charity Case

16:06 - The #1 Mindset Shift: Your Donors are Consumers

18:15 - Why a Top Tech Exec Left Silicon Valley

20:33 - Is Your Non-Profit a "Cost Center" or an Investment?

22:01 - The 3 Main Jobs of a Non-Profit CTO

23:27 - You MUST Have a CRM

25:20 - How to Make the Jump from For-Profit to Non-Profit

27:05 - How to Connect with Charity: Water