What's the one thing Michael Jordan and every successful nonprofit have in common? It’s the single most important investment for your nonprofit's growth, yet most leaders overlook it.

On this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson sits down with former NFL player and fundraising expert Reggie Rivers to reveal why coaching is the key to continuous growth. They discuss how finding the right coach can transform your leadership, improve your team, and help you ask for money with confidence. Reggie also shares common mistakes nonprofits make at fundraising events that could be costing you thousands in donations. This conversation offers powerful advice for any leader looking to build a stronger organization and raise more support for their mission.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

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

Connect with Reggie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggierivers/

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

💙 *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 - Why Every Leader Needs a Coach

2:20 - Reggie Rivers' "Welcome to the NFL" Moment

3:51 - How A Former NFL Player Sizes You Up

5:55 - The Most Overlooked Key to Success

7:02 - How to Find a Coach as an Adult

8:17 - How Your Employees Can Be Your Best Coaches

9:54 - The Hardest Thing for a Founder to Do

12:00 - The Fastest Way to Grow Your Organization

13:05 - Stop Correcting Your Team & Let Them Cook

14:10 - How Reggie Rivers Got Into Fundraising

15:32 - How to Use Your Platform for Good

18:02 - The Biggest Fear for Most Fundraisers

21:15 - The Secret to Asking for Money

22:20 - The #1 Thing Your Audience Responds To

24:35 - Are Your Donors Waiting for You to Ask?

28:42 - Why Fundraising Events Are More Crucial Than Ever

30:33 - What Is a Charity's Biggest Blind Spot?

38:00 - Are You Nickel-and-Diming Your Donors?

40:37 - The Biggest Mistake Fundraisers Make

44:56 - 3 Simple Tips for a Better Paddle Raise

47:44 - The Most Common Mistake with Bid Paddles

51:51 - How Trevor Nelson and HGA Started