Nonprofit Lowdown

I sat down with my friend Glennda Testone, CEO of the Nonprofit Leadership Lab, to talk about what we're both seeing across the sector right now: burnout, funding uncertainty, increasing demand for services, and nonprofit leaders trying to do more with less.

It's easy to get caught up in the anxiety of the moment, but one thing became crystal clear in our conversation: the organizations that will weather this season best are the ones investing in relationships.

We talked about why individual donors matter more than ever, the risks of relying too heavily on grants and government funding, and why fundraising is ultimately about human connection not transactions.

We also got into some hot takes on galas, donor behavior, AI, and what nonprofit leaders should be focusing on when everything feels uncertain.

If you've been wondering how to navigate the current fundraising landscape, I think you'll find this conversation both grounding and encouraging.

Important Links:

Nonprofit Leadership Lab: https://nonprofitleadershiplab.com/?wickedsource=google&wickedid=Cj0KCQjw0JnRBhDJARIsALobnXYMR6sg7UyNnriy98C0t1QkwFu8XqFOpgP5qXL4hJB-Ly5wREp22jYaAlXLEALw_wcB&w_adid=733701107251&w_campaignid=22263756844&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=22263756844&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22263756844&gclid=Cj0KCQjw0JnRBhDJARIsALobnXYMR6sg7UyNnriy98C0t1QkwFu8XqFOpgP5qXL4hJB-Ly5wREp22jYaAlXLEALw_wcB

One of my favorite parts of this work is watching nonprofit leaders grow into fundraisers not because they become slick salespeople, but because they discover that fundraising is really about relationships.

That's exactly what happened with my guest this week, Andrew Murphy.

When Andrew stepped into the Executive Director role at the Wisconsin Inmate Education Association, he inherited an incredible mission and a passionate community of supporters. What he didn't inherit was a fundraising system. Like so many nonprofit leaders, he found himself staring at a donor list, sending emails, making phone calls, and wondering what he was supposed to do next.

Over the last two years, I've had the privilege of working alongside Andrew as he built a fundraising program from the ground up. In this conversation, he shares what changed when he stopped thinking about fundraising as asking people for money and started thinking about it as inviting people into a meaningful partnership.

We talk about the donor survey strategy that became the foundation of his work, how prison tours helped supporters connect directly with the mission, and why building genuine relationships created more sustainable results than any fundraising tactic ever could.

What I love most about Andrew's story is that it isn't about a magic formula. It's about having a system, staying consistent, and leading with authenticity.

And the results speak for themselves. WIEA has nearly doubled its individual giving, created a stronger pipeline of supporters, and moved from worrying about making budget to dreaming about what's possible next.

If you've ever felt like you're making fundraising up as you go, if you've inherited a donor program without a roadmap, or if you're tired of operating from a place of scarcity and uncertainty, I think you're going to find a lot of encouragement in this conversation.

Enjoy my conversation with Andrew Murphy.

Important Links:

Ever feel like your major gifts program is held together by spreadsheets, good intentions, and crossed fingers?

This week, I'm joined by my client and friend Amy Lester, Major Gifts Officer at Polar Bears International, for a candid behind-the-scenes look at how she transformed her fundraising program in just over a year.

When Amy started, she inherited a portfolio, a giant spreadsheet of prospects, and what she lovingly calls a "hope strategy." Fast forward 15 months, and she's exceeded her fundraising goal by more than $400,000, doubled major donor gifts, increased her conversion rate from 40% to 84%, and brought in 19 new major donors.

My favorite takeaway? Amy's shift from feeling overwhelmed and reactive to confident and strategic. That's the magic of having a system.

If you're sitting on a portfolio full of potential and wondering how to turn donor relationships into real revenue growth, this episode is packed with practical lessons you can apply immediately.

Important Links:

This episode honestly changed the way I think about planned giving.

I sat down with Tess Conrad and walked away realizing that planned giving isn’t just for giant institutions with fancy development teams. Tess made the case that even small nonprofits can start building a legacy giving program—and that some of your best future donors may already be quietly sitting in your database.

We talked about why loyal donors matter more than wealthy ones, why monthly donors are often ideal planned giving prospects, and how relationships, not complicated financial knowledge, are really at the heart of this work.

One thing that really stuck with me: the average estate gift is around $50,000, and many of those gifts come from people who never made huge annual donations during their lifetime.

If you’ve ever thought, “We’re too small for planned giving,” this conversation is for you.

Important Links:

In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sat down with Janine Quijije to talk about AI but probably not in the way you’re used to hearing about it.

Instead of asking, “How can AI help us do more?” Janine asks a much more important question: How can AI help us preserve our energy and prevent burnout?

We talk about the reality of being overextended in the nonprofit sector, the pressure to constantly produce, and how AI can actually help us create more sustainable ways of working. One of my favorite takeaways was Janine’s simple exercise of uploading your calendar into ChatGPT and asking it to audit how you’re spending your energy. The results? A little confronting… and incredibly helpful.

This episode is really a reminder that your worth is not tied to how exhausted you are.

My Ai Analysis Report: Your export contained 239 campaigns, but most showed 100% open rates against tiny send

counts — those are automated/triggered sends (welcome flows, single-recipient sends), not list

broadcasts. I filtered to campaigns sent to at least 500 people, which isolated 43 real

broadcasts to your full list (median list size ~6,400).

For each subject line, I tagged structural features (length, emoji, punctuation, opening word,

presence of 'you/your', sender voice, editorial framing, etc.) and compared the top 11 and

bottom 11 performers to identify what actually correlates with open rate on your list specifically

Important Links:

This episode felt personal for me because I’ve been watching so many development directors quietly disappear from organizations lately. And honestly? It’s not just about burnout or “bad hires.” Most of the time, it’s a systems problem.

In this episode, I’m unpacking the two biggest reasons development directors leave, what it’s really costing nonprofits when they do, and why so many organizations are unknowingly operating without the infrastructure needed to sustain fundraising success.

If you’re an ED, board member, or fundraiser, this conversation is your reminder that busy does not always mean effective and that great people cannot thrive in broken systems forever.

Important Links:

This episode felt personal—because it is.

In honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, I sat down with Lauren Carson (Black Girls Smile) and April Walker (Philanthropy for the People), and we got real about what’s actually happening right now—in our work, in our communities, and in our bodies.

If I’m honest, it feels like a lot. And I know I’m not the only one.

We talked about how the pressure out in the world—politics, funding cuts, constant uncertainty—is showing up in our mental health. Especially for Black women and girls, who are so often expected to just… keep going.

And then there’s the funding piece. The promises that didn’t last. The lack of transparency. The constant hustle. It’s exhausting—and it’s impacting how we show up as leaders, as teammates, as humans.

One thing that really stuck with me:
We talk a lot about resilience as “pushing through,” but not enough about healing. And without healing, what are we actually sustaining?

So here’s what I’m taking with me this month:

• Rest isn’t a reward—it’s necessary (even in small moments between meetings)
• I don’t have to do everything—just focus on what actually matters
• My inner voice matters—if I’m resting but still beating myself up, that’s not rest
• And honestly… sometimes the most powerful thing I can do is just breathe

If there’s one thing I’d invite you to do this month, it’s this:
Tell yourself the truth about how you’re actually doing—and give yourself a little more space to be human.

We’re all figuring this out. And you don’t have to do it alone.

Important Links:

We’re diving into a topic I have a serious love-hate relationship with: wealth screening. My guest is Tina Duong, founder of Impact ProTech and a 25+ year fundraising veteran. And let me tell you she has thoughts.

We’re getting into what wealth screens get wrong, why fundraisers rely on them too much, and what you actually need to know to identify the right donors.

Let’s dig in.

Important Links:

I hear this all the time: “Why won’t my board fundraise?” And I get it—it’s frustrating. But here’s the truth I’ve learned: it’s usually not because they don’t care. It’s because no one ever showed them a version of fundraising that feels human.

Most board members think fundraising means awkwardly asking friends for money. Of course they avoid it. When we shift the definition to something more relational—making introductions, building connections, saying “join me”—everything starts to soften.

We also have to talk about the money stuff. The beliefs we all carry about money? They don’t magically disappear just because someone joined a board. Creating space to unpack that can be a game changer.

A few things that really move the needle:

• Everyone gives something—it creates ownership
• Make fundraising visible and celebrate the effort
• Be specific: don’t ask for “help,” ask for responsibility
• Create real connection between board members

And I’ll be honest—changing board culture takes time. Some people will lean in, some won’t. But when it clicks? When your board actually wants to bring people in? There’s nothing more powerful.

If this is something you’re working through, you’re not alone—and there is a way forward.

Important Links:

I’ve been in this sector for over 20 years, and I keep seeing the same thing:

Great fundraisers don’t stay.

And it’s not because they don’t care—it’s because we’re asking them to be the system.

They’re holding donor relationships, strategy, and next steps all in their heads… and when they leave, everything leaves with them.

That’s not a people problem. It’s a systems problem.

In this episode, I talk about why burnout keeps happening, the real cost of turnover, and why hiring “better” fundraisers won’t fix it.

Because the truth is:

You don’t rise to the level of your goals—you fall to the level of your systems.

If this sounds familiar, I’m hosting a free webinar:

Stop Flying Blind: Fix Your Leaky Fundraising System

I’ll walk you through a simple 6-part audit to help you find what’s broken and fix it.

Important Links:

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately: before you even say a word, your donor can feel you. Your energy—your calm, your stress, your urgency—it all shows up in the conversation.

In this episode, I’m making the case that equanimity isn’t just a nice-to-have… it’s a real fundraising strategy. Because when you’re anxious or rushing to “get it right,” donors feel that—and they pull back. But when you show up grounded and curious? Everything shifts.

Especially right now, when the world feels loud and uncertain, your donors don’t need more urgency. They need someone steady. Someone who’s actually there to understand them—not just make an ask.

A few things I’m practicing:

• Preparing to listen, not perform

• Taking a quick pause to check my own state before calls

• Trusting my system so I’m not operating from panic

If there’s one thing I want you to take away, it’s this: your presence is your pitch.

Show up calm. Stay curious. That’s the work.

Important Links:

What happens when your nonprofit gets featured by Oprah?

This week, I sat down with Kyle Woody to talk about his “Oprah moment”—and why it didn’t instantly change everything the way you might think.

We got into the deeper story behind his work supporting male caregivers (who are often invisible, even to themselves), and how shifting his focus to real relationships—not big events or big hype—completely changed his approach to fundraising.

The conversation that stayed with me most? This reminder:

You are worthy of your own compassion.

Whether you’re leading a nonprofit or caring for someone you love, you don’t have to do it alone.

Important Links:

What if your fundraising challenges aren’t really about strategy—but about culture?

In this episode, I sit down with Marcia Beckner to unpack how trust, safety, and leadership shape everything—from team performance to donor relationships.

We dig into why fear holds fundraisers back, how toxic team members quietly drain revenue, and what it actually takes to build a culture where people (and fundraising) thrive.

Important Links:

In this episode, I sit down with fundraising strategist Maria Rio, founder of Further Together Fundraising and host of the Small Nonprofit Podcast. Maria brings a powerful perspective to the conversation—not only as a longtime fundraiser, but as someone who once relied on nonprofit services herself after arriving in Canada as a refugee.

We talk about one of the most important questions in fundraising today: How do we tell stories that inspire giving without exploiting the people we serve?

Important Links:

Capital campaigns sound exciting—big vision, big gifts, big impact. But they’re also one of the most misunderstood parts of fundraising.

In this episode, I sat down with my friend Amy Eisenstein, CEO and co-founder of Capital Campaign Pro, to talk about what a capital campaign actually is, how to know if your organization is ready, and why planning matters far more than people realize.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your nonprofit should launch a campaign—or worried it might cannibalize your annual fund—this conversation is for you.

Important Links:

If a donor has ever gone silent after a few “great” meetings, let me gently suggest:

It’s probably not you. It’s probably qualification.

We move from conversation to cultivation to ask — without getting real, explicit consent to go deeper.

Qualification isn’t a wealth screen or a good vibe.It’s mutual clarity:

• Are we aligned on timing?

• Do you actually want to explore a bigger partnership?

• Did we agree on the next step?

When we skip this, we ask too soon, donors feel surprised, and we start doubting ourselves.

Qualification isn’t a hurdle.It’s respect.

Fix this step, and everything downstream gets easier.

Important Links:

Stop fundraising like you’re buying lottery tickets.

In this episode, I’m breaking down why chasing random donors and one-off opportunities keeps you stuck in scarcity mode—and what to do instead. If your fundraising strategy feels like crossing your fingers and hoping for a miracle, it’s time for a shift.

We’re talking about how to build a signal-driven pipeline—one rooted in consent, clarity, and real relationships. When you focus on signals (who’s engaged, who’s responding, who’s leaning in), you stop wasting time convincing people who were never a fit in the first place.

This isn’t about hype. It’s not about viral moments. And no, Mr. Beast is not coming to save you.

It’s about building a sustainable, repeatable system that works—without burnout or magical thinking.

If this resonates and you want to learn more about creating a consent-based fundraising system, head to riawong.com and sign up for my newsletter. I share details about upcoming webinars where I teach this framework in depth.

Important Links:

I got so much feedback from the last episode about boards that we’re going there again.

Here’s the hot take:

Your board isn’t avoiding fundraising. They’re avoiding embarrassment.

They’re protecting their reputation. Their relationships. Their social capital.

And honestly? I get it.

As an executive director, I remember thinking: “I’m out here writing grants and running events. Can you just call your friends?”

But what I’ve learned—both as a former ED and a board member—is that this isn’t a motivation problem.

It’s a safety problem.

Most board members:

Don’t want to burn trust with friendsDon’t want to look foolishDon’t want to feel transactionalDon’t want to ambush anyone with an ask

When fundraising feels risky, vague, or transactional, they shut down.

So here’s the reframe:

Staff executes. Board de-risks.

Board members aren’t there to run your strategy. They’re there to lend trust.

They don’t need more courage. They need guardrails.

If the role is vague, it becomes optional.

If your board isn’t engaged, don’t guilt them. Design for safety.

When people feel safe, they show up.

Important Links:

Book a Call: 

Real talk: I tried very hard to avoid this episode. Because boards + fundraising can get… messy.

But if we’re serious about major gifts, we can’t keep skipping this conversation.

In this episode, I unpack why boards and executives keep blaming each other for fundraising results and why the real issue usually isn’t effort, motivation, or commitment.

It’s the system.

Most of us are driving a fundraising “car” that was built for a different era. When it breaks down, boards say, “You’re driving wrong,” and executives say, “You’re not giving me enough gas.” Meanwhile, everyone’s exhausted and nothing changes.

If fundraising feels heavy, risky, or dependent on one or two people, this episode is for you.

Bring a partner. Come ready to be honest.No replay because real change needs shared presence.

Let’s stop blaming the driver, the gas, or each other and fix the dang car.

Important Links:

If your fundraising feels scattered, exhausting, or like it all lives in your head, this episode is for you.

In today’s conversation, I’m breaking down why the old fundraising model is no longer working—and why in 2026 we can’t keep relying on vibes, guesswork, or the heroics of one person. Activity isn’t a system, and burnout isn’t a strategy.

I share what it actually looks like to build a donor-driven, consent-based major gift system that replaces pressure with clarity and makes fundraising feel human again.

I’ll leave you with this question:What would change if fundraising stopped living in your head?

Important Links:

This is not a normal episode of Nonprofit Lowdown.

In this one, I’m sharing something deeply personal: my experience with ayahuasca and why it mattered so much to me as a nonprofit leader.

From the outside, my life looked great. The business was working. The mission was working. I was working. But joy wasn’t part of the equation.

I talk about burnout that doesn’t look like collapse—but like numbness. About over-functioning becoming a leadership identity. About how so many of us in the nonprofit sector are competent, ethical, respected… and quietly exhausted.

I share why I chose a medically licensed ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica, and how the experience helped me move from self-surveillance to self-trust.

This episode isn’t about telling you to do ayahuasca. It’s about asking a bigger question:What happens when being “good” replaces being whole?

If you’re a nonprofit leader who feels like the hallway monitor—holding it all together while losing touch with yourself—this one’s for you.

Healing isn’t a detour from leadership. It’s part of it.

Important Links

If your fundraising results depend entirely on one person holding everything together, that's not strategy- that's a vulnerability.

And I see this all the time.

Too many development programs are built on transactional asks, heroic effort, and one exhausted fundraiser keeping the whole thing afloat. That's not sustainable, and it's definitely not the future.

2026 is the year we stop doing fundraising to people and start building consent-based systems that actually work- systems that respect donors, reduce pressure, and create clarity instead of chaos.

That's why I'm hosting a free webinar. No fluff. No vague theory. Just real systems that don't rely on one person's personality or stamina to succeed.

Important Links

Free Webinar:

Nonprofit friends — I’ve been thinking a lot about why so many of us feel exhausted heading into 2026. And honestly? It’s not because we’re lazy or unmotivated. It’s because we’re trying to do everything.

This week on Nonprofit Lowdown, I talk about focus — real focus. Not the kind that adds another priority to the list, but the kind that asks us to choose one thing and let the rest go. The kind that replaces fundraising chaos with clarity, and pressure with consent.

So much of our burnout comes from fundraising theater — lots of motion, not enough impact. And leadership, real leadership, is about subtraction. Saying no. Protecting your energy. Deciding what actually moves the needle and having the courage to stop doing the rest.

If you’re craving a calmer, more intentional way to lead fundraising this year — one that honors your time, your donors, and yourself — this episode is for you.

And if you want to go deeper, I’m hosting a free training on January 21 at 12 PM ET on building a major gift system that feels aligned, focused, and human. No forcing. No chasing. Just clarity.

Important Links:

Free Webinar:

We’re kicking off 2026 with a big conversation—and the perfect guest to start the year.

I’m joined by my friend Cherian Koshy, author of NeuroGiving and Vice President at Hindsight. Cherian’s journey from accidental frontline fundraiser to nonprofit tech founder to bestselling author mirrors so much of what many of us in this sector experience: curiosity, frustration with “best practices,” and a deep desire to do fundraising in a more human way.

In this episode, we dig into why so many traditional fundraising approaches feel off—and what neuroscience and behavioral science can teach us about how people actually make decisions about giving. We talk about generosity, identity, trust, and the mistakes nonprofits make when we over-engineer donations but under-invest in relationships and stewardship.

If you’ve ever felt like fundraising advice wasn’t built for real humans—or real organizations—this conversation is for you.

Happy New Year, and I’m so glad you’re here.

Important Links:

This final episode for 2025 has no tips, no tactics, no strategies.

Just a moment to acknowledge the grief, exhaustion, and weight so many of us—especially in the nonprofit sector—are carrying right now.

If leadership feels heavier than usual…
If fundraising feels harder…
If you’re tired but still showing up anyway…

This episode is for you.

Nonprofits are the quiet machinery of hope. When the world burns, we’re the ones stitching it back together. That work isn’t glamorous, but it matters deeply.

You don’t need to fix the whole world today.
You just need to keep your corner lit.

Give yourself permission to rest, to feel, and then—when you’re ready—to come back steady in 2026. Because hope isn’t passive. Hope is funded.

Happy holidays, friends. Take care of yourselves.
And as always—get that money, honey. 💛

Important Links:

2025 was a pressure cooker year. Tariffs. Funding cuts. Attacks on DEI. AI overload. Donor fatigue. Burnout everywhere.

In this episode, I reflect on what 2025 revealed about leadership, fundraising, and trust—and more importantly, what to do next as we head into 2026.

Here’s what I cover:
- Why burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a structural reality
- The 5 trends that will define successful fundraisers in 2026
- Why quality conversations > mass outreach noise
-Why simplification beats expansion (stop chasing shiny objects)
- How collaboration is the real power move
-And why clarity of identity is the only true moat left

If 2025 left you feeling behind, overwhelmed, or questioning your impact—this episode is your reminder that surviving was the win.

Important Links:

If your Giving Tuesday results felt… underwhelming, you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not too late. In this special episode, I break down the real reasons campaigns flop and show you exactly how to course-correct for your year-end campaign.

Giving Tuesday isn’t the finale.It’s the kickoff to the most important 28 days of your fundraising year.

Important Links:

I’m coming to you the Monday after Thanksgiving, still full of pie and finally catching my breath. I hope you had a moment to rest too, because I know what tomorrow means for so many of us: Giving Tuesday and the sprint to year-end.

If you’re feeling the weight of it all—your goals, your board, the world in general—I just want you to know: I see you. You’re doing meaningful work in a very complicated year. Please give yourself a little grace.

Before you send that Giving Tuesday email, here are three simple things to double-check:

1. Rethink your subject line

2. Don’t rely on just one email

3. Add a real PS and invite repliesBonus: Make your donate button obvious. People skim. Help them.

I’m hosting a free year-end reflection + 2026 planning session for newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to join, the signup link is in the show notes.

You’re not alone in this. You’re doing great work. Now go out there and raise what you can—and let the rest go.

Important Links:

Year-End Major Gifts Sprint Workshop:

In this episode, I get real about the biggest pain point every fundraiser knows too well: we’re drowning in admin and not spending nearly enough time building real relationships. I share why most of us feel burned out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the work we came here to do.

I talk about my own journey as an accidental fundraiser and how AI would’ve saved me years of stress. Today, AI can help us clear inboxes, prep for donor meetings, draft campaigns, and take back precious time if we use it ethically and keep humans in the loop.

I walk you through the real concerns (bias, data, hallucinations), why mission-driven leaders must have a seat at the AI table, and how even saving 15 minutes a day adds up to days of reclaimed time for actual donor relationships.

Before diving into any tools, I guide you through identifying where your fundraising pipeline is leaking so AI can solve the right problems.

This episode is all about freeing yourself from drudgery so you can do the human, mission-centered work you’re meant to do.

Important Links:

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m sharing a juicy slice of one of my free live webinars—and trust me, this isn’t your typical “Giving Tuesday tips” vibe.

Instead of talking about social posts, I break down how to turn Giving Tuesday into a major donor discovery day. Yep. One day. Major donor pipeline. Let’s go.

• Why Giving Tuesday is secretly one of the BEST moments to surface major donor prospects.
  

• The wild fact that 3% of your Giving Tuesday audience could literally fund your next program—and how to spot them.
  

• The real difference between annual donors and major donors (and why treating everyone the same is costing you).
  

• How to use simple “signals” to catch the folks who are quietly watching your work and ready to step up.
  

• Why in-person meetings boost your major gift success by 70%—and how to book more of them during year-end.
  

• Exactly how I segment donors into Lane A (annual givers) and Lane B (top 30 major prospects) without burning out.
  

• Wins from my students who’ve skyrocketed year-end revenue and landed surprise 5-figure gifts.

Major donors often self-cultivate and self-solicit. Your job is to create the right conditions so they raise their hands. This episode shows you how to turn Giving Tuesday traffic into real conversations and transformational gifts.

This episode features just a portion of my free webinar. If you want the full session—plus more tools to grow your major gift program

Inside the Episode: Why You’ll Want to Listen:Want More Trainings Like This?

Important Links:

If you’ve been listening to me for a while, maybe caught one of my trainings, or you’re on my email list, this is your nudge: now is the time to work with me on your major gift strategy.

I only have 20 spots left between now and the end of 2025 in my Big Ask Gift Program, and prices will increase in 2026.

Let’s be real — one of the biggest blockers I see when folks reach out to me is their board. Maybe they say, “We only have $1,000 for professional development,” or they hesitate because they can’t see the ROI clearly.

In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m walking you through exactly how to make the case to your board — with plain numbers, clear ROI, and a ready-to-forward approval packet that gets a yes fast.

Your donors are being spoken to — the only question is, by who? Let’s make sure it’s you, with a clear, confident strategy.

Important Links:

We’re counting down to Giving Tuesday, and my good friend Jess Campbell is dropping ALL the fundraising wisdom you need to finish the year strong.

She’s the queen of email 👑 — but in this convo, Jess goes way beyond inbox strategy to share the “do this, not that” of end-of-year campaigns.

From securing a match donor (“matches are magic!” ✨) to building real momentum before December 31, this episode is your Giving Tuesday survival guide.

Important Links:

We’re in what I like to call the Super Bowl of fundraising — that mad sprint to December 31st. Before you pour all your time and energy into your year-end campaign, I want to make sure you’re not losing money through hidden leaks in your donor funnel.

In this episode, I break down the four biggest leaks that cost nonprofits thousands every year — and how to fix them before the giving rush begins:
1️⃣ Acquisition – why prospects might not even be paying attention to you.
2️⃣ Conversion – how a confusing donation page can kill your momentum.
3️⃣ Upgrade – the missed opportunities right under your nose.
4️⃣ Retention – the biggest leak of them all.

Plus, I’m sharing a free Holiday Giving Readiness Checklist to help you plug those leaks and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.

Important Links:

As we sprint toward the Super Bowl of fundraising — year-end giving — let’s talk about something that too many of us overlook: stewardship.

Recently, I joined a K-Pop Demon Hunters singalong with 250 strangers in a rainy Brooklyn room. Did I hit the right notes? Nope. Did it matter? Also nope.

Because we created something beautiful together. And that’s what fundraising should feel like.

It’s not about getting money. It’s about creating moments — real, human, magical moments of connection.

When we shift from being resource extractors to facilitators of meaning, something incredible happens:

💡 Donors stop ghosting.
💡 Conversations get deeper.
💡 Giving becomes joyful — for everyone.

If fundraising feels like a grind, remember:
"Pressure is a privilege." You get to connect people to purpose. You get to lead with values. You get to create magic.

Want to create better donor experiences? Apply for a donor growth evaluation call .

https://go.rheawong.com/application

Important Links:

I sat down with Stephanie Roth and Haley Bash, co-authors of the updated Accidental Fundraiser, and we got into what it really means to fundraise when you didn’t plan on it—and maybe don’t feel totally ready for it.

We talked about:

• Why so many people still feel uncomfortable asking for money

• How house parties can be more effective (and fun) than galas

• The power of tapping your volunteers as donors

• Fundraising as a form of community organizing

• And why trying to ask everyone for everything never works

One thing I loved: You don’t need fancy tools or big events to raise real money. A solid list, a clear plan, and authentic relationships can take you far.

This episode is full of practical advice and encouragement—especially if you’re building the plane while flying it. You’re not alone.

Important Links:

I’m so excited about this episode with the amazing Erika Carley, Chief Impact Officer at National Angels (and one of the smartest donor retention minds I know).

If you’ve ever said, “We just need more donors,” STOP. What you really need is to keep the donors you already have — and Erica is here to show us how.

In this episode, we dive deep into:
✨ Why donor retention should be your first priority
✨ The “golden donation” (spoiler: it’s the second gift)
✨ How to make donors feel something — and why that matters
✨ Real stewardship strategies: handwritten cards, voice memos, texts, stickers… even angel wings!
✨ What it means to create belonging for your donors

One of my favorite takeaways? It’s not about the number of stewardship touches — it’s about the quality and the consistency. And yes, we even talk about ghosting donors… and being ghosted 😬

If you do nothing else this year, please — I beg you — look at your donor retention numbers. This episode will give you the tools (and hopefully the inspiration) to turn those numbers around.

Important Links:

This week, I’m chatting with my brilliant friend Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency and my go-to tech guru. We’re talking all things tech stacks — the good, the bad, and the painfully expensive.

In this episode, we dig into:
✅ Why so many nonprofit tech setups are a hot mess
✅ What tools are actually worth the money and time
✅ The hidden costs (staff time, training, maintenance, etc.)
✅ How to build a Lego-style tech stack that actually works together
✅ Donor experience tips, especially for recurring giving
✅ Why there’s no such thing as the perfect CRM

I also share some real talk: if you feel behind on tech, you’re not alone and you’re not deficient — the world has changed fast, and we’re all just trying to keep up.

This one is jam-packed with practical insights, a few strong opinions, and some solid laughs. If you’re an ED, fundraiser, ops person, or anyone just trying to make your tech stack less painful — this one’s for you.

Important Links:

It’s year-end giving season — and if your strategy still relies on wealth screens and spray-and-pray asks, it’s time for a reset.

On this week’s Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m joined by my friend (and fan favorite) Greg Warner, CEO of MarketSmart, to talk about why trust is your only currency — and how we’re getting it so, so wrong.

💥 Why wealth screens can backfire

💥 How trust has eroded across generations

💥 The myths of donor pyramids and "burn and churn" fundraising

💥 The real role of tech and transparency in major giving

💥 And the one mindset shift that will transform your entire fundraising approach

If you’re ready to stop extracting and start building partnerships with your donors, this episode is for you.

Important Links:

This week on Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m joined by my business bestie and returning favorite, Brooke Richie-Babbage — strategist, executive, founder of Bending Arc, and all-around AI powerhouse.

We’re diving deep into how AI is actually being used in the nonprofit space — beyond the hype.

We discuss:

• How AI can support (but not replace) your thinking
  

• Use cases for AI in finance, fundraising, and data analysis
  

• Tools for donor segmentation and engagement
  

• Why donor trust and ethical data use matter more than ever
  

• How to create guardrails, policies, and inclusive practices around AI
  

We also talk about the messy but necessary process of innovation, how to lead AI adoption with integrity, and why nonprofits must be part of the AI conversation — or risk being left behind.

If you're curious about AI but unsure where to start, this one’s packed with insights, real examples, and practical tools you can use right away.

Important Links:

I’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Mitch Stein, now Head of Strategy at Chariot, and we’re breaking down the truth about Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) — what they are, how they work, and what nonprofits are getting wrong about them.

Here's what we cover:

• What a DAF actually is (and no, it's not just for the ultra-wealthy)
  

• Why $250 billion is just sitting in DAFs right now — and how to access it
  

• How to stop losing donors due to missed acknowledgments and poor data practices
  

• Why building trust (not chasing fund managers) is key to unlocking DAF dollars
  

• One truly cringeworthy story from my ED days that still haunts me (you’ll want to avoid this mistake)
  

If you’re in development, major gifts, or even running a small shop, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you tap into this growing funding source.

Important Links:

This episode is a juicy one. I’m joined by my pal Nate Wong. Nate is a partner at The Bridgespan Group and co-author of a recent white paper, “AI Cannot Be Ignored,” which dives deep into the opportunities (and responsibilities!) that AI presents to nonprofits and the broader social sector.

With the Fundraising.AI conference around the corner—where I’ll be speaking, by the way—this conversation couldn’t come at a better time.

This episode was both energizing and sobering. AI isn’t just about saving time—it’s about making space for what matters: human connection, meaningful strategy, and real impact. But we can’t be passive. We have to actively shape how AI shows up in our work—and that starts by engaging with it, not avoiding it.

Important Links:

In this special episode, I host my powerhouse 10X crew for an energetic roundtable on one of the nonprofit sector’s most important seasons: end-of-year fundraising.

The conversation covers:

• The fundraising landscape in 2025

• How to use AI and automation without losing the human touch

• Maintaining donor trust

• The importance of mid-level donor strategy

• Zigging when others zag (analog in a digital world)

• How to audit and prep your tech stack

• Why major gifts still matter—and take time

Whether you're a small shop with limited resources or a seasoned fundraiser navigating a changing landscape, this episode is packed with practical insights, tools, and strategies to supercharge your year-end campaign.

Important Links:

I am so excited to drop this convo with my friend and powerhouse guest, Tisha Hyter.

We’re talking all about something I’m totally obsessed with right now: the Primetime Woman – women aged 45–65 who are stepping into their full power, purpose, and philanthropic influence.

Tisha and I go deep on:

💥 What it means to be a Primetime Woman
💰 Why this group is the most philanthropic cohort in history
👯‍♀️ How women are giving in community and using their skills – not just writing checks
👀 Why we’re DONE with the BS and want real impact and real connection
⚰️ And yep… I said it: the big gala is dead. (Long live pickleball tournaments & purpose-driven tea parties!)

Tisha shares her own journey – from sales and marketing to sleigh-at-home mom (yes, sleigh 💅) to nonprofit leader – and how turning 50 became her "locker room moment" to reimagine the second half of life.

As a proud Primetime Woman myself, this one felt personal. If you’re a nonprofit leader wondering how to tap into this powerful group of donors (and avoid turning them off), this episode is for you.

Important Links:

Welcome back to Nonprofit Lowdown — I'm Rhea Wong, and today you're getting the raw, unfiltered replay of the power session I co-led with my ride-or-die, Brooke Ritchie-Babbage, at AFP’s Fundraising Day in NYC.

Here’s what we unpack:

✅ The ONE written give/get policy that shuts down the “I don’t fundraise” excuse.

✅ Our 2x2 skills map that sorts your board in 10 minutes flat. ✅ Real-world tools: board report cards, mini dinner salons, and a no-guilt off-ramp that gets even the most reluctant board members into gear.

✅ PLUS: how to rewrite the money stories that keep smart people stuck — and the questions that flip the script fast.

Enough talk. Let’s build a board that raises real money. 🎙️💸

Important Links:

This week, I’m joined by the ever-brilliant Connor Kirkpatrick, Director of Development at Book Harvest.

Connor’s a proud alum of my Big Ask Big Give program, and in this convo we go deep on:
-Going from 8 to 24 major donors in 2 years
-Using data + automation to build a scalable fundraising engine
-What it really means to build a culture of philanthropy

💥 Connor proves that when you mix solid strategy with bold authenticity, fundraising magic happens.

Important Links:

I had the real pleasure of sitting down with my brilliant friend Anysa Holder, Chief Advancement Officer at Easterseals NJ, on the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown. 🙌🏽

We covered so much ground, including:
💥 What it’s like to stay in the nonprofit sector for 15+ years
💥 The emotional labor of fundraising (especially as women of color)
💥 Unpacking money trauma and mindset
💥 Why board training needs a major upgrade—and how Anysa’s leading that charge
💥 How to avoid burnout while staying mission-driven

One of my favorite things Anysa said?
👉🏽 “The whole job is unpacking stuff… because it’s relational.”

We laughed, got deep, and got real about what it takes to do this work and still stay grounded.

If you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or just trying to do meaningful work without losing yourself—this one is for you.

Important Links:

If you’re ready to stop guessing and start converting—join me live on July 23.🎯 The Donor Reckoning™ is where real pipeline repair starts.

There’s No fluff. No replay. Just results.

Don’t lose your biggest future gifts to silence. 

Join me live on July 23 for The Donor Reckoning™.

I’ll give you the tools to rebuild your trust sequence, so you can see massive results for the rest of the year!