Hey Nonprofits!

HGA Fundraising
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The 'Hey Nonprofits!' podcast is here to help fundraisers and event professionals Raise More Money. Each week, we bring on an industry expert to highlight important tips and strategies, and you can use them effectively to grow your organization. Whether you simply need help communicating with donors or need advanced tactics with setting up live auctions and fundraising events—host Trevor Nelson is here to guide you toward success. Be sure to tune in for a new episode every Tuesday! Brought to you by HGA Fundraising.

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Why 3 Events in a Row Creates Lifelong Donors | Emily Preble

    Most nonprofits measure events by one number: how much they raised. Emily Preble thinks that's the wrong starting point.Emily is a fundraising consultant and professional auctioneer based in Austin, and in this episode she walks through the question she asks every client before planning an event — and it has nothing to do with the goal. Trevor and Emily get into why more attendees doesn't mean more money, how to turn corporate-table guests into lifelong donors, the post-event gratitude strategy most orgs skip, and the research-backed reason three consecutive events matter more than almost anything else you'll do.Chapters: 00:00 Intro00:37 Celebrating Tom: The Heart of Our Team03:37 Emily Preble: A Passion for Fundraising05:03 The Role of Consulting in Nonprofit Success07:05 Understanding Event Goals Beyond Fundraising09:01 Engaging New Attendees and Building Lasting Relationships14:08 Reviving Energy in Fundraising Events18:14 Importance of Community and Connection21:33 Long-Term Goals in Fundraising 24:25 Gratitude and Recognition27:00 Rapid Fire Insights on Fundraising30:45 Closing Thoughts and Future ConnectionsHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Book Emily for an event: https://www.emilyprebleauctions.com/Connect with Emily on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilypreble/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/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/

    33 min

  2. 12 MAY

    The Silent Auction Mistake Costing You Revenue | Phil Sanger

    Most nonprofits think more silent auction items = more money. Phil Sanger has spent 15+ years proving the opposite. In this episode, Phil, founder of HelloFund and an OG in the fundraising tech space since 2009, joins Trevor to break down what's actually working at galas right now and what's quietly killing revenue. We cover: → Why the "espresso machine in the silent auction" mindset is costing you donors → The bid paddle mistake auctioneers hate (and the better way to land that sponsorship) → Closing your silent auction AFTER the event — and why it's making orgs more money → Using the silent auction to test future live auction items (and identify new major donors) → The check-in data you need 3 days before your event to avoid a slow line at the door → Why nonprofit turnover is leading to "paralysis by analysis" — and how to lead through it → "Software works WITH people, not instead of them" — what AI actually means for fundraisers Whether you're raising $25K or $1M+ at your next gala, this one's worth your time. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:33 The Role of Software in Nonprofits 02:52 Phil Sanger's Journey and HelloFund 06:27 Challenges in the Nonprofit Sector 07:33 Leadership and Decision-Making in Nonprofits 11:08 Simplifying Processes for Better Outcomes 14:36 Maximizing Auction Effectiveness 16:28 Silent Auction Strategies 22:00 Streamlining Check-In and Check-Out 24:49 Closing Silent Auctions for More Revenue 26:46 Final Thoughts and Future Opportunities 28:35 BONUSHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/ 🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗 Phil's Website HelloFund: https://www.hellofund.com/ Connect with Phil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/philsanger/ Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/ 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/

    34 min

  3. 5 MAY

    After 2,000 Galas, Here's What Actually Makes Donors Give More | Rob Giardinelli

    Rob Giardinelli has attended over 2,000 fundraising galas. In this episode, he breaks down what actually moves donors to give more, why "events are dead" is bad advice, and the guest experience details most nonprofits completely miss.Rob is the founder of robgiardinelli.com and host of the Fun in Fundraising podcast. After 15 years chronicling top galas across Texas and the country, he advises nonprofits on optimizing the guest experience—the gap between what event planners and auctioneers do.What you'll learn:Why post-COVID donors are more selective and how to earn their timeThe 3-legged stool every successful gala needs (and how to spot when it's broken)Why messaging has to happen in the room, not just in the inviteHow major gifts, development, and gala teams should actually work togetherThe real determiner of whether someone becomes a lifelong supporterWhy "what works in Houston won't work in Austin" (and what that means for your event)Chapters:00:00 Like & Subscribe :)00:45 Trevor and Rob catch up03:49 Rob's path from tech to fundraising08:39 What's changed about donors since COVID11:03 Why every city fundraises differently14:08 Treat your gala like a business17:20 "Events are dead" pushback24:30 STOP competing internally26:55 How to get the messaging right31:22 3-events rule for lifelong donors33:12 Rob's advice: don't make fundraising harder than it needs to beHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗 Check out Rob's podcast: https://funinfundraising.podbean.com/ Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgiardinelli/Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/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/

    36 min

  4. 28 APR

    The Small Things Costing Your Gala BIG Money

    Max Wolf has spent nearly a decade auctioneering fundraising events, and he's seen the patterns that separate the galas that crush it from the ones that fall flat. In this episode, Max and Trevor get into: – How one event lost 65% of its fundraising by replacing the paddle raise with self-checkout text-to-give – The question every nonprofit needs to answer honestly: "Is this a party or a fundraiser?" – Why a 20-minute mission speaker can sink your entire night (and the cake analogy that explains why) – The "fishing moment" that quietly raises an extra $5K — $100K above your anchor gift – Why volunteer auctioneers are the real competition, not other pros — and when that math actually changes – The biggest shift Max has seen post-COVID and what it means for your event strategy Plus, Max is giving away his Auction Playbook for free — built from 10 years of seeing what works and what doesn't. Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/ 🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/ Connect with Max on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfauctiongroup/ Book Max for an Event: https://www.wolfauctiongroup.com/ 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/

    40 min

  5. 21 APR

    Consignment Fundraising: What Every Nonprofit Should Know Before Their Next Gala

    Are consignment items hurting your nonprofit auction — or are you leaving serious money on the table by not using them?In this episode, Trevor Nelson sits down with fundraising auctioneer Dan Lyles to set the record straight about consignment travel packages in nonprofit fundraising.Together they break down what actually works, what to avoid, and how to double (or even triple) your live auction revenue without cannibalizing your Fund a Need.What you'll learn:- What consignment actually is (and the working definition every nonprofit should know)- How to sell the same item multiple times in one live auction- Why consignment doesn't steal from your fund-a-need- How to structure a 5-7 item live auction for maximum revenue- The "no exposure" model — and why there's no risk if items don't sell- Red flags when choosing a consignment partner- How to use consignment items to identify new mid-level and major donors- Why the donor experience post-event matters more than the sale itself- How to market consignment items pre-event to pack the room with ready buyersChapters:00:00 Intro00:37 Setting the Stage for Consignment Conversations03:30 Understanding Consignment: Definitions and Examples06:57 The Role of Consignment in a Fundraising Event10:10 Maximizing Auction Success with Consignment Items13:58 No Risk, No Exposure: The Benefits of Consignment19:53 Identifying Potential Bidders and Auction Strategies25:32 The Importance of Donor Experience28:25 Choosing the Right Consignment Partner38:30 Using Experiences as Marketing Tools42:25 BONUSHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Connect with Dan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lyles/Book Dan for your event: https://danlylesauctions.com/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/

    52 min

  6. 7 APR

    Why Event Timing Is Make-or-Break for Fundraising Success

    Most nonprofit events run too long — and it's costing you donations. In this webinar, event strategist Reggie Rivers and expert auctioneer Matt Roben break down why shorter, more focused events consistently raise more money than marathon galas. Reggie shares the neuroscience behind donor attention spans, why 9 PM is the critical cutoff for fundraising asks, and how his organization increased revenue by cutting their event time in half. Matt and Reggie also tackle sponsorship models that actually work (hint: stop giving away free tickets), how to structure your timeline so fundraising happens at peak engagement, and why charging for tickets — even with a sliding scale — leads to better results. If you've been running 4-hour events and wondering why energy (and donations) tank halfway through, this session will change how you plan your next gala. *Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover?* Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/ 🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/ Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/ *CONNECT WITH REGGIE RIVERS* 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reggierivers/ 🌐 Website: https://thegalateam.com/ ✉️ reggie@thegalateam.com *CONNECT WITH MATT ROBEN* 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-roben/ 🌐 Website: https://www.iammatt.com/ ✉️ me@iammatt.com 🔑 *What You'll Learn:* ✅ Why shorter events raise more money (backed by neuroscience) ✅ The 9 PM rule: when donor attention and generosity peak ✅ How to structure your event timeline for maximum fundraising impact ✅ Why giving away free tickets hurts your revenue (and what to do instead) ✅ Sliding scale ticket pricing that increases participation without devaluing your event ✅ Sponsorship models that generate revenue without endless sponsor recognition ✅ How to manage room transitions and noise without losing donor engagement ✅ The optimal order for mission moments, paddle raises, and live auctions ✅ Pre-event engagement strategies that prime donors to give before they arrive ✅ Post-event follow-up that converts attendees into recurring supporters ✅ How to promote auction items so they actually drive competitive bidding *Chapters* 00:00 Introduction and Special Mentions 02:00 Reggie Rivers' Experience and Event Success 03:08 Introduction of Panelists: Reggie Rivers and Matt Roben 06:18 Why Shorter Events Increase Fundraising Effectiveness 09:45 Timing of Fundraising and Engagement Peaks 13:45 Using Neuro Science to Enhance Donations 16:40 Ticket Pricing and Value Perception 19:00 The Power of Charging for Tickets 26:10 Post-Event Follow-up and Donor Engagement 31:10 Managing Room Transitions and Audience Attention 35:16 Innovative Sponsorship and Underwriting Opportunities 42:12 Controlling Room Noise and Engagement 48:04 Live Auction Item Preparation and Presentation 53:00 Advertising and Promoting Auction Items 57:15 Pre-Event Engagement and Donor Preparation 💙 *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/

    1 hr

  7. 31 MAR

    Mastering Fundraising Events: Timing and Engagement With Dan Lyles and Mark Schustrin

    Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala. This is Part 2 of the Timed to Perfection Series — a 6-part webinar series built entirely around the #1 question we get from nonprofit event fundraisers: "How do we nail the timing of our event?" In this episode, we go deeper into the strategies that separate good fundraising events from great ones — covering everything from donor psychology and technology to the sensory details that make your room feel like a movement. Spoiler: It's not just about raising money. It's about making donors feel something they want to feel again next year. 🔑 *What You'll Learn:* ✅ Why timing is still the #1 lever in fundraising — and how to protect it ✅ The audience engagement techniques that consistently unlock more donations ✅ Why lengthy speeches are quietly killing your golden hour (and what to do instead) ✅ How to use technology to elevate the donor experience — not distract from it ✅ The peer pressure principle: how the room influences individual giving decisions ✅ How to engineer a sensory experience that builds community and keeps donors coming back ✅ Why audience development has to start months before your event — not weeks ✅ The right way to deploy a matching gift so it creates momentum instead of confusion ✅ How to read your audience and adjust your approach in real time ✅ The post-event follow-up strategy that turns one-time donors into long-term supporters This is the event fundraising conversation your board, your ED, and your auctioneer all need to hear. *Connect with Trevor Nelson:* 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167 🌐 Website: https://hgafundraising.com *Connect with Mark Schustrin:* 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markschustrin/ 🌐 Website: https://mrkauctions.com/ *Connect with Dan Lyles:* 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lyles/ 🌐 Website: https://danlylesauctions.com/ 💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* HGA helps nonprofit event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable — and mission-focused — consignment auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization raise more money. 🔗 Explore auction items: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/ 🔗 Free fundraising coaching: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/ 🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

    1hr 4min

  8. 24 MAR

    Gala Fundraising Timeline: What's Actually Working in 2026 ft. Jordan Campbell & Chris Hensley

    Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala. This is Part 1 of the Timed to Perfection Series — a 6-part webinar series built entirely around the #1 question we get from nonprofit event fundraisers: "How do we nail the timing of our event?" In this episode, two of the most in-demand fundraising auctioneers in the country — Jordan Campbell (Atlanta) and Chris Hensley (Chicago) — break down everything that happens before, during, and after your gala that determines how much money you raise. Spoiler: It's not the 18 minutes on stage. It's the 18 weeks that led up to it. 🔑 *What You'll Learn:* ✅ Why your fundraising window is 60–75 minutes max — and must be done by 9 PM ✅ The "party first, business in the middle, party again" framework that keeps donors engaged ✅ Why audience development is a 4–6 month job — and what that work actually looks like ✅ The table host ambassador model: how 40 table hosts become your most powerful fundraising weapon ✅ The right order: live auction FIRST, then mission moment, then paddle raise — and why it matters ✅ Why the auctioneer needs to be liked before the fund a need even starts ✅ Jordan's lights-off star moment — the single most talked-about fund a need technique ✅ Chris's 4 rules of the live auction that set the tone for the entire room ✅ How to deploy a $100,000 matching gift strategically (not just announce it and hope) ✅ The countdown clock technique that gets 700 people off the cocktail hour and into their seats ✅ AV mistakes that silently cost you $20,000–$30,000 in donations ✅ Why honoring someone with a plaque from the stage is killing your golden hour ✅ The $132 million donor who gave his first gift of $250 at an event in 1994 This is the event fundraising conversation your board, your ED, and your auctioneer all need to hear. *Connect with Jordan Campbell:* 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordancampbell-fundraising-auctioneer-nonprofits/ 🌐 Website: https://jordan-campbell.net 📞 +1 404-426-2762 ✉️ jordan@jordan-campbell.net *Connect with Chris Hensley:* 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishensley 🌐 Website: https://www.bidrabbid.com *Connect with Trevor Nelson:* 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167 🏢 HGA Fundraising: https://hgafundraising.com *💙 ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* HGA helps nonprofit event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable — and mission-focused — consignment auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization raise more money. 🔗 Explore auction items: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-... 🔗 Free fundraising coaching: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-... 🔗 Subscribe to the newsletter: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-... ⏱️ *Chapters:* 00:00 Introduction + AI in Fundraising 08:54 The Importance of Timing in Fundraising Events 11:43 Energy Management During Fundraising 14:24 Common Pitfalls in Fundraising Events 17:31 Structuring Live Auctions for Maximum Impact 20:27 Post-Event Strategies for Silent Auctions 36:48 Strategies to Engage Your Audience 39:48 Paddle Raise Psychology and Auction Dynamics 45:03 Building Rapport in Fundraising 45:55 Creating Excitement in Silent and Online Auctions 48:45 Incorporating Unique Items in Auctions 52:14 Identifying New Donors 56:04 Optimizing Silent Auctions - Quality vs. Quantity 58:27 Promoting Auction Items Effectively 1:01:30 Innovative Revenue Enhancers

    55 min
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About

The 'Hey Nonprofits!' podcast is here to help fundraisers and event professionals Raise More Money. Each week, we bring on an industry expert to highlight important tips and strategies, and you can use them effectively to grow your organization. Whether you simply need help communicating with donors or need advanced tactics with setting up live auctions and fundraising events—host Trevor Nelson is here to guide you toward success. Be sure to tune in for a new episode every Tuesday! Brought to you by HGA Fundraising.

Information

  • Creator
    HGA Fundraising
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    261
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © HGA Fundraising
  • Show Website
    Hey Nonprofits!

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