Hey Nonprofits!

HGA Fundraising
  • 5.0 (12)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. Donor Acquisition Cost, Stock Gifts & the Nonprofit Finance Conversation Nobody's Having

    17H AGO

    Donor Acquisition Cost, Stock Gifts & the Nonprofit Finance Conversation Nobody's Having

    Hey Nonprofits is the only podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy- because someone has to stand up for the gala. But great events alone won't save your organization if your financial foundation is broken. In this episode Matt Gardner, Co-founder and CEO of Hiline and host of the Fiscally Awesome podcast, makes the case that nonprofit financial infrastructure isn't just a back-office problem. It's a fundraising problem. A credibility problem. And a mission problem. If you're an executive director, development director, or nonprofit leader trying to grow your organization and diversify your funding in 2026 this conversation will change how you think about the business of running a nonprofit. 🔑 *What You'll Learn:* ✅ Why the traditional major donor model is aging out and what replaces it. ✅ How clean financial reporting directly impacts your ability to raise more money. ✅ Why "nonprofit" is a tax designation, not a business plan and what that mindset shift unlocks. ✅ The stock gift vs. cash gift gap: average cash gift ~$100 vs. average stock gift ~$7,000–$8,000. ✅ How to accept stock gifts and crypto without the paperwork nightmare (Karen Holden & Infinite Giving). ✅ Donor Acquisition Cost (DAC) and Lifetime Donor Value- the metrics your board should be tracking. ✅ Why outsourcing financial ops frees your ED to focus on the only thing nobody else can do. ✅ How to pitch financial modernization to a skeptical board using language they already speak. ✅ Why auction items are cost of goods sold, not expenses and how GAP principles prove it. ✅ The long-tail return on fundraising events most nonprofits never measure. ✅ Technology tools actually built for nonprofits: QuickBooks, Bill, Ramp, Gusto & more. ✅ Why your donor management database is probably your biggest untapped asset whether you're running a $500K organization or a $5M one. 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 MATT GARDNER * 🔗 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattgardnercpa/ 🌐 Website: https://www.hiline.co/ 🎙️ Fiscally Awesome Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/5122VWEMx6qMKEStwOuWeZ?si=173f4cd3b13b4d29 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HilineHQ ⏱️ *Chapters:* 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 02:02 Matt Gardner's Background and Highline's Mission 07:36 The State of Nonprofit Funding and Diversification 09:02 Building Trust and Financial Infrastructure 12:55 Impact of COVID-19 on Nonprofit Operations 15:53 Cash Sustainability and Investment Strategies 19:33 Frictionless Giving and Donor Experience 23:45 Technology Tools for Nonprofit Finance 28:05 Engaging and Educating Nonprofit Boards 31:02 Auction Costs as Long-term Investments 34:43 Final Thoughts and Connecting with Matt Gardner 💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙 This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. HGA helps nonprofit 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. 🔗 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/

    38 min
  2. Gala Run of Show: The Emotional Roller Coaster Strategy That Maximizes Fundraising

    MAR 10

    Gala Run of Show: The Emotional Roller Coaster Strategy That Maximizes Fundraising

    Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala. Raise more money with our Tuscany auction packages: https://hgafundraising.com/tuscany/ and https://hgafundraising.com/tuscany-villa-for-10/ Nobody understands the gala stage better than Jordan Campbell — Scottish auctioneer, 4-language speaker, gala emcee, and one of the most in-demand fundraising auctioneers in the country. In this episode, Jordan drops a masterclass on the psychology behind a fundraising event that moves people to give generously — and keeps them coming back year after year. 🔑 *What You'll Learn:* ✅ The "emotional roller coaster" run of show framework — and exactly when to schedule your live auction, fund a need & closing moment. ✅ Why Jordan turns the lights OFF during the fund a need (and the peer pressure psychology behind it). ✅ How to use Puccini opera music to open your live auction and instantly raise its perceived value ✅ The reciprocity principle: why what happens in your first 60 minutes determines how much people give. ✅ Why filling tables with sponsor employees can actually HURT your fundraising — and who to invite instead. ✅ How to identify the "connectors" in your community (Malcolm Gladwell's term) and make them your biggest asset. ✅ The data point from Nathan Chappell (The Generosity Crisis) that will change how you think about event retention: the single greatest predictor of a lifelong major donor. ✅ Why Jordan caps himself at 50 events per year — and what that means for YOUR event experience. If you run galas, benefit auctions, or fundraising events — this one's required listening. 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 OUR GUEST* 🔗 🌐 Website: https://jordan-campbell.net 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordancampbell-fundraising-auctioneer-nonprofits/ 📞 +1 (404) 426-2762 📧 jordan@jordan-campbell.net ⏱️ *Chapters:* 0:00 Intro: Jordan Campbell, the Scottish auctioneer 1:00 What event fundraising looks like in 2026 3:30 Why nonprofits are bringing event managers in-house 5:00 Smaller, more intentional galas: the trend toward "right bums in right seats" 7:00 How to find your community's connectors (and why sponsors alone aren't enough) 9:30 The concentric circles approach to guest strategy 11:00 New attendees vs. returning donors: what the best galas get right 13:00 Run of show masterclass: how to structure the emotional roller coaster 18:00 Why the auctioneer needs to warm the room BEFORE the fund a need 20:00 Turning the lights off: Jordan's signature fund a need moment 22:00 How to end on a high (and why it matters for next year's attendance) 25:00 The reciprocity principle & first impressions that drive generosity 28:00 "Events are your pipeline" — and the 3-consecutive-events data point 34:00 Why Jordan still feels like a student in this space 36:00 How to reach Jordan 💙 *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/

    39 min

  3. FEB 27 · BONUS

    These 3 Pre-Event Pillars are CRUCIAL for Fundraising Success

    Most nonprofits are leaving serious money on the table because they're skipping critical pre-event steps that result in fundraising success - like hiring a great auctioneer https://charityauctioneerswelove.com/ That's why we had HGA co-founder, Trevor Nelson, sit down with benefit auctioneer Keith McLane to break down the 3 pre-event pillars you should focus on in order to raise more money. During the session, we covered: ✅ Why your pre-event prep is make-or-break ✅ How to get your board members actually engaged ✅ Psychology of urgency ✅ How to recognize donors without making it weird ✅ The power having a great auctioneer has on your fundraiser's success ✅ The biggest messaging mistakes nonprofits make ✅ Structuring monthly giving programs to attract new donors ✅ Getting sponsorships when everyone's already been asked ✅ How to recognize donors without it feeling transactional 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 Keith McLane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keithmclane/ 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/

    59 min

  4. FEB 26 · BONUS

    Your Best Donors Already Exist (Here's How to Get Them Back)

    Your best donors aren't strangers—they're the people who already gave to you but stopped. In this [re-uploaded] episode of Hey Nonprofits! fundraising expert Julie Ordoñez breaks down why chasing new donors is harder than winning back old donors, and shares the exact approach to have those awkward "we miss you" conversations that actually work. Check out Julie's episode about Daily Habits to Raise More Major Gifts: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pAC5ad6pSA What we cover: ✅ Why lapsed donors are easier (and cheaper) to reactivate than finding new ones ✅ How to get past the awkwardness of reaching out to donors who ghosted you ✅ The scarcity mindset that keeps nonprofits stuck chasing instead of reconnecting ✅ Julie's framework for building donor relationships that last beyond one gift ✅ How to ask past donors for larger gifts without feeling pushy ✅ The role emotional intelligence plays in donor conversations ✅ Practical scripts for re-engagement that feel genuine, not salesy ✅ Why honesty beats perfection when talking to donors who stopped giving 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 OUR GUEST* 🔗 🔗 Julie Ordoñez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieordonez/ 🎙️ Subscribe to the Courage Lab Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzrPhkYspcFax4qsLm3cclO6xK-66b5XE&si=kFUFutqYCH9mlI0g 🌐 CourageLab: https://julieordonez.com/ 📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌 0:00 Honest Tips for Awkward Donor Moments 1:58 Update Your Old Fundraising Tactics 6:44 Julie’s Path to Fundraising Success 9:13 $5M Raised by Teaching Fundraising 13:54 Change Your Money Mindset Now 16:08 Handle Board Pushback on Big Asks 20:35 Ask Bigger, Get Bigger Donations 22:58 Overcome Fundraising Fear with Courage 26:52 Learn and Grow from Fundraising Wins 29:21 Accountability Leads to Fundraising Success 33:44 Wealthy Donors Want Connection 36:03 Wealthy Donors Struggle Too 40:26 Go Beyond Money with Donor Support 42:12 Honest Fundraising Builds Trust 46:03 Understand Donors Before You Ask 47:58 Rebuild Trust with Past Donors 51:45 Use Silence to Seal the Deal 53:50 Prep for Big Donor Talks 57:19 Engage Your Board Without Asking 59:08 Personal Touches Strengthen Donor Bonds 1:03:11 Don’t Fundraise Alone 1:05:35 Build Confidence to Ask Big 1:09:20 Gratitude Changes Everything 1:11:29 Give More, Receive More 1:15:09 Follow Julie Ordoñez’s Journey 💙 *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/

    1h 16m
  5. Discussing Burnout, Recurring Giving, and Stewardship With DonorDock's Rob Burke

    FEB 24

    Discussing Burnout, Recurring Giving, and Stewardship With DonorDock's Rob Burke

    Trevor sits down with DonorDock's CMO, Rob Burke, to talk about the realities of working in nonprofit fundraising—the stuff that doesn't always make it into the how-to guides. *Raise $10,000+ with the Golden Ticket:* https://hgafundraising.com/golden-ticket/ We cover a lot of ground here: why recurring giving programs are under-utilized by fundraisers, how stewardship keeps falling to the bottom of the to-do list, and why the nonprofit sector feels so fragmented when it comes to learning and sharing what actually works. Rob talks about building community through podcasts, the importance of investing in your own growth as a leader, and how to set boundaries without the guilt that usually comes with it. We also get into burnout, something so many fundraisers face today, and how to prevent it before it takes you out. Rob shares his own experience and what he's learned about protecting your energy while still doing work that matters. Plus, some exciting news about WellTold, an upcoming conference designed to bring nonprofit leaders together. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/welltold-a-nonprofit-storytelling-conference-tickets-1830811770289 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 Rob Burke on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjburke/ Hear more from Rob on the Focused Fundraiser Podcast: @FundraisingLab 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/

    35 min
  6. Ask Without Fear - Getting the Most Out of Your Fundraising Event

    FEB 17

    Ask Without Fear - Getting the Most Out of Your Fundraising Event

    Shannon Eason from Everything Gala shares her fundraising event secrets - everything from auction timing, how to just 'go for it' and ask donors for more, building relationships, and the power of video. During this episode, you'll learn: - How to overcome the fear of 'the ask' - Which should come first: the fund a need or live auction - How to communicate and negotiate with donors effectively - Where video should be utilized to enhance your event - How connection to your mission can drive larger donations Have a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/ Consult with Shannon: https://everythinggala.com/ 🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/ Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-eason-cai-aare-bas-pri-aab3bb15/ 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/

    39 min
  7. Build and Grow Your Donor Pipeline With Intentional Fundraising Events

    FEB 10

    Build and Grow Your Donor Pipeline With Intentional Fundraising Events

    Nikki DeFalco, Vice President of Fundraising at the MS Society, shares how fundraising events are still the best way to build donor pipelines. There has been a surge recently in the following question: are events still worth it? The answer is, absolutely! Nikki and Trevor met on the podcast to discuss how community engagement, localization, and creating enjoyable experiences for attendees can lead to stronger donor pipelines for any nonprofit. Their conversation dives into: - Donor retention - The significance of feedback in event planning - Building and leading a fundraising team - The need for personal connection - Adapting communication for different generational preferences 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 Nikki DeFalco on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikki-defalco-cfre-31b2323/ 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/

    31 min
  8. Our Conversation With Rob Burke From Fundraising Lab

    FEB 3

    Our Conversation With Rob Burke From Fundraising Lab

    This was our podcast with Rob Burke from the Fundraising Lab podcast by Donor Dock. Check out their channel for more fundraising podcasts and powerful conversations like this one. Watch the original episode here https://youtu.be/1M8WcUAsx_c?si=pZ5WnJ9i-i64BxL7 Rob Burke and Trevor Nelson unpack the real truth behind successful fundraising events, why “fundraising is an AND game, not an OR game,” and how organizations can reduce burnout, retain donors, and design smarter, more intentional events that raise more money. 🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗 Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/ Connect with Donor Dock's CMO, Rob Burke, on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robjburke/ 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/

    23 min
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5
out of 5
12 Ratings

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
    253
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © HGA Fundraising
  • Show Website
    Hey Nonprofits!

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