Nonprofit Lowdown Rhea Wong

Feeling jittery about making that fundraising call? 



You’re not alone. Many fear the dreaded hang-up when reaching out to potential donors. But imagine turning calls from cold to gold, sparking genuine connections that open doors to vital funds. 



This week, I chat with the remarkable Kel Haney about turning dreaded fundraising calls into thrilling opportunities for growth.



Kel brings a unique perspective from her vibrant past as a theater director, turning every fundraising call into a compelling story with a happy ending. With over $6 million raised through engaging conversations, Kel’s approach debunks our deepest fears about the dreaded "ask."



Want to learn how you can harness the power of storytelling and genuine connection to make fundraising calls less about asking for money and more about forging meaningful relationships?



Tune into this insightful episode to unleash the power of the 5-minute ask in your own campaigns.



Important links: 

https://www.kelhaney.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/kel-haney-15a24a10


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

🚀 Is your board more like a stubborn mule than a spirited stallion when it comes to fundraising? 🐴



On today's edition of Nonprofit Lowdown, we're diving into a burning question that keeps many of you up at night: "Why won't my board fundraise?"😡 



You're not alone in this struggle—research shows only 41% of boards are engaged in fundraising. Shocking, right?



In this episode, we get real about the multitude of reasons why boards shy away from fundraising duties—from lack of awareness and understanding of their roles to deeper issues like money baggage. We discuss strategies to energize your board: assessing willingness and skill, empowering through training, and setting clear and achievable expectations.



💡 Discover:



How to diagnose and address the specific reasons behind your board's fundraising hesitance.



Effective methods to transform your board from passive participants to active champions of your cause.



Tired of doing the heavy lifting alone? Tune into this episode for practical tips that will help you craft a board that not only understands their fundraising role but excels at it!



Important links:



https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program



https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/episodes/244---Innovations-in-Board-Management-with-Bill-Ryan-e26onag


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

🌟 Are you wrestling with understanding what your donors really want?🌟



If you're an executive director on the hunt for that sweet strategy that separates annual donors from major donors, pull up your comfy chair! Here’s the scoop: treating both types of donors with the same approach just isn’t cutting it. Annual and major donors are as different as chai is from espresso – both amazing but distinct in flavor!



On today’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’ll be diving deep into the magic formulas that distinguish these donors not just by the size of their gifts but by their expectations, engagement, and your strategic communications with them. Understanding these critical differences can revolutionize your approach, shifting your outcomes from spinning wheels to celebrating wins!



💡 In this must-listen episode, we’ll explore:


Why recognizing and catering to the unique characteristics of annual versus major donors can drastically enhance your fundraising efforts.


Practical strategies to tailor your outreach, making every donor feel like the hero in their own story.


The secret to transitioning from transactional to transformational relationships with your donors – because they're more than just ATMs!



Ready to stop the guesswork and start engaging effectively? Tune into the full episode to transform your donor interactions from ordinary to extraordinary. Trust me; your nonprofit can’t afford to miss out on this gem!



Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and join our vibrant community of nonprofit leaders just like you!



Important links: 

https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

What if I told you the reason 82% of your donors never give again is because of something you’re doing? 😳



It’s true - we churn through first-time givers by failing to build real relationships and showcase impact. We leave donors confused about what their money achieved, then bombard them with more asks.



Donors ghost you because you’re giving them buyer’s remorse. 👻



On this week’s straight-talk episode, I’m exploring the psychology behind why donors flee and how we inadvertently trigger their buyer’s remorse. Learn how to flip the script to create onboarding journeys that wow donors by:




Asking the right questions to uncover their motivations




Closing the story loop to spotlight their investment




Shifting from extracting value to nurturing truly reciprocal partnerships





If you’re shaking your head thinking, “Rhea gets me!” - this discussion is for you. I’m bringing solutions that transform donor retention from 20% to 80% overnight. Listen now!



Important links: 

https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Yeah, me too. And let me tell you, focusing all our energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but we're left feeling unsatisfied. 😖



Let's talk about moving away from survival-mode tactics that leave us feeling icky and instead, start nurturing genuine relationships with our donors. I'm dishing out all my secrets on identifying prospects and building a donor pipeline of people who are as excited about our cause as we are—because let's face it, sending a million "just checking in" emails is about as fun as watching paint dry.



In this episode, I'm breaking down why it's crucial to focus on those individual donors and how creating meaningful connections can lead to those juicy, significant gifts we dream about.

Remember, folks—desperation is the world's worst cologne. It's time to start fundraising with confidence, swagger, and a whole lot of heart. 💖 



Important links: 

https://go.rheawong.com/wheredodonorscomefrom


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

Feeling overwhelmed by the tsunami wave of AI chatter? Wondering how your nonprofit can ride the AI wave without wiping out? You're not alone. 



The rapid evolution of AI technology has everyone's heads spinning, trying to figure out how to adopt it responsibly and effectively to amplify their impact.



In today's episode, I sit down with the phenomenal Devi Thomas, a beacon of knowledge from Microsoft Philanthropies, who's illuminating the path for nonprofits in the digital age. Her insights reveal that the integration of AI isn't just a trend; it's a toolset for improving efficiency, personalizing donor engagement, and scaling impact with a tactical edge.



Devi, preaches that adopting AI starts with embracing our curiosity and permitting ourselves to experiment.AI's potential to revolutionize nonprofit operations is immense - if wielded with intention, transparency, and inclusivity.

Ready to demystify AI and propel your organization into a future where tech and purpose align more closely than ever? Tune in to the full episode and learn how AI can be your co-pilot in achieving more with less, without losing the human touch that defines our missions.



Important Links: 

https://nonprofitcommunity.microsoft.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/devi-thomas/


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support