Nonprofit Leaders, it's time to wake up and take action!
In the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with two experts, Michelle Flores Vryn and Evan Wildstein, to dive deep into a critical issue facing our sector: nonprofit staffing struggles.
They discuss trends from their groundbreaking Social Impact Staff Retention Report, revealing that 7 out of 10 nonprofit staff are actively looking for new jobs in 2025 — a number that's still alarmingly high, and indicative of widespread burnout, insufficient support, and unrealistic workload expectations.
In this eye-opening conversation, they explore:
The true reasons behind nonprofit staff turnover (hint: it's not just about pay 💸)
How to better support your team by letting go of outdated practices and fostering growth 🔄
AI in the nonprofit sector: Can it help reduce burnout by taking over repetitive tasks? 🤖
One of the most important takeaways? Leaders need to model healthy work-life balance to retain staff and create sustainable success. 🌟
Important Links:
Evan’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-a-wildstein/
Michelle’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mvryn/
The Nonprofiteers: https://www.thenonprofiteers.com/
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m joined by my friend and former student, Kriste Peoples, the Executive Director of Women's Wilderness in Colorado. We talk about the power of community, what it’s like being a BIPOC leader in the outdoor space, and how we’re challenging the idea that the outdoors is only for certain people. 🌿✨
Kriste shares the incredible work Women’s Wilderness is doing to create outdoor experiences for women and non-binary folks, especially those from underrepresented communities. From rock climbing to birdwatching, they're making nature more accessible for everyone.
We also dive into the impact of community dinners—simple gatherings where people come together, share stories, and advocate for the outdoors. It’s all about lowering barriers and making sure everyone knows that nature belongs to them, too. 🍽️💬
This conversation is full of insights on leadership, inclusivity, and how to find connection in times of uncertainty. It’s a reminder that the outdoors is for everyone, no matter your background or where you come from.
Important Links:
Kriste's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristepeoples
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
I’m so excited to share the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown where I sit down with my good friend and former student, Faith Galati, Executive Director of Breakthrough Sacramento. She’s here to talk about her incredible journey of turning her nonprofit’s fundraising around, and how she more than doubled her budget!
💡 What we dive into:
Shifting your mindset: Faith shares how she went from a place of fundraising fear to an abundance mindset, unlocking new opportunities.
Building a high-performing board: She breaks down how to recruit, train, and hold your board members accountable (without doing everything yourself).
The $50,000 rum cake 🥮: Trust me, it’s not what you think, but it helped Faith land some serious funds.
The power of asking: Faith learned the importance of confidently making the ask and how it changed everything for her nonprofit.
Faith’s story is truly inspiring, and you’ll want to hear how she landed a $900,000 grant and turned a fear-based approach into a fundraising machine! 🌟
Important Links:
Free Training for Community Dinners: https://courses.rheawong.com/offers/4686d410-8de8-4605-8cb5-1cbf8bd39c24
Link to connect with Faith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/faith-galati-2400b3239/
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Hey, nonprofit fam!
It's Rhea Wong here, bringing you an exciting new episode featuring insights from my recent webinar with the Nonprofit Storytelling Conference's Tactical Tuesdays. This one is all about major gift fundraising and why you should be leaning into your major donors NOW.
Plus, I’m starting something new on my podcast—answering YOUR burning questions! Have a question about nonprofit fundraising or anything else? Email it to me at question@rheawong.com and I may feature it in an upcoming episode! 🙌
In this episode, I dive deep into:
✨ The power of major gifts and how they fuel transformative change
✨ The importance of building relationships with your donors, not just their wallets
✨ How to qualify prospects the right way for your nonprofit's success (Hint: It’s not just about wealth screenings)
If you’ve been thinking about how to take your fundraising strategy to the next level, this one’s for you! Let’s co-create something amazing.
Catch the full episode now, and don't forget to send in your questions! 🎧
Important Links:
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
It’s Rhea Wong back with another episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, and today, we’re diving deep into a topic I’m passionate about—MARKETING!
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “I don’t have enough prospects in my pipeline,” or “Why are my donors not responding?” then this episode is for YOU. I’m breaking down two key issues that nonprofits face:
1️⃣ Why your donor pipeline is running dry. 2️⃣ Why the donors you DO have are ghosting you.
Let’s face it—donors aren't ignoring you because they’re too busy; they’re ignoring you because you haven’t given them a compelling reason to engage!
In this episode, I share actionable strategies on:
✨ How to fill your pipeline with new prospects.
✨ How to make your donors feel like they matter—so they’ll actually engage with YOU.
✨ Why marketing is your fundraising secret weapon.
Want to hear more? Tune in and start building stronger connections with your donors TODAY!
Important Links:
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Hey Nonprofit Lowdown listeners! Rhea Wong here with an episode that’s all about shifting your mindset from fear to possibility. 💡
I’m sharing a powerful story about a farmer and his horse, illustrating how we often jump to conclusions, but we don’t truly know if something is “good” or “bad” until we look at the bigger picture. It’s time to ask: What could go right?
In a world filled with crisis, it’s easy to catastrophize, but what if we embraced challenges as opportunities for growth? Let’s focus on what’s working, stay proactive, and stay grounded in times of uncertainty.
🎧 In this episode, I talk about:
The nature of luck & how to increase your chances of success.
Shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance.
Action steps to stay proactive, including creative financing and leadership investment.
Are you ready to take action and flip the script?
If you’re ready to take your nonprofit to the next level, join me for a FREE Board Fundraising Training on March 4th.
We're in this together! 💪
Important Links:
Upcoming Events and Webinars: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Are you feeling the stress of federal funding uncertainty? You're not alone. In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I dive into how you can take control of your nonprofit’s financial future—even with all the unknowns in the air.
I walk you through diversifying your revenue and engaging your board in major gift fundraising. Plus, I share a step-by-step playbook on how to build resilience and secure financial stability, no matter what happens in Washington.
PLUS – Don't miss out on my free training on March 4th to help your board members become active fundraising allies.
Tune in for practical strategies that will prepare your nonprofit to thrive, no matter what the future holds.
Important Links:
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Are you tired of feeling like you're stuck in the endless loop of chasing donors, getting ghosted, and facing constant objections? If so, this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown is a must-listen!
In today's episode, I dive into the Top 3 Mistakes Fundraisers Make and give you a game plan on how to fix them NOW.
Here’s what we’re talking about:
1️⃣ Stop Chasing Donors Who Aren’t Interested – Learn how to qualify prospects and focus on the right people!
2️⃣ Don’t Rush the Ask – Slow down, build a relationship, and set the stage for long-term giving.
3️⃣ Avoid the Friend Zone – It’s great to build relationships, but don’t mistake friendship for commitment.
💡 Ready to stop wasting your time and start raising money like a pro? Tune in and let’s make this year YOUR best year for fundraising!
Important Links:
Upcoming Events: https://www.rheawong.com/events/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Feeling the pressure in the nonprofit world? Between funding cuts, executive orders, and the chaos of social media, it’s been a lot lately. But guess what? I’ve got your back.
In the latest episode ofNonprofit Lowdown, I’m diving into the shifting landscape of nonprofit marketing in 2025 — and how to navigate it without burning out. 🔥 From understanding Gen Z’s influence to leveraging AI and automation, it’s all about working smarter, not harder. 🧠
If you’re tired of the same old strategies and want actionable tips for growing your audience, building authentic connections, and raising more funds — this episode is for YOU!
Important Links:
Upcoming Webinar (Feb 12th):https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftplaybook
My Big Ask Gifts Program:https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey:https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter:https://www.rheawong.com/
Get ready to shake things up in the nonprofit world in 2025! In this spicy episode, I bring together powerhouse voices from the nonprofit sector—Brooke Ritchie Babbage, Tania Bhattacharyya, Rachel Bearbower , Cindy Wagman, and Jess Campbell. Together, we are diving deep into what’s no longer working and what should be left behind for the year ahead.
✨The Darlings You Need to Kill
This isn’t about playing it safe—it’s about doing away with the outdated, overused, and inefficient practices holding your organization back. In this episode, we share which nonprofit darlings we believe need to go.
💥 What’s the take-home?
2025 is going to be a year for nonprofit leaders to pivot and adapt to the changing landscape. Whether it’s in your fundraising strategy, digital presence, donor retention, or your team’s capacity, this episode will give you the clarity to say goodbye to what’s no longer serving you and embrace the future with courage.
What darlings are you killing this year? Let us know on social or hit up Rhea directly at hello@rheawong.com.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed the episode!
Important Links:
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I break down what sets the most successful leaders apart. It’s not just about grit and determination—it’s about having something to prove, embracing discomfort, and using accountability as fuel. Whether it’s frustration with the system, the hunger to make a difference, or the desire to silence critics, it’s that extra fire that drives leaders to go above and beyond.
If you're ready to take bold action, embrace the discomfort, and prove to yourself and the world what you’re capable of, check out my Big Ask Gifts program and apply today!
Important Links:
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
If you’ve ever been frustrated by email newsletters that fall flat (or even worse, end up in the dreaded unsubscribe pile, this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown is for YOU! 💡
In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 10 most common email newsletter mistakes I see nonprofits making—and how to FIX them! ✨
🔑 Highlights include:
Too long? Simplify and cut the clutter! Is it relevant to me? Answer the “What’s in it for me?” question! Not frequent enough? Don’t be afraid to email regularly—value > frequency. Bad subject lines? Your subject line is your first impression. Make it count! Too organizational-centric? Think about your audience’s needs, not just your own. Not checking your stats? Track click-throughs, replies & real engagement—not just open rates. Dirty email list? Time for a clean-up to ensure you're reaching the right people! Too many CTAs? Focus on ONE clear action per email. Too fancy? Keep it simple—clean and readable > over-designed. Boring content? Inject personality and a strong point of view! Be remarkable, not beige!
This episode is packed with practical tips that will transform how you communicate with your audience and boost your nonprofit’s engagement.
Ready to send emails that get opened and read? Tune in now and let’s make your newsletters work harder for you! 💪
Want my two email clean-up sequence? Send an email to hello@rheawong.com.
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Major Gifts Blueprint Webinar on January 30th
In today’s episode, we dive into the transformative power of seeing the world through someone else's eyes. When we understand the world from their perspective, we gain a deeper understanding of people and connect in more meaningful ways. It’s a humbling reminder that the greatest honor we can have is to be a conduit for somebody else’s story.
We also discuss the fundraising landscape in 2025, and why now is the time to focus on individual and major gift fundraising. With changes on the horizon at both the federal and state levels, relying on government funds may no longer be a sustainable option. It’s time to double down on personal connections, relationships, and empowering donors to make the impact they want to see in the world.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of seeing the world through others' perspectives.
How empathy and understanding can help us truly connect and support others.
Why being a conduit for someone else’s story is a powerful and humbling role.
Fundraising in 2025: Why focusing on individual and major gifts is crucial.
How to prepare for a shifting landscape in funding at the federal and state levels.
Contact: Have questions or want more advice? Reach out at hello@rheawong.com.
Thank you for listening!
If you enjoyed today’s episode, let me know! Your feedback helps me create content that’s valuable to you. Stay tuned for more tips and insights to help you succeed in your fundraising journey.
Until next time, take care, friends!
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
In the first episode of Nonprofit Lowdown for 2025, I introduce and explore the ‘Let Them’ theory inspired by self-help guru Mel Robbins. I discuss how relinquishing control over others’ actions can lead to greater mental and emotional peace, especially in the realm of fundraising and board management. I also highlight the importance of clearly defining expectations, the power of self-reflection, and the need for radical acceptance. This episode aims to provide nonprofit leaders with tools to focus on what they can control and improve their overall effectiveness.
The Let Them Theory Book: https://amzn.to/3W0xz7T
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Hey, Nonprofit Lowdown listeners! Rhea here, bringing you the final episode of 2024. It’s been a year full of incredible insights, heartwarming stories, and actionable tips for nonprofit leaders like you. I want to take a moment to thank you for being part of this journey — we’re officially in our 6th year of the podcast! Can you believe it?! 🙌
For this last episode, I’ve pulled together some of my favorite moments from 2024 to recap and relive the magic of the year. From fundraising strategies to leadership lessons, we’ve covered it all. And as we head into 2025, I can’t wait to bring you even more amazing content. ✨
If you've found value in this podcast, I’d be so grateful if you could leave a review on Apple Podcasts (or wherever you listen) and share it with a friend who could benefit from the conversation. Your support means the world. 💙
Wherever you are, I hope you’re getting some well-deserved rest and ready to hit the ground running in the new year. See you in 2025! 🎉
Important Links:
Full Episode #270 - Managing Your Mindset for Fundraising Success with Hugh Ballou: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/x5jPX5vHcPb
Full Episode #271 - My First $1M Gift with Dr. Emerald Mitchell: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/VO2wvDtHcPb
Full Episode #273 - Fractional Fundraising with Cindy Wagman: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/3l3Bd9rHcPb
Full Episode #288 - The 5 Minute Ask with Kel Haney: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/iMBzcBnHcPb
Full Episode #299 - Old Rules Are Dead: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/mdXMjtXGcPb
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
As we head into the final stretch of the year, fundraising is on everyone’s mind. In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m breaking down the crucial differences between annual gifts and major gifts – two very different types of donors that require distinct strategies.
🔑 What You'll Learn:
The key mindset and motivation behind annual vs. major donors (Hint: it's not just about money!)
How your tactics need to change depending on the donor segment – from scalable email campaigns to personalized meetings. 📅
Stewardship: Why your approach to thanking and engaging donors should look very different for these two groups. 💌
How to balance both types of giving to create a stable AND transformative fundraising strategy. 🌱
If you’ve ever struggled to tell the difference between an annual donor and a major donor, or wondered how to optimize your fundraising efforts, this episode is for YOU.
Important Links:
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
In this solo episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I dive deep into one of the most pressing issues in the nonprofit world—burnout. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, like you’re running in place just to keep your nonprofit afloat, this episode is for you.
I share a game-changing framework to help nonprofit leaders prioritize their time, focus on high-impact activities, and avoid the dreaded burnout spiral.
You’ll learn:
- Why all tasks are NOT created equal—and how to identify the ones that really matter.
- The 4 key quadrants to organize your time and maximize ROI.
- How to leverage delegation, automation, and elimination to reclaim hours in your day.
- The surprising truth about donor retention and why it’s your secret weapon for growth.
Special Resources:
Download the free worksheet mentioned in the episode to start tracking your time and organizing your priorities like a pro.
Bonus:
Mark your calendar for December 12th! Join me for a free webinar, Why Major Gift Fundraising Sucks—and What to Do Instead. Sign up on my website here.
Action Steps:
-Track your activities over the next 3–5 days and identify where you’re spending your time.
-Focus on strategic revenue-generating activities for maximum impact.
-Share your feedback on this solo episode and suggest topics you’d love to hear in 2025!
Let’s make 2025 the year of strategic focus and growth for your nonprofit!
Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with your fellow nonprofit leaders.
Nonprofit Lowdown is back with another insightful conversation, this time with fundraising expert Elizabeth Goldberg! If you're looking to build a major gifts program from scratch, this episode is a must-listen. 💡
In this episode, Elizabeth shares her incredible journey from the textile industry to the world of nonprofit fundraising. She talks about the importance of relationship-building, focusing on donor needs, and how to ask the right questions to truly understand what your donors care about. 💬
🔥 Key Takeaways:
How to really listen to your donors (beyond just the words they say)
The art of building authentic, long-term relationships with major donors
Why it's not just about the "ask" – it's about the relationship
How to navigate generational differences in communication preferences
And more on how to create a major gifts program that aligns with your mission. ✨
Whether you're a seasoned fundraiser or just starting out, Elizabeth's wisdom and personal stories are invaluable. Tune in to hear how focusing on the donor's philanthropic goals can transform your approach to fundraising.
Important Links:
Connect with Elizabeth: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-goldberg-ma-216993b/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
On this week's Nonprofit Lowdown episode, I sat down with my special guest Dana Snyder, founder of Positive Equation and author of The Monthly Giving Mastermind. 💡
In this episode, we dive deep into the power of monthly giving and how you can harness the subscription economy to build sustainable revenue for your nonprofit. 🌱
Dana shares her journey from solopreneur to a thriving business, giving tips on hiring, mastering time management, and investing in business coaches (yes, it takes money to make money!). 💸 Plus, we get real about the challenges nonprofits face with donor retention and how to build a successful monthly giving program that not only drives income but nurtures long-term relationships. 🤝
Why should you listen?✅ Want to scale your nonprofit with recurring donations?✅ Struggling with donor retention?✅ Need a breakthrough on how to automate your fundraising efforts?
This episode is for YOU! 🎧
Important Links:
Connect with Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danarsnyder/
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
If you're in the nonprofit world and marketing feels like a mystery or a necessary evil, you're not alone! In this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I chat with Billy Broas, a messaging strategist and founder of Five Lightbulbs, about how to make marketing simple and effective — without being sleazy or salesy. 🙌
Billy’s insights are game-changing for nonprofit leaders who want to raise more funds and build stronger connections with their audience. In this episode, you'll learn:
🔑 How to market your cause without feeling “icky”
💡 The Five Lightbulbs Framework that helps you connect with donors in a more meaningful way
💬 Why marketing is about educating your audience (not just promoting)
🎯 How to craft a message that warms up your audience, making fundraising feel like a natural next step
Whether you're a nonprofit pro or new to the game, this episode will help you shift your perspective on marketing and build strategies that feel authentic and resonate with your supporters.
Tune in NOW and get ready to make fundraising easier, smarter, and more impactful!
Important Links:
Connect with Billy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/billybroas/
The Five Lightbulbs: https://FiveLightbulbs.com
My Big Ask Gifts Program: https://go.rheawong.com/big-ask-gifts-program
My Book, Get That Money Honey: https://go.rheawong.com/get-that-money-honey
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
