I got to chat with my friend and former student Amber Buck Hamilton, founder of Fig Leaf Development and a total rockstar in the fundraising world.
We talked about:
✅ Why she left her high-level nonprofit job to start her own consulting biz
✅ How burnout, family, and values drove her decision
✅ What it really feels like to take the leap (spoiler: terrifying AND amazing)
✅ That pesky imposter syndrome
✅ And why there’s more than enough work to go around
Amber is proof that you can build a career that aligns with your life and your purpose. If you’ve been toying with the idea of starting your own thing but feel overwhelmed by the “what ifs,” this episode is for you.
It’s honest, real, and packed with gems.
Important Links:
Fig Leaf Development: https://www.figleafdevelopment.com/
Amber’s LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amber-buck-hamilton-5a533287/
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 had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with my friend and fundraising rockstar Maria Griffin on the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown — and trust me, you need to hear this one.
Maria is the Chief Advancement Officer at DREAM (yes, the same DREAM from the episode with Rich Berlin!) and she's about to launch her own consultancy to help nonprofits raise big money with big strategy. 💸
In this convo, we got real about what it actually takes to raise $20M+ annually, build a high-functioning development team, and stop spinning our wheels with gala after gala.
Here’s what we cover:
✅ Why your gala might be a B2B event (and why that matters)
✅ The power of small, intimate gatherings for actual donor conversion
✅ How to build the right team based on strategy (not just more people)
✅ How Maria uses weekly pipeline meetings and KPIs to drive results
✅ Why comms and development need to be besties, not siloed
If you're a fundraiser, nonprofit leader, or just someone trying to make fundraising make sense — this is the episode you don’t want to miss.
Important Links:
Maria’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-griffin-32663823/
Griffin Associated: https://www.griffinassociated.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
My Newsletter: https://www.rheawong.com/
Hey friends—I'm turning my recent Leadership Connect session into a podcast episode because the conversation was too real not to share with a wider audience.
If you’re a fundraiser, ED, or nonprofit leader navigating today’s uncertainty, this one’s for you. Yes, the economy is wobbly. Yes, federal and state dollars are shrinking. But no, that doesn't mean the money isn’t out there.
In this episode, I break down:
The 5 hidden leaks in your fundraising pipeline
5 power moves you can implement today to keep money flowing
Why people don’t stop giving during recessions—and the data to prove it
The neuroscience behind why we sabotage our own fundraising (spoiler: survival brain)
Why your email list is more valuable than your social media following
And how to stop seeing yourself as a fundraiser and start showing up as a philanthropic advisor
This is the mindset and math that will keep you afloat—and thriving—even in turbulent times.
Important Links:
Nonprofit Connect: https://www.nonprofitconnectnj.org/
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 had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Karla Altmayer, co-founder of Healing to Action, on Nonprofit Lowdown this week — and wow, this conversation is a must-listen.
We talked about how her team is flipping the script on both gender-based violence and traditional fundraising. Instead of fancy decks or transactional asks, they’re hosting underground dinners that focus on authentic connection, shared values, and deep community building.
As Karla said, donors aren’t just checkbooks — they’re part of the movement. 🙌
If you’ve ever felt stuck in the grind of fundraising or disconnected from your mission, this episode will inspire you to rethink everything.
Important Links:
Karla’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karlaaltmayer/
Healing to Action: https://www.healingtoaction.org/
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/
This week on Nonprofit Lowdown, I had the absolute pleasure of reconnecting with my friend Yully Cha, SVP of Research & Policy and Senior Advisor at Embrace Boston.
We dove into a deep and inspiring conversation about what it really means to lead equity work in today’s climate—and why joy and belonging are central to the fight for justice. 💥
We talked about:
✨ The story behind the Embrace MLK monument in Boston ✨ The power of public space in shaping belonging and democracy
✨ Fundraising as storytelling (and yes, I coached her through it back in the day!)
✨ Why we must be LOUD and unafraid in this political moment
✨ How we get young people engaged in democracy again
There’s so much heart in this one. Yully is brilliant, bold, and deeply committed—and I know you’ll walk away feeling fired up.
“You can always get another dollar—but never another moment of time.” That hit me hard.
🎧 Take a listen and let me know what you think!
Important Links:
Yully’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yullycha/
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/
If you’re struggling with donor retention (let’s be real — who isn’t?), you need to hear this convo I had with my friend Sean Littman, founder of GiveSuite.com.
We got into the real talk about why retention in the nonprofit sector is so dismal (below 40% — yikes), and more importantly, what to actually do about it. 💡
Here’s a taste of what we covered:
-Why “continuing the conversation” works better than traditional follow-up
-How to build trust before you ask someone to coffee
-Why your quarterly impact report isn’t moving the needle
-How storytelling emails and small, creative offers can transform donor relationships
-The power of giving first to create real reciprocity
Sean dropped so many gems in this one — if you want to raise more money without burning out constantly chasing new donors, give it a listen. 🎧
Important Links:
Sean’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-littman-catch22nonprofit/
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/
Nonprofit fam, you do not want to miss this one.
On the latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with the brilliant, bold, and beautifully authentic Jacob Adams — founder + CEO of Inner Spark — to talk about what it really means to lead and fundraise with authenticity. 🙌🏽🔥
We go deep on:
Being unapologetically real in funder relationships
Why authenticity isn't just a buzzword — it's a strategy
Navigating political + environmental uncertainty while staying rooted in equity
Fundraising as relationship-building, not performance
Jacob drops truth bombs about compliance culture in schools, the myth of professionalism, and why he refuses to "obey in advance." You’ll laugh, you’ll nod, you’ll probably rewind a few times.
Important Links:
Jacob’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobadams706/
Jacob’s Newsletter: https://www.innersparklab.org/
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/
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/
