Nonprofit Lowdown

I'm beyond excited to share my latest episode of Nonprofit Lowdown featuring one of my former students and now nonprofit powerhouse, Jehron Petty, founder and CEO of ColorStack.Y'all—Jehron started ColorStack during the height of the pandemic, fresh out of Cornell, and five years later? He's leading a national org serving over 15,000 Black and Latino CS students with a $2.4M budget and a full-time team of 8. In this convo, we dive deep into: - Why he focused on revenue first (yes, even as a nonprofit)- The mindset shift from founder to CEO- Hiring mistakes (we've ALL been there)- Building both earned revenue and philanthropy models- And why you can't just “hug the panda bears” — you've got to fund the mission tooJehron is the real deal — smart, humble, and building something truly impactful in tech and education. If you're dreaming about launching or growing a mission-driven org, this is a must-listen.

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 aroundAmber 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.

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 pipeline5 power moves you can implement today to keep money flowingWhy people don't stop giving during recessions—and the data to prove itThe neuroscience behind why we sabotage our own fundraising (spoiler: survival brain)Why your email list is more valuable than your social media followingAnd how to stop seeing yourself as a fundraiser and start showing up as a philanthropic advisorThis 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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!

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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, 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?!

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

In this week's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Emily Rasmussen, the founder and CEO of Grapevine, to dive into the power of Giving Circles and the future of philanthropy.

Join me, Rhea Wong, on this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as I sit down with the fabulous Julia Campbell, social media maven!

Hey, podcast listeners! Join me as we dive into the buzz surrounding Giving Tuesday—the fundraising Super Bowl of the year!

Hey, podcast listeners!

Get ready to dive deep into the world of donor stewardship and recognition in our latest episode!

Are you ready to dive into the art of solicitation for nonprofits?

Hey, fundraisers!

Hey, nonprofit leaders!

This week, I had an enlightening conversation with Jay Frost about how the old rules of fundraising are DEAD.

Ever wondered why nonprofits sometimes seem to fumble when a big donation comes in?

Join Rhea Wong in this solo episode of Nonprofit Lowdown as she shares her top 10 insights and lessons learned from her journey as an Executive Director. This episode is inspired by Brittany, a new Executive Director Ria met during a recent speech in Vegas. Whether you're a seasoned leader or just stepping into your role, this episode is packed with wisdom that'll help you navigate the challenges and triumphs of being at the top. Key Takeaways: Perceptions Matter: Everything you do will be interpreted by your team, so be mindful of your actions and behaviors. Manage Expectations: No one will meet your high standards perfectly; learn to manage your expectations and delegate effectively. Protect Your Time: Focus on high ROI tasks and protect your most valuable asset—your time. Face Your Fears: The tasks you avoid out of fear are often the ones that will move the needle the most. Hire Slowly, Fire Quickly: Take your time to hire the right people and don't hesitate to let go of those who are detrimental to your culture. Adjust at the Top: The skills that got you to the top won't necessarily help you succeed there. Adapt and evolve. Self-Awareness: Your emotional state impacts your team. Be responsible for managing it. Get a Coach: Even top performers need a coach. An external perspective can help you grow. Find a Community: It's lonely at the top; find a community for support and camaraderie. Choose Happiness: You can be right or you can be happy, but you can't be both. Prioritize your happiness and team cohesion. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

In this episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Holly Rustick to explore the nuances of grant writing and discuss the challenges within the nonprofit sector. Holly shares her journey from stumbling into grant writing while abroad, to becoming a seasoned grant writer and nonprofit consultant. We delve into the strategic differences between in-house and freelance grant writers. Holly advocates for freelance grant writers due to their specialized focus and flexibility, contrasting with the often overloaded roles of in-house grant writers who juggle multiple responsibilities. She emphasizes that freelance grant writers can offer tailored expertise without the overhead costs associated with full-time staff.

Navigating the fundraising world as a BIPOC expert comes with its own set of unique challenges.  From overcoming systemic barriers to building impactful relationships in spaces that traditionally haven't embraced diversity. This episode dives into the gritty realities and triumphs of fundraising while black. Christopher Beck is a seasoned Major and Principal Gift Advisor, who shares his journey from accidental fundraiser to powerhouse connector. From early mentors to high-stake donor interactions, Christopher unpacks the nuances of 'relationship capital' and its transformative power in the world of high-level giving.

Ever felt the sting of microaggressions while doing your nonprofit work?  Or perhaps you've noticed that most fundraising departments are predominantly white, leaving women of color to navigate tricky, often unwelcoming spaces?  I am here to help as I welcome a powerhouse panel of experts who delve into the world of Black women fundraisers, the difficulties they face, and the importance of inclusive support networks. Learn firsthand from Christal Cherry, Aquanetta Betts, Ninjia Miles, and Christal Crosby as they share their journeys, insights, and powerful advice. ⭐Christal Cherry: Founder of F3 (Fabulous Female Fundraisers) and a veteran in the nonprofit sector, her career is a testament to resilience and the power of community. ⭐Aquanetta Betts: Director of Planned Giving at George Mason University, Aquanetta emphasizes the importance of creating knowledge-sharing spaces within the fundraising community.  ⭐Ninjia Miles: Director of Development for Black Philanthropy at Indiana University Foundation, Ninjia provides insights into the philanthropic contributions of communities of color and the critical need for diverse fundraisers who understand these nuances. ⭐Christal Crosby: Director of Events and Programs at Case Western University, Christal shares her experiences and the importance of institutions preparing adequately to support and integrate diverse leadership. Navigating the nonprofit sector can be a daunting task, especially for women of color.  This episode provides not only a candid discussion but practical advice for executive directors on how to foster an inclusive culture that truly supports BIPOC fundraisers.  Don't miss out on this critical conversation! Hit play on this insightful episode of Nonprofit Lowdown to arm yourself with the knowledge and tools to make lasting, positive changes in your organization.  Let's create a more inclusive world, one fundraiser at a time! Important Links:  fabfemalefundraisers.org --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support

Ever been at a networking event and felt a sense of dread when asked to "tell me about yourself"?

Are you stressed from endlessly chasing to-do lists? This week, we dive into why the relentless hustle can leave executive directors of nonprofits running on fumes and what you can do about it.

Do your donor relationships feel like transactional nightmares or mutually beneficial partnerships? Post 2020, many nonprofit executive directors find themselves wrestling with dwindling donor bases, transactional relationships, and the struggle to turn one-time gifts into enduring support. The transactional approach is not only soul-sucking for your staff but also ineffective for fostering long-term donor relationships. The same old tactics just won't cut it if you want to attract and nurture the donors of tomorrow. Today's guest, Allison Fine of Every.org has dedicated her career to merging technology with social good. From her early days in the nonprofit sector to writing influential books like The Networked Nonprofit and The Smart Nonprofit, Allison has been a thought leader and advocate for ethical, relational fundraising.  Tune in to this episode to hear Allison Fine's fresh take on turning fundraising from a transactional nightmare into a relational dream.  Trust me, you won't want to miss this one! Important Links: https://www.every.org/    Allison Fine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/allison-fine-a07132/ Governance as Leadership: A Conversation with William Ryan (https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/governance-as-leadership-a-conversation-with-willi)  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/nonprofitlowdown/support