Podcast
Hey Nonprofits!
Hosted by HGA Fundraising · EN
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.
41episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Gala Run of Show: The Emotional Roller Coaster Strategy That Maximizes Fundraising
Mar 1000:38:31Tap to summarizeHey 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 auctioneer1:00 What event fundraising looks like in 20263:30 Why nonprofits are bringing event managers in-house5:00 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 strategy11:00 New attendees vs. returning donors: what the best galas get right13:00 Run of show masterclass: how to structure the emotional roller coaster18:00 Why the auctioneer needs to warm the room BEFORE the fund a need20:00 Turning the lights off: Jordan's signature fund a need moment22:00 How to end on a high (and why it matters for next year's attendance)25:00 The reciprocity principle & first impressions that drive generosity28:00 "Events are your pipeline" — and the 3-consecutive-events data point34:00 Why Jordan still feels like a student in this space36:00 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/
Transcribe →These 3 Pre-Event Pillars are CRUCIAL for Fundraising Success
Feb 2700:58:49Tap to summarizeMost 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 transactionalHave 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/
Transcribe →Your Best Donors Already Exist (Here's How to Get Them Back)
Feb 2601:15:34Tap to summarizeYour 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=2pAC5ad6pSAWhat 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 givingHave 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 Moments1:58 Update Your Old Fundraising Tactics6:44 Julie’s Path to Fundraising Success9:13 $5M Raised by Teaching Fundraising13:54 Change Your Money Mindset Now16:08 Handle Board Pushback on Big Asks20:35 Ask Bigger, Get Bigger Donations22:58 Overcome Fundraising Fear with Courage26:52 Learn and Grow from Fundraising Wins29:21 Accountability Leads to Fundraising Success33:44 Wealthy Donors Want Connection36:03 Wealthy Donors Struggle Too40:26 Go Beyond Money with Donor Support42:12 Honest Fundraising Builds Trust46:03 Understand Donors Before You Ask47:58 Rebuild Trust with Past Donors51:45 Use Silence to Seal the Deal53:50 Prep for Big Donor Talks57:19 Engage Your Board Without Asking59:08 Personal Touches Strengthen Donor Bonds1:03:11 Don’t Fundraise Alone1:05:35 Build Confidence to Ask Big1:09:20 Gratitude Changes Everything1:11:29 Give More, Receive More1:15:09 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/
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Discussing Burnout, Recurring Giving, and Stewardship With DonorDock's Rob Burke
Feb 2400:35:01Tap to summarizeTrevor 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-1830811770289Have 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/
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Ask Without Fear - Getting the Most Out of Your Fundraising Event
Feb 1700:39:05Tap to summarizeShannon 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 donationsHave 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/
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Build and Grow Your Donor Pipeline With Intentional Fundraising Events
Feb 1000:30:41Tap to summarizeNikki 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 preferencesHave 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/
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Our Conversation With Rob Burke From Fundraising Lab
Feb 300:22:45Tap to summarizeThis 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-i64BxL7Rob 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/
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Raise More Money at Your Live Auction With This One Phrase
Jan 2700:18:02Tap to summarizeDan Lyles shares how he has been selling multiples consistently in live auction by using one magic phrase: "who else wants one?".Reserve the ¡Fiesta en Mexico! trip to use at your next live auction: https://hgafundraising.com/fiesta-en-mexico/This podcast episode is perfect for auctioneers and nonprofit fundraisers looking to maximize their live auction revenue by getting the most out of each item. Selling multiples isn't easy. Dan Lyles reveals his strategy to sell multiples at any auction event - using HGA's ¡Fiesta en Mexico! package as an example.Work with Dan Lyles for your next live auction: https://danlylesauctions.com/https://danlylesauctions.com/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Connect with Dan Lyles on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-lyles/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/
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An Auctioneer's Journey to Success: Growth Through Relationships and Trying New Things
Jan 2000:32:52Tap to summarizeJoin Tony, the Auction Guy, as he shares his personal journey into the world of auctioneering. From embracing van life to honing his skills through improv classes, Tony's story is one of continuous growth and exploration.This episode offers a unique glimpse into the life of an auctioneer, highlighting the importance of trying new things and building connections. Perfect for nonprofit fundraisers and auctioneers looking for inspiration and insight into the auctioneering lifestyle.Connect your association with the funding of its dreams: https://www.expoauctions.com/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Connect with Tony on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyrissley/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/
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Answering Your Nonprofit Fundraising Questions
Jan 1300:32:33Tap to summarizeTrevor Nelson and Sandy Hilsenrath answer fundraising and nonprofit-related questions from the audience and the HGA team.Submit your questions for our next AMA episode: https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questionQuestions answered:00:00 What separates nonprofits from consistently grow year over year, from those that stay flat?02:07 What is the single most important fundraising tool you have?02:43 If you could reset one misconception nonprofits have about fundraising partners, what would it be?06:52 What social media platform to find corporate sponsors / partners08:28 What are some creative ways you've seen nonprofits raise money outside of the traditional methods (i.e. live auction, silent auction, paddle raise)10:40 What is the most impactful gift you've received on Christmas?12:07 How to bring up fresh ideas for fundraising when you have stubborn board members stuck in their old ways?15:05 Best communication practices for the new year17:30 How would you build a nonprofit "super team" from scratch?19:12 Which HGA auction items are raising the most amount of money right now?20:48 If you had one piece of an advice for an event fundraiser, what would it be?23:41 What's the other magic number for fundraising?24:37 What are the best industries to target for corporate sponsorships?28:16 Do you believe in new year's resolutions? And what resolutions would you recommend for nonprofits to have for 2026?🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Connect with Sandy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandrahilsenrath/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/
Transcribe →