Podcast
Nonprofit Lowdown
Hosted by Rhea Wong · EN
This is Nonprofit Lowdown where I review and recommend the best ideas, resources, tools, tricks and tips to run your nonprofit like a pro!
98episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
#370- The Neuroscience of Generosity (and What Fundraisers Get Wrong) with Cherian Koshy
Jan 500:44:03Summary readyWe’re kicking off 2026 with a big conversation—and the perfect guest to start the year.I’m joined by my friend Cherian Koshy, author of NeuroGiving and Vice President at Hindsight. Cherian’s journey from accidental frontline fundraiser to nonprofit tech founder to bestselling author mirrors so much of what many of us in this sector experience: curiosity, frustration with “best practices,” and a deep desire to do fundraising in a more human way.In this episode, we dig into why so many traditional fundraising approaches feel off—and what neuroscience and behavioral science can teach us about how people actually make decisions about giving. We talk about generosity, identity, trust, and the mistakes nonprofits make when we over-engineer donations but under-invest in relationships and stewardship.If you’ve ever felt like fundraising advice wasn’t built for real humans—or real organizations—this conversation is for you.Happy New Year, and I’m so glad you’re here.Important Links:Cherian’s Book- Neurogiving: https://www.amazon.com/Neurogiving-Science-Decision-Making-Cherian-Koshy/dp/1394370458How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#369- The Quiet Machinery of Hope
Dec 2200:10:14Summary readyThis final episode for 2025 has no tips, no tactics, no strategies. Just a moment to acknowledge the grief, exhaustion, and weight so many of us—especially in the nonprofit sector—are carrying right now.If leadership feels heavier than usual…If fundraising feels harder…If you’re tired but still showing up anyway…This episode is for you.Nonprofits are the quiet machinery of hope. When the world burns, we’re the ones stitching it back together. That work isn’t glamorous, but it matters deeply.You don’t need to fix the whole world today.You just need to keep your corner lit.Give yourself permission to rest, to feel, and then—when you’re ready—to come back steady in 2026. Because hope isn’t passive. Hope is funded.Happy holidays, friends. Take care of yourselves.And as always—get that money, honey. 💛Important Links:How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#368- What Happened in 2025?
Dec 1500:20:51Summary ready2025 was a pressure cooker year. Tariffs. Funding cuts. Attacks on DEI. AI overload. Donor fatigue. Burnout everywhere.In this episode, I reflect on what 2025 revealed about leadership, fundraising, and trust—and more importantly, what to do next as we head into 2026.Here’s what I cover:- Why burnout is not a personal failure—it’s a structural reality- The 5 trends that will define successful fundraisers in 2026- Why quality conversations > mass outreach noise-Why simplification beats expansion (stop chasing shiny objects)- How collaboration is the real power move-And why clarity of identity is the only true moat leftIf 2025 left you feeling behind, overwhelmed, or questioning your impact—this episode is your reminder that surviving was the win.Important Links:How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#367- Giving Tuesday Flop...Now What?
Dec 800:26:50Summary readyIf your Giving Tuesday results felt… underwhelming, you’re not alone. And more importantly—you’re not too late. In this special episode, I break down the real reasons campaigns flop and show you exactly how to course-correct for your year-end campaign.Giving Tuesday isn’t the finale.It’s the kickoff to the most important 28 days of your fundraising year.Important Links:Year-End Sprint Webinar: https://go.rheawong.com/yearendsprint How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#366- A Giving Tuesday Pep Talk You Actually Need
Dec 100:13:06Summary readyI’m coming to you the Monday after Thanksgiving, still full of pie and finally catching my breath. I hope you had a moment to rest too, because I know what tomorrow means for so many of us: Giving Tuesday and the sprint to year-end.If you’re feeling the weight of it all—your goals, your board, the world in general—I just want you to know: I see you. You’re doing meaningful work in a very complicated year. Please give yourself a little grace.Before you send that Giving Tuesday email, here are three simple things to double-check:1. Rethink your subject line2. Don’t rely on just one email3. Add a real PS and invite repliesBonus: Make your donate button obvious. People skim. Help them.I’m hosting a free year-end reflection + 2026 planning session for newsletter subscribers. If you’d like to join, the signup link is in the show notes.You’re not alone in this. You’re doing great work. Now go out there and raise what you can—and let the rest go.Important Links:How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#365- Stop Drowning in Admin and Let the Robots Robot
Nov 2400:25:27Summary readyIn this episode, I get real about the biggest pain point every fundraiser knows too well: we’re drowning in admin and not spending nearly enough time building real relationships. I share why most of us feel burned out, overwhelmed, and disconnected from the work we came here to do.I talk about my own journey as an accidental fundraiser and how AI would’ve saved me years of stress. Today, AI can help us clear inboxes, prep for donor meetings, draft campaigns, and take back precious time if we use it ethically and keep humans in the loop.I walk you through the real concerns (bias, data, hallucinations), why mission-driven leaders must have a seat at the AI table, and how even saving 15 minutes a day adds up to days of reclaimed time for actual donor relationships.Before diving into any tools, I guide you through identifying where your fundraising pipeline is leaking so AI can solve the right problems.This episode is all about freeing yourself from drudgery so you can do the human, mission-centered work you’re meant to do.Important Links:How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#364- Giving Tuesday But Make It Major Gifts
Nov 1700:14:10Summary readyIn this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m sharing a juicy slice of one of my free live webinars—and trust me, this isn’t your typical “Giving Tuesday tips” vibe.Instead of talking about social posts, I break down how to turn Giving Tuesday into a major donor discovery day. Yep. One day. Major donor pipeline. Let’s go.Why Giving Tuesday is secretly one of the BEST moments to surface major donor prospects.The wild fact that 3% of your Giving Tuesday audience could literally fund your next program—and how to spot them.The real difference between annual donors and major donors (and why treating everyone the same is costing you).How to use simple “signals” to catch the folks who are quietly watching your work and ready to step up.Why in-person meetings boost your major gift success by 70%—and how to book more of them during year-end.Exactly how I segment donors into Lane A (annual givers) and Lane B (top 30 major prospects) without burning out.Wins from my students who’ve skyrocketed year-end revenue and landed surprise 5-figure gifts.Major donors often self-cultivate and self-solicit. Your job is to create the right conditions so they raise their hands. This episode shows you how to turn Giving Tuesday traffic into real conversations and transformational gifts.This episode features just a portion of my free webinar. If you want the full session—plus more tools to grow your major gift programInside the Episode: Why You’ll Want to Listen:Want More Trainings Like This?Important Links:Webinar Registration: https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsplaybook-5083-1612 How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#363- Making the Case for Your Board
Nov 1000:15:51Summary readyIf you’ve been listening to me for a while, maybe caught one of my trainings, or you’re on my email list, this is your nudge: now is the time to work with me on your major gift strategy.I only have 20 spots left between now and the end of 2025 in my Big Ask Gift Program, and prices will increase in 2026.Let’s be real — one of the biggest blockers I see when folks reach out to me is their board. Maybe they say, “We only have $1,000 for professional development,” or they hesitate because they can’t see the ROI clearly.In this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m walking you through exactly how to make the case to your board — with plain numbers, clear ROI, and a ready-to-forward approval packet that gets a yes fast.Your donors are being spoken to — the only question is, by who? Let’s make sure it’s you, with a clear, confident strategy.Important Links:How Much Revenue Is Your Nonprofit Leaving on the Table?: https://magic-sparkle-maker-45.lovable.app/ Book an Evaluation Call Here: https://go.rheawong.com/application Board Video: https://share.descript.com/view/kgx4gQmiyzY Webinar Registration: https://go.rheawong.com/majorgiftsplaybook-5165 How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#362- What You Need to Know Before Giving Tuesday with Jess Campbell
Nov 300:50:45Summary readyWe’re counting down to Giving Tuesday, and my good friend Jess Campbell is dropping ALL the fundraising wisdom you need to finish the year strong.She’s the queen of email 👑 — but in this convo, Jess goes way beyond inbox strategy to share the “do this, not that” of end-of-year campaigns.From securing a match donor (“matches are magic!” ✨) to building real momentum before December 31, this episode is your Giving Tuesday survival guide.Important Links:Webinar Registration: www.rheawong.com How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
Summary#361- Plugging Donor Leaks Before Year-End
Oct 2700:26:47Summary readyWe’re in what I like to call the Super Bowl of fundraising — that mad sprint to December 31st. Before you pour all your time and energy into your year-end campaign, I want to make sure you’re not losing money through hidden leaks in your donor funnel. In this episode, I break down the four biggest leaks that cost nonprofits thousands every year — and how to fix them before the giving rush begins:1️⃣ Acquisition – why prospects might not even be paying attention to you.2️⃣ Conversion – how a confusing donation page can kill your momentum.3️⃣ Upgrade – the missed opportunities right under your nose.4️⃣ Retention – the biggest leak of them all.Plus, I’m sharing a free Holiday Giving Readiness Checklist to help you plug those leaks and set yourself up for a strong finish to the year.Important Links:Holiday Giving Readiness Checklist: https://go.rheawong.com/holidaygivingreadinesschecklist How to Train ChatGPT: https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/
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