Nonprofit Lowdown

Hey, fundraisers! 🎙️ On this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, we’re diving deep into the world of **donor qualification**. Ever wonder why you’re chasing after donors who don’t seem to be that into you? Let’s talk about the 5% that really matters: 🔍 **Identification**: Who’s your type? 🤔 **Qualification**: Do they want to date you? 💞 **Cultivation**: Let’s get to know each other! 💍 **Solic...

Hey, nonprofit leaders! 🎙️ If you’re looking to up your fundraising game, you’re in for a treat. Join me for an incredible workshop that’s set to transform how you approach donor relationships.  In this workshop, I break down my proven strategies for engaging with donors, making major gifts, and turning those one-time contributions into lasting partnerships. 💡 Expect actionable insights, lots of...

This week, I had an enlightening conversation with Jay Frost about how the old rules of fundraising are DEAD. 🛑 2024 has been a wild ride, especially in the fundraising world, and I’m here to share how you can not only survive but THRIVE in this new landscape. 🌟 Here are some key takeaways: - **Moves Management is Dead**: I explain why the traditional moves management calendar might not be effec...

Ever wondered why nonprofits sometimes seem to fumble when a big donation comes in? 🤔 Join Rhea Wong as she welcomes back Lisa Greer for another insightful conversation on the latest episode of **Nonprofit Lowdown**! In this episode, we dive deep into: 📚 Lisa's new book, **"The Essential Fundraisers Handbook"**—a must-read for anyone in the nonprofit sector. 🚀 Why traditional move...

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 Rhea 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 ch...

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...

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 journe...

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 inclusi...

Ever been at a networking event and felt a sense of dread when asked to "tell me about yourself"? 😃 Or maybe you've done the opposite and talked so much you never gave the other person a chance to reply?  In this informative episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, I sit down with Rebecca Okamoto, a branding and communications expert, to discuss the art of making great first impressions.  🔥 W...

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. 👀 Kishshana Palmer makes a much-anticipated return to the show, and this conversation is nothing short of a revelation. We explore the intersection of personal wellness and leadership in the nonprofit sect...

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-t...

🛑 Feeling the pinch in your fundraising efforts lately?  In the evolving landscape of giving, traditional donor methods are on the decline. As fundraisers, it's essential to prioritize deep, meaningful relationships over mere transactions.  But how can we do that effectively in an era where people are more selective about where their dollars go? 🤔 In today's episode of Nonprofit Lowdown,...

🤪 Feeling the intern overwhelm?  You’re not alone! Executive Directors of nonprofits often face the daunting task of sorting through intern candidates, training them, and deciding what tasks they can handle—balancing between busywork and overwhelming challenges.  These young minds need ownership of their roles, even in a short timeframe, and directors must create guiding processes, mentoring oppo...

Feeling jittery about making that fundraising call?  You’re not alone. Many fear the dreaded hang-up when reaching out to potential donors. But imagine turning calls from cold to gold, sparking genuine connections that open doors to vital funds.  This week, I chat with the remarkable Kel Haney about turning dreaded fundraising calls into thrilling opportunities for growth. Kel brings a unique pers...

🚀 Is your board more like a stubborn mule than a spirited stallion when it comes to fundraising? 🐴 On today's edition of Nonprofit Lowdown, we're diving into a burning question that keeps many of you up at night: "Why won't my board fundraise?"😡  You're not alone in this struggle—research shows only 41% of boards are engaged in fundraising. Shocking, right? In this epi...

🌟 Are you wrestling with understanding what your donors really want?🌟 If you're an executive director on the hunt for that sweet strategy that separates annual donors from major donors, pull up your comfy chair! Here’s the scoop: treating both types of donors with the same approach just isn’t cutting it. Annual and major donors are as different as chai is from espresso – both amazing but dis...

What if I told you the reason 82% of your donors never give again is because of something you’re doing? 😳 It’s true - we churn through first-time givers by failing to build real relationships and showcase impact. We leave donors confused about what their money achieved, then bombard them with more asks. Donors ghost you because you’re giving them buyer’s remorse. 👻 On this week’s straight-talk e...

Executive directors, are you tired of chasing after those $20 donations like a squirrel on espresso? Yeah, me too. And let me tell you, focusing all our energy on foundation grants and corporate donations because they seem easier is a bit like preferring instant noodles over a gourmet meal—it sort of does the job, but we're left feeling unsatisfied. 😖 Let's talk about moving away from sur...

Feeling overwhelmed by the tsunami wave of AI chatter? Wondering how your nonprofit can ride the AI wave without wiping out? You're not alone.  The rapid evolution of AI technology has everyone's heads spinning, trying to figure out how to adopt it responsibly and effectively to amplify their impact. In today's episode, I sit down with the phenomenal Devi Thomas, a beacon of knowledge...

Ever felt a surge of imposter syndrome just as you're about to hit a major fundraising goal? Wonder why, even after securing that dream funding, a creeping sense of dread shadows your success?  If your accomplishments in the nonprofit realm leave you more anxious than empowered, it’s time we talk about your "Identity Upgrade." In today’s episode, we dive deep into the idea that our i...

Worried AI will take your job? Fear robots more than global warming? Think AI lacks morals? Well, take a chill pill my nonprofit friends. 💊 Today's guest Vilas Dhar provides a refreshing perspective on AI. Rather than some apocalyptic force, he views it as a "human-centric reflection of our society." Our biases and beliefs shape how it develops. So who is this optimistic leader guid...

Are you giving money too much power in your fundraising efforts? Are desperation and scarcity sabotaging your fundraising success? 😣 You’re not alone, my friend. Many leaders try tactic after tactic, only to come up short again and again. Exhausting, right? But what if the real barrier isn’t your savvy strategy, but your mindset? 💭 On this week’s episode of Nonprofit Lowdown, we’re diving deep i...

Is it going to take over the world and make nonprofit work obsolete? Some peeps seem hyped, while others wanna unplug the mainframe, Office Space-style. 💻🚫 Well, never fear!  With experience from computer engineering to working for the FBI in the White House (?!?), my guest Afua Bruce knows her bytes from her bits. Afua decrypts how bias gets baked into algorithms and breaks communities. But she...

With the first blooms of spring comes our annual opportunity for renewal. Time to clear out the old and make way for new growth! In this solo episode, I'll share my best tips for spring cleaning every aspect of your NPO - from refreshing stale programs to pruning unengaged contacts.  Get ready to plant the seeds now for a fruitful year ahead! Here's what we'll cover:  ✅ Breathing life...

This week on the podcast, I had an illuminating discussion with spiritual healer John Jacob Mubarak - a spiritual advisor with a heart for integrating soulful practices into everyday life. Our deep dive was enlightening, revealing how to pour into the causes we're passionate about without draining our own spirit. Key Takeaways: Embracing nature and holistic practices like plant medicine isn&#3...