Nonprofit Lowdown

#357- The Hidden Cost of Your Tech with Rachel Bearbower

This week, I’m chatting with my brilliant friend Rachel Bearbower, founder of the Nonprofit Automation Agency and my go-to tech guru. We’re talking all things tech stacks — the good, the bad, and the painfully expensive.In this episode, we dig into:✅ Why so many nonprofit tech setups are a hot mess✅ What tools are actually worth the money and time✅ The hidden costs (staff time, training, maintenance, etc.)✅ How to build a Lego-style tech stack that actually works together✅ Donor experience tips, especially for recurring giving✅ Why there’s no such thing as the perfect CRMI also share some real talk: if you feel behind on tech, you’re not alone and you’re not deficient — the world has changed fast, and we’re all just trying to keep up.This one is jam-packed with practical insights, a few strong opinions, and some solid laughs. If you’re an ED, fundraiser, ops person, or anyone just trying to make your tech stack less painful — this one’s for you.Important Links:Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/?ref=Rhea Connect with Rachel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelbearbower/ 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/ 

#356- The Trust Crisis in Major Gift Fundraising with Greg Warner

It’s year-end giving season — and if your strategy still relies on wealth screens and spray-and-pray asks, it’s time for a reset.On this week’s Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m joined by my friend (and fan favorite) Greg Warner, CEO of MarketSmart, to talk about why trust is your only currency — and how we’re getting it so, so wrong.💥 Why wealth screens can backfire 💥 How trust has eroded across generations 💥 The myths of donor pyramids and "burn and churn" fundraising 💥 The real role of tech and transparency in major giving 💥 And the one mindset shift that will transform your entire fundraising approachIf you’re ready to stop extracting and start building partnerships with your donors, this episode is for you.Important Links:Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/?ref=Rhea Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregmarketsmart/ Fundraising Report Card: https://fundraisingreportcard.com/ How to Train ChatGPT:  https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/

#355- The Future of Fundraising and AI with Brooke Richie-Babbage

This week on Nonprofit Lowdown, I’m joined by my business bestie and returning favorite, Brooke Richie-Babbage — strategist, executive, founder of Bending Arc, and all-around AI powerhouse.We’re diving deep into how AI is actually being used in the nonprofit space — beyond the hype.We discuss:How AI can support (but not replace) your thinkingUse cases for AI in finance, fundraising, and data analysisTools for donor segmentation and engagementWhy donor trust and ethical data use matter more than everHow to create guardrails, policies, and inclusive practices around AIWe also talk about the messy but necessary process of innovation, how to lead AI adoption with integrity, and why nonprofits must be part of the AI conversation — or risk being left behind.If you're curious about AI but unsure where to start, this one’s packed with insights, real examples, and practical tools you can use right away.Important Links:Zeffy: https://www.zeffy.com/register?&utm_source=Rhea_Wong Connect with Brooke: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bjrichiebabbage/ Fast Forward: https://www.ffwd.org/ai-for-humanity How to Train ChatGPT:  https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/ 

#354- Demystifying DAFs with Mitch Stein

I’m joined by my friend and returning guest, Mitch Stein, now Head of Strategy at Chariot, and we’re breaking down the truth about Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) — what they are, how they work, and what nonprofits are getting wrong about them.Here's what we cover:What a DAF actually is (and no, it's not just for the ultra-wealthy)Why $250 billion is just sitting in DAFs right now — and how to access itHow to stop losing donors due to missed acknowledgments and poor data practicesWhy building trust (not chasing fund managers) is key to unlocking DAF dollarsOne truly cringeworthy story from my ED days that still haunts me (you’ll want to avoid this mistake)If you’re in development, major gifts, or even running a small shop, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you tap into this growing funding source.Important Links:Connect with Mitch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-stein/ DAF Fundraising Report:  https://www.givechariot.com/daf-fundraising-report How to Train ChatGPT:  https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/ 

#353- AI Can't Be Ignored with Nate Wong

This episode is a juicy one. I’m joined by my pal Nate Wong. Nate is a partner at The Bridgespan Group and co-author of a recent white paper, “AI Cannot Be Ignored,” which dives deep into the opportunities (and responsibilities!) that AI presents to nonprofits and the broader social sector.With the Fundraising.AI conference around the corner—where I’ll be speaking, by the way—this conversation couldn’t come at a better time.This episode was both energizing and sobering. AI isn’t just about saving time—it’s about making space for what matters: human connection, meaningful strategy, and real impact. But we can’t be passive. We have to actively shape how AI shows up in our work—and that starts by engaging with it, not avoiding it.Important Links:Connect with Nate: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathanielkwong/ AI for Humanity: https://www.ffwd.org/ai-for-humanity Bridgespan: https://www.bridgespan.org/insights/exploring-ai-opportunities-for-nonprofits-and-the-social-sector How to Train ChatGPT:  https://go.rheawong.com/annual-fundraising-plan-tracker1-3127-4300 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/