#358- Donor Retention with Erika Carley

We’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/⁠

As we sprint toward the Super Bowl of fundraising — year-end giving — let’s talk about something that too many of us overlook: stewardship. Recently, I joined a K-Pop Demon Hunters singalong with 250 strangers in a rainy Brooklyn room. Did I hit the right notes? Nope. Did it matter? Also nope.Because we created something beautiful together. And that’s what fundraising should feel like.It’s not about getting money. It’s about creating moments — real, human, magical moments of connection. When we shift from being resource extractors to facilitators of meaning, something incredible happens:💡 Donors stop ghosting.💡 Conversations get deeper.💡 Giving becomes joyful — for everyone.If fundraising feels like a grind, remember:"Pressure is a privilege." You get to connect people to purpose. You get to lead with values. You get to create magic.Want to create better donor experiences? Apply for a donor growth evaluation call . https://go.rheawong.com/application 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/⁠ 

I sat down with Stephanie Roth and Haley Bash, co-authors of the updated Accidental Fundraiser, and we got into what it really means to fundraise when you didn’t plan on it—and maybe don’t feel totally ready for it.We talked about:Why so many people still feel uncomfortable asking for moneyHow house parties can be more effective (and fun) than galasThe power of tapping your volunteers as donorsFundraising as a form of community organizingAnd why trying to ask everyone for everything never worksOne thing I loved: You don’t need fancy tools or big events to raise real money. A solid list, a clear plan, and authentic relationships can take you far.This episode is full of practical advice and encouragement—especially if you’re building the plane while flying it. You’re not alone.Important Links:Connect with Stephanie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-roth-17b15b5/ Connect with Haley: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleybash/ 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’m so excited about this episode with the amazing Erika Carley, Chief Impact Officer at National Angels (and one of the smartest donor retention minds I know).If you’ve ever said, “We just need more donors,” STOP. What you really need is to keep the donors you already have — and Erica is here to show us how.In this episode, we dive deep into:✨ Why donor retention should be your first priority✨ The “golden donation” (spoiler: it’s the second gift)✨ How to make donors feel something — and why that matters✨ Real stewardship strategies: handwritten cards, voice memos, texts, stickers… even angel wings!✨ What it means to create belonging for your donorsOne of my favorite takeaways? It’s not about the number of stewardship touches — it’s about the quality and the consistency. And yes, we even talk about ghosting donors… and being ghosted 😬If you do nothing else this year, please — I beg you — look at your donor retention numbers. This episode will give you the tools (and hopefully the inspiration) to turn those numbers around.Important Links:Zeffy: ⁠https://www.zeffy.com/?ref=Rhea⁠ Connect with Erika: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-carley123/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/⁠ 

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/ 

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/

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/ 

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/ 

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/ 

In this special episode, I host my powerhouse 10X crew for an energetic roundtable on one of the nonprofit sector’s most important seasons: end-of-year fundraising.The conversation covers:The fundraising landscape in 2025How to use AI and automation without losing the human touchMaintaining donor trustThe importance of mid-level donor strategyZigging when others zag (analog in a digital world)How to audit and prep your tech stackWhy major gifts still matter—and take timeWhether you're a small shop with limited resources or a seasoned fundraiser navigating a changing landscape, this episode is packed with practical insights, tools, and strategies to supercharge your year-end campaign.Important Links: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/