Episode 48

full
Published on:

10th May 2023

Mastering Mindset for Fundraising Success

Rhea Wong, a successful fundraiser and passionate advocate for changing mindsets, found herself in a challenging situation when she first became an executive director. With no prior knowledge, she began her journey by learning everything she could about fundraising, only to discover that psychological aspects were missing from the teachings. Reflecting on her upbringing and the scarcity mindset she had inherited from her family, Rhea realized that her own fear of asking for support was holding her back. Committed to overcoming her own barriers and helping others do the same, Rhea now emphasizes the importance of examining one's relationship with money and the role mindset plays in successful fundraising.

Discover the psychological aspect of fundraising with Rhea Wong as she shares her personal journey of overcoming a scarcity mindset, and offers practical tips to manage your brain and upgrade your money operating system to achieve fundraising success.

In this episode, we delve into:

  • Understanding how nurturing the right mindset and implementing smart systems set the foundation for fundraising success.
  • Developing adaptable fundraising tactics that encourage task delegation, maximizing productivity.
  • Concentrating on mending donor retention leaks to foster a solid sense of trust in your cause.
  • Connecting on an emotional level with potential donors, tapping into their core motivations to give.
  • Maintaining a positive, fun attitude toward fundraising, making it an engaging and worthwhile endeavor.

My special guest is Rhea Wong

Rhea Wong is a renowned fundraising expert, author, and podcast host with a passion for helping nonprofits establish individual giving programs. With years of experience in institutional, corporate, and event fundraising, Rhea has raised millions of dollars for various causes. She has become a leader in the New York nonprofit community, earning recognition through the Smart CEO Brava Award in 2015 and the New York Nonprofit Media's 40 Under 40 in 2017. Rhea is also the host of the popular podcast the Nonprofit Lowdown and author of Get That Money, Honey! When she's not busy raising funds, Rhea enjoys trying her hand at stand-up comedy in downtown Brooklyn.

From a fear of asking for support to empowering others, Rhea Wong's journey in fundraising has an unexpected twist that will leave you inspired and motivated. But what was the key to her success? Find out as we delve into the mindset-changing story of this passionate advocate for nonprofit organizations.


RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE

Get That Money, Honey!: The No-Bullsh*t Guide to Raising More Money For Your Nonprofit by Rhea Wong

Nonprofit Lowdown Podcast

Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman

1,000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly

You're Invited: The Art and Science of Connection, Trust, and Belonging by Jon Levy

This Is Marketing: You Can't Be Seen Until You Learn to See by Seth Godin

Setting the Table: The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business by Danny Meyer

Inside the Mind of a Curious Chameleon


CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST ONLINE

Linkedin / Website / Email

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSOR

Thank you to our friends at Bloomerang for being a sponsor of The Intentional Fundraiser podcast.

Bloomerang gathers the best tools, resources, and people in a single place and, through its donor management platform, empowers nonprofit organizations like yours to carry out their missions.

Learn how First Tee of Greater Akron doubled its unique donors, improved donor stewardship, and raised more funds in the first year with Bloomerang.


RATE, REVIEW & FOLLOW ON APPLE PODCASTS

“I love Tammy and The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast” 👈 If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This will enable me to reach more fundraisers — just like you — and help them become better fundraisers, faster. Click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and tap “Write a Review.” Then, let me know what you liked most about this particular episode or how you find my podcast helpful, valuable, insightful or inspiring in some way. 


SUBSCRIBE TO THIS PODCAST

Also, if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to this podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Subscribe now!


CONNECT WITH TAMMY ZONKER ON SOCIAL

You can also connect with Tammy on Twitter and Instagram at @tammyzonker, and on LinkedIn.


TAKE YOUR FUNDRAISING RESULTS TO THE NEXT LEVEL

To get started, learn more about joining our exclusive Fundraising Transformers Community.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast

About the Podcast

The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast
Welcome to The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast. I'm your host, Tammy Zonker, and I'm thrilled you're here.

I've spent nearly three decades specializing in major gifts. I’ve seen how major gifts often form the backbone of an organization’s financial stability, and yet, I know many of us find this area particularly challenging. Time and again, I’ve been approached by fundraisers and nonprofit leaders eager to establish or supercharge their major gift programs. It’s become crystal clear that there’s a growing hunger for training and expertise in this area.

I’ve had the incredible privilege of working with nonprofits from all around the world helping organizations collectively raise nearly one billion dollars. During this time, I’ve developed strategies and tools that have consistently helped organizations transition their mid-level donors into major donors through meaningful engagement. It’s a process that, when done consistently, can truly catapult an organization’s major gift fundraising to the next level.

Whether you’re a seasoned major gift officer looking to refine your approach, a development director aiming to build a powerhouse program, an executive director looking to scale your organization’s capacity for transformational giving, or a board member seeking to understand the transformative potential of major gifts, The Intentional Fundraiser podcast is your source for growth and excellence in major gift fundraising.

So, buckle up! We're about to embark on a journey to take your major gift program to the next level – and beyond. Let's get intentional about major gift fundraising!

Keep transforming,
Tammy Zonker
Major Gift Expert & Keynote Speaker
Fundraising Transformed

#ScaleRaiseDo

About your host

Profile picture for Tammy Zonker

Tammy Zonker

Hey, There! I’m Tammy Zonker.

I'm the Founder and President of Fundraising Transformed and host of The Intentional Fundraiser Podcast.

I’ve been a major gifts strategist and fundraising expert for more than 25 years. I’m also a certified AFP Master Trainer and international speaker.

I’ve Led and trained thousands of nonprofit social service organizations, private schools, colleges and universities, and healthcare organizations to collectively raise more than a half-billion dollars — and counting — including a single gift of $27.1M.

I have served as adjunct faculty at Indiana University and technical editor for Wiley Publishing’s “Fundraising for Dummies” third edition.

I currently serve as Dean at the Institute for Charitable Giving, a member of the AFP International Conference Education Committee, a member of the Nonprofit Quarterly’s Editorial Advisory Board, a contributing writer to NonProfit PRO, and an advisor at Capital Campaign Pro.

I would love to learn more about the amazing work you do and explore how we can work together to take your fundraising to the next, next level.