Rhea Wong is a nonprofit leader with 20 years of experience that helps Executive Directors and development staff build out individual major gift programs to raise money like a pro. In this episode, we dismantle some of the most common biases inside the fundraiser’s mindset when it comes to money and the risk of rejection. Rhea has some interesting takeaways to help you challenge your pre-established money beliefs and become a successful fundraiser. You know this conversation is right up our alley! Listen and learn how to ask the right questions to nurture your relationships with partners.

00:28 - Rhea Wong’s background: The early experiences that shaped her root beliefs around money.

6:35 - The risk of rejection: What emotions get triggered when asking for money versus when you’re being asked?

09:45 - The courage to claim an edge: How to overcome the fact that not everyone is going to align with what you do.

13:46 - Fundraiser’s energy, mindset patterns, and inner barriers: What should new fundraisers be aware of?

23:36 - Heroes (not saviors) of our stories: What long-term relationship mindset and donor retention efforts are really all about.

32:01 - There is no perfect ask: Discussing the biased narratives that create a competitive landscape in the nonprofit sector and the discomfort that comes from asking for money.

38:15 - Transparency is important: The purpose that conversations with founders and board members should seek.

40:13 - We never talk about money in a really transparent way. And yet it's the undercard of everything that we do.