Hey Nonprofits!

One simple question can add an extra $110,000 to your nonprofit's next fundraising event. It’s the "Superhero Ask," a powerful fundraising strategy that gets major donors to raise their own paddle before the auction even begins.In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson talks with professional charity auctioneer Chris Hensley about this simple yet effective method. Chris explains how to find new donors and increase bids by asking for a champion in the room. He shares the exact words to use for your paddle raise and how this simple appeal can create amazing results for your cause. This is a must-see for any nonprofit leader looking to improve their event fundraising and bring in more support for their mission.🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers: https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/Chapters:0:00 - How to Raise an Extra $100K With One Question 0:34 - A Day in the Life of a Professional Charity Auctioneer 1:50 - What Is the "Superhero" Fundraising Technique? 4:02 - The "Superhero" Ask: A Step-by-Step Breakdown 5:04 - What to Do When Your Fundraising Ask Fails 6:22 - How to Create a "Vacation Station" to Boost Bids 7:15 - Announcing the "Crack the Code" Fundraising Seminar 8:23 - Who Will Be at the "Crack the Code" Seminar? 9:42 - How to Use Photography for Donor Stewardship 11:50 - Is the "Crack the Code" Seminar Worth It? 12:51 - How to Connect With Fundraising Expert Chris Hensley

Are your fundraising efforts failing to bring in the big donations you need? Your fear of asking for money might be the very thing holding your nonprofit back from massive growth. Many leaders make this critical mistake, but it's not too late to fix it.

In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson is joined by Kipos Group founder James Misner to discuss what truly great fundraising leaders do differently. They explore why smart people make bad fundraising hires and how to spot the best talent. You will learn the secrets to building relationships with major donors, moving past the fear of asking for large gifts, and why simple, clear communication is your most powerful tool. This conversation provides a practical guide for nonprofit leaders who want to stop chasing small checks and start securing the major funding needed to scale their impact and grow something beautiful.

Learn how you can increase your fundraising revenue with Kipos Group: https://thekiposgroup.com/

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

Connect with James on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmisner/

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - Bigger Isn't Always Better in the Nonprofit World

2:00 - Do Nonprofit Leaders Attend Conferences?

2:50 - The Mission Behind Kipos Group

6:40 - Why the "Great Resignation" Created a New Opportunity

10:05 - The #1 Reason Nonprofits Fail at Fundraising

11:00 - Are You Chasing $5 Donors Instead of $50,000 Checks?

12:15 - Why Smart Leaders Make Bad Fundraising Hires

14:15 - How to Spot a Bad Fundraiser on a Resume

16:35 - The Two Interview Questions That Reveal Everything

18:22 - The "Ideal Team Player" Framework for Hiring

20:15 - How One Bad Hire Can Set You Back 10 Years

22:27 - The Simple Messaging Mistake That Costs You Donors

25:15 - Why You Must Be "Clear Over Clever" in Your Communication

27:05 - Why Leaders Are Afraid to Ask for Major Gifts

29:20 - The Truth About Why People With Wealth Give

31:37 - How to Overcome Your Fear of Asking for Money

33:05 - A 5-Step Framework to Move from Anxiety to Action

38:50 - Should Nonprofits Stop Talking About "Awareness"?

46:13 - The Unique Role Nonprofits Play in a Divided World

48:50 - What Is the Most Effective Way to Reach Donors?

51:12 - How to Talk to Blue-Collar vs. Wall Street Major Donors

53:35 - Don't Make Fundraising Harder By Doing This

59:23 - Why Every Great Leader Needs a Coach

Making one tiny change to your event might seem like a small adjustment, but it could be the #1 reason your sponsors are pulling their funding. Learn the critical do's and don'ts of event planning that can make or break your budget.

In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson shares quick actionable items that lead to a successful fundraising event and more. Discover how to avoid a common pitfall that loses thousands in sponsorship dollars and why direct communication with your supporters is your most powerful tool. Trevor also details a powerful pre-event fundraising strategy called the Golden Ticket, which has helped nonprofits raise over $10,000 before the event even starts. You will learn the best time to promote your auction items to get your donors excited and prepared to give. This is a must watch for any nonprofit leader or volunteer looking to improve fundraising strategies and increase donations.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - Top Fundraising Do's and Don'ts

1:22 - The #1 Mistake to Avoid When Changing Your Fundraiser

2:51 - What is the Most Powerful Fundraising Tool?

4:25 - How to Raise $10,000 Before Your Event Starts

6:07 - When Should You Start Promoting Auction Items?

8:30 - A Quick Message

9:15 - The Most Important Thing to Tell Your Donors

10:38 - Why You Need to Avoid a "Bad Hang"

Is your charity golf tournament secretly losing you money? Learn the simple blueprint for a 6-figure fundraising event that turns golfers into major donors.

In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson welcomes golf event expert Blake Weaver to reveal the complete anatomy of a highly profitable golf fundraiser. Blake shares his best advice on how to secure valuable corporate sponsors, increase attendee engagement, and use powerful cross-marketing to fill your events. Discover proven ideas for on-course games, raffles, and a unique silent auction strategy that will help you raise more money. This is the ultimate guide to planning and executing a flawless charity golf tournament from start to finish.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

Connect with Blake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-weaver-35a066165/

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - Why Golf Fundraisers Are More Popular Than Ever

2:52 - How to Keep Your Mission at the Center of Your Golf Event

5:25 - Pro Tricks: How to Keep Golfers from Leaving Your Event Early

7:10 - The Untapped Networking Potential of a Charity Golf Tournament

11:38 - When Should You Start Asking for Golf Tournament Sponsors?

12:53 - The Power of Cross-Marketing Your Fundraising Events

15:53 - The "3 Event Rule" for Unlocking Major Donor Gifts

18:05 - Is Your Hole-In-One Prize a Scam? A New Solution

24:00 - 5 Proven Ways to Raise Money at Your Golf Fundraiser

24:42 - Method #1: Player & Team Registration

24:55 - Method #2: Sponsorships & Underwriting

25:01 - Method #3: On-Course Fundraising Games

26:10 - Method #4: The Pre-Event Silent Auction Strategy

28:10 - Method #5: Mission-Focused Raffles & Activities

29:58 - How to Contact Blake Weaver for More Golf Tips

What if your nonprofit could land major corporate sponsors on LinkedIn without creating any content? This episode reveals how to find unlimited corporate partners with simple, direct messages.

On the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson is joined by LinkedIn expert Randy Molland to share a powerful fundraising strategy that requires no content creation. Randy explains why your current social media approach may be failing and how to use LinkedIn as a direct outreach tool to connect with CEOs, founders, and ideal donors. You will learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile, find the right people to connect with, and build the relationships that lead to significant funding. Discover the method used to raise over $550,000 from a single introduction and how your nonprofit can start getting connection calls with key decision makers this week.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

connect with Randy Holland on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/randymolland/?originalSubdomain=ca

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - Why LinkedIn Is The #1 Untapped Tool for Nonprofits

0:58 - Meet the Expert on Finding Corporate Partners on LinkedIn

3:58 - What Does HGA Stand For? The Mission Behind the Name

7:03 - From Real Estate to Real Impact: A Founder's Story

9:36 - How A Single LinkedIn Message Created a Business Partnership

11:34 - The #1 Problem ALL Nonprofits Are Facing Right Now

13:38 - How to Get 167 Donor Meetings in 4 Weeks

15:54 - The Biggest Mistake Nonprofits Make on Social Media

18:25 - How to Optimize Your LinkedIn Profile for Fundraising

20:21 - A Step-by-Step Guide to the Perfect LinkedIn Banner

25:29 - Are You Making it Hard for Donors to Give?

26:32 - How to Find Your Ideal Corporate Partner on LinkedIn

29:26 - A Live Search for Donors on LinkedIn

33:48 - The Perfect Connection Message to Send to Donors

39:44 - How a Simple Introduction Raised $550,000

40:30 - Do You Need LinkedIn Premium for Fundraising?

44:39 - How to Find Donors for a Healthcare Nonprofit

50:33 - The Most Tactical Webinar We've Ever Done

52:14 - How To Be A Part Of The Next Webinar

What if you could raise $10,000 for your nonprofit before your fundraising event even begins? This simple golden ticket strategy sold out in just 72 hours, and this guide shows you exactly how to do it.

Raise More Money with the Golden Ticket Raffle now! https://hgafundraising.com/golden-ticket/

On this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson talks with Brittany Pilcher from Quest Inc, who reveals her complete plan. Learn how to launch a successful golden ticket revenue enhancer for your next fundraiser. Brittany shares how she sold 100 tickets at the $100 price point by building excitement with donors. Discover the best timeline for selling tickets, the right prizes to offer, and how to get your board members involved. This is the perfect new opportunity to improve your guest experience and bring in more donations.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

Connect with Brittany on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittanylara/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - A Golden Ticket Strategy to Sell Out Before Your Event

0:24 - A True Believer's Story: Overcoming Fundraising Hesitations

0:38 - How to Refresh Your Signature Fundraising Event

1:24 - What Are The Hidden Costs of a Golden Ticket?

2:05 - How to Pre-Sell Tickets & Build Buzz for Your Fundraiser

2:41 - The Exact Timeline for a 72-Hour Sellout

3:09 - How to Maximize Revenue With Multiple Price Points

3:53 - The Power of Pre-Event Fundraising

4:22 - The Psychology Behind a $100 Golden Ticket

4:53 - How to Choose Prizes That Appeal to Every Donor

5:51 - Should You Sell More Than 100 Golden Tickets?

6:45 - Where to Find Golden Ticket Products for Your Event

7:31 - When Is the Best Time to Announce the Winner?

9:05 - The Easiest Way to Raise More Money at Your Event

9:45 - How to Make Your Next Fundraiser "Plug and Play"

11:07 - How to Get Your Board & Committee Excited to Fundraise

12:38 - The Hidden ROI of a Great Guest Experience

13:30 - Nonprofit Spotlight: The Mission of Quest

15:56 - Why Every Fundraiser Needs a Golden Ticket

What if the secret to fully funding your nonprofit was hiding in your donor list? A shocking 50% of Boomers and Gen X donors are already making monthly donations, but most charities are missing out.

Sign up for free to join our next webinar! https://hgafundraising.com/webinar-signup

In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, we revisit a live webinar where hosts Trevor Nelson and Jason Ledlow are joined by recurring giving expert Dave Raley to reveal why the subscription economy has created a massive opportunity for sustainable fundraising. Learn simple strategies to build a successful monthly giving program, increase donor retention, and turn small gifts into major long term value. This is the playbook for growing your organization through consistent, reliable support from donors who want to give more.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

Connect with Dave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draley/

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here:  https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:  

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

Chapters:

0:00 - The Untapped Goldmine in Fundraising 

0:26 - How Events Can Create Sustainable Giving 

1:14 - What Is The Subscription Economy? 

2:15 - A 21-Year Fundraising Journey: What's Changed? 

3:45 - The 3 Types of Recurring Donation Models 

5:32 - How Netflix & Amazon Changed Fundraising Forever 

6:40 - How Many Subscriptions Does the Average American Have? 

8:13 - The #1 Trick to Cut Your Subscription Bill 

9:04 - The $70 Trillion Wealth Transfer: What It Means for Giving 

10:18 - How Do Different Generations Prefer to Give? 

12:22 - Why 75% of Nonprofits Are Left Behind in Recurring Giving 

13:43 - The Playbook for Building a Resilient Recurring Giving Program 

16:09 - Is the Child Sponsorship Model Becoming Obsolete? 

19:29 - First Steps to Building a Sustainable Giving Program 

20:57 - How to Benchmark Your Recurring Giving Program 

24:01 - Why Consistent Effort Over Time Is Key 

25:15 - Why Recurring Donors Give More Over Time 

27:01 - The Shocking Truth About Donor Churn vs. Retention 

28:19 - The Hidden Benefits of a Recurring Giving Program 

29:41 - Do Monthly Gifts Stop Donors From Giving Major Gifts? 

31:43 - When Is The Best Time To Ask For a Recurring Gift? 

33:59 - Why The Best Time to Sell is Right After You've Sold 

36:15 - How a $250/Month Pledge Becomes a $10,000 Gift 

39:21 - How to Turn Small Monthly Gifts into Huge Donations 

41:31 - A Gift For Our Amazing Viewers 

43:16 - Your FREE 7-Step Guide to Growing Recurring Donations 

44:42 - The Most Valuable Donors You Aren't Asking

Are you tired of a nonprofit board that does nothing to help with fundraising? Discover the proven method to get your board members to finally start raising money and contributing to your cause. This strategy is so simple, you'll wonder why you didn't try it sooner.

In this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson sits down with Ryan Scarola, a nonprofit founder who turned his inactive board of directors into a fundraising powerhouse. Ryan shares his exact tactics for getting board members engaged, from providing them with the right tools to making the ask irresistible. Learn the secrets to authentic donor cultivation, building powerful relationships, and overcoming the fear of asking for support. This conversation is full of actionable fundraising strategies for any nonprofit leader looking to grow their individual giving and build a community of passionate supporters.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Follow Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

Connect with Ryan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanscarola/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - The Shocking Truth About Most Nonprofit Boards

0:54 - Why Nonprofit Work Never Gets Easier

2:20 - The Secret to Avoiding Burnout

3:41 - The #1 Time Management Hack for Leaders

5:21 - Our First Campaign Goal Was Tiny...Then THIS Happened

7:33 - The #1 Secret to Getting People to Donate

8:49 - This Simple Thank You Card Trick Gets Results

10:29 - What to Do When a Board Member Brings in a HUGE Gift

12:24 - What Happens When Your Board Does NOTHING

14:19 - I Fired 80% of My Board, Here's Why

16:42 - From Personal Tragedy to a Powerful Mission

20:03 - The Soft Skills They DON'T Teach You in School

23:55 - The Devastating Statistic That Inspired Everything

25:11 - The #1 Mistake Fundraisers Make (And How to Fix It)

27:55 - The Surprising Reason Some People NEVER Ask for Money

32:13 - How to Build Relationships That Last (And Get MORE Donations) 37:04 - Why I'll Turn Down a Million Dollar Funder

38:50 - The LinkedIn Post That Changed EVERYTHING

40:58 - The Biggest Mistake Nonprofits Make in Their Thank You Letters 45:48 - Your Nonprofit's BIGGEST Financial Mistake

50:19 - When Disaster Strikes, Do THIS Immediately

52:57 - The Mindset Hack That Unlocks Fundraising Success

56:45 - The Uncomfortable Truth You Need to Hear

A fundraising story that raises millions can also put a life in danger. The biggest storytelling mistake nonprofits make isn't about the money you could lose; it's about the irreversible harm you don't even see you're causing.

In this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson sits down with ethical storytelling expert Diana Farias to uncover this critical issue. Diana shares the powerful and personal story of how she learned that a successful fundraising campaign can have devastating consequences for a story owner. She reveals why even well-intentioned nonprofits are at risk of ruining their reputation and breaking community trust. Discover how to create a simple and consistent process for gathering stories that protects your clients, honors your mission, and ultimately inspires more giving. This conversation provides a clear framework to help you raise money with both confidence and integrity.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Diana Farias on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafariasheinrich/

Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 - Perfection is the Enemy of Progress

0:34 - My Journey to Ethical Storytelling

1:14 - My First Assignment: A Massive Success

1:58 - The Overheard Conversation That Changed Everything

2:56 - A Mistake I Vowed Never to Repeat

3:52 - Turning My Mistake Into My Mission

5:51 - Is "Ethical Storytelling" Just a Buzzword?

6:36 - The #1 Person Fundraisers Always Forget

8:20 - Be Clear Over Clever in Your Stories

9:27 - The 12-Story System for Easy Content

11:32 - How to Reuse and Refresh Your Stories

12:44 - Using AI to Build Your Content Library

14:16 - Why I Created the Ethical Nonprofit Summit

18:38 - The 10-Word Mission Statement

20:55 - Are You a Story Owner or a Storyteller?

22:46 - Tell Your Story From a Scar, Not a Wound

25:00 - When The Client Feels Obligated to Say Yes

26:48 - What's Next for Diana and Her Mission

27:43 - Where You Can Find Diana Online

Forget everything you think you know about fundraising events. There's a simple and creative way to get your donors excited to give, and it has nothing to do with a traditional gala. On this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson sits down with expert event planner Mary Davidson to discuss the most brilliant fundraising idea we've ever heard. Mary explains why simplifying your event with shorter, mission-centric programs and creative gamification leads to more engagement and bigger donations. She shares powerful insights on the importance of in-person connection, tips for collaborating with other leaders, and her own journey from a nonprofit employee to a successful business owner. If you want fresh, actionable strategies to make your next fundraiser a huge success, this is the conversation for you.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryrosedavidson/

Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 The Truth About Nonprofit Work

0:24 How Trevor Discovered The Better Events Podcast

1:43 The Podcast Every Fundraiser Should Hear

2:52 The Unseen Heroes of Fundraising Events

4:36 What is an "Event with a Purpose"?

5:24 Why Seattle is a Nonprofit Hotspot

7:02 From Nonprofit Employee to Business Owner

9:10 The #1 Sign You Need to Start Your Own Business

11:34 The Mindset Trick All Great Leaders Use

12:28 "Fake It 'Til You Make It" Actually Works!

13:49 Who REALLY Runs a Fundraising Event?

15:24 Avoid This Mistake at Your Next Event Meeting

17:09 Why In-Person Events Are BACK!

18:37 The Secret Sauce of In-Person Fundraising

20:06 The Real Reason Nonprofits Hate Events

22:37 The "Less is More" Event Strategy That Works

24:35 Understanding Your Donors' Giving Style

25:50 Why Your Event Needs Different Ways to Give

27:05 The Most Creative Fundraising Idea We've Ever Heard!

29:00 The #1 Trend in Events Right Now

30:07 Video vs. Live Speaker: Which Is Better?

31:39 The Best Fundraising Game You've Never Heard Of

33:52 The Great Debate: Live Auction or Fund-A-Need First?

36:08 How to Avoid Burnout in the Nonprofit World

38:54 The Power of Collaboration Over Competition

41:45 Mary's Conference for Event Professionals

44:03 Where to Find Mary Davidson Online