After 2,000 Galas, Here's What Actually Makes Donors Give...

What this episode covers

Rob Giardinelli has attended over 2,000 fundraising galas. In this episode, he breaks down what actually moves donors to give more, why "events are dead" is bad advice, and the guest experience details most nonprofits completely miss.Rob is the founder of robgiardinelli.com and host of the Fun in Fundraising podcast. After 15 years chronicling top galas across Texas and the country, he advises nonprofits on optimizing the guest experience—the gap between what event planners and auctioneers do.What you'll learn:Why post-COVID donors are more selective and how to earn their timeThe 3-legged stool every successful gala needs (and how to spot when it's broken)Why messaging has to happen in the room, not just in the inviteHow major gifts, development, and gala teams should actually work togetherThe real determiner of whether someone becomes a lifelong supporterWhy "what works in Houston won't work in Austin" (and what that means for your event)Chapters:00:00 Like & Subscribe :)00:45 Trevor and Rob catch up03:49 Rob's path from tech to fundraising08:39 What's changed about donors since COVID11:03 Why every city fundraises differently14:08 Treat your gala like a business17:20 "Events are dead" pushback24:30 STOP competing internally26:55 How to get the messaging right31:22 3-events rule for lifelong donors33:12 Rob's advice: don't make fundraising harder than it needs to beHave a question or topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-questions/🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗Check out Rob's podcast: https://funinfundraising.podbean.com/Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robgiardinelli/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/

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of Hey Nonprofits!?

This episode is 35 minutes long.

When was this Hey Nonprofits! episode published?

This episode was published on May 5, 2026.

What is this episode about?

Rob Giardinelli has attended over 2,000 fundraising galas. In this episode, he breaks down what actually moves donors to give more, why "events are dead" is bad advice, and the guest experience details most nonprofits completely miss.Rob is the...

Can I download this Hey Nonprofits! episode?

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