PODCAST · business
Hey Nonprofits!
by HGA Fundraising
The 'Hey Nonprofits!' podcast is here to help fundraisers and event professionals Raise More Money.Each week, we bring on an industry expert to highlight important tips and strategies, and you can use them effectively to grow your organization. Whether you simply need help communicating with donors or need advanced tactics with setting up live auctions and fundraising events—host Trevor Nelson is here to guide you toward success. Be sure to tune in for a new episode every Tuesday! Brought to you by HGA Fundraising.
Episodes
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Corporate Partners Give You More Than a Check
Your corporate partners can give you far more than a check. After 35 years in corporate B2B sales and marketing leadership, Dan Drucker (founder of Philanthropy Fuel) sits down with Trevor to break down what nonprofits miss about corporate partnerships, and why the opportunity is bigger than most...
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Stop Stewarding Your Donors. Do This Instead
Trevor Nelson and benefit auctioneer George Franco make the case for replacing stewardship with partnership. Calling a donor a steward puts the weight of your mission on their shoulders. Inviting them to partner puts you in it together. That one shift changes how your board reaches out, how your...
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Live Auction Doesn't Steal From Your Fund a Need
Your live auction is not stealing from your fund a need. Benefit auctioneer, coach, and game show host Seth Weiner (Your Rocktioneer, out of Atlanta) sits down with Trevor to take apart the myths and habits costing nonprofits money before, during, and after the event. Seth's whole approach starts...
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Mo Knows Event Software
Most nonprofits treat auction software as a checkout tool. Mo treats it as a donor intelligence system. She covers why mobile bidding isn't too hard for older donors, the auto-close setting almost nobody turns on, the text message that can sell out a raffle in two minutes, and the platform fees...
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Your Bid Paddle Lost You Money
The bid paddle has exactly one job: let the auctioneer identify the bidder number quickly and correctly. Get that right and it worked. Get it wrong, with cursive lettering, a busy background, or so many sponsor logos it looks like a NASCAR, and every other feature on it is wasted. In this…
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Live Auction Dollars Pay For What Grants Can't
Most nonprofit revenue arrives restricted. Grants, endowments, and foundation gifts usually come earmarked for a specific use. Live auction income is the exception: it's unrestricted, which means it's the one line on your budget you can point at operations, staff salaries, or wherever the need is...
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This Question Turns a $20K Gala Into $1M Gala
Fundraising events don't plateau because the market got harder. They plateau because the organization goes quiet for twelve months and then asks for a table. In this episode of Hey Nonprofits!, Trevor sits down with Kat Leitner of Heron & Co. Design and Events (formerly Alora Events) to unpack…
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Celebrities Aren't the Problem...Your Ask Is Terrible
Most nonprofits chase a celebrity two months before their gala, email an agent, ask about money, and wonder why they get ghosted.Afam Onyema has spent 19 years doing the opposite. As CEO of the GEANCO Foundation, he has brought Oprah, Daniel Craig, Charize Theron, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and…
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Getting Donors to Give Again
Most nonprofits lose donors after the first gift and blame it on competition or a tight economy. It's usually neither. It's follow-up.Trevor Nelson sits down with philanthropic advisor Brittany Morrison to break down why donors give once and disappear, and the specific relationship moves that…
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The 85-Asset Rule: How Top Nonprofits Actually Market Their Galas | Laurie Hochman
Most nonprofits think they're over-marketing their gala. They're not even close.Laurie from Auctria joins Trevor to break down what she calls the 85-Asset Rule — the number of marketing pieces one of her top-performing event planners uses to promote a single fundraising night. And the trick isn't...
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The Silent Auction Playbook | Claire Murad
Every year it's the same fire drill - cold-calling local businesses, guessing at starting bids, and crossing your fingers that this year's silent auction table looks better than last year's. It doesn't have to be this way.In this 30 minute Summer Session, we'll be discussing: Why the "ask local...
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The Auctioneer Mistake That's Killing Your Fundraiser | Jordan Agolli
Four nonprofits in a row told Jordan Agolli the same thing about their previous auctioneer: they felt like the person with the microphone cared more about themselves than the mission.Jordan, a benefit auctioneer and MC based out of Atlanta, joins Trevor to break down what he's hearing from...
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Why Your Check-In Line Is Costing You Donors | Chris O'Shea & Livia Christensen
Most fundraisers think of check-in as a hospitality problem. Livia Christensen and Chris O'Shea of C2 Auctions think it's a fundraising problem and they have the data to prove it.Livia and Chris manage guest lists and staff registration for some of the biggest galas in the country. Every event,...
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Hollywood Playbook for Fundraising Galas | Rick Toone
Most fundraising events are planned like logistics problems. Rick Toone plans them like Hollywood shoots them. Rick spent 20 years in Los Angeles as an art director and lighting designer for A-list clients — Ridley Scott, David Fincher, over 50 Super Bowl commercials, an Emmy nomination, Whitney...
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A 10-Year CEO, a $1.2M Gala, and a Board With 100% Give | Christy Casey-Moore
Most CEOs of nonprofits have opinions about boards. Christy Casey-Moore has a 100% give rate and a $1.2M gala to back hers up. Christy is the CEO of Heart Gift, a global nonprofit that brings children from other countries to the United States for life-saving heart surgeries they can't access at...
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What Two Auctioneers Wish Every Nonprofit Knew Before Their Gala | Chris Hensley & Brett Higgins
Most fundraising galas leave money on the table for reasons the people running them never see. Chris Hensley and Brett Higgins, two of the most in-demand fundraising auctioneers in the country, join Trevor to work through five of the sharpest questions raised at the recent Chicago Gala Playbook...
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How to Market Your Live Auction Before the Event | Claire Murad
Most nonprofits spend months curating the perfect live auction lineup — and then assume their guests will figure it out when they get to the event. Claire Murad of Murad Auctions joins Trevor to make the case that this is leaving serious money on the table. With 26 years in the auction space,...
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The Theater of Giving: How to Move Donors From Information to Emotion | Lucas Hunt
Most nonprofits have a storytelling problem they don't know they have. They've been so close to the mission for so long they can't see what's actually moving about it anymore. Lucas Hunt, president of Hunt Auctioneers, former literary agent, and one of the more thoughtful voices in the…
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Easiest $10K You Can Add to Your Next Event | Brittany Pilcher
Brittany Pilcher, Director of Development at Quest Inc., joins Trevor to walk through exactly how her team added a Golden Ticket Raffle to WineQuest , a $500,000 two-night gala in Orlando and sold out 100 tickets in 72 hours. Brittany doesn't sugarcoat the hesitation. She talks through why she...
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Your Board Won't Fundraise? Stop Asking Them To | Elise Woodworth
Most fundraising problems aren't fundraising problems. They're board problems. Elise Woodworth — VMI alum, Air Force veteran, and author of Business Not Battle — joins Trevor to unpack why so many nonprofit boards stall out, and what to actually do about it. She came to this work through a back...
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Events are the Vehicle, Not the Destination | Kristen Bowles
Most fundraisers treat events like the finish line. Kristen Bowles treats them like the starting point. In this episode, Trevor sits down with Kristen — a development pro who's worked across the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, peer-to-peer fundraising, and now the National MS Society — to unpack why...
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The Neuroscience of Why People Give | Matt Roben
What if the timing of your "ask" is costing your nonprofit thousands? Matt Roben — the Kilted Auctioneer, former circus performer, and police officer turned fundraising auctioneer, joins Trevor to break down the neuroscience behind why people give, and why most galas are leaving money on the…
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Why 3 Events in a Row Creates Lifelong Donors | Emily Preble
Most nonprofits measure events by one number: how much they raised. Emily Preble thinks that's the wrong starting point.Emily is a fundraising consultant and professional auctioneer based in Austin, and in this episode she walks through the question she asks every client before planning an event…
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The Silent Auction Mistake Costing You Revenue | Phil Sanger
Most nonprofits think more silent auction items = more money. Phil Sanger has spent 15+ years proving the opposite. In this episode, Phil, founder of HelloFund and an OG in the fundraising tech space since 2009, joins Trevor to break down what's actually working at galas right now and what's...
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After 2,000 Galas, Here's What Actually Makes Donors Give More | Rob Giardinelli
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...
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The Small Things Costing Your Gala BIG Money
Max Wolf has spent nearly a decade auctioneering fundraising events, and he's seen the patterns that separate the galas that crush it from the ones that fall flat. In this episode, Max and Trevor get into: – How one event lost 65% of its fundraising by replacing the paddle raise with…
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Consignment Fundraising: What Every Nonprofit Should Know Before Their Next Gala
Are consignment items hurting your nonprofit auction — or are you leaving serious money on the table by not using them?In this episode, Trevor Nelson sits down with fundraising auctioneer Dan Lyles to set the record straight about consignment travel packages in nonprofit fundraising.Together they...
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Why Event Timing Is Make-or-Break for Fundraising Success
Most nonprofit events run too long — and it's costing you donations. In this webinar, event strategist Reggie Rivers and expert auctioneer Matt Roben break down why shorter, more focused events consistently raise more money than marathon galas. Reggie shares the neuroscience behind donor…
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Mastering Fundraising Events: Timing and Engagement With Dan Lyles and Mark Schustrin
Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala. This is Part 2 of the Timed to Perfection Series — a 6-part webinar series built entirely around the #1 question we get from nonprofit event…
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Gala Fundraising Timeline: What's Actually Working in 2026 ft. Jordan Campbell & Chris Hensley
Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala. This is Part 1 of the Timed to Perfection Series — a 6-part webinar series built entirely around the #1 question we get from nonprofit event…
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Donor Acquisition Cost, Stock Gifts & the Nonprofit Finance Conversation Nobody's Having
Hey Nonprofits is the only podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy- because someone has to stand up for the gala. But great events alone won't save your organization if your financial foundation is broken. In this episode Matt Gardner, Co-founder and CEO of Hiline…
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Gala Run of Show: The Emotional Roller Coaster Strategy That Maximizes Fundraising
Hey Nonprofits is the ONLY podcast specifically focused on event fundraising and auction strategy — because someone has to stand up for the gala. Raise more money with our Tuscany auction packages: https://hgafundraising.com/tuscany/ and https://hgafundraising.com/tuscany-villa-for-10/ Nobody...
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These 3 Pre-Event Pillars are CRUCIAL for Fundraising Success
Most nonprofits are leaving serious money on the table because they're skipping critical pre-event steps that result in fundraising success - like hiring a great auctioneer https://charityauctioneerswelove.com/ That's why we had HGA co-founder, Trevor Nelson, sit down with benefit auctioneer…
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Your Best Donors Already Exist (Here's How to Get Them Back)
Your best donors aren't strangers—they're the people who already gave to you but stopped. In this [re-uploaded] episode of Hey Nonprofits! fundraising expert Julie Ordoñez breaks down why chasing new donors is harder than winning back old donors, and shares the exact approach to have those…
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Discussing Burnout, Recurring Giving, and Stewardship With DonorDock's Rob Burke
Trevor sits down with DonorDock's CMO, Rob Burke, to talk about the realities of working in nonprofit fundraising—the stuff that doesn't always make it into the how-to guides. *Raise $10,000+ with the Golden Ticket:* https://hgafundraising.com/golden-ticket/ We cover a lot of ground here: why...
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Ask Without Fear - Getting the Most Out of Your Fundraising Event
Shannon Eason from Everything Gala shares her fundraising event secrets - everything from auction timing, how to just 'go for it' and ask donors for more, building relationships, and the power of video. During this episode, you'll learn: - How to overcome the fear of 'the ask' - Which should come...
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Build and Grow Your Donor Pipeline With Intentional Fundraising Events
Nikki DeFalco, Vice President of Fundraising at the MS Society, shares how fundraising events are still the best way to build donor pipelines. There has been a surge recently in the following question: are events still worth it? The answer is, absolutely! Nikki and Trevor met on the podcast to...
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Our Conversation With Rob Burke From Fundraising Lab
This was our podcast with Rob Burke from the Fundraising Lab podcast by Donor Dock. Check out their channel for more fundraising podcasts and powerful conversations like this one. Watch the original episode here https://youtu.be/1M8WcUAsx_c?si=pZ5WnJ9i-i64BxL7 Rob Burke and Trevor Nelson unpack…
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Raise More Money at Your Live Auction With This One Phrase
Dan Lyles shares how he has been selling multiples consistently in live auction by using one magic phrase: "who else wants one?". Reserve the ¡Fiesta en Mexico! trip to use at your next live auction: https://hgafundraising.com/fiesta-en-mexico/ This podcast episode is perfect for auctioneers and...
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An Auctioneer's Journey to Success: Growth Through Relationships and Trying New Things
Join Tony, the Auction Guy, as he shares his personal journey into the world of auctioneering. From embracing van life to honing his skills through improv classes, Tony's story is one of continuous growth and exploration. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the life of an auctioneer,...
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Answering Your Nonprofit Fundraising Questions
Trevor Nelson and Sandy Hilsenrath answer fundraising and nonprofit-related questions from the audience and the HGA team. Submit your questions for our next AMA episode: https://hgafundraising.com/ask-your-question Questions answered: 00:00 What separates nonprofits from consistently grow year…
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Remove Internal Resistance And Build Fundraising Momentum
What if the secret to being a better fundraiser is taking better care of yourself first? Fear and stress for fundraisers is REAL. In this conversation, fundraising expert and CEO of Practivated, Mallory Erickson, shares how prioritizing your well-being isn't just good for you—it's essential for...
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Raise More Money With the Paddle Drop - a Step by Step With Chris Hensley
Why does everyone at your fundraiser need a paddle? We've teamed up with our friend and world class fundraiser, Chris Hensley, to give you a step by step guide (and real time case study that raised $26,000) on how to add the paddle drop to your next event. In this episode, Trevor Nelson sits down...
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Are Fundraising Events Dying? The Truth Every Nonprofit Needs for 2026
Are fundraising events no longer the #1 way to raise money? Trevor Nelson and Marty Murad dig into that question and uncover what’s really happening in the new generosity landscape. *In this episode, they break down:* - Why communities still crave in-person events - The real psychology behind why...
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The Secret to High-Performing Fundraising Events
Trevor Nelson sits down with fundraising expert Johnny Bravo Holloway, whose decades of experience in radio, event hosting, auctioneering, and nonprofit fundraising have helped countless organizations transform their donor engagement strategies. Reserve the most profitable auction items in...
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How She Raised $1M in 48 Hours to End the Literary Crisis
In this episode, Trevor Nelson sits down with Jennifer Knopf, founder of the REED Charitable Foundation, to unpack how her team raised over $1,000,000 in just two days—and why a clear mission, bold storytelling, and the courage to ask made it possible. Jennifer shares the origin story of REED…
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Fundraising Is Changing: The New Rules No One Is Talking About
Fundraising is changing — fast. In this episode, Brad Ton and Trevor Nelson unpack the new rules of fundraising, social selling, and human connection. If you're a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or someone who works in donor engagement, this conversation will change how you show up. Brad and Trevor...
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The Real Reason Your Donors Aren't Giving at Capacity - And How to Fix It
Is your nonprofit focusing on the wrong thing? The key to successful fundraising events is proper planning, long before the bidding begins. There’s a foundational shift nonprofits must make if they want to fill the room with the right people, inspire generosity, and create an event that actually...
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The Hidden Power of Donor Advised Funds (and How Nonprofits Can Benefit)
Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) are reshaping the future of philanthropy, and changing the way donors give. Is your nonprofit missing out? This episode will teach you how to adapt to this growing trend. In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson sits down with Mitch Stein, as…
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The Modern Nonprofit's Guide to Attracting Young Donors
Your fundraising events are pushing away the donors you need most. It's time to stop hosting experiences that alienate the next generation and instead build a loyal community of young supporters who are excited to give. In this episode of the Hey Nonprofits podcast, host Trevor Nelson is joined…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
The 'Hey Nonprofits!' podcast is here to help fundraisers and event professionals Raise More Money.Each week, we bring on an industry expert to highlight important tips and strategies, and you can use them effectively to grow your organization. Whether you simply need help communicating with donors or need advanced tactics with setting up live auctions and fundraising events—host Trevor Nelson is here to guide you toward success. Be sure to tune in for a new episode every Tuesday! Brought to you by HGA Fundraising.
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HGA Fundraising
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Hey Nonprofits! have?
Hey Nonprofits! currently has 251 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Hey Nonprofits! about?
The 'Hey Nonprofits!' podcast is here to help fundraisers and event professionals Raise More Money.Each week, we bring on an industry expert to highlight important tips and strategies, and you can use them effectively to grow your organization. Whether you simply need help communicating with donors...
How often does Hey Nonprofits! release new episodes?
Hey Nonprofits! publishes regularly with 251 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Hey Nonprofits!?
You can listen to Hey Nonprofits! on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Hey Nonprofits!?
Hey Nonprofits! is created and hosted by HGA Fundraising.
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