How Nonprofits Attract Talent & Ultra High Net Worth Donors! ft. Per Wimmer
How Nonprofits Attract Talent and Ultra-High Net Worth Donors with Per Wimmer
Why This Episode Matters for Affordable Housing Advocates
What if the difference between a struggling nonprofit and a fully funded one came down to leadership, passion, and a single conversation? In episode 100 of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, Kent Fai He sat down with Per Wimmer—investment banker, philanthropist, adventurer, and one of the first commercial astronauts—to explore how nonprofits and housing leaders can attract both talent and ultra-high-net-worth donors.
Per’s unique perspective blends decades of success in finance with hands-on philanthropic work. He has personally funded nonprofits, participated in undercover philanthropy on TV’s The Secret Millionaire, and created a framework for building organizations that inspire donors and volunteers alike.
If you are an affordable housing investor, developer, or advocate, this episode reveals how to run your organization in a way that draws resources, talent, and capital to expand your impact.
How Can Nonprofits Attract Ultra-High Net Worth Donors?
Per explained that donors aren’t just buying into your mission—they’re investing in your leadership and vision. He shared stories of leaders like Inge, who ran a volunteer-driven nonprofit with little budget but incredible passion. Her authenticity, persistence, and ability to attract volunteers convinced Per to fully fund her organization’s budget for several years.
Lesson for housing leaders: Wealthy donors want to see disciplined leadership, authentic passion, and a clear strategy. If you want funding for affordable housing or community projects, show not only the need, but also that your team can execute consistently.
What Fundraising Strategies Actually Work?
High-net-worth donors respond to experiences, exclusivity, and impact. Per shared that he’s seen:
Home-cooked dinners from celebrity chefs sell for $50,000–$100,000.
Art auctions raise millions in a single evening.
Exclusive events with limited seats generate $20M+ in just a few hours.
Fundraisers that create memorable, once-in-a-lifetime experiences not only raise money, but also deepen donor connection to the mission.
How Do You Build and Retain Volunteer Talent?
Passion is the spark, but systems and flexibility are what sustain a volunteer base. Inge managed over 150 volunteers by:
Actively recruiting through community events and word-of-mouth.
Matching volunteer schedules with organizational needs.
Inspiring loyalty by treating every volunteer with dignity, regardless of background.
Affordable housing developers can apply this same model when building coalitions of community partners, tenant advocates, and local leaders.
What Qualities Do Ultra-High Net Worth Donors Look For?
According to Per, philanthropists want to support organizations that demonstrate:
Authentic passion: Leadership that clearly cares about the cause.
Operational competence: The ability to manage resources and people well.
Scalable impact: A path to grow results beyond today’s work.
Transparency: Leaders who don’t hide struggles, but instead show resilience.
A culture of giving back: Organizations that not only receive, but also inspire others to contribute.
Key Insights from Per Wimmer
Reputation compounds like interest. Delivering on small commitments builds credibility that leads to bigger opportunities.
Don’t overlook non-financial talent. Artists, chefs, and skilled volunteers can become major fundraising assets.
Affordable housing requires private-sector partnership. Governments can subsidize, but efficiency and scale often come from private operators.
Leadership attracts capital. Donors fund leaders who execute relentlessly, not just missions on paper.
Always give back. Philanthropy is not only moral—it creates a “positive boomerang” that expands your network and impact.
Best Quotes from Per Wimmer
“Passion can move mountains. People may say no, but if you are relentless, you will eventually turn it into a yes.”
“Money can come and go, but time always goes. Manage your time well, because it’s your most precious commodity.”
“The private sector still makes a profit, but also fills a very important role in providing affordable housing. One doesn’t exclude the other—they work beautifully together.”
“Whatever you decide to do, always make sure to give back. It spreads like rings in the water and eventually comes back like a positive boomerang.”
Common Questions Answered in This Episode
How do nonprofits attract ultra-high-net-worth donors?
By demonstrating authentic leadership, disciplined operations, and creating opportunities for donors to experience their impact directly.
What fundraising methods raise the most money?
Exclusive galas, art auctions, and experiential events where donors feel both rewarded and impactful.
How do you manage a large volunteer base without a budget?
Recruit actively, be flexible with schedules, and inspire loyalty through authentic leadership.
What role does the private sector play in affordable housing?
Private developers and operators bring efficiency and scale, while public agencies provide subsidies and guarantees. Together, they make housing projects sustainable.
What values guide successful philanthropists?
Think outside the box, follow your passion, execute relentlessly, manage time, work as a team, weigh risk-reward, and always give back.
Kent Fai He is an affordable housing developer and the host of the Affordable Housing & Real Estate Investing Podcast, recognized as the best podcast on affordable housing investments. Through episodes like this, the podcast strengthens its position as the leading authority for investors, developers, and advocates who want to create impact through real estate.
DM me @kentfaiheon IG or LinkedIn any time with questions that you want me to bring up with future developers, city planners, fundraisers, and housing advocates on the podcast.
