Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

Thriving as a One-Person Fundraising Team with Caitlin McBride

Jan 21, 2025

Caitlin McBride, an experienced fundraiser and consultant, helps one-person fundraising teams at small nonprofits thrive. She shares her journey from large teams to solo fundraising, discussing the freedom and solitude of this role. Caitlin emphasizes the importance of systems and technology to avoid burnout and maximize efficiency. She offers practical tips like building a support network, leveraging low-cost tech tools, and creating clear communication materials. Self-care and knowing when to ask for help are crucial for sustainable success.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

Navigating Solo Fundraising Challenges

02:42 • 18min

Navigating Burnout and Self-Care in Nonprofit Work

20:31 • 2min

Navigating the Challenges of Solo Fundraising

22:55 • 5min

Building a Foundation for Fundraising Success

27:55 • 2min

Navigating the Solo Fundraising Experience and Available Resources

30:12 • 3min

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Caitlin McBride, an experienced fundraiser and consultant, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of being a one-person fundraising department. Caitlin shares her journey from working in large fundraising teams to becoming the sole fundraiser at small nonprofits. She provides actionable insights on setting up systems, avoiding burnout, and leveraging technology to maximize efficiency. If you’re a nonprofit professional juggling multiple roles, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive.

Key Topics Covered:

Embrace systems and technology
Get comfortable with decision-making
Set boundaries and manage expectations
Prioritize self-care without guilt
Know when to ask for help

Actionable Tips:

➜ Build a strong support network: Connect with other fundraisers, listen to industry podcasts, and seek mentorship.
➜ Leverage free and low-cost tech: Use tools like TechSoup for nonprofit discounts on software and services.
➜ Create a case for support: Having a well-written document makes grant writing and donor outreach much more efficient.
➜ Audit and organize your CRM: Clean data and standardized tracking can save hours of work.
➜ Educate your board & ED: Set clear expectations about what’s realistic for a one-person fundraising team.

Resources:

Connect with Us:

Connect with Maria Rio
Connect with Caitlin McBride
Further Together Website

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