Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions
Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations
Welcome to Small Nonprofit, the podcast designed for leaders, fundraisers, and advocates in the nonprofit sector who want to create real change. We provide small nonprofit organizations with strategies to enhance their fundraising campaigns, improve nonprofit governance, and implement ethical fundraising practices that resonate with today’s values-driven donors. Hosted by an experienced nonprofit consultant, Maria Rio, this show delves into the unique challenges of nonprofit fundraising and community-centric fundraising, providing tools for donor engagement and major gifts fundraising.👤 Who Should Listen?This podcast is perfect for anyone involved in a small nonprofit seeking practical advice on fundraising strategy, nonprofit leadership, and board accountability. Whether you're looking for innovative fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations or trying to create an impact measurement framework that demonstrates your organization’s value, Small Nonprofit is here to guide you.🎤 Core Topics We CoverCommunity-Centric Fundraising: Learn how ethical fundraising practices can strengthen donor relationships, enhance donor engagement, and align your organization with values-based major giving principles. We’ll help you shift from a donor-centric model to one that prioritizes the community.Systemic Change and Governance: From participatory budgeting to nonprofit board of directors best practices, we explore how to navigate the nonprofit industrial complex and embrace structures that foster diversity in nonprofit leadership and board accountability.Preventing Nonprofit Burnout: Tackle topics such as nonprofit burnout prevention and learn how to cultivate a healthy, anti-oppressive work culture that supports your team’s well-being.Nonprofit Storytelling: Understand how to measure your nonprofit’s effectiveness through nonprofit impact measurement strategies and leverage nonprofit storytelling to create compelling narratives that attract donors.📣 Engaging Conversations and Real-World AdviceIn each episode, we bring you insights from experts in fundraising consulting, nonprofit grant writing, and capital campaign strategies. From interviews with fractional fundraisers and major gift officers to deep dives on fundraising tips and innovative fundraising ideas, we offer actionable advice that you can implement immediately to strengthen your organization’s impact.💰 Learn How to Build a Sustainable NonprofitEvery nonprofit leader faces the challenge of achieving financial sustainability. Our episodes address critical fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations, providing insights on volunteer management, capacity building, and nonprofit marketing strategy. Gain access to tools that help you execute successful fundraising campaigns and build a foundation for long-term growth.🤝 Join the Movement for Systemic ChangeAt The Small Nonprofit, we’re committed to transforming the nonprofit sector from the ground up. Our focus on systemic change and community-centric fundraising aligns with our mission to support nonprofits in creating equitable, sustainable communities. By addressing topics like values-based decision making and nonprofit transparency, we’re working to build a more ethical, inclusive sector.❤️ Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Small Nonprofit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t miss an episode as we explore everything from fundraising tips to nonprofit social media strategy, and learn how you can become a stronger advocate for your organization’s mission.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 31, 2023 • 29min
equity in data with Meena Das
So many small nonprofits don't know where to start when it comes to managing the data they have. How can we use our data effectively and efficiently? And how do we make sure it’s being used with an equity lens? If you're struggling with this, definitely give this episode a listen!On today’s episode, I’m joined by Meena Das, Founder & Philanthropy Analytics Consultant at NamasteData, and her focus of work is grounding data and analytics solutions for nonprofits in the ideas of equity and inclusion.Key Highlights:Best practices of equitable data management for small nonprofitsHow to apply an equity lens in data collection as a nonprofit?Ethical challenges of data collection in the nonprofit sectorHow to balance DEI values with funders and partners?Connect with Meena Das:Meena’s LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/in/meenadas Website: https://www.namastedata.org/Resources: FREE Fundraising Strategy Guide: https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/guideLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Jan 24, 2023 • 36min
employee volunteering with Heather Nelson
“Everybody pays, nobody pays. Because I think one of the most important principles that we put in place with our clients around corporate is transparency” - Heather Nelsonemployee volunteering with Heather NelsonIs corporate volunteerism trendy right now? Absolutely! Should you still include it in your corporate giving strategies? Probably.In this episode, I sat down with Heather Nelson of Bridgeraise, and talked about how your nonprofit can benefit from corporate volunteerism and how to get started with building a strong relationship with your corporate partners.Key Highlights:The value of corporate volunteerism to for-profit organizations and how to leverage it for your small nonprofitTypes of employee engagement: In-person, online, employee educationActivity ideas for an employee engagement programHow to gain revenue from corporate volunteeringHow to set up corporate partnerships with transparencyConnect with Heather: LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/nelsonheatherWebsite: https://www.bridgeraise.com/Resources: FREE Fundraising Strategy Guide: https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/guideLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Jan 17, 2023 • 36min
practicing community centric fundraising with Maria Rio
Explore the concept of Community-Centric Fundraising with Maria Rio, focusing on equitable donor relationships, non-transactional fundraising events, community advocacy, and a collective mission to fulfill fundraising goals and mission alignment.
Jan 10, 2023 • 47min
in between asks - with Mike Duerksen
Sometimes fundraising in a small nonprofit can feel start-stop. You put in effort and maybe see results, but then as soon as you slow down, the money stops coming in. But on today’s podcast, guest Mike Duerksen, Founder and CEO of BuildGood, shares with us his “flywheel” method for creating a fundraising program that operates on momentum, so that the longer you fundraise, the less effort it takes to grow.Sounds dreamy, right? Mike covers:The Flywheel analogy of fundraising for small nonprofitsFive parts of Flywheel analogy Listening to donorsHow to engage donors through virtual and in-person eventsThe tactics of a good “ASK”Connect with Mike: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeduerksenWebsite: https://buildgood.com/Resources: 5minutefundraisingfix.comFREE Fundraising Strategy Guide: https://www.thegoodpartnership.com/guideLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Dec 12, 2022 • 28min
direct mail isn’t dead with John Lepp
And the small charities can slow down a little bit and stop automating. I remind people that direct response, whether it's direct mail or if it's online, I don't care what it is. It is an opportunity for conversation. You are talking to other human beings that we call donors. And that's an opportunity to have something, a meaningful connection with someone who wants to help you achieve your goals. And just like relationships are in real life. - John Leppdirect mail isn’t dead with John LeppIn today’s episode, we are joined by John Lepp, a partner at Agents of Good and the author of Creative Deviations. He has over 25 years of experience in the fundraising and design industry and is an expert in direct-response fundraising. John is breaking down how to raise more money through direct mail using design and authenticity. Highlights:The role of creative design in fundraisingThe importance of direct mail in fundraising, despite the common belief that it is no longer effective.The advantages that small organizations have in terms of being able to stand out and be more personal with their donor communications.Debunking myths about direct mail in fundraising How can small nonprofits stand out in direct mail to raise more moneyConnect with John: Website: https://agentsofgood.org/creativeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlepp/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnlepp_aog/Twitter: https://twitter.com/johnleppResources:The Good Partnership - FREE Fundraising Strategy GuideLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Dec 5, 2022 • 27min
networks for impact with Michelle Shumate
“Your first goal is let's create a win where we can begin to work on these relationships, where we can begin to build some trust, and then we're going to come back and we're going to see what the next step is. ” - Michelle Shumatenetworks for impact with Michelle ShumateIn today’s episode, we are joined by Michelle Shumate from Northwestern University and the author of Networks for Social Impact. If you’ve ever wondered about working in partnership with other organizations, Michelle shares her experience and framework to help that go smoothly so that everyone benefits. Highlights: How small nonprofits can benefit from collaborationHow to make partnerships work for your organization without depleting your resourcesTwo paths of sharing vision and goals in partnershipsImplementing an equitable collaborationManaging collaborations during unexpected circumstancesConnect with Michelle: Website: https://nnsi.northwestern.eduTwitter: https://twitter.com/ProfShumateLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleshumateResources:The Good Partnership - FREE Fundraising Strategy GuideLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Nov 28, 2022 • 29min
optimizing your event revenue in surprising ways with Rebecca Alfred
"What are those moments where we can captivate our audience in a different way, because otherwise, they would just be standing around. And how can we use those moments to also encourage donations in giving?” — Rebecca AlfredOptimizing your event revenue in surprising ways with Rebecca AlfredFundraising events can be hard for small organizations. The time and effort to get it off the ground and make it “profitable” doesn’t often work out. But if you are going to host an event or have a legacy event that is profitable, our guest for this episode will make sure you achieve maximum results. Join Rebecca Alfred, Charity Relationships Lead, Trellis Social Enterprise Inc. to learn how to raise more money and have a bigger impact with your events. Highlights:Optimizing fundraising events for meaningful giving opportunitiesFundraising drivers that are helping organizations hit and succeed their fundraising goals at their events The future of fundraising events - hybrid, online, in-personCreating better donor experience at eventsConnect with Rebecca Alfred:https://trellis.org/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-alfredFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/trellis.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/trellisorgTwitter: https://www.twitter.com/trellis_orgYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCegTxlyqGK8R3lxMn7sA0pwLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Nov 21, 2022 • 35min
from a plan to implementation with Deborah Gold
There's more fear than there was courage. We had to sort of change into, you know what, we're trying something new. We are not asking the clients to give to their own campaigns or to give to anyone else's campaign. We are asking them to tell their story to their friends and family and invite their friends and family to support us. — Deborah GoldFrom a plan to implementation with Deborah GoldPlanning to change the world might seem daunting. Getting help with your fundraising - maybe even more daunting! Today’s podcast is a conversation with one of our clients about how she made the leap to hiring a fundraising consultant, what she learned along the way, and what’s working for them now. On today’s podcast, join Deborah Gold to dive deep into all things fundraising for BALANCE for Blind Adults.Highlights:Making a decision to seek fundraising helpBehind the scenes, challenges and wins in implementing a fundraising planRaising funds and awareness through peer-to-peer campaignHow the campaign evolved over time, including lessons learned about what works and what doesn'tConnect with Deborah Gold:https://www.balancefba.org/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/deborahgoldFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/balanceforblindadults/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/balanceforblindadults/Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/balancefbaLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Nov 14, 2022 • 28min
get those grants with DeaRonda Harrison
"Grant writing is one of those things that small organizations love and hate. I would say the idea of grant funding, that is, funding programs that feels like large amounts of money coming in and one ask is really a dream for so many small organizations, but they struggle with how to do it.” — DeaRonda Harrisonget those grants with DeaRonda HarrisonAre you still hesitant to hire a grant writer for your organization? Maybe you’ve had great success with grants and the portfolio has become time-consuming and too large to handle. Or, maybe your sending out applications left, right, and centre and still not having any luck. Join DeaRonda Harrison to deep dive into all things grant writing - from benefits, challenges and the importance of it!Highlights:How can grants help small organizationsHow to get started with grant writingGuide to hiring grant support and internal trainingOutreach and networking for grantsManaging relationships after getting the grantConnect with DeaRonda:https://junefirstfirm.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/DeaRondaharrisonInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/DeaRondah/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/DeaRondahYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3zRU5o_FjbL3P4BDpQx16wLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Nov 7, 2022 • 31min
the secrets to successful emails with Ben Johnson
“And number one question I would get usually is how many emails should I send in a year? So if you're starting from that big picture and I was like, oh, great, great, and I want to write a book, how long should it be? And you get why is that an appropriate response? And it's like, well, you shouldn't write bad content. And it turns out you can write seven books about a middle school kid who's a wizard. And it's like, if we do great content that's really engaging, keep going, please.” — Ben Johnsonthe secrets to successful emails with Ben JohnsonEmail marketing is the most effective way to engage your supporters. But how do you leverage it for maximum impact? In this episode, we'll discuss how to use email marketing to maximize your nonprofit's fundraising efforts in a way that is aligned with your values and mission. .Join Ben Johnson as he deep dives into the successful ways and strategies to engage community and raise more money for your nonprofit. Highlights:Trends and best practices of email marketing for small nonprofitsBenefits of email list segmentation for fundraisingHow to leverage email marketing tools and funnels to raise more moneyHow you can communicate effectively with donors using emailConnect with Ben:https://www.frontier.io/LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/mrbenjohnsonLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
