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
Oct 31, 2022 • 26min
tending the seeds that you sew with Patrick Rodriguez
“Patience is getting beyond yourself. If there's a lack of patience, it's because you're putting yourself as a priority to any situation that there is.” - Patrick Rodrigueztending the seeds that you sew with Patrick RodriguezIn our work in the nonprofit sector, it often feels like things need to happen right away - the needs are, after all, urgent. But today on the podcast we’re talking all about patience - the ability to play the long game to have a greater impact. I’m joined by first-time ED and formerly incarcerated Patrick Rodriguez, from the Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in Prison. Patrick’s journey from inmate to ED along with his deep reflections and patience, teaches us how to look beyond the immediate needs to a more strategic long-term vision.Highlights:The benefit of having patience for long-term growth and mission fulfilmentHow to take time to do things well to set your organization up for successThe role of relationships to get buy-in for patience and long term planningResources Mentioned In This Episode:Georgia Coalition for Higher Education in PrisonWebsiteGood PartnershipConnect with Patrick:InstagramTwitterEmail: patrickleerod@gmail.comOutlook: patrickleerod@outlook.comLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Oct 24, 2022 • 30min
leveling up your leadership with Danielle Rocheleau
“I'll talk often to clients about the idea of building a culture of succession so that we know from the get go that when we hire someone into the organization, that our hope is to offer development pathways. It doesn't necessarily mean climbing the ladder, but an opportunity for professional growth and naturally with professional growth, we need to be open and honest around feedback.“ Danielle Rocheleauleveling up your leadership with Danielle RocheleauYour employees are your BEST asset when it comes to having an impact, yet it’s also one of the most under invested in resources. In today’s episode, we have Danielle Rocheleau from Laridae sharing ways to support your employees in honing their skills and empowering them as leaders.Highlights:The reason why investing in your team is important for your organization Identifying opportunities and providing support to employeesThe importance of onboarding process for internal candidates Resources Mentioned In This Episode:Laridae WebsiteWebsiteLinkedInFacebookThe Good PartnershipConnect with Danielle:Email: danielle@laridaemc.comLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Oct 17, 2022 • 24min
get unstuck with Ashley Fontaine
“We're not changing for the sake of change. We're changing because we wanna do something different or grow or improve.” - Ashley Fontaineget unstuck with Ashley FontaineWe’ll all be there - stuck! In a rut. Bored. Trapped.It feels like this is just part of the nonprofit experience. But this can be hurting our missions. And ourselves. In today’s episode, Ashley Fontaine, founder of Flux AF Consulting shares with us how she is helping nonprofits navigate getting “unstuck” by building skills, improving leadership, and avoiding burnout.Highlights:The story behind her upcoming book “Unstuck: Disrupting the Status Quo”Dichotomy of change and status quo biasPower and influence of nonprofit leadersValues-based leadership for creating changeResources Mentioned In This Episode:Flux AF consulting WebsiteFlux AF ConsultingGet a copy of: Unstuck: Disrupting the Status Quo The Good PartnershipConnect with Ashley:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fontainea/Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Oct 10, 2022 • 28min
testing, testing, 123... with Cherian Koshy
You might have heard about the benefits of testing in your fundraising. Tweaking copy and sending to two different groups to see which performs better. Testing different web pages to see which gets more conversions. Maybe you’ve also tried to survey your donors to see what they like. This can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be! On today’s podcast join Cherian Koshy to deep dive into all things testing in a way that’s accessible to small organizations with limited resources. Highlights:Why you should be testing and getting to understand your donor’s behavioursHow to use market research and other tools to get a clear picture of how your donors actually behave (vs. what they say they will do)Testing behavior through conjoint analysis (and what even is conjoint analysis)Framing questions to avoid bias and social desirability biasResources Mentioned In This Episode:Endowment PartnersRobert Cialdini’s Pre-SuasionConnect with Cherian:http://www.cheriankoshy.com/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cheriankoshy/Twitter: @cherian_koshyLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Oct 3, 2022 • 27min
nonprofit sector role models with Jarrett Ransom
“What am I doing in modeling for future leaders? I firmly believe everyone is a leader. Everyone has that ability just innately from birth. And so what are we doing to support the next leaders of the community, of the nonprofit sector in particular? - Jarrett RansomNONPROFIT SECTOR ROLE MODELS WITH JARRETT RANSOMJoin our conversation with Jarrett Ransom, known as The Nonprofit Nerd. We reflect on the legacy that we would want to leave behind in the nonprofit sector, which led to a discussion of the mindsets we don’t want to pass on, and how we can overcome these.HIGHLIGHTS:The responsibility of teaching the next generation of nonprofit professionalsWhy investing in people is so important for our sector (and why we’re bad at it)Shifting to an abundance perspectiveCONNECT WITH JARRETT RANSOM:Jarrett’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrransom/Jarrett’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nonprofit_nerd/ The Rayvan Group: https://www.therayvangroup.com/Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Sep 26, 2022 • 25min
indigenous protocols in fundraising with Rowena Veylan
Rowena Veylan, an expert in indigenous protocols in fundraising, discusses the importance of incorporating these protocols authentically. Topics include meaningful land acknowledgments, navigating fundraising, colonization, and anti-oppression work. The episode emphasizes the value of engaging with indigenous communities respectfully and building meaningful relationships in the fundraising process.
Sep 19, 2022 • 30min
fundraising through an empathetic lens with Kyle Empringham
One of the biggest tenets of empathy is just listening and doing an act of deep listening. So understanding where people are at. You know how to be able to engage with them in a way that makes sense. If you have the patience and ability to just be in a moment with people, understand what they do. I think that can, that can work wonders. - Kyle EmpringhamFUNDRAISING THROUGH AN EMPATHETIC LENS WITH KYLE EMPRINGHAMIn today’s episode, we have Kyle Empringham from Starfish Canada to discuss building connections and empathy’s power in making small nonprofits stand out in their fundraising.HIGHLIGHTS:Why fundraising is like selling (the good and the bad)Applying an empathetic lens to fundraisingTools and tips for fundraising in a small organization where everyone can get involvedLINKS AND RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Starfish CanadaESG PartnershipsThoughtExchangeThe Good PartnershipCONNECT WITH KYLE:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kbempringham/?hl=enTwitter: https://twitter.com/kbempringhamLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kbempringham/Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Sep 12, 2022 • 28min
broad and deep relationships for fundraising success with Janaiha Bennett
“Sometimes you have to have the courage to say that you are walking away from a potential supporter because it's not missionly aligned.” - Janaiha BennettBROAD AND DEEP RELATIONSHIPS FOR FUNDRAISING SUCCESS WITH JANAIHA BENNETTIn today’s episode, we are joined by Janaiha Bennett from Youth Leadership Foundation to teach us how to develop relationships with our donors and how to treat them as humans first than people who would just give you money.HIGHLIGHTS:How she got into fundraising without being a fundraiser herselfThe importance of leadership in raising fundsDeveloping a community who share the same vision LINKS AND RESOURCES:Youth Leadership Foundation WebsiteInstagramThe Good PartnershipCONNECT WITH JANAIHA:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janaiha/Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Aug 25, 2022 • 44min
giving Tuesday - hope or hype?
Re-release curated by: Morgan Domijan, Peerfect Fundraising SolutionsEvery year before GivingTuesdays, a lot of fundraisers and Executive Directors are scratching their heads and wondering whether they should do something on GivingTuesday, and if do do something, what can make their organization’s messaging stand out? On today’s podcast, Lys Huggesen, the VP of Partnerships at CanadaHelps and one of the pioneers and leaders of GivingTuesday Canada, shares her insights on how charities might best leverage this day of giving and generosity.Myths that Lys wants us to walk awayGivingTuesday is not just about fundraising. Giving Tuesday is a day to celebrate generosity that over 73 countries are now participating in. Any form of generosity is celebrated. There are 100 different ways to celebrate generosity without making a money ask. People are tired of GivingTuesday asks. 52% of people say that they want to give on GivingTuesday because they want to be part of something bigger. Lys likened it to Black Friday - just because everyone is having a sale, does that mean you shouldn’t? Of course not - it’s an opportunity to capitalize on people’s planned behaviour.Lys’ tips on leveraging GivingTuesdayDon’t treat GivingTuesday as just a day-long campaign. The best campaigns launch before the day, and the campaign can continue beyond GivingTuesday. Be intentional about the campaign launches and the different touch points you design with your audience and donors. Have good messages in your ask and don’t rely on “just because it’s GivingTuesday.” GivingTuesday or not, people give when they are emotionally motivated and inspired. While the day provides a great opportunity to make an ask, make sure your communication also includes compelling messages and storytelling.Thank your supporters and express gratitude. If you are not planning to make an ask on GivingTuesday, there are still many ways to engage your audience. It is a day to celebrate generosity, and so why not thank your donors and share messages of gratitude and community togetherness? Favourite Quotes from Today’s EpisodePost your favourite quote on social media to share with us!“People are primed to give. 52% of people say that they want to give on GivingTuesday itself because they're part of something bigger.”“I think one of the biggest myths is that GivingTuesday is just a day. It's more than just a day. The best campaigns start well before.”Resources from this EpisodeThe Good PartnershipDownload toolkit and resources to support your GivingTuesday campaignConnect with Lys on LinkedinLearn more about Morgan at Peerfect Fundraising SolutionsLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Aug 22, 2022 • 34min
changing the world through fundraising with David Love
Re-release curated by: Morgan Domijan, Peerfect Fundraising SolutionsOn today’s podcast, David Love, seasoned fundraiser also known as the Godfather of Good, shares with us his take on the role of fundraisers in achieving change in the world. When we centre our work around the mission and the journey that we are on as an organization and how that aligns with the journey our donors are making - we can impact meaningful and lasting change in the world.Myths that David wants us to walk away fromThe nature of a fundraiser's work to raise money. What fundraisers actually do is create value and make connections - connecting donors to the causes that matter deeply to them. Less people are donating nowadays. Donors are stepping up again and again for different causes. Less people are donating just for a charitable receipt, but more people are giving to causes they are deeply passionate of regardless of the tax receipt. This is why we don’t yet have a great metric on the current state of philanthropy.David’s tips on working with donors:Recognize that the donors’ journey already started and you’re here to support them on their journey. No hard sell is needed. There is a reason that a potential donor is interested in the organization's mission and vision. You’re just here to support them on a path that they’re already on, guided by their own values, interest, and passion. Help them to find and support initiatives that speak to their values and the changes they want to see in the world. Ask questions or guide the donors to hone in what is it that will make them feel the spark or the connection with the impact that matters to them. Show passion and authenticity in your communication with your donors. Do away with aloof and formal language and focus on showing that you too deeply care about the mission and vision that your donors are invested in. Favourite Quotes from Today’s EpisodePost your favourite quote on social to share with us!“It’s a fallacy to think that fundraisers raise money. What fundraisers spend their lives doing is creating value. Fundraisers make dreams come true. Small organizations with difficult causes need to find ways to make the values that are at the heart of what they do come alive in a donor’s soul.”“Donors are already on a journey. We as fundraisers didn't actually start that journey. They come to us because they're on a journey and they're actually trying to find out whether the road that we’re showing them is one we want to go down or not.”Resources from this EpisodeThe Good PartnershipConnect with David on LinkedinDavid’s new book: Green Green: Reflections on 51 Years of Raising Money for NatureLearn more about Morgan at Peerfect Fundraising SolutionsLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
