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 17, 2022 • 24min
get unstuck with Ashley Fontaine
Send us a text“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/Support the show
Oct 10, 2022 • 28min
testing, testing, 123... with Cherian Koshy
Send us a textYou 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_koshySupport the show
Oct 3, 2022 • 27min
nonprofit sector role models with Jarrett Ransom
Send us a text“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/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
Send us a textOne 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/Support the show
Sep 12, 2022 • 28min
broad and deep relationships for fundraising success with Janaiha Bennett
Send us a text“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/Support the show
Aug 25, 2022 • 44min
giving Tuesday - hope or hype?
Send us a textRe-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 SolutionsSupport the show
Aug 22, 2022 • 34min
changing the world through fundraising with David Love
Send us a textRe-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 SolutionsSupport the show
Aug 18, 2022 • 40min
the burnout is real with Sam Laprade
Send us a textRE-RELEASE CURATED BY: Lacey Kempinski, Balanced GoodThese are scary times. The world is in crisis as we work hard to contain the COVID 19 outbreak and minimize its impact. Our organizations are being challenged in ways we could never imagine. For some of us, our clients are at high risk and we are working around the clock to support them. For others, we have been forced to lay off staff because our programs have been cancelled. The emotional toll on each and every one of us is significant, at a time when we are most isolated.We’re also seeing stories of hope, community, and caring. I’ve seen breweries turn the alcohol they have into free hand sanitizer. My neighbours created a mini food drive for a local shelter. Communities coming together in song.While this podcast episode was recorded a little while ago, the content is perhaps even more relevant now. Our guest is Sam Laprade and we are talking about burnout. Sam has been talking about mental health so that we can better take care of ourselves and our colleagues. Now more than ever. Sam joins me in today’s podcast, talking about burnout, mental health and self-care. So, take a breath and take a listen.Connect with Lacey Kempinski at Balanced GoodSupport the show
Aug 15, 2022 • 30min
a feminist COVID recovery with Chi Nguyen
Send us a textRE-RELEASE CURATED BY: Lacey Kempinski, Balanced GoodHow do we recover from the exhaustion and pain of the pandemic? How do we lead our organizations into the post-pandemic world with responsible leadership in service for our communities? On today’s episode, social impact leader Chi Nguyen gives us the real talk on how to approach our leadership and the way we show up with a feminist and inclusive lens.Chi’s tips on approaching leadership from a feminist and inclusive lens:Caregiving is deeply feminist. Caregiving translates into leadership at all levels of our society. Leaders who understand the value of caregiving have the potential to transform how we are organized and governed.Purpose and responsibility driven. Think about responsibility not just for ourselves and our immediate community, but our collective responsibility for this planet and future generations.Show up as our whole selves. We carry what’s going on in our lives, our identities, and our values to the table and so let our authenticity and experience shine through our decision-making and leadership.Be ok with the discomfort when wrestling with power. Disrupting systemic privilege and the power structure is uncomfortable but a necessary part of the work in service for our communities. And it’s not just about disrupting power structures outside of our own organizations and our sector. We have to be able to look inward as well.Favourite Quotes from Today’s EpisodePost your favourite quote on social to share with us!“When I think about inclusive leadership and feminist leadership, it’s about bringing that whole person and all of the weight of that into decision making, into how we run our organizations with lots of forgiveness and resiliency, and frankly, real humanity.”“The best community programming and best response to community initiatives is a program that is for us by us — fundraised, led, designed, implemented. That is the model for ownership of community solutions, but it is not how our systems have been built. We need to move from a charitable model to collective impact model.”Resources from this EpisodeThe Good PartnershipChi NguyenBalanced GoodSupport the show
