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
Mar 25, 2025 • 23min
Navigating Hiring Challenges and Finding Top Talent in 2025 with Maria & Caitlin
Hiring in the nonprofit world is facing a tough landscape in 2025. Stagnant salaries and fewer remote opportunities are driving talent away. Discover the importance of salary transparency and why high turnover is plaguing fundraisers. Explore the shift in hiring practices due to the pandemic and how it impacts diversity. Learn actionable tips like offering competitive benefits and streamlining hiring processes to attract and retain top talent. A must-listen for anyone navigating the hiring maze!
Mar 18, 2025 • 21min
Nonprofit leadership: Managing Vs. Leading
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key differences between being a boss versus being a leader and why leadership gaps are causing burnout and turnover in the nonprofit sector. They share insights into how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, create a supportive work environment, and empower their teams for long-term success. Whether you're managing staff for the first time or looking to refine your leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice. Key Topics Covered: Boss vs. Leader: What’s the difference? The impact of poor leadership in nonprofits The traits of an effective nonprofit leader Actionable tips: ➜ Foster psychological safety: Encourage open communication and feedback within your team. ➜ Seek mentorship & coaching: Great leaders never stop learning—invest in executive coaching or peer mentorship. ➜ Lead by example: If you want a positive, motivated team, you must embody those traits first. ➜ Encourage smart risk-taking: Nonprofits often fear failure too much—innovation requires taking calculated risks. ➜ Hold leaders accountable: If an ED or manager is ineffective, address the leadership issue instead of blaming staff. Resources Burnout Check Quiz Building Psychological Safety Guide Connect with Us: Connect with Maria Rio Connect with Caitlin McBride Further Together Website Subscribe and Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. Support the Podcast: Support these conversations by donating here. Coming Next Week: P.S. Join us next week as Caitlin and I dive into the hiring challenges nonprofits are facing in 2025—and what you can do to find and keep the right talent! Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Mar 11, 2025 • 24min
Donor Retention Strategy🛑 STOP 🛑 losing donors in 2025!
Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, shares her expertise in boosting nonprofit fundraising through email marketing. She emphasizes the importance of donor retention and engaging supporters beyond their initial contribution. Katelyn offers practical tips on automating communications, improving email effectiveness, and using AI for better content creation. Listeners learn about common pitfalls in email strategies and the significance of consistency and compelling subject lines to enhance donor engagement.
Mar 4, 2025 • 24min
Listen Today! 🏆 Fundraising as a Team Sport
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin dive into why fundraising should never be a solo effort and how nonprofit professionals can engage their teams, board members, and leadership in fundraising efforts. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and tips to create a culture where fundraising is a shared responsibility. If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of fundraising alone, this episode is for you! Key Topics Covered: Fundraising is not a solo act Empowering program staff to support fundraising Getting your board involved in fundraising Creating a culture of fundraising across the organization Actionable tips: ➜ Start small with your board: Ask them to make thank-you calls before jumping into solicitation. ➜ Educate your team: Help staff understand where the money comes from and how they contribute to the process. ➜ Celebrate wins together: When a campaign or grant succeeds, acknowledge everyone’s role in making it happen. ➜ Be transparent: Regularly share financial updates so staff and board members understand fundraising realities. ➜ Shift the mindset: Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about building relationships and sharing impact. Resources Burnout Check Quiz Connect with Us: Connect with Maria Rio Connect with Caitlin McBride Further Together Website Subscribe and Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. Support the Podcast: Support these conversations by donating here. Coming Next Week: Join us next week for an insightful conversation with Katelyn Baughan on how to transform first-time donors into loyal, long-term supporters! 🚀 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Feb 25, 2025 • 19min
Nonprofit job search? 9 red flags you NEED to watch for!
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria breaks down the nine biggest red flags to watch for during your nonprofit job search.While the sector is full of impactful orgs, not all are well-managed or even stable. Maria shares tips on spotting warning signs—like financial instability, poor leadership, and lack of work-life balance—before you accept an offer. If you're looking for a nonprofit job or just want to be more intentional about your next career move, this episode is a must-listen! Nonprofit Job Search -- The Highlights: Expanding programming without secured funding Ignoring past strategic failures Recurring financial instability Board members lacking governance knowledge Egocentric leadership and lack of transparency Poor work-life balance Actionable tips: ➜ Do your research: look at the organization’s financials, Glassdoor reviews, and strategic plans. ➜ Ask the right questions: use this episode’s prompts to dig deeper in interviews. ➜ Trust your gut: if something feels off, take it seriously. ➜ Talk to current and former employees: get real insights into the workplace culture. ➜ Prioritize your needs: define your non-negotiables and set boundaries before accepting an offer. Resources Burnout Check Quiz Connect with Us: Connect with Maria Rio Further Together Website Subscribe and Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. Support the Podcast: Support these conversations by donating here. Coming Next Week: Join us next week for "Fundraising is a Team Sport," where Maria and Caitlin dive into how collaboration across your organization can lead to stronger donor relationships and bigger fundraising wins! 🏆 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Feb 18, 2025 • 29min
Beyond the day-to-day: How nonprofits can think strategically with Sheela Mahajan
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sheela Mahajan, founder of the Nonprofit Science Institute and host of the Nonprofit Science Podcast. Sheela shares how nonprofits can move beyond reactive decision-making and start thinking more strategically. They discuss the challenges of shifting organizational mindsets, how to implement systematic decision-making processes, and the importance of defining problems before jumping to solutions. Sheela introduces the Signals Framework, a structured approach to problem-solving that empowers nonprofit leaders to make data-driven decisions with confidence. Key Topics Covered: Why nonprofits struggle with decision-making Introducing the signals framework Rethinking fundraising events Overcoming resistance to change The power of documentation in decision-making Actionable tips: ➜ Use the signals framework: write down the specific problem you’re solving, collect data, and test solutions systematically. ➜ Get everyone in the room: bring together staff, leadership, and board members to align on key challenges. ➜ Track decision-making: keep records of strategic decisions to help future teams stay informed. ➜ Shift the culture: encourage a data-driven mindset rather than relying on “this is how we’ve always done it.” ➜ Start small: test the framework on a single issue before applying it organization-wide. Resources: Nonprofit Science Institute – Website Nonprofit Science Podcast – Listen Here Free Ebook: The Signals Framework – Download Here Connect with Us: Connect with Maria Rio Connect with Sheela Mahajan Subscribe and Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. Support the Podcast: Support these conversations by donating here. Coming Next Week: Join us next week for a must-listen episode on landing your dream nonprofit job! 🎯 Maria shares the ultimate list of red flags to watch out for in your job search so you can avoid toxic workplaces and find the right fit. Don't miss it!Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Feb 11, 2025 • 28min
Fundraising Trends for 2025: AI, Ethical Storytelling & Burnout Solutions
Explore the future of nonprofit fundraising with fascinating insights on community-centric approaches reshaping strategies. Discover how AI tools can enhance efficiency and alleviate burnout while promoting ethical storytelling. The shift towards fractional fundraising is examined, revealing new ways to engage and support teams. Learn about innovative donor gratitude methods and actionable tips for building resilience. Get ready for a dynamic discussion on how nonprofits can thrive amidst ongoing challenges!
Feb 4, 2025 • 24min
How to Celebrate Year-End Success and Avoid Burnout in 2025
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria is joined by Caitlin McBride to discuss how nonprofit fundraisers can transition smoothly into the new year after the year-end fundraising rush. They share strategies for celebrating success, reflecting on what worked, and setting yourself up for long-term sustainability—without burning out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the reset of a new fiscal year, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you start 2025 with confidence. Key Topics Covered: Celebrating year-end wins Avoiding the post-year-end slump Practical ways to reflect and improve for next year How to fill your own cup as a fundraiser Creative ways to show gratitude to donors Actionable Tips: ➜ Take time to celebrate your achievements—big and small. ➜ Document key insights from your year-end campaign to reference later. ➜ Start the year with activities that energize and inspire you. ➜ Show gratitude to your donors and supporters in thoughtful ways. ➜ Give yourself grace—fundraising is a long game, and every step matters. Connect with Us: Connect with Maria Rio Connect with Caitlin McBride Further Together Website Subscribe and Review: Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. Support the Podcast: Support these conversations by donating here. Coming Next Week: Join us next week as Caitlin and Maria share fundraising trends in 2025. Tune in for practical tips to start the new year strong and set yourself up for success! 🚀 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Jan 28, 2025 • 19min
5 Essential Fundraising Metrics Every Nonprofit Should Track
Discover the Five Pillars of Great Fundraising and how they can transform your nonprofit's approach. Learn effective strategies for prospecting, digital fundraising, and impactful one-to-many campaigns. Find out how to craft a compelling unique value proposition and build trust with donors. The importance of tracking key metrics is emphasized for data-driven decision-making. Engage your community for feedback, celebrate small victories, and continuously refine your strategy for lasting growth.
Jan 21, 2025 • 33min
Thriving as a One-Person Fundraising Team with Caitlin McBride
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.
