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

Dealing with rising disconnection, financial stress, and generational shifts in the nonprofit landscape? Building community connections during these challenging times might be the answer. But How? In this episode, Maria sits down with Nicole from Canada Helps and Sam from Apathy Is Boring to explore the power of nonprofit community building. They discuss the latest trends in donor behavior, insights from CanadaHelps’ 2024 Giving Report, and actionable strategies to engage donors and mobilize supporters. Nicole highlights key findings from the report, while Sam shares how her organization fosters youth engagement and civic participation.Nonprofit Community Building in Challenging Times – The Highlights: The connection between community engagement and donor behavior. Data from Canada Helps' 2024 Giving Report: Trends in monthly giving and donor demographics. Strategies to strengthen nonprofit community building and foster loyalty. How Giving Tuesday inspires donor action and attracts younger audiences. Real-world examples from Apathy Is Boring on youth engagement and advocacy. 🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About CanadaHelps’ 2024 Giving Report:The Giving Report 2024 highlights insights and giving trends that are challenging Canada’s charitable sector as it struggles to keep pace with increasing demand amidst a decline in charitable donors. Leveraging the vast volume and breadth of online giving data at CanadaHelps and analysis of the latest tax filer data, we paint a detailed picture of concerning trends in how Canadians give.Actionable Tips for Nonprofits to Build Community (even in challenging times): Leverage monthly giving: consider encouraging monthly donations to provide stable, recurring support. Highlight impact: show donors exactly how their contributions make a difference in their community. Engage young people on their terms: tap into platforms like TikTok to connect with younger audiences and address their interest in accessible, transparent impact. Focus on community connections: creating opportunities for meaningful interactions between donors and beneficiaries can boost engagement, especially in an increasingly disconnected world. Resources and Links: CanadaHelps Giving Report (2024) CanadaHelps Website Apathy is Boring Website Apathy is Boring: The FEED Apathy is Boring Resources Apathy is Boring's 20th Anniversary Connect with Maria Rio Connect with Nicole Danesi Connect with Sam Reusch Watch this episode on YouTube.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Rachel Bearbower, founder of Small Shop Strategies and the Nonprofit Automation Agency, shares her expertise on streamlining nonprofit operations. She discusses how automation can free up time by reducing repetitive tasks while maintaining authentic donor relations. Key topics include creating personalized donor experiences at scale and the vital first 100 days of donor engagement. Rachel also highlights tools like FollowUpThen for efficient follow-ups, emphasizing that technology can complement the human touch in nonprofits.

Heather Nelson, founder of Bridge Raise, brings over 15 years of nonprofit expertise to the conversation about corporate partnerships. She shares how small nonprofits can build confidence in approaching corporate funders and emphasizes the importance of aligning values. Heather discusses overcoming challenges, nurturing relationships, and offers actionable tips like defining partnership visions and providing value beyond funding. Tune in for insights on the pivotal role of persistence and networking in forging meaningful corporate connections.

Wondering how to secure more major gifts for your nonprofit? Join us as we dive into the art of major gift fundraising with Rhea Wong, former Executive Director and current fundraising expert. In this episode, Rhea shares practical tips for identifying major donors, building lasting relationships, and transforming your fundraising strategy. From common pitfalls to actionable steps, this conversation will empower small nonprofits to secure transformative gifts and foster genuine donor connections Major Gifts Fundraising for Small Nonprofits – The Highlights: Why relationship-building is at the heart of major gifts fundraising.How to approach major donors with consent and authenticity.Overcoming the pitfalls of wealth screening and transactional fundraising.Steps to segment your donor list and identify major gift prospects.Why centering the donor creates better fundraising outcomes.The evolving role of AI and technology in fundraising.How to inspire action and build trust with major donors.The importance of trust-based philanthropy and community-centric fundraising.Strategies for creating a donor-centric fundraising journey. 🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Rhea Wong:Rhea trains nonprofit leaders to fundraise more money from high-net worth donors. She helps executive directors and development staff build out individual major gift programs that hit big fundraising goals. She brings in 15+ years of fundraising experience to help you tweak your message, clarify your ideal donor, engage your board, streamline your processes, and make an effective ask. Resources and Links: Rhea Wong’s Website Get That Money, Honey: The No-BS Guide to Raising Money for Your Nonprofit. Rhea Wong’s Ways To Work with Me Quiz Connect with Maria Rio Connect with Rhea Wong Watch this episode on YouTubeDon’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 insightsLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Maria Bryan, a dedicated storyteller and trauma-informed storytelling trainer, shares her insights on ethical storytelling practices. She emphasizes the importance of consent and emotional readiness when sharing sensitive narratives. Maria offers practical tips for conducting interviews with care, including harm repair plans and grounding techniques. Additionally, she highlights the need for self-care among storytellers and discusses how to navigate the challenges of sharing trauma-related stories with grace and sensitivity.

Are you ready for Muslim Philantropy? Join Maria and Sarah Ali as they discuss the dynamic world of digital-first fundraising, the power of Muslim giving, and how nonprofits can embrace cultural competency to diversify their donor bases. Sarah shares insights from her journey as a digital-first fundraiser, her work with the Muslim Philanthropy Network, and innovative approaches to community engagement, including the use of WhatsApp for mobilization. Explore strategies to create meaningful connections with Muslim audiences and address critical global issues. Muslim Giving Trends  – The Highlights: The rise of digital-first fundraising and its impact on nonprofits. How Muslim giving trends are reshaping the philanthropic landscape. Tips for fostering cultural competency within nonprofit teams. Leveraging WhatsApp for community engagement and donor mobilization. The power of hope-based communication in crisis fundraising. 🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Sarah Ali:Sarah helps nonprofit leaders 2X their revenue through "Always On" donor acquisition and stewardship funnels. She's a board member at Elham Fund and an ED at Muslim Philanthropy Network. Sarah is also the founder of SA Digital, a Muslim women-owned and operated business and is committed to providing justice-forward and inclusive services. She's passionate about ways nonprofits can engage diverse communities through culturally competent fundraising strategies.Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders: Build culturally competent messaging: Engage with diverse leadership councils from within communities to create messaging that resonates and doesn’t feel tokenizing. Focus on hope-based communications: In times of crisis, highlight positive stories of hope and concrete actions donors can take. This approach can help reduce collective trauma and increase engagement. Innovate through cultural campaigns: If you’re considering engaging a community you don’t represent, start by listening, asking for feedback, and being transparent in your intentions. Seek advice from community leaders and organizations like the Muslim Philanthropy Network. Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how nonprofits can embrace digital tools and cultural competency to strengthen their donor base and engage meaningfully with diverse communities. Resources and Links: Muslim Philanthropy Network Website SA Digital Website Connect with Maria Connect with Sarah Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Wanna know what the future holds? Welcome to another inspiring episode of Small Nonprofit. This week, Maria sits down with Kamilah Martin, founder and CEO of Katalyst, to discuss how the nonprofit sector is evolving and why consulting might be the future of work for nonprofit leaders. Kamilah shares her journey from being a VP at an international humanitarian organization to building a community for women of color transitioning to consulting roles. This conversation dives into innovation, equity, and nonprofit leadership. The Future of Work in Nonprofits – The highlights:How the pandemic accelerated the nonprofit sector’s shift to remote work and innovation.Why consulting is an attractive option for nonprofit leaders seeking flexibility.Strategies for addressing equity in hybrid work environments.Examples of innovation in programming and nonprofit governance.The importance of investing in consulting and technology for nonprofit growth.How to create a nonprofit culture that embraces experimentation and iterative change. 🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Kamilah Martin:After working and leading in the nonprofit world for over 20 years, both as an executive and consultant, Kamilah took a bold step in 2020 and founded Katalyst. With particular expertise in optimizing virtual/remote environments—both domestically and globally—her magic is building empowered, effective, and happy communities, teams, and experiences through a liberatory and human-centered lens. She's also the creator of the award-winning Katalyst Nonprofit Consultant Mastermind Community, a global membership community that supports Black women and women of color nonprofit/NGO consultants, independent contractors, & coaches during years 0-5 of their independent consulting journey. Quotable Moments from The Future of Work in Nonprofits: Consulting, Innovation, and Leadership with Kamilah Martin: "We existed a certain way because that's all we knew. But COVID forced us to rethink that — and that opened up so many opportunities for innovation." – Kamilah Martin "Innovation for innovation's sake isn't enough. What are your goals? How do you evaluate if your pilot actually achieves what you want?" – Kamilah Martin "Nonprofits that innovate now will thrive in the next 20 years. Those that don’t will get left behind." – Kamilah Martin Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders: Embrace flexible work models: Involve program and admin staff in discussions on remote work equity, and find ways to offer flexibility, even to those in roles requiring in-person work (e.g., alternating schedules). Pilot innovations with clear goals: Establish a finite timeline for pilots with an evaluation period at the end to determine if adjustments are needed. Leverage external expertise: Don’t try to solve complex problems alone—engage consultants or experts in areas like change management, technology, or HR for quicker solutions.Resources and Links: Connect with Maria Connect with Kamilah The Katalyst Website  Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Heard of fractional fundraising but not quite sure if it's a good idea? Fractional fundraising is transforming how small nonprofits tackle resource challenges and in this episode of Small Nonprofit, Maria chats with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, about how her organization leveraged this innovative model to revitalize fundraising strategies and grow donor engagement. Nina shares her journey from classical pianist to nonprofit leader and offers valuable insights into the challenges of fundraising in the arts sector. Together, they discuss the benefits of fractional fundraising, its impact on her organization's individual giving revenue, and tips for other nonprofit leaders considering this model. What's Fractional Fundraising? – The Highlights: Nina’s career journey from classical music to nonprofit leadership. How COVID reshaped nonprofit funding strategies and donor engagement. What's fractional fundraising? And why it’s a game-changer for small nonprofits. Balancing in-house and fractional fundraisers to maximize results. The pros, cons, and unexpected benefits of fractional fundraising. Insights into donor engagement and community-centric fundraising for arts nonprofits. How Coastal Jazz doubled its individual giving revenue in one year. Tune in for a thoughtful exploration of how innovative fundraising models are making an impact in the nonprofit sector! 🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Nina Horvath:Nina is the Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, a community-based, not-for-profit, charitable arts organization located in Vancouver, British Columbia. From the very beginning, Coastal has worked diligently to ensure jazz remains an integral part of our city’s vibrant arts scene by fostering the creation and exchange of sounds and ideas between the local, national, and international music communities. Today, Coastal Jazz is also a significant part of Vancouver and BC’s economic engine and tourism industry, attracting well over one hundred thousand people to the annual jazz festival and generating over $20 million in economic activity. Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Fundraising: Consider Outsourced Supports: If you’re a small to mid-sized nonprofit struggling to find a full-time development director, fractional fundraising could give you access to senior-level expertise without breaking the bank. Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect to raise a million dollars overnight. Success in fundraising is about building momentum and balancing both short-term wins and long-term goals. Leverage the Expertise of a Fractional Fundraiser: Fractional fundraisers work with multiple organizations, which allows them to offer fresh insights and best practices from across the nonprofit sector. Resources and Links: Connect with MariaConnect with NinaCoastal Jazz Website Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Wondering how to make millions for your nonprofit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms, as he shares how sustainability and social enterprise can transform communities. Quilen discusses his journey from starting with zero funds to running a $2 million nonprofit. Learn how his organization uses vacant lots to create solar-powered flower farms that employ at-risk youth, creating a self-sustaining business model that brings wealth and resilience to underserved communities. This episode is packed with insights into scaling a nonprofit, the power of human resources, and the critical lessons of running a mission-driven social enterprise. Scaling Nonprofits & Building Economic Resilience – The Highlights: How to transform vacant lots into thriving social enterprises. Building sustainable business models for nonprofit organizations. Overcoming challenges in human resources and culture building. How Southside Blooms converts customers into donors Leveraging social enterprise to create economic resilience. Lessons learned from scaling a nonprofit from $0 to $2M.  🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Quilen Blackwell:The Chicago Eco House, founded in 2014 by Quilen Blackwell, uses sustainability to combat poverty in Chicago’s inner city. Inspired by his family’s history and his experiences in Englewood, Quilen and his wife, Hannah, invested their own money to establish a headquarters and launch an off-grid flower farm in 2017. The initiative quickly grew, creating jobs and economic opportunities. Today, the organization operates multiple farms in Chicago and Detroit, along with Southside Blooms, an in-house flower shop, empowering communities through urban agriculture.Rosurces and Links: Connect with Maria Connect with Quilen: Personal Instagram, Southside Blooms, Chicago Eco House Chicago Eco House: Website Southside Blooms: Website Watch this episode on YouTube, subscribe and leave us a review!Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Do donors realy know what you do and how you do it? Join us for an insightful conversation with Kathryn LeBlanc, a communications consultant specializing in social impact. Kathryn shares her expertise on overcoming common nonprofit messaging challenges, creating concise and emotionally resonant messages, and developing strategic communications plans. Discover how to craft messaging that resonates with your audience, builds your nonprofit’s brand, and drives action. From crafting a one-liner to rolling out a full communications strategy, this episode is packed with actionable advice for nonprofits looking to enhance their communication efforts. Nonprofit Marketing Strategy: Mastering Nonprofit Messaging – The Highlights: Why concise messaging resonates better with donors and supporters. How to identify and narrow your nonprofit's target audience. Building your nonprofit's message guide and communication strategy. Tips for operationalizing your messaging across teams. How to bridge gaps between internal and external communications.  🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Kathryn LeBlanc:Kathryn founded LeBlanc (& co.) Communications, an agency that uses strategy, brand design, campaigns, and training to help social impact organizations fulfil their missions and drive social change. They serve a roster of local, national, and international clients that advance social good. Their client base includes nonprofits, philanthropy, labour, government, and mission-aligned businesses.Actionable Tips for Clear Nonprofit Messaging: Create a Message Guide and Communication Strategy: These documents should be separate, clear, and shared consistently across your team. Focus on Building Internal Cohesion: A well-aligned team is better equipped to handle both day-to-day communications and unexpected crises. Develop a Crisis Communications Plan: Create a plan outlining how your organization will respond to incidents, emergencies, and crises. Assign roles, establish protocols, and train your team regularly to ensure a swift, unified response when needed. Resources and Links: Kathryn LeBlanc's Communications Consulting Firm Downloadable Communication Strategy Template Connect with Maria Connect with Kathryn Watch this episode on YouTube. Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show