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
Apr 20, 2020 • 39min
make it count! client service evaluation with Jeff Couillard
Do you remember that icky feeling back in school, when you were assigned a piece of homework that you didn't see the point in doing, but had to do it anyway? Well, I bet that’s the same feeling you get when you’re filling out a program report and are asked to provide evaluation numbers that don’t make sense to you. Impact evaluation is one of those things we are told that is good for us, but often feels so disconnected from our day-to-day work. On today's episode of the Small Nonprofit Podcast, Jeff Couillard shares with us his journey of helping organizations take back the ownership of their impact data and measure what truly matters.For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Apr 13, 2020 • 33min
Slay The Mic with Jam Gamble
Do you ever get that nagging feeling that your voice is not heard or that it’s drowned out? Currently, with everything being communicated online, it’s so easy to feel that what you have to say is going to get buried in a conference call or countless social media posts. And when we do share our voices, we don’t love it. I remembered when I started the podcast, I also struggled with listening to my own voice playing back at me. Being able to express ourselves and communicate clearly is so important to our work and our wellbeing. I am more than excited to share with you today’s podcast, where Jam Gamble, coach extraordinaire of Slay the Mic program, tells us how to overcome the fear of self-expression and ace public speaking. Let me let you in on a little secret: memorizing the speech does not do the trick. My whole team is loving this podcast episode so I know you will too! What you have to say is so important. Your voice is unique and beautiful. Share it!For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Apr 6, 2020 • 40min
fundraising as community building with David Karvinchuk
In times like this, it’s so important that we stay connected. The same goes with our donors. They want to hear from you about how you and your organization is doing. I know what you are thinking: donors already have a lot on their plate right now. Why would they want to hear from me?On today’s podcast, David from The Common Good Philanthropy shares a great story about how donors felt so connected to a small nonprofit that they got upset when they were not called to help in a time of crisis. David wants us to think about fundraising as community building, and offers great advice on how to connect with our donors as our authentic selves. Take a listen!For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Mar 30, 2020 • 46min
Building resiliency with Monica Bodurka
During this global pandemic, I know you are holding down the fort for your organization, your community, and your family. So, how can we make sure you have all the tools you need to get through these tough times. Part of that answer is resiliency. What is resilience and how can you build resilience in your everyday life?On today’s The Small Nonprofit podcast, wellness expert Monica Bodurka shares her step-by-step guide of how we can all build resiliency from everyday habits. All of these habits can be easily incorporated in your daily routines. We are great at caring for others. Let’s take some time and become great at taking care of ourselves. For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Mar 23, 2020 • 37min
the burnout is real with Sam Laprade
These 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.For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Mar 16, 2020 • 37min
leading for impact with Nouman Ashraf
In our conversation today with Nouman Ashraf, we’ll debunk some myths around what a leader is and how to be a good one. In short - leadership is not a position or title, it’s a way of being and enabling those around you. Anyone can be a good leader. Everyone SHOULD become a good leader. Nouman has some tips on how to get there.For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Mar 9, 2020 • 45min
unlocking the power of design to raise more money with John Lepp
What causes you to open that envelope from a charity? What is going through your mind as you decide to read on? Or make a donation? Wouldn’t it be great if you could unlock some of the secrets that influence your donors' behaviours as they think about giving to your organization?Today’s podcast guest is John Lepp and he is going to be sharing how you can use design to influence your fundraising outcomes - ie: raise more money! But good design isn’t what we like, it’s what works. So through away your personal preferences and grab a pen and paper to discover what design can do to help you raise more money.For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Mar 2, 2020 • 39min
your case for support from the ground up with Leah Eustace
I know you have a long list of “to-dos” that never seems to end. I can also guess that on that list, somewhere towards the end (and seemingly never moving) is to create a Case for Support for your organization. Well, today you’re in luck because our podcast guest Leah Eustice is a pro when it comes to writing a Case for Support and she’s going to give you all of her tricks and tips. The best part about it - she shows you how you can write your Case quickly and still make it meaningful.For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Feb 24, 2020 • 28min
young and diverse - the new workforce with Tamara Balan and Bareera Sial
Guess what - the next generation of workers are not millennials! We’re so past the conversation of millennials in the workplace and now is the time to think about how you’re hiring and engaging the next generation. This new generation values diversity and inclusion, as well as the ability to have an impact. This is in great alignment with the nonprofit sector, but the reality is that as many as 30% of employers struggle to fill their entry-level roles.Want to build your pipeline of talent in a meaningful and lasting way? Listen to today’s podcast with CivicAction and their HireNext program. For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
Feb 17, 2020 • 37min
The introvert’s survival guide with Trina Isakson
Are you introverted or extroverted? I’m right in the middle with a sway towards extroversion. It can sometimes look like the modern work environment is created for us extroverts and if you're introverted, it can feel draining or even exclusionary. Today’s podcast guest, Trina Isakson, spent years working in our sector as an introvert and created the Quiet Changemaker Project - a place for introverted nonprofit professionals to connect. Our conversation is all about thriving as an introvert (and supporting introverts on your team).For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show
