

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

Sep 18, 2019 • 36min
Live from EconoUs 2019: Innovation and Leadership with Amanda Fernandez
In this special bonus mini-series recorded live at EconoUs 2019, we're learning all about leadership for new innovation and leadership for a new economy. And so many of what Amanda Fernandez talks about rings true to my experience and I'm excited to share with you! Definitely pay attention to some of what she says around giving and receiving feedback around failing up. There's so much great content in here about how to lead in a sector that's trying to do good. Happy listening and stay tuned for our very next session!Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Sep 16, 2019 • 32min
How to be newsworthy with Jennifer Singh
Media coverage is something that pretty much all organizations want, but very few actually get.In this episode, we’re speaking with Jennifer Singh, founder of She’s Newsworthy Media a public relations agency that specializes in helping small businesses get recognized. Tune in to learn about how to pitch properly, timely and to the right person!For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Sep 9, 2019 • 34min
The state of the charitable sector with Senator Ratna Omidvar
Welcome to season three of the Small Nonprofit! We’re kicking things off strong with a discussion about the state of the charitable sector in Canada. You work on the frontlines supporting our community… but how is our government supporting you? In this episode, we’re speaking with the Honourable Ratna Omidvar, to talk about the recent Senate report on the charitable sector that she co-authored. Their results are not surprising, but some of their recommendations are pretty exciting.This episode will be airing just before the federal election - and if you leave with anything, let it be this. For these changes to take place, we need a government that prioritizes them and values the work of our sector. Talk to the candidates in your community to see where they stand.For access to the show notes and resources, click here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Jun 24, 2019 • 30min
a frank conversation about your systems with Aine McGlynn
The way we do our work plays a huge role in our organizations - especially in a world where digital is the new normal. In this episode, Aine McGlynn, our very own COO of The Good Partnership, drops some truth bombs about systems and processes. Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Jun 17, 2019 • 19min
self-care and productivity: live at AFP Fundraising Day
At this year’s AFP Fundraising Day in Toronto, we spoke Theresa Cheng, Nayeon Kim, Michelle Yeung, Deborah Thompson amongst many other delegates about their thoughts on self-care and productivity. In this live episode, learn some tried-and-true strategies and tips for taking care of yourself and boosting your productivity.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Jun 10, 2019 • 42min
Engaging Equity-Seeking Populations with Andrea Gunraj
Do you work with equity-seeking populations? Is your organization on the front-line of social justice change? So often we see our values challenged in traditional fundraising and communications and don’t know how to reconcile our need to fundraise effectively with our beliefs and values. The good news is that we can still be powerful communicators and respect, honour, and empower the equity-seeking populations we work with.In this episode, Andrea Gunraj, vice-president of public engagement at the Canadian Women’s Foundation, teaches us all about recognizing our bias, rethinking our storytelling and engagement strategies, and how to ensure our organization is reflective of the communities we serve.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Jun 3, 2019 • 44min
becoming a negotiation ninja with Denise Lloyd
Whether you’re on the employee or employer side, job negotiations are something that gives everyone butterflies. In this episode, Denise Lloyd, CEO and founder of Engaged HR, teaches us that employee compensation is ultimately about creating an environment where your employees can thrive. Learn how to create this environment and how to have these conversations from both perspectives - making your work and mission have a bigger impact.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

May 27, 2019 • 40min
creating long-term value at your event with Amy Milne
Events - it’s a lot of work, the financial return is often a surprise or isn’t there at all and there are many misconceptions about what goes into making an event successful. In this episode, Amy Milne, founder of Beyond Fundraising, shares step-by-step how to ensure your next event does more than just make money so you can advance your long-term fundraising strategy.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

May 20, 2019 • 33min
how to find new donors on Facebook with Whitney Brown
Have a hard time finding and keeping new donors? Not getting any responses from mailing appeals?In this episode, Whitney Brown, digital director of Public Outreach, goes through each step of the donor journey and how you can use Facebook to get the best results. Learn how to find and target your donors, engage with them to develop an ask, and keep them giving over time - even with a small budget!Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

May 13, 2019 • 44min
navigating growth with Michael Prosserman
Imagine building a plane while you’re flying it - not an ideal scenario but one that forces you to do what you can so you can eventually level out the plane and keep it steady. This is what growing a small nonprofit is like. In this episode, Michael “Piecez” Prosserman, Founder of Unity Charity and CEO of Epic Leadership xChange, discusses understanding personal limits and how to break them with smart and strategic investments - regardless of where you are in your organization!Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show