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

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

Have you heard of the "Shift the South" report? Join Maria Rio and Carmen Randolph, CEO of the Women’s Foundation of the South, as they shed light on the critical funding challenges faced by nonprofits serving women and girls of color in the U.S. South. In this thought-provoking episode, Carmen discusses the disparities in philanthropic investment, the impact of systemic inequities, and actionable strategies to support nonprofits addressing these issues. Highlights include insights into grantmaking trends, overcoming legal challenges, and how organizations can diversify funding to build resilience. Whether you're a donor, nonprofit leader, or advocate, this episode is packed with valuable lessons for driving equity and change.Addressing Funding Challenges for Women of Color Nonprofits – The Highlights:The unique funding challenges faced by nonprofits led by women of color in the U.S. South.The intersection of systemic inequities like racism, patriarchy, and lack of prioritization for the South.Legal challenges nonprofits face following the repeal of affirmative action.Innovative strategies to diversify funding sources for resilience.Key findings from the upcoming "Shift the South" report. 🎧 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 Carmen Randolph:Over the course of her 25-year career in philanthropy, Carmen has worked hard to successfully galvanize funders, donors, policymakers, and grassroots activists to forever change lives, systems, and communities for good. She is particularly passionate about building prosperity for women and girls of color and firmly believes in the ineffable power a sisterhood holds to support, nurture, and amplify one another – this is why she always makes a point of collaborating with other women in philanthropy to inspire and guide each other. She is presently a fellow in the Aspen Institute and the Neighborhood Funder’s Group Philanthropy Forward initiative, and was recently invited to join Fortune’s Most Powerful Women Membership. Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders: Engage in Legal Preparedness: Nonprofits should conduct legal reviews of their operations and documents to prepare for potential lawsuits, especially those focused on racial equity. Proactively Educate Donors: Engage donors about the importance of continued support for marginalized communities and the potential challenges your organization may face due to shifting legal landscapes. Diversify Funding Streams: Look at your nonprofit's work through various lenses to attract funding from different sources. Resources and Links: Women’s Foundation of the South Website Shift the South Report Connect with Maria Connect with CarmenWatch this episode on YouTube.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Are you including admin costs in your funding requests? Join Juliana Sprott, Chief Giving Officer of the Sprott Foundation, as she shares her journey from sports broadcasting to becoming a leading voice in trust-based philanthropy. In this insightful episode, Juliana discusses the evolution of the Sprott Foundation, the importance of listening to grantees, and actionable strategies to empower nonprofits through trust and support. From addressing administrative expenses to fostering meaningful donor relationships, Juliana offers a fresh perspective on how funders can make a lasting impact. Whether you're a fundraiser, donor, or nonprofit leader, this episode is packed with transformative insights.From Check-Writing Philanthropy to Trust-Based Philanthropy – The Highlights:The journey from traditional check-writing philanthropy to trust-based philanthropy.How the Sprott Foundation prioritizes grantee relationships and supports their real needs.The significance of recognizing administrative expenses as essential to nonprofit success.Key lessons from the Philanthropy Workshop and its global impact.Strategies for nonprofits to advocate for unrestricted giving and equitable partnerships. 🎧 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 Juliana Sprott:Julianna is driven by genuine compassion about a charity’s financial needs which are aligned with the Sprott vision. She builds deep relationships with grantees to figure out together how Sprott gifts can help alleviate homelessness & hunger. Innovation is key. Juliana has a B.A. from the University of Western Ontario and completed the one year program, The Philanthropy Workshop, at the Institute for Philanthropy. She is fluent in English and French. Prior to her work in philanthropy, Juliana was in sports broadcasting, including on Hockey Night in Canada and in the NFL for the Jacksonville Jaguars.Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders & Grantees: Include Admin Costs in Funding Requests: Nonprofits should automatically include a percentage for administrative expenses in donor agreements.  Trust Grantees' Expertise: Funders should trust that nonprofits know best how to allocate resources and should avoid imposing restrictions that hinder their effectiveness. Educate Donors on Real Needs: Nonprofits should feel empowered to educate donors about the importance of funding operational costs and negotiate for the support they truly need. Resources and Links: The Philanthropy Workshop "Uncharitable" by Dan Pallotta (Book and Film) Connect with Maria Follow the The Sprott Foundation Watch this episode on Youtube.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!Consider supporting the podcast by subscribing here.Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Feeling intimidated by the competition? Join Maria Rio and Roz Zavras, founder of the Center for Community Collaboration (C3), as they discuss innovative approaches to nonprofit support through collaboration and resource sharing. In this episode, Roz dives into the challenges and opportunities of working together in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing the importance of trust, shared services, and collaborative fundraising. From offering free consulting services to facilitating joint events, Roz reveals how C3 is transforming the way nonprofits connect and thrive. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or donor, this episode is packed with actionable strategies for fostering community and driving impact.Collaboration Over Competition – The Highlights:Supporting nonprofits with free consulting services and resources.Collaborative fundraising events: How they work and their impact.Overcoming trust barriers and scarcity mindsets in the sector.Exploring shared services like fractional fundraising and HR support.The power of community connections to build trust and spark innovation. 🎧 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 Roz Zavras:Roz Zavras, founder of the Center for Community Collaboration (C3) and CEO of Aropa Consulting. Roz shares her unique approach to supporting community-based nonprofits, particularly those led by people of colour or individuals with lived experience. Through C3, Roz is finding innovative ways to foster collaboration, provide essential services, and break down the silos that often hinder nonprofits from achieving their full potential.  Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders:Leverage Collaboration for Greater Impact: Consider partnering with other nonprofits on fundraising events or shared services to maximize resources and reduce costs. Start small with a joint project to build trust and rapport. Focus on Donor Education: Educate your donors about the benefits of supporting a collaborative, community-based approach. Highlight how their contributions can drive systemic change by supporting multiple organizations with aligned missions. Embrace an Abundance Mindset: Shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Trust that collaborating with others can lead to greater impact and stronger communities, rather than diminishing your own resources.Resources and Links: Center for Community Collaboration Website Community-Centric Fundraising Principles Connect with Maria Connect with Roz Center for Community Collaboration LinkTreeWatch this episode on YouTube. Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Taking yourself a little too seriously? Join us for a bold and humorous conversation with Vu Le, the voice behind the popular blog Nonprofit AF. In this episode, Vu shares his journey into the nonprofit sector, the origins of his blog, and how humor can be a powerful tool for advocacy. He dives deep into issues plaguing the sector, from donor-centered fundraising to the challenges of advocacy and systemic change. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader, fundraiser, or just someone who wants to rethink the sector, this episode is full of valuable insights and inspiration.Ditching The Nonprofit Hunger Games – The Highlights:How humor can amplify advocacy and foster community.The challenges of balancing systemic critique and self-care.Breaking down donor-centered fundraising (DCF) and shifting toward community-centric fundraising (CCF).Exploring advocacy fears and the nonprofit hunger games.A future where CCF principles are widely adopted and lead to systemic change. 🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Vu Le:Vu Le (“voo lay”) is a writer, speaker, vegan, Pisces, and the former Executive Director of RVC, a nonprofit in Seattle that promotes social justice by developing leaders of color, strengthening organizations led by communities of color, and fostering collaboration among diverse communities. Vu’s passion to make the world better, combined with a low score on the Law School Admission Test, drove him into the field of nonprofit work, where he learned that we should take the work seriously, but not ourselves.  Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders: Incorporate Humor into Your Communications: Find ways to add humor to your emails, social media, and meetings. It can help lighten the mood and make your message more relatable. Don't fear joking about your challenges. It can build camaraderie and ease tough talks. Reevaluate Your Fundraising Approach: Focus on community needs and expectations. You may need to rethink your fundraising strategies. They should align with your mission of equity and justice, even if it means taking some risks. Advocate Boldly and Consistently: Don’t shy away from advocacy, even on “controversial” issues. Speak out about systemic inequities. Use your platform to push for change in your community. Consistency in your advocacy efforts will help build credibility and drive progress. Resources and Links: Nonprofit AF Blog Community-Centric Fundraising Principles Crappy Funding Practices The Slavery of our Times by Leo Tolstoy  Connect with Maria Connect with Vu: Twitter,Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

What is trust-based philanthropy? In this episode of Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with Megan Lorius, Managing Director of the Sprott Foundation, to explore the principles and practices of trust-based philanthropy and grant-making. Megan shares insights into how the foundation supports nonprofits by centering trust, human connection, and respect for the grantee’s time and mission. Megan shares valuable insights and advice for both funders and fundraisers on how to create a more collaborative and impactful philanthropic landscape.This conversation is a must-listen for fundraisers, funders, and nonprofit leaders looking to reimagine philanthropy.Trust-Based Philanthropy & Grant-Making – The Highlights:What is trust-based philanthropy, and how does it differ from traditional approaches?How the Sprott Foundation eliminates barriers for nonprofits.The importance of multi-year, unrestricted funding.Open communication and feedback loops between funders and grantees.Building human connections and shifting power dynamics in philanthropy.Actionable advice for funders to implement trust-based principles.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Megan Lorius:Megan is the Managing Director at the Sprott Foundation, a Toronto-based foundation that grants funds  to organizations seeking to solve hunger and homelessness. She's also part of the board of directors at InterAction Council. Established in 1983, the InterAction Council (IAC) is an independent non-profit organization whose objective is to address long-term, global issues facing humankind. Links and Resources:  Connect with Megan Lorius  on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lorius-a6894211/Check out the Sprott Foundation website: https://www.sprottfoundation.com/Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newWatch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3rfg-E_V464 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

DEI or JEDI? Why are we putting Justice first? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Chris Talbot-Heindel shares their expertise and insights on the nonprofit sector's need for justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles. Chris discusses how centering justice in our work can lead to collective liberation, the challenges of addressing white supremacy culture, and the power of learning and healing in community.They also explore the challenges faced by BIPOC individuals in predominantly white-led organizations and the importance of moving beyond performative allyship to achieve real, transformative change.Nonprofit Leadership & Governance: Why We Need More JEDI – The Highlights:Understanding JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) and why it matters.Managing emotions when navigating difficult conversations and conflictsAddressing white supremacy culture and the pitfalls of performative DEI work.The importance of doing the work in community to foster mutual learning and accountability.Actionable tips for integrating JEDI principles into nonprofit leadership and nonprofit governance.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Chris Talbot-Heindel:Chris (they/them) is a queer, trans nonbinary, mixed-race artist, writer, comics creator, editor, and nonprofit laborer. After two decades of working in spaces that weren't built with her in mind, she now helps others build spaces ready to celebrate people when they turn up authentically. She works with Next 100 Colorado and Colorado Outdoor Equity Grant Program Coalition to create equity in the outdoors and environmental nonprofits, and Community-Centric Fundraising to create equity in fundraising and the nonprofit industrial complexLinks and Resources:  Connect with Chris Talbot-Heindl  on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christalbotheindl/Check out the website: https://www.talbot-heindl.com/Link to Chris's Tapas where my educomics live: https://tapas.io/episode/3152530Twitter: https://x.com/talbot_heindlInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/talbot_heindl/Learn more about JEDI Committee: https://jedicollaborative.com/Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newWatch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Kb4NSqOS1w0 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Are you walking the talk? In this episode of Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with Rickesh Lakhani, Founder and Lead Consultant of Radiance Advisory, to discuss how nonprofits can truly align their organizational practices with their stated values. Rickesh highliths strategies for creating a culture of trust, addressing systemic issues, and holding leaders accountable to ensure that values permeate every aspect of the organization.He also shares steps on how to identify and bridge the gap between an organization's stated values and its actual practices, emphasizing the importance of feedback, vulnerability, and accountability.Nonprofit Culture and WHY Organizational Values Matter  – The Highlights:Why living your values matters in nonprofit culture.The importance of addressing systemic gaps and aligning actions with your nonprofit's stated values.Practical steps for gathering and using feedback to drive cultural change.The critical role of leadership in creating safe and actionable feedback environments.Strategies to retain staff and prevent nonprofit burnout through intentional organizational practices.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Rickesh Lakhani:Rickesh has over 15 years of experience in social impact work, including being a Fundraising Director for a large charity raising $8M annually and an Executive Director for a small community-based organization serving children. Links and Resources:  Website: https://www.radianceadvisory.com/ Connect with Rickesh on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/rickeshlakhani Connect with Rickesh on X: https://x.com/ConstantChanges Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSpeak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step UpLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Do you find it challenging to turn one-time gifts into lasting relationships? In this episode of Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio is joined by Owen O'Doherty, CEO of DonorSee, to explore the art of storytelling and how small nonprofits can leverage technology to build engaged donor communities. Owen shares insights on using video, AI, and authentic storytelling to drive donor retention, donor engagement, and long-term impact.Transforming Donor Engagement Relationships with Storytelling & Technology – The Highlights:The power of authentic storytelling in donor engagement.Balancing the good and bad in impact stories to build trust.How DonorSee supports nonprofits with easy-to-use technology.The role of AI in reducing nonprofit workloads and improving donor communication.Tips for cultivating a community-centric fundraising approach.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About DonorSee:DonorSee is a platform that allows a global community of people support nonprofits and fundraising organizations directly. They have two platforms: Donorsee.com that enables donors to give and receive video updates, showing the impact of their giving, and actionrise.com that enables nonprofits to launch their own branded fundraising platform out-of-box, delivering a donor experience and donor access that results in up to 30% new donors, and repeat giving at 3x the industry average.Links and Resources:  Connect with Owen O'Doherty  on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/owenodoherty Check out the website: https://www.donorsee.com/ Rise by DonorSee: https://www.actionrise.com/ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newWatch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/AOc-VDduIuE Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Have you ever thought about merging your nonprofit with another organization? Or maybe transferring a program to another nonprofit? You might be thinking, "That sounds complicated and risky!" But what if strategic collaboration could be the key to unlocking your nonprofit's full potential? In this episode of Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio is joined by Michelle Shumate, professor at Northwestern University and founder of Social Impact Network Consulting, to explore how nonprofits can use collaborations, mergers, and asset transfers to maximize their impact. Michelle shares insights from her extensive research on sustained nonprofit collaborations, highlighting case studies, challenges, and the transformative potential of centering community needs.Nonprofit Mergers, Partnerships, and Asset Transfers – The Highlights:Understanding different types of nonprofit collaborations.How nonprofit asset transfers can reshape organizational culture.Tips for smaller nonprofits to engage in strategic partnerships.Common pitfalls to avoid in nonprofit mergers and collaborations.Real-world examples of collaborations boosting revenue and mission alignment.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!About Michelle Shumate:Michelle is the founding director of the Network for Nonprofit and Social Impact (NNSI) at Northwestern University. NNSI is dedicated to answering the question: How can nonprofit networks be rewired for maximum social impact? She offers workshops, consulting, and coaching through the Social Impact Network Consulting.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show