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

Think you know how donors behave? Think again! Join Maria and Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand at Neon One, as they explore the realities (and myths) of monthly giving and donor retention. They talk about the psychology behind giving and Tim shares insights from a five-year analysis of donor data, revealing that recurring donors give nearly $1,000 annually -- with 50% contributing additional gifts. Learn how to design a recurring giving program that builds strong donor relationships and enhances your nonprofit’s sustainability.Monthly Giving Insights – The Highlights:Key findings from Neon One’s five-year donor analysis.50% of recurring donors contribute additional gifts annually.How to design impactful monthly giving programs for small nonprofits.The role of ethical AI in donor engagement.Why prioritizing people over money strengthens donor communities.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Tim Sarrantonio:Tim Sarrantonio is a Nonprofit Ecosystems Theorist studying the intersection of technology, human behavior, and organizational structures in modern giving. As chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project and through his work at Neon One, he has helped shape how thousands of nonprofits approach their mission. A speaker at AFPICON, NTC, and TEDx, Tim holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He lives in Niskayuna with his wife and three daughters, finding inspiration in the Adirondacks.Links and Resources:  Email Report's digital reader: https://neonone.com/resources/nonprofit-email-report/report-reader/?section=1-1Recurring Giving Report: https://neonone.com/resources/recurring-giving-report/?ref=mainNav Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsarrantonio/ Website: https://neonone.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/RidjdI1A-NM Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Why are fundraisers of color leaving the sector? Join Maria and Marissa as they explore the vital role of mentorship in supporting fundraisers of color in the nonprofit sector. Marissa, a California-based mentor and facilitator, shares her experience running a cohort for BIPOC fundraisers and leaders. She is uniquely positioned to provide key insights on the state of the sector, its treatment of racialized leaders, and the exodus of fundraisers. Racialized leaders do not have the same access to wealth, connections, or power as white leaders. However, like all EDs, they feel the entire mission's weight resting solely on their shoulders. We'll unpack how this impacts the sector, and most importantly, what we can do about it.Nonprofit Mentorship: Supporting Fundraisers of Color – The Highlights:The "Black Excellence" trap.The importance of mentorship in empowering fundraisers of color.Key challenges faced by racialized fundraisers, including tone policing and career barriers.Unpacking trauma and tending to ourselves.How creating safe spaces for sharing stories can support nonprofit professionals.The impact of systemic racism in fundraising and nonprofit leadership.Practical advice for finding and being a mentor in the nonprofit sector.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Marisa DeSalles:Marisa is a faculty member with Impact Foundry, assisting as a Certified Sustainable coach, presenting a monthly series of educational workshops and is the featured speaker, Emcee and host for the Impact Foundry’s 5th annual What IF conference. She also serves on the global transition team for Community-Centric Fundraising, a burgeoning movement of nonprofit fundraising professionals working to improve fundraising through a lens of equity. She volunteers her time with Sacramento Community Land Trust, a cohort of Big Day of Giving mentees and dozens of other organizations, mentoring young and newly emerging fundraisers.Links and Resources:  “12 Years a Fly in the Milk”: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2020/07/11/12-years-a-fly-in-the-milk/Collecting Courage: https://www.collectingcourage.org/Dean Article - https://archive.is/lYjUUGiving Black Conference - https://www.givingblack.ca/copy-of-giving-black-conference-2023Connect with Marissa DeSalles on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-desalles/Learn more about Good Tilth Consulting: https://www.goodtilthconsulting.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/Nw4LPpPOtS4 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Madeline Taylor, Development Manager at Out On Screen and a passionate community builder, discusses innovative fundraising strategies tailored to the queer community. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, showcasing events like drag shows that resonate with donors. The conversation also touches on the critical role of representation within organizations, and how relationship-first fundraising fosters deep connections. Madeline highlights the power of storytelling and community engagement, truly reflecting the vibrant spirit of those involved.

Does making your nonprofit feel inclusive seem impossible? Today,  we're getting real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sector. Join host Maria Rio and Michelle Okere, an expert in nonprofit equity, diversity, and inclusion, as they discuss how communication and belonging play a crucial role in nonprofit success. Michelle shares her lived experience and practical strategies for embedding equity into organizational strategy and nonprofit governance. Learn how to build an inclusive culture, foster meaningful relationships, and empower underrepresented voices in your nonprofit.DEI for Small Nonprofits – The Highlights:The importance of communication in fostering inclusion and belonging.How to build trust and break down barriers in your nonprofit.The role of Indigenous representation in nonprofit leadership and governance.Creating meaningful land acknowledgments and EDI initiatives.Strategies to engage staff in nonprofit strategic planning and organizational growth.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Michelle Okere:In her consulting practice, Michelle has had the opportunity to work with organizations in cultivating inclusive workplaces that foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. Throughout her career, she's taken on various fulfilling roles, including serving as the former CEO of the Compassion House Foundation and co-founding the REET Institute, a nonprofit dedicated to advancing equity and diversity in commercial real estate. Links and Resources:  Michelle Okere (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-okere/Michelle Okere (Twitter): @michelle0kereOkere & Associates (Website): https://www.okereandassociates.com/Compassion House Foundation: https://compassionhouse.org/Sustainable Style Company: https://sustainablestylecompany.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/_8Av-EH2nY4 Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Ready to rethink nonprofit leadership and accountability? Scandals, harmful practices, and image-obsessed leaders plague our sector, but it doesn't have to be this way. Join host Maria Rio and Liz LeClair -- an intersectional feminist, fundraiser, and advocate -- as they discuss accountability, equity, and systemic challenges in the nonprofit sector. Liz shares insights into the sector’s struggle with groupthink, tokenism, and performative allyship while highlighting the importance of meaningful leadership practices. This episode might leave you uncomfortable – and that's the point. But it will also provide actionable steps nonprofits can take to prioritize diversity, inclusion, and transparency in their governance and operations.The Nonprofit Sector’s Struggle with Groupthink, Tokenism, and Performative Allyship  – The Highlights:The importance of listening to marginalized voices in the nonprofit sector.How groupthink and lack of accountability harm nonprofit organizations.Tackling systemic racism and tokenism in board governance.Practical steps to integrate equity and inclusion into your organization's culture.Why accountability starts with leadership.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Liz LeClair:Liz LeClair brings 20 years of experience to her role as a co-founder and partner of Sargasso Philanthropic CIC. She's a long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the past chair of the AFP Women's Impact Initiative (WII), a board member of the African American Development Officer Network (AADO), and a former member on the board of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International. In 2019, Liz published an op-ed with CBC on rampant issue of sexual harassment in the non-profit sector, putting a face to the issue. In the fall of 2019 she helped co-found the National Day of Conversation to highlight the issue of sexualized violence in fundraising. Liz is committed to speaking up about the challenges facing women and marginalized individuals in the non-profit sector.Links and Resources:  Website: https://www.sargassophilanthropic.ca/ Connect with Liz on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-leclair/ 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/eVCH1_lgviQ Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

What if you could turn your biggest supporters into top-performing fundraisers? Discover the untapped power of peer-to-peer fundraising with Tess Conrad, founder of Full Potential Fundraising. Tess breaks down how nonprofits, big and small, can engage their supporters to become ambassadors for their cause. From setting realistic goals to crafting effective toolkits and engaging donors, Tess shares actionable insights to help your organization leverage peer-to-peer campaigns for maximum impact.Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Simplified  – The Highlights:How to get started with peer-to-peer fundraising, even if you're a small nonprofit.Tips for setting achievable goals and recruiting fundraisers.The importance of donor stewardship and retention in peer-to-peer campaigns.Creative ideas for unique fundraising events and challenges.How to identify your top supporters and turn them into fundraisers.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Tess Conrad:Tess founded Full Potential Fundraising to help charities build a foundation of effective fundraising that drives results - without compromising their values. Too often in her career in the non-profit sector she witnessed charities waste time on ineffective fundraising strategies. The sector's siloed departments, lack of systems, and high-effort-low-results-fundraising keep amazing organizations from reaching their potential and Tess is on a mission to change that.Links and Resources:  Connect with Tess on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tess-conrad-cfreLearn more about Full Potential Fundraising: https://www.fullpotentialfundraising.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/GURy-BbU7ig Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Why do "big nonprofits" use those emotional, tear-jerking stories? Well, today, we are sharing a much better (and more ethical) way to inspire donors. Discover how ethical storytelling can transform your nonprofit's marketing strategy and deepen donor relationships. Diana Farias Heinrich, a marketing and communications expert, shares her insights into putting service users’ voices first while creating powerful, transformative stories. Learn about informed consent, bridging the gap between program staff and fundraisers, and the dos and don'ts of nonprofit storytelling.Why Ethical Storytelling Will Transform Your Nonprofit Marketing Strategy – The Highlights:The importance of informed consent and agency in nonprofit storytelling.Bridging power dynamics between nonprofits and service users.How ethical storytelling enhances donor retention and engagement.Practical steps for creating human-centered narratives.The role of program and development staff in ethical storytelling.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Diana Heinrich:Diana is the CEO of Habrá Marketing. She's passionate about helping nonprofits share their work in ways that empower both clients and donors. With certifications in DEI and as an Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence, she brings essential expertise to our sector. We talk about the long-term harm of those guilt-driven appeals, how to build trust with clients, and the transformative power of letting people share their stories on their own terms.Links and Resources:  Connect with Diana on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafariasheinrich/Cultivating ethical narratives workshop: https://witty-musician-3516.ck.page/products/cultivating-ethical-narrativesYour Guide to Informed Consent Conversations: https://informedconsentconversation.habramarketing.com/Learn more about Habra Marketing: https://habramarketing.com/Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/10 Dignified questions guide:  https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/sign-upSupport the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newWatch this episode on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/RKLqPgUfzgE Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Are you torn between supporting your team's work-life balance and striving to hit those all-important milestones? Balancing parental leave and nonprofit work is no small feat, but Lacey Kempinski, founder and CEO of Balanced Good, is leading the charge in creating supportive workplace practices. In this episode, Maria and Lacey discuss the challenges faced by working parents in the nonprofit sector and actionable steps organizations can take to better support employees, retain talent, and decrease turnover. Lacey shares her journey as a working parent, insights on parental leave policies, and the importance of leading human-first in nonprofits.Supporting Parental Leave in Nonprofits - The Highlights:How nonprofits can support working parents and retain talent.The importance of parental leave policies and workplace flexibility.Strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.Practical recommendations for balancing employee needs and organizational goals.Why treating employees holistically leads to better retention and engagement.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable insights on nonprofit leadership, ethical fundraising, and employee engagement strategies!About Lacey Kempinski:Lacey Kempinski is the CEO and Founder of Balanced Good. Balanced Good provides parental leave coverage – from the day-to-day hands-on work to big picture transition planning. Balanced Good believes that a supported transition to parenthood will benefit both our sector and the parents working in it. Lacey has a big vision, she wants parental leave to become a celebrated life milestone, not a feared employment gap.Links and Resources:  Connect with Lacey Kempinski on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laceykempinski Learn more about Balanced Good: balancedgood.comBalanced Good LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balanced-good/ Mat Leave Workbook: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/1986644d-75ba-476f-a37f-788cd7e5d48dVIP Day Waitlist: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/vipwaitlistConnect 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/tNxjzz1q6Fo Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Wanna get your voice heard at city council meetings? Join Maria Rio and Alison Stewart, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Cycle Toronto, as they explore the intersection of advocacy, public policy, and collaboration to create safer streets in Toronto. In this episode, Alison shares how small nonprofits can effectively engage with government officials, advocate for policy changes, and build alliances to achieve shared goals. Learn actionable strategies to influence public policy and create healthier, more equitable communities.Engaging with Government Officials - The Highlights:Insights on building relationships with government officials to influence public policy.Key steps for small nonprofits to engage in advocacy and public policy.How collaboration with community organizations amplifies impact.Lessons from creating safer streets through protected bike lanes and complete streets.Tips for navigating municipal processes and engaging supporters to depute.🎵 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Alison Stewart:Alison's passion for biking paired with her desire to make Toronto a vibrant cycling city led her to take on several volunteer roles since 2013. Her background includes senior leadership roles in the post secondary sector which saw her develop strategic plans that focused on supporting the diverse needs of international and domestic students while securing funding and developing government and community partnerships. Links and Resources: Alison Stewart (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/alisonvstewartAlison Stewart (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AlisonVStewart Alison Stewart (Email): Alison.Stewart@CycleTO.caCycle Toronto (Website): https://www.cycleto.ca/ 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/NBZsYb21eUsLiked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show

Are you feeling burned out? In this deeply insightful episode, Mike Prosserman, founder of Unity Charity and CEO of EPIC Leadership, shares his journey of starting and growing a nonprofit organization.From humble beginnings as a high school project to becoming a national charity, Mike opens up about the challenges, lessons, and personal tolls of nonprofit leadership. He dives into his decision to leave Unity Charity, reflecting on the importance of founder transitions, avoiding burnout, and fostering sustainable organizational growth. Mike also provides actionable advice for nonprofit leaders on setting boundaries, supporting staff, and creating a healthier nonprofit culture.Preventing Nonprofit Burnout - the highlights:The story of founding Unity Charity and building it from a high school project.Navigating the transition from founder to a sustainable leadership model.Insights into preventing nonprofit burnout and creating boundaries as an ED.The importance of empowering staff and alumni for nonprofit sustainability.Strategies for tackling challenges and transitions in nonprofit leadership.🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!About Mike Prosserman:Mike ‘Piecez’ Prosserman is a bestselling author, professional B-Boy (breakdancer), university instructor, and certified coach who specializes in scaling non-profits, team culture, and succession. In Michael’s book Building Unity: Leading a Non-Profit From Spark to Succession, he shares practical tools to building resilient and responsive organizations.Links and Resources:  Mike Prosserman (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/bboypiecez/Mike Prosserman (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelprosserman/EPIC Leadership: https://www.epicleadership.ca/ Unity Charity: https://www.unitycharity.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/cgxK1coghmU Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)Support the show