Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits

Matt Stockman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Non-Profit
  • Updated Biweekly

Launch and grow your nonprofit with confidence! The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits is your weekly resource for nonprofit startup advice, nonprofit growth strategies, and practical tips for nonprofit leadership. Whether you're dreaming of starting a nonprofit organization, navigating the challenges of a new role, or looking to scale your impact, this podcast provides actionable insights. Learn nonprofit best practices based around the 6 critical elements that any nonprofit needs to grow foundationally strong: Leadership, Development, Marketing, Programs and Services, Operations, and Finances. Learn effective fundraising strategies, and essential nonprofit management techniques. Get nonprofit coaching and access free nonprofit resources to build your nonprofit capacity and achieve nonprofit success. Join Matt Stockman, a seasoned nonprofit growth coach, as we explore nonprofit development and provide the guidance you need to make a lasting difference. Tune in for weekly episodes filled with nonprofit tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice to help you grow a nonprofit that thrives. If you are looking for nonprofit training or ways to improve your nonprofit strategy, this podcast is for you.

  1. 5d ago

    The Donor Journey Part 2 - from First Gift to Second Ask (Ep 55)

    The Most Important Gift Is the Second One: How to Move Donors from First Gift to Lifelong Partner Most nonprofits spend a tremendous amount of time figuring out how to acquire new donors. Far fewer spend time creating a clear plan for what happens after a donor makes their first gift. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explores why donor retention is one of the most overlooked growth opportunities for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. You'll learn why the first gift isn't usually the most important gift, how to build a simple donor welcome process, and the four steps that help move supporters from a first-time donation to a long-term relationship with your organization. In This Episode: Why donor retention is often the "hole in the bucket" for growing nonprofitsThe difference between a donation receipt and a donor welcome processWhy the first 90 days after a gift are criticalHow donors evaluate your organization after they giveThe four-step framework for moving donors from first gift to second askWhen to ask a donor for a second giftWhy the second gift is often more important than the firstHow donor relationships grow over timePractical ways to improve donor stewardship and retentionThe Four Steps Between the First Gift and the Second Ask Step 5: Thank You A donor should hear from a real person within 24 to 48 hours of making a gift. Examples include: Personal phone callsHandwritten notesPersonalized emailsVideo messagesThe goal is simple: make sure the donor knows they were noticed and appreciated. Step 6: Show Impact Within the next few weeks, show the donor evidence that their gift mattered. The most effective way to do this is through stories. Share: Lives changedProblems solvedProgram outcomesReal examples of impactPeople don't give to become part of a statistic. They give to make a difference. Step 7: Add Value Before making another ask, provide something valuable. Examples include: Behind-the-scenes updatesExecutive Director video messagesEducational resourcesMission-related contentInvitations to learn moreHealthy donor relationships involve value flowing in both directions. Step 8: Make the Second Ask The second ask doesn't always have to be another donation. It may include: A second gift invitationVolunteer opportunitiesEvent participationIntroductions to potential supportersHosting a gatheringSharing your mission with othersThe right time for a second ask isn't based on a calendar. It's based on whether the donor has experienced enough gratitude, impact, and value to justify another invitation. A Sample Donor Stewardship Timeline Day 1: Personal Thank YouDay 14: Impact StoryDay 30: Additional ValueDay 45-60: Second AskThe sequence matters more than the specific dates. Thank You → Impact → Value → Invitation Key Quote "The most important gift your organization receives is almost never the first gift. It's the second one." Questions Answered in This Episode What should happen after a donor makes their first gift?How do you retain first-time donors?When should you ask for a second donation?What is a donor welcome process?How do nonprofits improve donor retention?What is the difference between donor acquisition and donor stewardship?Why is the second gift so important?How can small nonprofits build stronger donor relationships?Action Step Make a list of the last five first-time donors who gave to your organization. Ask yourself: Did they receive a personal thank-you within 48 hours?Did they receive a story showing the impact of their gift?Did they receive something valuable that wasn't an ask?Have they been invited into a meaningful next step?Your answers may reveal one of the biggest growth opportunities in your nonprofit. Resources Subscribe to the Nonprofit Launch Briefing for weekly nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing, operations, and growth insights. Connect with Matt Stockman:matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comWebsite: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for NonprofitsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    20 min

  2. Jun 12

    Nonprofit Fundraising: The 4 Stages Every Donor Moves Through Before Giving (Ep 54)

    Many nonprofit leaders believe they have a fundraising problem when, in reality, they have a donor journey problem. In this episode, Matt breaks down the four stages every donor moves through before making a first gift and explains why focusing only on donation appeals can cause organizations to lose potential supporters long before they ever reach the giving stage. You'll learn why awareness alone isn't enough, how interest and engagement build trust, and why the first gift is not the finish line but the beginning of a deeper relationship. If you've ever wondered why people seem interested in your mission but never become donors, this episode will help you identify where your organization may be unintentionally losing momentum. In This Episode  Why most nonprofits focus on transactions instead of relationships  The four stages of the donor journey  Why awareness takes far longer to build than most leaders realize  The difference between awareness and engagement  How unclear messaging creates friction and confusion  Why engagement is often a stronger predictor of future giving than a donation appeal  Common mistakes nonprofits make when responding to inquiries  Why the first gift should be viewed as a milestone, not a destination  A practical exercise to map your organization's donor journey Key Takeaway People rarely become donors immediately after discovering your organization. They move through a process of awareness, interest, engagement, and trust before they are ready to give. Organizations that intentionally build each stage of that journey will create more donors and stronger long-term supporters. Resources Mentioned  Nonprofit Launch Briefing (free weekly email)  Nonprofit Launch Plan Coaching & Consulting  Connect with Matt Want practical nonprofit growth strategies delivered to your inbox each week? Email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to receive the free weekly Nonprofit Launch Briefing. Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for NonprofitsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    19 min

  3. Jun 3

    The Founder Bottleneck: Why Your Nonprofit Can't Grow Without You (Ep 53)

    Could Your Nonprofit Survive Two Weeks Without You? What would happen if you disappeared for two weeks? No email. No phone calls. No text messages. No checking in. Would your fundraising continue? Would your volunteers know what to do? Would donors still receive thank-you calls? Would your team keep moving forward? Or would everything come to a standstill until you returned? In this episode, Matt Stockman tackles one of the most common growth barriers facing startup, small, and growing nonprofits: the founder bottleneck. When too much of an organization's success depends on one person, growth slows, teams become dependent, burnout becomes inevitable, and the mission itself can suffer. The challenge is that founder bottlenecks rarely develop because of bad leadership. They usually emerge because passionate founders care deeply, work hard, and want to ensure everything is done well. Unfortunately, the same habits that help launch a nonprofit can eventually limit its growth. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify whether you're creating a bottleneck in your organization and discover five practical steps to build a stronger, more sustainable nonprofit that can thrive without your constant involvement. In This Episode  What a founder bottleneck is and why it matters  Three common reasons nonprofit leaders become bottlenecks  Five warning signs that your organization may be overly dependent on you  How founder bottlenecks slow growth, reduce initiative, and increase burnout  Why donors gain confidence when organizations are bigger than any one leader  The difference between delegating tasks and delegating outcomes  How written systems create freedom and scalability  Why empowering decision-making is essential for growth  The leadership lesson behind the phrase: "I'm paying you too much money to pick up cake" Key Takeaways ✅ Growth can only move as fast as the founder when every decision requires their approval. ✅ The goal is not to make yourself unnecessary. The goal is to focus your time on the things only you can do. ✅ Your team is capable of handling more responsibility than you think. ✅ Strong organizations are built on systems, delegation, and shared ownership. ✅ White space on your calendar is not wasted time. It creates the capacity for leadership, strategy, and growth. Your Action Step Identify one responsibility that currently depends entirely on you but could belong to a team member or volunteer within the next 90 days. Write down the process. Create a transition plan. Begin handing it off. Then repeat the process with something else. Every responsibility you successfully transfer creates more capacity for leadership and helps build a nonprofit that can thrive for years to come. Connect with Matt: Get the weekly "Nonprofit Launch Briefing" email: Sign Me Up in the subject line to matt@nonprofitlanuchplan.comWebsite: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for NonprofitsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn nonprofit leadership   nonprofit growth   nonprofit founder   executive director leadership   nonprofit management   nonprofit operations   nonprofit systems   nonprofit delegation   founder bottleneck   nonprofit scalability   nonprofit organizational growth   nonprofit leadership development   nonprofit startup challenges   executive director burnout   nonprofit team development

    18 min

  4. May 29

    Nonprofit Marketing: 5 Social Media Priorities for Small Nonprofits (Ep 52)

    Stop Chasing Followers: What Really Matters on Social Media For many nonprofit leaders, social media can feel like both a billboard and a scoreboard. It's easy to look at follower counts, likes, shares, and views and assume those numbers determine whether your nonprofit is succeeding online. It's also easy to believe that if you could just grow a large enough audience, donors, volunteers, and supporters would naturally follow. The reality is much different. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why engagement matters far more than follower count, especially for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. He shares five practical priorities that can help your organization build trust, strengthen relationships, and use social media more effectively without consuming all of your time, budget, and energy. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by social media, frustrated by slow growth, or unsure whether your efforts are actually helping your mission, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters. In This Episode  Why follower count is often the wrong metric for nonprofit success  The difference between passive followers and engaged supporters  How consistency beats volume every time  Why nonprofits should stop treating social media like a digital bulletin board  Practical ways to create meaningful two-way engagement  How storytelling builds trust and emotional connection  Why social media should lead people toward deeper relationships, not become the relationship itself  The danger of building your nonprofit entirely on "rented land"  Why trust is more valuable than going viral  How to decide which social media platform deserves your attention The Five Priorities Matt Recommends Consistency matters more than volumeStop broadcasting and start talking to people one-to-oneTell the stories of your nonprofit frequentlyUse social media as a bridge to a destination, not the destinationBuild around trust, not trying to go viralKey Takeaway Stop trying to impress the internet and start trying to consistently connect with your people. Engagement creates trust. Trust creates involvement. And involvement is what ultimately drives volunteers, donors, advocates, and long-term impact. Resources Mentioned The Nonprofit Launch Briefing Get Matt's free weekly email filled with practical strategies, fundraising insights, and nonprofit leadership guidance designed specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Subject Line: Sign Me Up Connect with Nonprofit Launch Plan Learn more about coaching, consulting, workshops, and resources for startup, small, and growing nonprofits: Nonprofit Launch Plan

    22 min

  5. May 22

    Nonprofit Finances: The Ins and Outs of Fiscal Sponsorship (Ep. 51)

    Starting a nonprofit is exciting. But for many leaders, the pressure to immediately build a standalone 501(c)(3), create HR systems, manage compliance, oversee payroll, and handle financial reporting can become overwhelming before the mission ever gains momentum. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt sits down with Noah Stockman and Brianna Carr from Third Sector New England (TSNE), one of the most established fiscal sponsorship organizations in the country, to unpack how fiscal sponsorship actually works and why it may be one of the most misunderstood structures in the nonprofit world.  You’ll hear practical insight into:  What fiscal sponsorship actually is  The difference between fiscal sponsorship and fiscal agency  When fiscal sponsorship makes sense for a startup nonprofit  Why some established organizations choose fiscal sponsorship long term  How organizations can operate under another nonprofit’s 501(c)(3)  What operational support looks like day-to-day  The role of advisory boards inside fiscally sponsored projects  The financial structure and indirect cost model behind sponsorship  What nonprofit leaders should look for in a fiscal sponsor  Common mistakes organizations make when pursuing sponsorship relationships This conversation also explores a larger leadership question many nonprofit founders wrestle with: Do you really need to build every piece of infrastructure yourself right away… or would your mission be healthier, faster, and more sustainable with the right operational partner? If you’re launching a nonprofit, leading a growing organization, navigating a season of transition, or simply trying to better understand nonprofit infrastructure, this episode offers a practical framework that could save your organization significant time, money, and complexity.  Key Topics Covered  Fiscal sponsorship basics  Model A vs. Model C sponsorship  Fiscal sponsorship vs. fiscal agency  Nonprofit operational infrastructure  HR, payroll, compliance, and audit support  Advisory boards and governance  Startup nonprofit strategy  Managing nonprofit overhead  Scaling mission without building unnecessary complexity Connect with TSNE Learn more about Third Sector New England and fiscal sponsorship services: TSNE Official Website Connect with Matt / Nonprofit Launch Plan Nonprofit Launch Plan Want more practical nonprofit strategy each week? Email Matt with “Sign Me Up” in the subject line to join the free weekly newsletter: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Fiscal sponsorship, how to start a nonprofit, nonprofit startup strategy, nonprofit infrastructure, nonprofit operations, fiscal agency vs fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit compliance, 501(c)(3), nonprofit leadership, startup nonprofit podcast, nonprofit growth strategy, nonprofit management, TSNE, nonprofit operational support

    41 min

  6. May 13

    Nonprofit Fundraising: The Hidden Power of Monthly Donors for Small Nonprofits (Ep 50)

    Monthly giving is one of the most overlooked growth strategies for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Too many nonprofit leaders spend their time chasing the next fundraising campaign, the next event, the next grant opportunity, or the next major donor conversation, while overlooking one of the most stabilizing and sustainable revenue streams they could build: recurring monthly donors. In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions about monthly giving and explains why recurring donors are often far more valuable than nonprofit leaders realize. If your nonprofit constantly feels financial pressure, if fundraising always feels reactive, or if losing one donor or grant would create a major crisis for your organization, this conversation is designed to help you rethink how you build financial sustainability. Matt walks through several common myths nonprofit leaders believe about monthly donor programs, including:  “Monthly gifts are too small to prioritize”  “We need more donors before we focus on sustainers”  “Recurring donors are just small givers”  “Monthly giving only works for large nonprofits”  “People won’t commit to monthly gifts in this economy” Along the way, you’ll learn why monthly donors often stay connected to nonprofits significantly longer than one-time givers, why recurring giving creates healthier and more predictable cash flow, and why smaller nonprofits may actually have an advantage when it comes to building strong sustainer communities. This episode also explores the concept of “psychological distance” between a donor and the impact of their gift, and why smaller nonprofits are often uniquely positioned to help donors feel personally connected to the mission they’re supporting each month. You’ll also hear practical encouragement for how to get started building a recurring donor program, even if your nonprofit is still early-stage. You do not need thousands of donors to begin. A simple recurring giving page, clear communication, and a handful of committed supporters can begin creating real momentum and long-term stability. In this episode:  Why balanced revenue streams matter for nonprofit sustainability  The lifetime value of monthly donors  Why recurring donors are often your most engaged supporters  How monthly giving strengthens donor retention  Why sustainers frequently give above and beyond their recurring gift  The relationship between recurring giving and long-term donor loyalty  Why smaller nonprofits may be better positioned than large organizations to grow monthly support  Simple ways to begin building a monthly donor strategy todayConnect with Matt:matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comwebsite: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for NonprofitsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    19 min

  7. May 6

    From Vision to Execution: How ShowerUp Grew into a Multi-City Nonprofit (Ep #49)

    What does it actually take to move a nonprofit from an idea to a sustainable, growing organization? In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman sits down with Paul Schmitz, founder and executive director of ShowerUp, to talk about the real-world journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up. What started as a simple vision to provide mobile showers for people experiencing homelessness has grown into a multi-city nonprofit serving thousands through mobile shower and laundry services. But this conversation goes far beyond the story itself. Paul shares practical insight into:  Identifying a real community need  Taking the first steps toward launching a nonprofit  Building a strong nonprofit board  Creating donor systems and fundraising infrastructure  Avoiding mission drift  Scaling sustainably without losing focus  Developing succession plans and long-term organizational health  Leading volunteers and staff without burning out If you're a nonprofit founder, executive director, ministry leader, or someone considering launching a nonprofit organization, this episode provides practical guidance and leadership insight you can apply immediately. One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Paul describes the emotional impact of ShowerUp’s first outreach event. After nearly 50 days without access to a shower, one guest walked out and simply said, “I feel human again.” That moment helped define the heart of the organization and reinforced the importance of building programs that restore dignity, not just meet technical needs. This episode is especially valuable for:  Startup nonprofits  Small nonprofit organizations  Faith-based nonprofit leaders  Ministry founders  Executive directors  Nonprofit board members  Leaders trying to scale responsibly  Organizations struggling with focus or mission drift Key Topics Covered  How to validate a nonprofit idea before launching  What founders should do before filing for 501(c)(3) status  Why many nonprofit boards fail early on  How to recruit better board members  Donor experience and nonprofit fundraising systems  Why clarity matters when scaling a nonprofit  The danger of chasing grants outside your mission  Volunteer leadership and organizational culture  Succession planning for nonprofit founders  Sustainable nonprofit growth strategies Resources & Links ShowerUpMission Drift, the book Paul mentions in the episode Connect With Matt Stockman If you’re building a startup, small, or growing nonprofit and want practical coaching, fundraising strategy, or help building a sustainable growth plan, connect with Matt through Nonprofit Launch Plan. Sign up for the weekly “Launch Briefing” email for nonprofit leadership strategies, fundraising insight, and practical next steps for nonprofit growth. Send an email with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for NonprofitsMatt's Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-planMatt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    46 min

  8. Apr 29

    From Dream to Impact: Your Nonprofit MVP Blueprint - Pt. 2 (Ep. 48)

    Many startup nonprofits and growing organizations get stuck because they believe they need a building, full staff, major funding, or a polished infrastructure before they can begin serving people. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains how to launch a Minimum Viable Program (MVP) so you can start small, create real impact, build momentum, and grow wisely. If you are starting a nonprofit, designing your first program, or trying to expand without chaos, this episode gives practical nonprofit startup strategies, nonprofit program development advice, and smart growth planning for mission-driven leaders.  Most nonprofit founders have a version 10 dream but have never launched version 1.0. Matt breaks down why waiting for perfection delays impact and how serving a small number of people exceptionally well can become the foundation for long-term success. He also shares why evidence should drive growth, not emotion.  In This Episode  Why many nonprofit leaders stay stuck in vision mode  What a Minimum Viable Program really is  How to separate your long-term dream from your first practical step  Why starting with five people may be smarter than trying to serve fifty  How a 90-day pilot program reduces fear and builds momentum  What metrics matter most for early nonprofit programs  Why many nonprofits scale too early and create internal chaos  How to grow stronger instead of simply growing faster Key Takeaways Start Small to Start Smart You do not need a building, full team, or large budget to begin helping people. Many successful nonprofits began with borrowed space, a folding table, and a few committed volunteers.  Serve a Few People Exceptionally Well Trying to help everyone too early often lowers quality and creates confusion. Start with a manageable number, learn what works, and improve from there.  Use a 90-Day Pilot Program Instead of launching something permanent, test your idea in a focused 90-day pilot. This lowers pressure, creates clarity, and gives you valuable data.  Measure What Matters Track participation, outcomes, stories, costs, demand, and lessons learned. Evidence builds confidence with leaders, donors, and future supporters.  Let Evidence Drive Growth Do not expand because emotions are high in the moment. Expand because results consistently prove the model works.  Powerful Quote From This Episode “Your growth should follow the evidence, not the emotion of the moment.”  Ask yourself this question today: What is the smallest version of my mission that could genuinely help somebody in the next 90 days? Get Matt's Nonprofit Launch Briefing (Weekly Email) A super-valuable weekly email that you will actually WANT to get in your inbox each week as you grow your nonprofit - no matter where you are in your nonprofit journey, there's something valuable in the Nonprofit Launch Briefing Weekly Email. Get on Matt's email list - just by sending a quick email to matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com, with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line! website: www.nonprofitlaunchplan.comemail: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    12 min
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Launch and grow your nonprofit with confidence! The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits is your weekly resource for nonprofit startup advice, nonprofit growth strategies, and practical tips for nonprofit leadership. Whether you're dreaming of starting a nonprofit organization, navigating the challenges of a new role, or looking to scale your impact, this podcast provides actionable insights. Learn nonprofit best practices based around the 6 critical elements that any nonprofit needs to grow foundationally strong: Leadership, Development, Marketing, Programs and Services, Operations, and Finances. Learn effective fundraising strategies, and essential nonprofit management techniques. Get nonprofit coaching and access free nonprofit resources to build your nonprofit capacity and achieve nonprofit success. Join Matt Stockman, a seasoned nonprofit growth coach, as we explore nonprofit development and provide the guidance you need to make a lasting difference. Tune in for weekly episodes filled with nonprofit tips, inspiring stories, and expert advice to help you grow a nonprofit that thrives. If you are looking for nonprofit training or ways to improve your nonprofit strategy, this podcast is for you.

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