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

Matt Stockman
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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.

  1. 11H AGO

    Your Nonprofit's Flight Path: The 5 Growth Phases Every Nonprofit Goes Through (Part 2)

    Each nonprofit grows through 5 distinct phases in its early years, and in this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman explains how nonprofit leaders move from early traction into long-term sustainability by understanding where their organization sits in the development cycle. If you’re trying to grow your donor base, stabilize funding, scale programs, or strengthen your leadership structure, this conversation will help you focus on the right priorities at the right time. This episode continues the Nonprofit Flight Path framework by walking through Phases 3–5, the stages where nonprofits move from initial traction into stability and long-term impact. Matt breaks down what leaders are thinking, feeling, and struggling with in each stage, along with the strategic moves that help organizations grow in a healthy, sustainable way instead of rushing growth too early or scaling without a foundation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, unsure whether to expand programs, or trying to stabilize fundraising while growing your team, this episode will help you identify your current phase and clarify what actually matters most right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Phase 3: The First Steps Phase (Liftoff Stage) Why many nonprofits struggle after launching programs too earlyThe importance of building fundraising systems before scaling impactHow to move from zero donors and zero dollars toward early momentumKey focus areas: database growth, monthly giving, board building, donor communicationPhase 4: The 1–3 Year Growth Phase The tension between excitement and financial fear in early program yearsHow to expand your support base without overspending on marketingWhy impact storytelling becomes crucial in this stageWhen to add staff and how to delegate strategicallyThe shift toward larger gifts, partnerships, and broader visibilityPhase 5: The Sustainability or “Orbit” Phase What a thriving nonprofit actually looks like across leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs, operations, and financesWhy leadership clarity and team alignment matter more than everThe systems that support stable revenue and long-term growthThe new challenges leaders face even after successKey Takeaway Progress in nonprofit leadership doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from identifying your current phase, focusing on the few priorities that matter most in this season, and building a strong foundation before scaling. Resources Mentioned Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to ImpactLearn more at nonprofitlaunchplan.com/workshopListen Next If you haven’t yet heard the previous episode covering Phases 1 and 2 of the Nonprofit Flight Path, go back and listen to that first for the full framework. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-planMatt's Personal LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    21 min

  2. FEB 11

    Your Nonprofit's Flight Path: the 5 Growth Phases Every Nonprofit Goes Through (Pt 1)

    Every nonprofit begins the same way: with a problem that refuses to leave your mind. In this episode, Matt introduces the Nonprofit Flight Path, a five-phase framework that maps the predictable journey every nonprofit takes from early dreaming to long-term sustainability. Today’s focus is on the first two phases: Phase One: The Dreaming PhasePhase Two: The Building Consensus PhaseIf you are in the early stages of launching your nonprofit, this episode will help you: Name what you are thinking and feelingUnderstand why uncertainty is normalIdentify the risks that cause leaders to stallClarify the next right step forward✈️ Phase One: The Dreaming Phase Every nonprofit starts with you seeing a problem up close. You feel a personal responsibility to do something about it. The idea grows quietly in your mind. Common thoughts in this phase: Where do I even start?Am I qualified to do this?Could I actually make this work?Is there a future where this replaces what I am doing now?What you’re feeling: Excitement and energyFear and risk awarenessAnxiety due to lack of clarityThe biggest danger: Staying in the dreaming phase too long. Inspiration without movement becomes regret. What helps you move forward: Speak the idea out loudShare it with trusted truth tellersResearch whether the problem is real and widespreadGive the idea the “24 hour test”Dreaming is necessary. But clarity requires externalization. 🚀 Phase Two: The Building Consensus Phase This is where your idea leaves your head and enters the real world. You begin talking with family, mentors, and potential supporters. Affirmation builds. So does complexity. Common thoughts in this phase: What am I missing?How do I legally start this?How much will it cost?Who actually knows how to do this?What you’re feeling: ValidationOverwhelmPractical fearSelf doubtThis is often where: Endless research beginsLeaders stall outOr vision grows unrealistically large too fastThe temptation is to build the fully formed organization in your imagination. Facilities. Staff. Multiple programs. But healthy nonprofits begin with an MVP: a Minimum Viable Program. Matt shares the story of a thriving multimillion dollar nonprofit that began with one college student, a camping stove, and grilled cheese sandwiches for the homeless. Big impact rarely starts big. What moves you forward from Phase Two: Identifying potential board membersBuilding early structureClarifying fundraising messagingSecuring supportDesigning your first viable version of impactBuilding consensus is not about convincing people to believe in you. It is about confirming the vision is real, viable, and worth stewarding. Why This Matters Uncertainty in these early phases is not a red flag. It is predictable pressure. The leaders who move forward are not the ones who feel the most confident. They are the ones who understand what the pressure is revealing and what it is asking of them next. When you can name the phase you are in, you can name your next step. Coming Next In the next episode, Matt walks through Phases 3 - 5 And what it takes to move from intention to momentum without burning out. 🎯 Resource Mentioned Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact If you are in the dreaming or early phases, this virtual workshop is designed specifically for you. April 28 to 30One hour per dayMission and vision clarityBoard developmentEarly fundraisingDesigning your MVP$49 investmentVisit: nonprofitlaunchplan.com and click Workshop.

    20 min

  3. FEB 5

    Nonprofit Fundraising: Growing Your Early Fundraising The Right Way (E38)

    There is a critical moment in the early life of almost every nonprofit when leaders feel pressure to go bigger. More marketing. More emails. More social posts. A bigger event. A broader appeal. And when those efforts fall flat, it is easy to assume something is wrong with the mission. In this episode, I explain why the problem usually is not your mission at all. It is timing. This is part three of a three-part series on securing your first nonprofit dollars. In this final installment, we focus on why early fundraising does not grow through reach, but through depth and relationships. In This Episode, You Will Learn: Why broad fundraising campaigns almost always fail in the early stagesThe difference between transactions and trust transfersWho your true early believers actually are and how to find themWhy one-to-one conversations outperform mass communication early onHow to handle introductions from board members and supporters with professionalism and respectWhat success really looks like in early fundraising and what it does notKey Takeaways: Early supporters are not strangers who click a donation link.They are people who already care deeply about the problem you are trying to solve. Your nonprofit does not create that concern.It becomes the vehicle through which they can act on it. That is why early believers are found through conversations, not campaigns. Introductions from board members, donors, and friends are not transactions. They are trust transfers. How quickly and thoughtfully you respond matters more than you think. At this stage, your goal is not to walk away with a check. Your goal is to build understanding, trust, and long-term relationships that can grow into partnership. Practical Strategies Covered: How to follow up on introductions within 24 hoursHow to approach meetings without leading with an askSimple networking ideas that lay strong foundations for future funding Series Recap: Part 1: Start with people who already believe in you. Your inner circle is where momentum begins.Part 2: Board giving and board networks validate the mission and build credibility.Part 3: Early believers beyond your immediate circle are found through trust, conversations, and shared concern for the problem you are solving.Together, these three groups form the foundation of healthy early nonprofit funding. Free Resource Mentioned: If fundraising still feels intimidating or unclear, download the Fearless Fundraising Mini Course. It includes a PDF workbook and five short videos covering the five core steps of the Fearless Fundraising Framework: You can access it for free at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com by clicking the pink banner at the top of the homepage. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comSchedule a FREE call with Matt: Contact | Nonprofit Launch PlanMatt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    17 min

  4. JAN 30

    Nonprofit Fundraising: Your Board as your First Fundraising Team (E37)

    What comes after your very first nonprofit gifts? For most startup and early-stage nonprofits, the next critical source of funding is not grants, events, or online campaigns. It is your board and your board’s network. In this second episode of a three-part series on securing your first nonprofit dollars, we focus on the real role your board plays in early fundraising, why board giving is about validation rather than obligation, and how to set expectations that build momentum without burning people out. If you are at or just beyond “ground zero” with 0 names, 0 donors, and $0, this episode will help you use your board as a credibility asset rather than a frustration point. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why your board matters far earlier than most nonprofit leaders realizeThe difference between board giving as validation versus obligationHow board giving removes friction in external fundraising conversationsWhy equal board giving is not the goal, but shared commitment isHow board members can open doors without being forced to ask for moneyRealistic fundraising expectations for small, volunteer boardsWhy fundraising remains a leadership responsibility, not a board handoffPractical steps to activate your board with clarity and confidenceKey Takeaways Board giving is a credibility signal, not a pressure tacticEarly donors are evaluating leadership and governance, not just missionBoard networks work best through introductions, not cold asksMomentum in early fundraising is relational, not promotionalClear expectations prevent resentment and burnout on both sidesPractical Next Steps Clarify and communicate board expectations clearly and earlyFrame board giving as leadership and belief, not obligationEquip board members with simple, shared fundraising languageAsk for introductions with permission and handle them with careCelebrate board participation to reinforce a healthy cultureFree Resource Mentioned Fearless Fundraising Mini Course A free PDF workbook and five short videos covering the five core steps of the Fearless Fundraising Framework: problem, solution, ask, urgency, and action. Available at nonprofitlaunchplan.com via the pink banner on the homepage.  About This Series This episode is Part 2 of a 3-part series on securing your first nonprofit dollars. Part 1 focused on early believers who already trust youPart 2 focuses on board giving and board networksPart 3 explores early believers beyond your inner circle

    17 min

  5. JAN 23

    Nonprofit Fundraising: Zero Donors, Zero Dollars - How to Secure Your First Gifts

    What do you do when your nonprofit officially exists, the paperwork is approved, the vision is clear, and everything else is still at zero? Zero names in the database. Zero donors. Zero dollars in the bank. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman kicks off Part 1 of a three-part series on how startup and early-stage nonprofits secure their very first dollars. If you are at what Matt calls “ground zero,” this conversation is more important than you might think. Rather than starting with grants, strangers, or complex fundraising systems, this episode explains why almost every healthy nonprofit begins in the same place: with people who already trust and believe in you. In this episode, you will learn: Why your first donor dollars are a critical survival moment for your nonprofitWhy waiting for “strangers with checkbooks” is a common and costly mistakeWho actually belongs in your inner circle of early supportersHow fear, doubt, and misplaced discomfort often derail early fundraisingWhy clarity in your message builds confidence for both you and your supportersMatt walks through a clear, practical process for identifying your inner circle and taking the pressure off early fundraising by focusing on practice, not pressure. Practical steps covered in this episode: How to build a simple list of people who already know and trust youHow to structure early conversations as practice, not asksWhy it takes real reps with real people to grow fundraising confidenceFree Resource Mentioned in This Episode Matt references his Fearless Fundraising Mini Course, a free PDF workbook with five short videos that walk through the five core steps of his fundraising framework: ProblemSolutionAskUrgencyActionYou can access the free mini course at nonprofitlaunchplan.com by clicking the pink banner at the top of the homepage.  What’s Next: This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series. In the next episode, Matt will break down the second critical source of early nonprofit funding: your board and your board’s network. If you are launching a nonprofit or helping one get off the ground, this series is designed to give you a clear, realistic fundraising path without unnecessary complexity.

    17 min

  6. JAN 15

    Nonprofit Leadership: Getting Back to the Fundamentals That Create Stability and Momentum

    When a professional athlete hits a slump, the solution is rarely something flashy. Coaches bring players back to the fundamentals. Stance. Form. Focus. Repetition. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman applies that same principle to nonprofit leadership. When your organization feels harder to run than it should, when every solution seems to create two new problems, it is usually not a motivation issue or a creativity issue. It is a fundamentals issue. This episode walks nonprofit leaders through three leadership behaviors to stop in 2026 and three strategic shifts to start, all aimed at building healthier, more stable, and more effective organizations. What You Will Learn in This Episode Three leadership habits to stop: Chasing random dollars without a fundraising plan Reactive fundraising leads to instability. Without a clear funding design, nonprofits drift into survival mode, making financial planning nearly impossible.Confusing activity with leadership Being busy is not the same as leading. Leadership is decision making, direction setting, and system building, not carrying the longest to-do list.Letting the calendar run the organization If urgent requests and constant meetings dominate your time, there is no space left for strategic leadership. The organization should control the calendar, not the other way around.Three strategic shifts to start: Designing the organization you actually need Instead of building reactively, leaders are encouraged to envision their nonprofit ten years into the future and reverse-engineer the structure, staffing, and systems needed to get there.Doing less, but doing it exceptionally well Overextension weakens nonprofits. Focused organizations with fewer, well-funded, high-impact programs are healthier and more sustainable than those trying to do everything.Running the organization from dashboards, not feelings Strong leadership depends on clear metrics. Cash runway, donor retention, program cost per impact, and pipeline health should be visible and understood at all times.A Simple Leadership Challenge Rather than trying to implement everything at once, Matt challenges leaders to choose just two actions: One thing to stopOne thing to startImplement both within the next 30 days. One focused decision can significantly change the trajectory of a nonprofit. Resources Mentioned From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist A free PDF resource outlining 10 essential steps to move from nonprofit idea to impact.Free Strategy Call Learn more about building strong leadership, fundraising, and operational systems at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com.Who This Episode Is For Executive Directors and nonprofit foundersLeaders of startup, small, and growing nonprofitsAnyone feeling overwhelmed, reactive, or stretched too thinIf your nonprofit feels busy but not stable, active but not focused, this episode will help you reset around the fundamentals that actually create momentum.

    18 min

  7. JAN 6

    Nonprofit Operations and Finances: When Fundraising Success Is Actually Hurting Your Nonprofit - The Hidden Risk of Restricted Giving

    Many nonprofit leaders celebrate raising money, yet still find themselves unable to pay the bills. In this episode, Matt Stockman unpacks one of the most common and dangerous funding traps facing small and growing nonprofits: an overdependence on restricted giving. You will learn why restricted gifts are not the villain, how they can quietly undermine your organization’s stability, and how to shift donor conversations toward healthier, mission-aligned support. Matt walks through real examples, practical frameworks, and specific language you can use to educate donors, build trust, and protect your nonprofit’s long-term impact. If your programs are funded but your operations are constantly under pressure, this conversation will change how you think about fundraising and sustainability. Key Takeaways Why restricted gifts feel like success but often create hidden financial strainThe difference between fundraising problems and funding alignment problemsWhat truly happens when operations are underfundedHow to decide which restrictions your organization can responsibly acceptHow to reframe donor conversations around unrestricted and operational supportPractical language you can use to position donors as heroes while protecting your missionWhy early-stage nonprofits need flexibility more than restrictionTopics Covered Restricted vs. unrestricted givingNonprofit sustainability and operational fundingBoard education around financial healthDonor trust, transparency, and communicationEthical stewardship and leadership responsibilityBuilding long-term organizational resilienceAction Steps for Listeners Review how much of your current funding is restricted.Compare your funding structure to your actual operational needs.Identify restrictions you can no longer responsibly accept.Begin intentionally educating your board and donors on why operations funding matters.Start reframing fundraising conversations around aligned generosity and long-term impact.Resources Mentioned Free PDF:From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch ChecklistEmail: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-planWebsite: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits

    18 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    Nonprofit Programs: Why Good Ideas Struggle to Get Funded

    Many nonprofit leaders have a powerful vision, a meaningful mission, and a deep personal calling. Yet when it comes time to raise funds, they hit unexpected resistance. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why passion alone does not create a fundable nonprofit program and how to transform a heartfelt idea into a clear, credible, and sustainable program that donors and foundations are willing to support. You will learn the critical distinction between passion and program, why donors evaluate outcomes rather than emotion, and how to apply a simple five-part framework to pressure-test any program idea before taking it to market. 🧩 Key Topics Covered Why meaningful ideas often struggle in fundraisingThe difference between passion and a fundable programHow donors and foundations evaluate nonprofit programsThe five core elements of a strong, fundable programThe “five question pressure test” every nonprofit leader should useWhy clarity increases funding, communication, and sustainabilityHow refining a program reflects strong nonprofit leadership and stewardship🛠️ The Five Core Elements of a Fundable Program A program becomes fundable when it clearly defines: The ProblemA specific issue, not a broad or abstract needThe PopulationExactly who is being served and in what contextThe InterventionThe concrete actions your organization will takeThe OutcomeWhat will change as a result of the program’s workThe CapacityWhy your organization is positioned to deliver this program now🧪 The Five Question Program Pressure Test Before launching or pitching any program idea, ask: What specific problem are we solving?Who exactly are we serving?What are we doing that directly addresses the problem?What will be different because we did this?Why are we the right organization to do this right now?💡 Final Takeaway “Good program ideas deserve good design. Passion is the starting point. Programs are the vehicle.”When clarity increases, communication improves, donor confidence rises, and long-term sustainability follows. 📄 Free Resource Mentioned From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch ChecklistA free PDF with 10 essential steps for moving from nonprofit idea to impact.Available at nonprofitlaunchplan.com or by emailing: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com

    15 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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