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. 1D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 12/19/2025

    Nonprofit Marketing: The 3 Marketing Channels Every Small Nonprofit Actually Needs

    In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman breaks down the three core marketing channels that most small and early-stage nonprofits actually need. Rather than chasing every new platform or trend, Matt explains how focusing on the right channels, in the right order, can reduce overwhelm, build trust, and create sustainable momentum for your organization. This episode is especially relevant for nonprofit founders and leaders who feel pressure to “be everywhere” while still trying to run their organization and advance their mission. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why nonprofit marketing fails when it lacks clarity and focusHow the Nonprofit Launch Plan framework prioritizes simplicity and sustainabilityThe three foundational marketing channels every small nonprofit should focus onWhy email is your most valuable marketing assetHow to choose the one social media platform that actually makes sense for your organizationWhy person-to-person relationships still matter more than platforms, posts, or campaignsWhat nonprofit leaders can confidently stop doing right nowThe 3 Core Marketing Channels Covered 1. Your Email List (Your Most Important Asset) Email is an owned channel you control - unlike social media algorithms. A small, engaged email list is far more valuable than a large but disengaged following. Consistency matters more than frequency, and every email should include one clear call to action. 2. One Social Media Platform (Not All of Them) Social media is primarily an awareness and relationship-reinforcement tool for small nonprofits, not a fundraising engine. The key is choosing one platform based on where your audience is and where you can show up consistently and then staying focused. 3. Direct Human-to-Human Relationships Personal emails, phone calls, coffee meetings, handwritten notes, and real conversations are often the most overlooked (and most powerful) marketing channel. Relationships always precede revenue, and no amount of content can replace genuine connection. Key Takeaways Small nonprofits don’t grow because they’re everywhere; they grow because they’re consistent somewhereMarketing should support your mission, not exhaust you or your teamYou do not need to post every day, be on every platform, or run complicated campaignsSimplicity, faithfulness, and consistency outperform complexity every timeFree Resource Mentioned in This Episode If you (or someone you know) are still in the dreaming or early planning phase of launching a nonprofit, Matt offers a free PDF resource: From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist 10 Essential Steps for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact To receive the free checklist: Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.comOr visit: NonprofitLaunchPlan.comAbout the Podcast The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast is for startups, small, and growing nonprofits that want to build on a strong, sustainable foundation. Each episode focuses on one of six core areas: leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs and services, operations, and finances... providing clear frameworks, practical tools, and real-world guidance you can actually apply.

    13 min

  7. 12/11/2025

    Nonprofit Fundraising: Your Year-End Email Blueprint (Don't get buried in their inbox)

    In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt breaks down a simple, practical, and highly effective three-email year-end fundraising strategy designed specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Whether you’re behind on your December communications or trying to maximize year-end generosity, this episode gives you a proven roadmap to follow. Matt shows why email is still the #1 driver of online giving for small nonprofits and how even organizations with modest budgets can see strong results by sending the right messages at the right time. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. Why Email Still Works for Year-End Giving Email continues to outperform social media and ads for small nonprofits.Donors expect to hear from you in December, but they can only respond if you show up.2. The 3 Emails You Must Send in December Email #1: The Story Setup (Early–Mid December) This email lays the groundwork. It includes: One clear, concise impact story (character → challenge → solution → outcome)One specific need donors can meetOne call to action with a Give Now buttonMatt emphasizes keeping the story to 3–4 sentences and writing like a human: warm, relational, mission-centered. Email #2: The Reminder & Progress Update (Mid–Late December) Send this about a week before Christmas. This email: Updates supporters on progress toward your goalRepeats the need with new numbersEncourages continued momentumEnds with the crucial P.S. repeating the deadline or goalPeople love progress. This email lets them feel part of something that’s moving forward. Email #3: Final Call to Action (December 31) Short. Direct. Clear.  This message taps the shoulder of every well-meaning procrastinator who meant to give but didn’t get to it yet. Include: A simple reminder that today is the last day for a tax-deductible giftA quick tie-back to impactOne big, obvious call to actionNo pressure. No guilt. Just clarity. 4 Principles That Strengthen Every Email No matter which of the three emails you're writing, keep these in mind: One message per email - don’t cram in everything.Make the call to action obvious - buttons, not buried links.Stay consistent with your brand voice - warm, relational, mission-focused.Write to one person - not a group. “You” is your power word.Don’t Forget: Subject Lines & Preview Text If they never open the email, nothing else matters. Matt includes sample subject lines like: Your impact this December mattersOne story worth reading todayWill you help us finish the year strong?Preview text should support, not repeat the subject line. Examples: A quick update before the year endsHere’s how your generosity changes lives⚙️ Practical Tips for the Overwhelmed Team Plain text is perfectly fine - it feels personal.Batch all three emails - write them in one sitting.Imperfect but sent beats perfect but too late.You don’t need to be big to communicate well. You just need to be clear, consistent, and human. Mentioned in This Episode Free Resource: From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist Email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com or visit nonprofitlaunchplan.com to download. Final Thought If you write and schedule these three emails: one story, one update, one reminder - you’ll already be ahead of the majority of small nonprofits. And your donors will thank you with their generosity.

    19 min

  8. 11/26/2025

    Nonprofit Leadership: The Power of Essentialism for Greater Impact

    In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt digs into one of the biggest barriers to nonprofit effectiveness: clutter. Not the kind in your hall closet, but the kind that shows up in your donor messaging, your schedule, your internal processes, and even your website. Pulling inspiration from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism, Matt explores the transformative question: “If I didn’t already have this, would I invest in it?” and shows nonprofit leaders how applying that single question can create more clarity, impact, and freedom in the work they do.  This conversation will challenge you to rethink what you’re holding onto, and what you need to let go. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or unsure how to communicate your mission clearly, this episode will help you simplify and refocus on what truly matters. What You’ll Learn Why messaging naturally drifts toward clutter - and how to reverse itHow to evaluate every communication piece using a single Essentialist questionWhy overloaded calendars keep nonprofit leaders stuckHow eliminating “legacy tasks” can give you back mental space and reduce burnoutWhy most nonprofit websites confuse donors, and what to remove firstHow “less but better” thinking leads to a healthier, more impactful organizationKey Takeaways Clarity beats information. Donors don’t need more words... they need the right ones.Your schedule reflects your priorities. If a task isn’t essential, it’s a distraction.Your website is a billboard, not a filing cabinet. Make it simple, skimmable, and donor-focused.Decluttering is leadership. Removing what no longer serves your mission helps you focus on what does.“Less, but better” should guide your messaging, your work, and your systems.Mentioned in This Episode Essentialism by Greg McKeownFree resource: From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist Email Matt at matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com or visit nonprofitlaunchplan.com to get your copy.If You’re New Here This podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build strong foundations across six key areas: leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs, operations, and finances. Each episode gives you practical tools and frameworks to help you launch confidently and grow strategically. Connect with Matt Website: nonprofitlaunchplan.com Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

    17 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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