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. 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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 11/18/2025

    Building Major Donor Relationships from the Ground Up Pt. 2 (An Interview with Tom Atema)

    In this second part of his conversation with veteran nonprofit leader Tom Atema, host Matt Stockman dives deeper into the heart of leadership and fundraising. With over 50 years of experience leading organizations like Heart for Lebanon, John Maxwell’s Equip, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Tom shares timeless wisdom for nonprofit founders and fundraisers on how to build meaningful relationships, steward donors well, and lead from a place of value—not pressure. If you’ve ever struggled with donor burnout, awkward asks, or the tension between mission and money, this episode is for you. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn: Why “everything rises and falls on leadership.” Leadership is more than strategy—it’s about helping people see their God-given value and leading with integrity and purpose.The ideal size of a donor portfolio. Tom breaks down how many donor relationships a development officer can realistically manage (and why major donors require more care).The “cell phone test” for measuring real relationships. How to know whether your donor connections are truly personal—and why you should never give away a donor’s number before trust is earned.How to handle donor handoffs the right way. Step-by-step, Tom explains how to introduce a new development officer without losing relationships or momentum.Quarterly “Investor Calls” that mirror Wall Street. A brilliant idea from Heart for Lebanon—30-minute calls that combine storytelling, financial transparency, and donor engagement.How to build a healthy, accountable board. Tom outlines the difference between funding, operational, and governing boards—and why accountability boards drive sustainable impact.Why development officers burn out—and how to prevent it. Stop chasing money. Start developing people. Fundraising becomes joyful when it’s relational, not transactional.🧭 Key Quotes “You tell me how many people’s cell phone numbers you have in your phone, and I’ll tell you how good you are with relationships.” — Tom Atema"Don’t chase money. Add value to people, and let God handle the outcomes.” — Tom Atema“Leadership is a bigger deal than you think. Everything rises and falls on it.” — Tom Atema 🔗 Resources Mentioned Free PDF: From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist 10 essential steps to move from idea to impact. 👉 Get it at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com or email Matt at matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Free Mini-Course: Fearless Fundraising A workbook and 5 short videos to help you build clear, confident fundraising messaging. 👉 Download at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com 🙌 About the Guest: Tom Atema Tom Atema is the co-founder and Chairman of Heart for Lebanon, a faith-based organization providing education, humanitarian relief, and the Gospel to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. He’s served in senior leadership roles at John Maxwell’s Equip, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Word of Life Fellowship. Tom brings five decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, development, and strategic partnerships—always centered around people, not transactions. 🧩 Episode Takeaways Carry the right-sized portfolio—don’t overload your relationships.Earn trust one conversation at a time.Keep donors close with transparent quarterly calls.Let your board support momentum, not be the momentum.Above all, add value to people and let God handle the rest.🎧 Listen & Subscribe Be sure to subscribe to The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes, and please leave a review to help other nonprofit leaders discover the show. ➡️ Share this episode with another nonprofit founder or development officer who needs encouragement to lead with purpose, not pressure.

    27 min

  6. 11/11/2025

    Building Major Donor Relationships from the Ground Up (An Interview With Tom Atema pt 1)

    In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, host Matt Stockman sits down with veteran nonprofit leader Tom Atema, co-founder of Heart for Lebanon and former VP with John Maxwell’s Equip. With more than 50 years of experience in ministry and development work, Tom shares timeless, faith-driven wisdom on what it really means to build meaningful relationships with your donors—what he calls investors. You’ll discover how to approach every gift, no matter the size, as the start of a relationship… not a transaction. Tom unpacks practical habits that turn small gifts into long-term partnerships and shares powerful stories that will challenge how you think about stewardship, gratitude, and generosity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: What truly defines a major donor (hint: it’s not about the dollar amount)Why every donor deserves a personal thank-youHow small first-time gifts can become transformational partnershipsWhy stories matter more than numbers in donor communicationHow relational follow-up builds trust and deepens engagement Memorable Quote “Some of those $25 gifts are test gifts. They’re not about the money—they’re asking, ‘Do you see me? Do you care?’” — Tom AtemaFree Resource Mentioned 📘 From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist - 10 essential steps to move from nonprofit IDEA to IMPACT. 👉 Download free at nonprofitlaunchplan.com or email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Fearless Fundraising Mini Course - Get it here 👉 Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits Next Episode Teaser Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation with Tom Atema next week! We’ll dig into scaling your donor relationships, transferring trust to new team members, running quarterly “investor calls,” and how to stop chasing money—and start adding value to people. Connect with Matt 💻 www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com 📧 matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com 🔗 Follow on LinkedIn

    34 min

  7. 11/04/2025

    The Operations Flywheel: 5 Systems That Keep Your Nonprofit Running Smoothly

    If you’ve ever felt like every week starts from zero — or like every day is more reactive than proactive — this episode is for you. Matt Stockman breaks down how to escape the constant cycle of overwhelm by creating what he calls your Nonprofit Operations Flywheel: a simple set of systems that give your organization rhythm, predictability, and peace of mind. In this practical, step-by-step episode, Matt walks you through five systems (or “gears”) that keep your nonprofit running smoothly — even when you’re short on time, staff, or energy: The Planning System – How to set clear 90-day goals tied to your long-term vision so your team can stay proactive, not reactive.The People System – Creating meeting rhythms, clear roles, and communication patterns that keep everyone aligned and engaged.The Process System – Why documenting repeatable tasks saves your sanity — and how to start with just one.The Information System – Organizing your data, donor info, and documents into one “source of truth” your team can trust.The Review System – How to build rhythms for reflection and improvement so your team keeps learning and growing.Matt also shares a powerful story of a small nonprofit that went from chaos to clarity in just six months by implementing these systems — proving that lasting change comes from consistent structure, not more effort. 🧭 Key Takeaways Most nonprofit burnout isn’t caused by too much work — it’s caused by unclear systems.Systems create peace of mind, predictability, and long-term sustainability.You don’t need complex software or big teams — just consistent rhythms.When you build your operations flywheel, you move from reacting to leading.📈 Free Resources Mentioned From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist — 10 essential steps to move your idea toward impact.Fearless Fundraising Mini-Course — A free workbook and video series to help you clarify your message and attract more donors.Both are available at nonprofitlaunchplan.com. 🎧 Listen If You’re Asking… “Why does my nonprofit always feel like it’s starting over?”“How can I get out of reactive mode and create consistency?”“What systems do I need to actually grow my organization?”“How can I get my time and brainpower back as a leader?” 🔗 Call to Action Ready to design your own operations flywheel? Book a free 30-minute discovery call with Matt at nonprofitlaunchplan.com to get personal guidance on building systems that bring clarity and calm to your nonprofit.

    24 min

  8. 10/28/2025

    Simplicity Beats Complexity: How to Stop Overcomplicating Your Nonprofit

    Complexity quietly chokes far too many nonprofits—large and small. Spreadsheets multiply, meetings take over calendars, and software stacks pile up in the name of “getting organized.” But the truth is, the best-run nonprofits are not the ones that are more complicated—they’re the ones that are simpler. In this episode, Matt Stockman breaks down how unnecessary complexity creeps into nonprofit operations, planning, and technology—and how to fight back with clarity and focus. Whether you’re still in the dreaming phase or already running programs, you’ll learn practical steps to strip away the clutter and lead with simplicity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn: Why complexity is quietly choking so many nonprofitsThe difference between a 40-page strategic plan and a 3-page action plan—and why the latter works betterHow to reverse-engineer your nonprofit’s growth by starting with a 10-year vision, then backing up to 5-year, 1-year, and 90-day goalsThe importance of auditing your technology stack to eliminate overlap and confusionHow simplicity builds trust, improves communication, and accelerates impactPractical Takeaways: Flip your planning process: Start with your 10-year vision, then work backward to today’s 90-day goals.Simplify your tools: Audit your apps, systems, and subscriptions annually—if a volunteer can’t learn it in five minutes, it’s too complicated.Revisit your vision yearly: Reassess your long-term goals each year to keep them relevant and achievable.Resources Mentioned: 🧭 Free Guide: From Dream to Action — Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist (10 Essential Steps) → Email Matt at matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com or grab it via the website pop-up.💡 Free Mini-Course: Fearless Fundraising — A five-part video and workbook series to help you build clear, compelling donor messaging.👥 Guest Mention: David Watters – Simple & Engaging david@simpleandengaging.com (episode referenced on nonprofit tech and automation)Connect with Matt: 🌐 www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com 📧 matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com 🔗 LinkedIn Quote of the Episode: “Simplicity isn’t laziness—it’s excellent leadership.”

    18 min
See All (33)

Trailer

About

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.

Information