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

Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations
  • 4.6 (28)
  • NON-PROFIT
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to Small Nonprofit, the podcast designed for leaders, fundraisers, and advocates in the nonprofit sector who want to create real change. We provide small nonprofit organizations with strategies to enhance their fundraising campaigns, improve nonprofit governance, and implement ethical fundraising practices that resonate with today’s values-driven donors. Hosted by an experienced nonprofit consultant, Maria Rio, this show delves into the unique challenges of nonprofit fundraising and community-centric fundraising, providing tools for donor engagement and major gifts fundraising.👤 Who Should Listen?This podcast is perfect for anyone involved in a small nonprofit seeking practical advice on fundraising strategy, nonprofit leadership, and board accountability. Whether you're looking for innovative fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations or trying to create an impact measurement framework that demonstrates your organization’s value, Small Nonprofit is here to guide you.🎤 Core Topics We CoverCommunity-Centric Fundraising: Learn how ethical fundraising practices can strengthen donor relationships, enhance donor engagement, and align your organization with values-based major giving principles. We’ll help you shift from a donor-centric model to one that prioritizes the community.Systemic Change and Governance: From participatory budgeting to nonprofit board of directors best practices, we explore how to navigate the nonprofit industrial complex and embrace structures that foster diversity in nonprofit leadership and board accountability.Preventing Nonprofit Burnout: Tackle topics such as nonprofit burnout prevention and learn how to cultivate a healthy, anti-oppressive work culture that supports your team’s well-being.Nonprofit Storytelling: Understand how to measure your nonprofit’s effectiveness through nonprofit impact measurement strategies and leverage nonprofit storytelling to create compelling narratives that attract donors.📣 Engaging Conversations and Real-World AdviceIn each episode, we bring you insights from experts in fundraising consulting, nonprofit grant writing, and capital campaign strategies. From interviews with fractional fundraisers and major gift officers to deep dives on fundraising tips and innovative fundraising ideas, we offer actionable advice that you can implement immediately to strengthen your organization’s impact.💰 Learn How to Build a Sustainable NonprofitEvery nonprofit leader faces the challenge of achieving financial sustainability. Our episodes address critical fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations, providing insights on volunteer management, capacity building, and nonprofit marketing strategy. Gain access to tools that help you execute successful fundraising campaigns and build a foundation for long-term growth.🤝 Join the Movement for Systemic ChangeAt The Small Nonprofit, we’re committed to transforming the nonprofit sector from the ground up. Our focus on systemic change and community-centric fundraising aligns with our mission to support nonprofits in creating equitable, sustainable communities. By addressing topics like values-based decision making and nonprofit transparency, we’re working to build a more ethical, inclusive sector.❤️ Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Small Nonprofit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t miss an episode as we explore everything from fundraising tips to nonprofit social media strategy, and learn how you can become a stronger advocate for your organization’s mission.

  1. Executive Director Burnout: Why Finding Your People Is The Most Important Strategy

    3D AGO

    Executive Director Burnout: Why Finding Your People Is The Most Important Strategy

    Send a text In this raw and hopeful conversation, you'll hear about the physical and emotional toll of nonprofit leadership and the intentional steps one ED took to not just recover, but to build an entire community dedicated to sector wellness. Laura Istead opens up about recognizing her own burnout, advocating for time off, and discovering the ways that she had normalized her own symptoms of stress. But this isn't just a cautionary tale. It's a blueprint for how nonprofit leaders can break free from the martyr mentality, find their people, and create the joy and connection that makes this work sustainable. On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Laura Istead, Executive Director of Two Wheel View and founder of the Social Sector Club. Laura has spent 15 years in the nonprofit sector and 8 years in executive leadership, and she's learned some hard lessons about what it takes to survive and thrive in this work. Nonprofit leaders will walk away with practical strategies for building peer support networks, recognizing the signs of burnout before it's too late, and understanding why treating yourself with the same care you give your community is essential. Connect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraistead/ The Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Family Reunion is back!  Register here to lock in your spot before they sell out.  Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    22 min
  2. Moves management: From supporter to donor

    FEB 17

    Moves management: From supporter to donor

    Send a text What if the biggest challenge facing nonprofits isn't moving donors from $100 to $1,000 gifts, but getting people to make their first charitable donation ever? In this episode, we explore a critical gap in the nonprofit sector: getting people to move from non-donors to donors. While fundraisers are experts at cultivating existing donors, very few organizations are focused on helping people become donors in the first place. We dig into why teaching generosity matters, how to lower barriers to entry in philanthropy, and what role nonprofits should play in building a culture of giving that extends far beyond their own fundraising goals. On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with John Bromley, founder and CEO of Charitable Impact, a donor-advised fund in Canada that's rethinking accessibility in philanthropy. John shares how he's teaching his own kids about charitable giving, how to build generosity muscles, and why the sector needs to ensure that there are always enough donors in the ecosystem. You'll will walk away with fresh perspectives on how to cultivate generosity as a learned behavior and practical ways to engage potential donors long before they make their first gift. Connect with John: Charitable Impact's website: https://charitableimpact.comSocial Media: @wearecharitableThe Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Family Reunion is back!  Register here to lock in your spot before they sell out.  Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    21 min
  3. Nonprofit Leaders Building Community and Finding Joy Through Restorative Circles

    FEB 10

    Nonprofit Leaders Building Community and Finding Joy Through Restorative Circles

    Send a text Nonprofit leaders are navigating an exceptionally difficult moment. Political uncertainty, financial uncertainty, the weight of leading through crisis, you name it. It's easy to feel isolated, numb, or like you're carrying it all alone. But the path ahead doesn't have to feel lonely. We're talking about finding your people and creating intentional spaces for joy, connection, and authentic dialogue. On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Frank Velasquez Jr., founder of 4 Da Hood and the Ascending Leaders in Color leadership program. Frank shares practical strategies for accessing joy during challenging times, building meaningful peer networks, and using restorative circle practices to foster healthy conflict and deeper connection. Frank argues that healthy conflict, grounded in agreements, is essential for building trust, understanding, and authentic collaboration. This conversation offers a roadmap for leading with authenticity, vulnerability, and community. Resources and Links: Connect with Frank: frank@4dahood.comVisit 4 Da Hood: www.4dahood.comThe Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Family Reunion is back!  Register here to lock in your spot before they sell out.  Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    20 min
  4. Nonprofit Storytelling: Showing Impact When Results Aren't Quantifiable

    FEB 3

    Nonprofit Storytelling: Showing Impact When Results Aren't Quantifiable

    Send a text Not every nonprofit mission comes with neat, quantifiable results. If your organization works in mental health, activism, research, or addiction recovery, you know that impact isn't always a tidy before-and-after story. But donors still want to understand the difference you're making... So how do you prove your impact when the work is complex, deeply personal, or still unfolding? On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, hosts Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride tackle one of the biggest challenges small nonprofits face: demonstrating impact without relying solely on statistics. Maria and Caitlin share practical, low-cost strategies to communicate your value to donors, funders, and your community. From candid smartphone videos to emotionally resonant storytelling, you'll learn how to make your impact visible, even when it feels invisible. The Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) Family Reunion is back!  Register here to lock in your spot before they sell out.  Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    18 min
  5. Mission Drift vs. Emergency Supports: The SNAP Benefits Case Study

    JAN 27

    Mission Drift vs. Emergency Supports: The SNAP Benefits Case Study

    Send a text What do you do when a government shutdown threatens to leave 70% of the families you serve without food? For Growing Up Green Charter Schools in Queens, New York, the answer was clear: respond immediately, mobilize resources fast, and support their community without losing sight of their educational mission. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Caitlin McBride sits down with Erin Acosta, Director of Family Engagement and Communications at Growing Up Green Charter Schools. Erin shares how her team packed over 1,000 bags of groceries in just one month, mobilized volunteers across four school buildings, and secured emergency funding, all while maintaining their core educational programs. This conversation offers a powerful blueprint for any nonprofit facing the question: "Is this mission drift, or is this what our community actually needs right now?" Visit their website: www.gugcs.org Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    28 min
  6. How Latino Fundraisers Are Fighting Back: Systemic Racism, ICE Raids, and Building Power Through Fundraising

    JAN 20

    How Latino Fundraisers Are Fighting Back: Systemic Racism, ICE Raids, and Building Power Through Fundraising

    Send a text Armando hears the same heartbreaking story over and over: talented Latinas been doing their white boss's job for years, training replacement after replacement, but they're never considered for the promotion because they "lack training." Meanwhile, mainstream fundraising conferences and training programs are designed for wealthy organizations, ignoring the small and medium-sized Latino nonprofits that desperately need support. The result? A sector where Latino leaders are systematically kept out of decision-making roles while being exploited for their labor, passion, and proximity to community. Armando Zumaya, a 40-year fundraising veteran, is the founder of Somos El Poder, the first Latinx fundraising institute in the United States. He doesn't hold back as he exposes the tokenization, invisibility, and structural barriers that Latinx fundraisers face daily. Armando isn't just here to call out the problem. He's building the solution. In this episode, nonprofit leaders will understanding why creating their own infrastructure, being bold, demanding board diversification, and investing in fundraising are acts of resistance and survival. Continue the discussion with Armando: Visit their website or send an email to armando@somoselpoder.orgSupport the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    23 min
  7. Nonprofit Advocacy: Playing the Long Game

    JAN 13

    Nonprofit Advocacy: Playing the Long Game

    Send a text Feeling overwhelmed by current challenges in the nonprofit sector? In this episode, host Maria Rio sits down with Robyn Schwartz, historian-turned-fundraiser and co-founder of Dumbo Octopus Consulting, to explore how understanding historical patterns can help nonprofit leaders navigate today's uncertainty. Robyn draws striking parallels between our current moment and the 1920s, explaining how cyclical patterns of economic instability, political shifts, and resource scarcity repeat throughout history—and what we can learn from them. She shares the powerful story of Canada's 1970 Abortion Caravan and the 18-year grassroots movement that led to landmark reproductive rights, demonstrating why playing the long game matters. Connect with Robyn here: https://dumbooctopusconsulting.com/ Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    24 min
  8. The 8 Reasons People Donate (And Why Your Anniversary Campaign Isn't One of Them)

    JAN 6

    The 8 Reasons People Donate (And Why Your Anniversary Campaign Isn't One of Them)

    Send a text Ever wondered why some donors stick around for decades while others disappear after one gift? Join Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride as they break down the eight psychological and social reasons people actually donate to nonprofits. They tackle everything from the power of peer-to-peer fundraising (hint: 80% are brand new donors) to why guilt-based appeals only work once, why your 50th anniversary isn't a fundraising strategy, and how to diagnose exactly where your donor retention is leaking. If you've ever wondered why people aren't giving to your organization despite doing great work, this episode gives you the framework to stop guessing.  Support the show Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded! Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

    24 min
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4.6
out of 5
28 Ratings

About

Welcome to Small Nonprofit, the podcast designed for leaders, fundraisers, and advocates in the nonprofit sector who want to create real change. We provide small nonprofit organizations with strategies to enhance their fundraising campaigns, improve nonprofit governance, and implement ethical fundraising practices that resonate with today’s values-driven donors. Hosted by an experienced nonprofit consultant, Maria Rio, this show delves into the unique challenges of nonprofit fundraising and community-centric fundraising, providing tools for donor engagement and major gifts fundraising.👤 Who Should Listen?This podcast is perfect for anyone involved in a small nonprofit seeking practical advice on fundraising strategy, nonprofit leadership, and board accountability. Whether you're looking for innovative fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations or trying to create an impact measurement framework that demonstrates your organization’s value, Small Nonprofit is here to guide you.🎤 Core Topics We CoverCommunity-Centric Fundraising: Learn how ethical fundraising practices can strengthen donor relationships, enhance donor engagement, and align your organization with values-based major giving principles. We’ll help you shift from a donor-centric model to one that prioritizes the community.Systemic Change and Governance: From participatory budgeting to nonprofit board of directors best practices, we explore how to navigate the nonprofit industrial complex and embrace structures that foster diversity in nonprofit leadership and board accountability.Preventing Nonprofit Burnout: Tackle topics such as nonprofit burnout prevention and learn how to cultivate a healthy, anti-oppressive work culture that supports your team’s well-being.Nonprofit Storytelling: Understand how to measure your nonprofit’s effectiveness through nonprofit impact measurement strategies and leverage nonprofit storytelling to create compelling narratives that attract donors.📣 Engaging Conversations and Real-World AdviceIn each episode, we bring you insights from experts in fundraising consulting, nonprofit grant writing, and capital campaign strategies. From interviews with fractional fundraisers and major gift officers to deep dives on fundraising tips and innovative fundraising ideas, we offer actionable advice that you can implement immediately to strengthen your organization’s impact.💰 Learn How to Build a Sustainable NonprofitEvery nonprofit leader faces the challenge of achieving financial sustainability. Our episodes address critical fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations, providing insights on volunteer management, capacity building, and nonprofit marketing strategy. Gain access to tools that help you execute successful fundraising campaigns and build a foundation for long-term growth.🤝 Join the Movement for Systemic ChangeAt The Small Nonprofit, we’re committed to transforming the nonprofit sector from the ground up. Our focus on systemic change and community-centric fundraising aligns with our mission to support nonprofits in creating equitable, sustainable communities. By addressing topics like values-based decision making and nonprofit transparency, we’re working to build a more ethical, inclusive sector.❤️ Stay ConnectedSubscribe to Small Nonprofit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t miss an episode as we explore everything from fundraising tips to nonprofit social media strategy, and learn how you can become a stronger advocate for your organization’s mission.

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