The Small Nonprofit Further Together
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You are going to change the world. We can help. Running a small nonprofit is not for the faint of heart. With limited resources and fueled by a combination of caffeine and passion, small charity leaders are unsung heroes. The Small Nonprofit podcast, by Further Together, gives you down-to-earth, practical and actionable expert guidance on how to run a small nonprofit. From leadership and law to fundraising and finance, we’ve got you covered. Forget comparing your organization to the big shops, we’re creating a community of nonprofit leaders who are going to change the world, one small nonprofit at a time.
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Who is “Accountable” to Whom?
Scandals, harmful practices, and image-obsessed leaders plague our sector, but it doesn't have to be this way. My candid chat with Liz LeClair, a fearless fundraiser, feminist, and disruptor, is a breath of fresh air.
We discuss the lack of accountability in our sector, why real change is hard, and how we MUST do better. Liz calls out the sector (and herself!) for past failings. We discuss boardroom complacency, centering BIPOC voices, and why white moderates need a rethink.
This episode might leave you uncomfortable – and that's the point. Let's demand a truly accountable nonprofit world.
Key Episode Highlights:
Silence breeds more harm: Liz's courageous decision to speak out against sexual harassment by a high-profile donor sparked a much-needed conversation about the pervasive power imbalances and toxic culture in our sector.White moderates hold us back: The desire to stay neutral or avoid difficult conversations is ultimately complicity. To move forward, we (especially white people) must actively dismantle oppressive systems and listen to those most impacted.Accountability isn't about punishment: It's about building transparent, supportive, and safe environments where everyone is held to the same expectations. Leaders, board members, and donors are not exempt!Community is key for support and learning: Liz's transformation came from connecting with BIPOC leaders who modeled true allyship and how to fight for justice while maintaining community care.This IS your fight too: Even if you haven't faced the same issues directly, creating a more equitable sector where everyone can thrive benefits us all. This isn't about charity, it's about justice.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/eVCH1_lgviQ
Links and Resources:
Website: https://www.sargassophilanthropic.ca/ Connect with Liz on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-leclair/ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show -
Is Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Right for You? with Tess Conrad
What if you could tap into the enthusiasm of your biggest supporters and turn them into fundraising rockstars? That's where peer-to-peer fundraising comes in!
I had a blast chatting with Tess Conrad of Full Potential Fundraising, a fundraising pro who's passionate about helping small nonprofits do big things. Tess shared her wealth of experience on all things peer-to-peer – setting realistic goals, finding the perfect fundraisers, creative campaign ideas, and the importance of treating those new donors like the gems they are.
Key Episode Highlights:
P2P is about relationships, not transactions. Focus on those long-term donors, volunteers, and supporters who already love what you do. Their personal stories are your most powerful fundraising tools.Make it easy (and fun!) for fundraisers. Provide templates, social media ideas, and a simple guide. The less they have to think about the logistics, the more they can focus on spreading the word about your amazing cause.Stewardship is EVERYTHING. P2P donors aren't a one-and-done deal. Treat them like the new donors they are: welcome them, thank them, show them their impact, and keep them engaged with your mission.Your board members can be fundraising powerhouses. With a clear ask and the right support, they can easily tap into their networks. Plus, P2P gives them an action-oriented way to truly make a difference.Start small and celebrate wins! Don't be overwhelmed by the big P2P campaigns you see. Even a modest goal with a handful of fundraisers can be a huge success for a small nonprofit, building momentum for future growth.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/GURy-BbU7ig
Links and Resources:
Connect with Tess on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tess-conrad-cfreLearn more about Full Potential Fundraising: https://www.fullpotentialfundraising.com/ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show -
Ditch the Guilt Trips: How to Tell Empowering Nonprofit Stories with Diana Heinrich
Why do those "big nonprofits" use those emotional, tear-jerking stories? Well, it's complicated and has a long history. But today, we are sharing a much better (and more ethical) way to inspire donors. We're debunking harmful fundraising and storytelling myths to give you the tools to tell dignifies stories that get results.
My guest is the brilliant Diana Farias Heinrich, the CEO of Habrá Marketing. Diana is passionate about helping nonprofits share their work in ways that empower both clients and donors. With certifications in DEI and as an Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence, she brings essential expertise to our sector. We talk about the long-term harm of those guilt-driven appeals, how to build trust with clients, and the transformative power of letting people share their stories on their own terms.
Key Episode Highlights:
Stop using "poverty porn" narratives. Data shows people will give, but they won't stick around. Focus on the transformative power of your services – showcase the positive impact you're making!Clients deserve agency over their own stories. Informed consent conversations lay out exactly how a story will be used and the client's right to change their mind, giving a sense of control and safety within the process.Ask open-ended questions, not leading ones. Avoid retraumatization when interviewing. Instead of asking how terrible their situation was was, focus on what they did with your services and how things changed.Humanizing builds bridges. Portraying clients as more than just service users. Discuss their dreams, families, even fun facts – it helps donors see themselves in those your work serves.Ethical storytelling = better organizational culture. These practices foster communication between programs and fundraising, and ultimately benefit everyone, including your mission!Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RKLqPgUfzgE
Links and Resources:
Connect with Diana on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafariasheinrich/Cultivating ethical narratives workshop: https://witty-musician-3516.ck.page/products/cultivating-ethical-narrativesYour Guide to Informed Consent Conversations: https://informedconsentconversation.habramarketing.com/Learn more about Habra Marketing: https://habramarketing.com/Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/10 Dignified questions guide: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/sign-upSupport the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show -
Aligning Actions with Values with Hoang Murphy
In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of aligning your nonprofit's actions with its core values. We're joined by Hoang Murphy, CEO of People Serving People, who brings a wealth of experience from his journey as a teacher, a Foster, and a leader in the nonprofit sector. Hoang shares his expertise on creating impactful solutions for those affected by inequality and emphasizes the role of lived experiences in decision-making processes.
Episode Highlights:
Identifying Core Values: Hoang guides us through the process of identifying the fundamental values that drive your nonprofit. He stresses the importance of narrowing down to essential values to establish a solid foundation for your organization's mission and actions.Translating Values into Action: Discover how to move beyond merely talking about values to actively incorporating them into your organization's operations. Hoang shares strategies for engaging your team and the communities you serve, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.Cultivating a Committed Team: Learn how to integrate your nonprofit's values into your hiring process. Hoang discusses the significance of real-life experience and cultural fit over traditional qualifications, highlighting the role of shared values in staff retention and satisfaction.Fostering Genuine Funder Relationships: Hoang emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships with funders who truly understand and support your mission. He shares his approach to fundraising that has consistently helped double their budget year after year.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aJ8-uNCxLvY
Links and Resources:
Hoang Murphy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/hoangmurphy Hoang Murphy (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/hrcapist/ Hoang Murphy (Email): hmurphy@peopleservingpeople.org Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
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Ethical Fundraising Practices with Marie-France Roche
The nonprofit-industrial complex - are we stuck?
In this episode, we delve into the intricate - and evolving - world of ethical fundraising within the nonprofit sector, featuring insights from Marie-France Roche, the Director of Community Engagement and Major Gifts at TNG Community Services. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting Community-Centric Fundraising.
Key Takeaways:
Navigating Power Dynamics: Marie-France shares her perspective on the influence of power and privilege within nonprofit organizations and their potential to drive systemic change. We explore strategies for utilizing this power ethically to foster meaningful societal progress.Challenges for White Fundraisers: Addressing the unique challenges faced by white fundraisers in predominantly white spaces, Marie-France reflects on her experiences and the importance of supporting diverse voices within the nonprofit sector.Allyship in Action: Learn how to be an effective ally within your organization, advocating for equity and justice, even when you haven't personally faced the injustices being addressed.Innovative Fundraising Strategies: Marie-France discusses her journey in implementing innovative, equitable fundraising practices aligned with Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles, highlighting the practical aspects of such initiatives in dynamic nonprofit environments.Community First Approach: The episode concludes with insights on the transformative impact of prioritizing community needs over organizational goals, emphasizing the value of building lasting relationships with donors committed to justice.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/YsndeUvRwdI
Links and Resources:
Marie-France Roche (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/marie-france-roche Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show -
Leading Human-First: The Intersection of Work and Well-Being in Nonprofits with Lacey Kempinski
Are you feeling torn between supporting your team's work-life balance and striving to hit those all-important organizational milestones? For those managing small nonprofits, where every hour and every dollar counts tenfold, balancing personal growth and professional success can be a challenge.
Today, we dive deep into creating a workforce that thrives on the “leading human-first” approach with Lacey Kempinski, CEO and Founder of Balanced Good. Balanced Good provides parental leave coverage – from the day-to-day hands-on work to big picture transition planning. Balanced Good believes that a supported transition to parenthood will benefit both our sector and the parents working in it. Lacey has a big vision, she wants parental leave to become a celebrated life milestone, not a feared employment gap.
Key Episode Highlights:
Leading Human First: Leading with a human-first approach is a strategic move. Lacey and I explore the long-term benefits,the pressing need for people-centered policies, and how they play a crucial role in employee retention in a sector that's primarily women-led. Beyond Parental Leave: Targeting the nonprofit sector's approach to parental leave, Lacey addresses the broader spectrum of parental support necessary within our organizations. From the nuances of policy creation to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, these actionable discussions could very well set your organization on a path to become a pioneer in employee well-being.Flexibility as a Retention Tool: We analyze how work culture—especially in the context of compensation and benefits—can be critically assessed and reshaped in innovative ways to prioritize the people behind the mission. By valuing flexibility and understanding, Lacey talks about creating a compelling argument for talent to stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the nonprofit world.Support at Every Stage: Discussing the ebb and flow of employees' personal lives—like becoming a parent—Lacey reiterates the need for smoother transitions. Learn about the steps for recruitment, hiring, and promotions that take the whole individual into account, ensuring that your nonprofit doesn't just survive these transitions but thrives because of them.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/tNxjzz1q6Fo
Links and Resources:
Connect with Lacey Kempinski on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laceykempinski Learn more about Balanced Good: balancedgood.comBalanced Good LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balanced-good/ Mat Leave Workbook: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/1986644d-75ba-476f-a37f-788cd7e5d48dVIP Day Waitlist: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/vipwaitlistConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show
Customer Reviews
Real talk tho
I love Maria’s real talk style. This is the kind of podcast where you can come as you are!
A podcast for your toolkit
If you are looking to grow your nonprofit there are major gems shared all throughout this podcast show.
Thank you for a wonderful resource!
Thank you for sharing such tangible action steps for small nonprofit fundraising. Have only listened to a few episodes but the value of knowledge shared is immense and so helpful.