In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Caitlin McBride, an experienced fundraiser and consultant, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of being a one-person fundraising department. Caitlin shares her journey from working in large fundraising teams to becoming the sole fundraiser at small nonprofits. She provides actionable insights on setting up systems, avoiding burnout, and leveraging technology to maximize efficiency. If you’re a nonprofit professional juggling multiple roles, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive.
Key Topics Covered:
- Embrace systems and technology
- Get comfortable with decision-making
- Set boundaries and manage expectations
- Prioritize self-care without guilt
- Know when to ask for help
Actionable Tips:
➜ Build a strong support network: Connect with other fundraisers, listen to industry podcasts, and seek mentorship.
➜ Leverage free and low-cost tech: Use tools like TechSoup for nonprofit discounts on software and services.
➜ Create a case for support: Having a well-written document makes grant writing and donor outreach much more efficient.
➜ Audit and organize your CRM: Clean data and standardized tracking can save hours of work.
➜ Educate your board & ED: Set clear expectations about what’s realistic for a one-person fundraising team.
Resources:
Connect with Us:
- Connect with Maria Rio
- Connect with Caitlin McBride
- Further Together Website
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Support the Podcast:
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Coming Next Week:
Join us next week as Maria shares her insights on measuring success and making data-driven decisions! 🚀
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