Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions
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 Cover Community-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 Advice In 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 Nonprofit Every 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 Change At 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 Connected Subscribe 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.
Episodes
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Building a Fundraising Board
Fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board.
In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderstanding of what fundraising even is, we’re breaking down the myths, sharing real-world tactics, and g...
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If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall
How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit
Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we break down how a thoughtful, strategic fundraising plan can set you...
Wondering how to make millions for your nonprofit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms, as he shares how sustainability and social enterprise can transform communities. Quilen discusses his journey from starting with zero funds to running a $2 million nonprofit.
Learn how his organization uses vacant lots to create solar-powered flower farms that emp...
Does making your nonprofit feel inclusive seem impossible? Today, we're getting real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sector. Join host Maria Rio and Michelle Okere, an expert in nonprofit equity, diversity, and inclusion, as they discuss how communication and belonging play a crucial role in nonprofit success.
Michelle shares her lived experience and practical strategies for embedding equity into organ...
How about turning your LinkedIn profile into a powerful fundraising tool? Join Maria Rio and LinkedIn expert, Michelle Benson, as they share actionable strategies for nonprofits to build their digital presence and attract funders via LinkedIn. In this episode, Michelle discusses how to create content that actually enagges donors and funders as well as how to use the platform for donor prospecting and stewardship.
Learn ho...
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Mandatory office returns are back but are they actually helping us work better? In today's episode, we get real about task masking, quiet quitting, and the push-pull tension around remote work that every fundraiser and nonprofit leader is feeling right now.
For many, being back at your desk doesn't mean you&...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with major gifts expert, Emma Lewzey, to bust myths, shift mindsets, and bring some much-needed clarity (and courage!) to one of fundraising’s most misunderstood areas. Whether you’re in a small shop or a national organization, this episode will remind you: you don’t need to be perfect to build authentic relationships; you just need to be curious, strategic, and a litt...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria unpacks the nonprofit power dynamic we don’t talk about enough: what to do when you need to move things forward, but your Executive Director or board just… won’t.
Whether you're tired of chasing down information, being given confusing direction, or trying to navigate an ineffective board, this episode is your tactical guide to managing up. Maria offers no-fluff strategies t...
Despite being a sector dominated by women, nonprofit leadership remains disproportionately male. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Caitlin McBride to unpack the gender gap at the top.
They dig into everything from the “motherhood penalty” vs. the “fatherhood bonus,” to sneaky internalized biases and straight-up structural BS. Just because our sector talks about equity, doesn’t mean we're ...
Fundraising isn’t just about securing donations—it’s about embedding justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into every aspect of the process. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Huda Al-Saedy, Director of Philanthropy at Ecojustice, to explore how nonprofits can align their fundraising practices with their core values.
From redefining policies to centering Indigenous voices, Huda ...
Nonprofit fundraising is more than just making the ask. It’s about providing value, building relationships, and using data to drive smart decisions. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares the top lessons she’s learned as a consultant that every nonprofit fundraiser can apply.
Whether you’re managing a small shop or leading a larger development team, this conversation will help you rethink your approach to dono...
Hiring in the nonprofit sector is harder than ever in 2025. With stagnant salaries, limited remote work options, and increased competition for talent, many organizations are struggling to fill positions and retain staff. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key challenges nonprofits are facing and share actionable strategies to help you build a strong and motivated team.
They cover why salar...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key differences between being a boss versus being a leader and why leadership gaps are causing burnout and turnover in the nonprofit sector. They share insights into how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, create a supportive work environment, and empower their teams for long-term success. Whether you're managing staff for the first time or looking t...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, to discuss why email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for nonprofits. They dive into strategies for donor retention, automation, and engagement tactics that keep donors connected beyond their first gift. Katelyn shares actionable tips on improving email effectiveness, measuring success, and turning one-time suppor...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin dive into why fundraising should never be a solo effort and how nonprofit professionals can engage their teams, board members, and leadership in fundraising efforts. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and tips to create a culture where fundraising is a shared responsibility. If you've ever felt like you're carrying the weight of fundrai...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria breaks down the nine biggest red flags to watch for during your nonprofit job search.
While the sector is full of impactful orgs, not all are well-managed or even stable. Maria shares tips on spotting warning signs—like financial instability, poor leadership, and lack of work-life balance—before you accept an offer. If you're looking for a nonprofit job or just want to be mo...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sheela Mahajan, founder of the Nonprofit Science Institute and host of the Nonprofit Science Podcast. Sheela shares how nonprofits can move beyond reactive decision-making and start thinking more strategically. They discuss the challenges of shifting organizational mindsets, how to implement systematic decision-making processes, and the importance of defining problems...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin dive into the biggest fundraising trends shaping the nonprofit sector this year. From the rise of Community-Centric Fundraising and AI-driven tools to the ongoing burnout crisis, they break down what’s ahead and how nonprofits can prepare. They explore how ethical storytelling is becoming a must, why fractional fundraising is on the rise, and how organizations can bu...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria is joined by Caitlin McBride to discuss how nonprofit fundraisers can transition smoothly into the new year after the year-end fundraising rush. They share strategies for celebrating success, reflecting on what worked, and setting yourself up for long-term sustainability—without burning out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the reset of a new fiscal year, this episode is packe...
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio dives into the Five Pillars of Great Fundraising, a powerful framework to help nonprofits assess and optimize their fundraising strategies. Maria explains how nonprofit leaders can evaluate their efforts, identify gaps, and implement changes that lead to sustainable growth. Whether you're working with a small team or looking to refine your fundraising approach, thi...
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