Think you know how donors behave? Think again!  I had the best  conversation with Tim Sarrantonio from Neon One about the realities of monthly giving and donor retention. We busted some common myths (even ones I believed!), talked about the psychology behind giving, and got a sneak peek at the groundbreaking report Neon One is just released. Tim is a powerhouse in the nonprofit world, known for his insights on fundraising trends and tech. He's passionate about helping smaller nonprofits have...

This one gets me to my core. I sat down with Marisa DeSalles, a Black fundraiser creating and moderating spaces for other Black fundraisers and leaders, to dive deep into trends she sees through her work. Marisa leads a cohort of Black fundraisers. She is uniquely positioned to provide key insights on the state of the sector, its treatment of racialized leaders, and the exodus of fundraisers. Racialized leaders do not have the same access to wealth, connections, or power as white leaders....

Tired of the same old fundraising that just doesn't reflect your community? Wish you could break free from the stuffy, traditional approaches and find ways to authentically connect with your donors?   In this episode, we ditch “best practices” and dove headfirst into fundraising in the queer community with Madeline Taylor, Development Manager at Out On Screen. Madeline, a passionate community builder and champion for equity, shares the strategic thinking behind their approach and how to...

Does making your nonprofit feel inclusive seem impossible?  Today,  we're getting real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sector. I spoke with Michelle Okere, an inclusion specialist and nonprofit powerhouse, about how to build anti-racism into your organization's core. Michelle shared her own experiences facing systemic barriers, strategies for meaningful communication, and why empowering your frontline staff is the key to success.  An accomplished leader with a strong commitment...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 –...

Are you leaving the 'dirty work' to others? It's time for leader to embrace the saying, "no task is too small!" In this episode, we'll delve into the art of leading by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, and the transformative power of saying "yes and" to opportunities. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Lanrick Bennett to The Small Nonprofit. Lanrick is not only the executive director of Charlie’s Free Wheels, a nonprofit teaching young people leadership through bicycles, but also...

Advocating for change seems daunting, especially when you're working with limited resources and a small team. What if you knew the insider strategies to make a significant impact in your community and get your voice heard at city council meetings? In today's episode, we'll pull back the curtain on the power of local engagement and show you how a small team can pedal their message to the top. Join us as we chat with the super inspiring Alison Stewart from Cycle Toronto. Her passion for sharing...

What if walking away from the organization you've built is the bravest and most selfless choice you can make? Struggling to let go, battling founder’s syndrome, feeling like an organization will fall apart without you, and putting your life above your work—these are emotions many leaders in our sector face. Today's must-listen episode is a conversation with one such leader who tackled these issues head-on. Then, he turned that experience into expertise he now shares with others. Mike...

Feeling lost in the noise and chaos of social media? Let's shift our perspective and rediscover the power of emails. In today's episode of we'll explore why emails remain a timeless tool for building meaningful supporter connections. While social media can be attention-grabbing, it's through emails that genuine conversations and long-lasting bonds are nurtured. Our guest, Sara Hoshooley is a fundraising consultant and coach with a passion for small nonprofit organizations. As a former small...

Are the challenges in your nonprofit growing pains or signs of  deeper issues? With a New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on what is working and what is not!  If we don't address the roots of operational dysfunction, our mission is at risk.  In today’s episode, we’re exploring how the heart and soul of our work – our culture – plays a huge role in our success. We're discussing how nurturing the right environment can make your nonprofit more effective, scalable, and fundable. On...

Is your major gifts  fundraising aligned with your organization’s core values? In today’s episode, we're tackling the sometimes intimidating (but rewarding!) world of major gifts through a values-aligned, community-centric lens.  We are joined by Sarah Staiger, a fundraiser with over two decades of experience. Sarah is passionate about building power through organized people and organized money. She is a partner at Staiger Vitelli Associates and has been exploring Community-Centric...

Does face-to-face fundraising feel out of reach for your small nonprofit? Many you think you need a big amount saved just to start. What if I told you there's a way to step into large-scale face-to-face fundraising, just like the big, well-funded organizations, but without the financial barrier of hiring an agency? Today, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of pricey face-to-face campaigns and reveal accessible (and scalable!) paths for smaller nonprofits. Joining me is Jerome Cheung, a seasoned...

Is your nonprofit aligned with your values or is it perpetuating harm? How does the culture within our organizations shape our effectiveness and well-being?In today's episode, we're diving into the realities many of us face in the nonprofit sector. From acknowledging ethical dilemmas in our work practices to recognizing our alignment (or misalignment) with organizational values, we discuss  the complexities of working for a cause. Sheetal Puri, our guest today, has dedicated her career  to...

Are you wondering if your small nonprofit is getting the attention it deserves from key decision-makers? Today's episode of The Small Nonprofit is all about unlocking the potential of government relations to amplify the impact of small organizations. We're chatting with Tristan Downe-Dewdney, a lobbyist who's an expert at turning influence into real action. Tristan is a seasoned government expert with over 15 years in policy and advocacy. His expertise spans both community-level and systemic...

Today we're talking about how nonprofits share their stories - especially in the digital age - and the ethical issues that can arise from how we choose to share stories. We'll explore how lived experience influences how we portray community members and how we can can use social media to connect with supporters while staying true to our values. For this conversation, I'm excited to have Fai Hassan with me, an expert in digital fundraising. She's the Associate Director of Digital Fundraising at...

Is your nonprofit facing challenges with staff leaving, keeping donors happy, or having competent leaders? This episode of The Small Nonprofit talks about these big issues in the charity world and how they affect your fundraising. We also look at possible ways to fix these problems. Our guest is Frank Mumford, a seasoned fundraiser with 14 years in the charity sector. Frank started as a student fundraiser and now works at Gravyty, where he helps charities with new software solutions. He's...

In this brand new episode of 'The Small Nonprofit'—we have some exciting news! Our beloved host Cindy is handing over the microphone to Maria Rio, another leader in the non-profit world.  A dynamic and passionate personality, Maria started her career as a face-to-face fundraiser, climbed the nonprofit ladder with dedication and hard work, and eventually found her niche in community-centric fundraising. She's worked with many small nonprofits, and knows the struggles that come with low...

Often we take government funding for granted. Or, we treat it like an impenetrable black box that’s a mystery so we write our applications and cross our fingers. Today, we’re joined by Jesse Clarke, CEO of JN Clarke Consulting who shares insider tips on how to form successful relationships with government partners to secure new funding, keep the existing funds rolling in, and have champions at the decision making table.  Key Highlights:  The parallels between donor and government relationsThe...

Do you ever find yourself questioning whether your message was clear or if you expressed your thoughts effectively? If so, this episode is for you. Tune in as Erica Barnhart, the CEO of Claxon, delves into the art of communication. Discover the significant impact of effective communication on both your personal and professional life, and learn how to inspire and mobilize the people around you. Key Highlights: The importance of effective communication in small organizationsUnderstanding your...