Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria welcomes Nicole from Canada Helps and Sam from Apathy Is Boring to discuss the latest trends in giving and civic engagement. They dive into findings from Canada Helps' 2024 Giving Report, exploring the challenges nonprofits face in engaging donors amid rising disconnection, financial stress, and generational shifts. Together, they share actionable insights on how charities can adapt and foster community impact despite th...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Rachel Bearbower, founder of Small Shop Strategies and the Nonprofit Automation Agency, about using automation to streamline nonprofit operations and build authentic donor relationships. Rachel breaks down how automation tools can help nonprofits stay connected with donors, reduce repetitive tasks, and free up time for more impactful work. Key Topics Covered: The value of automation in donor retention&nbs...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Heather Nelson, founder of Bridge Raise, to explore how small nonprofits can build successful corporate partnerships. They discuss common challenges, the importance of aligning values, and how nonprofits can confidently approach corporate funders, even small organizations. This episode provides essential strategies for nonprofits wanting to build meaningful corporate connections. Key Topics Covered: B...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Rhea Wong, a major gift fundraising expert and former nonprofit Executive Director, about building trust with major donors, consent-based fundraising, and the shifting philanthropic landscape. Rhea shares her experience navigating donor relationships, building trust, and tips for creating a successful major gifts program. Key Topics Covered: Building trust in major gift fundraising Consent-based fund...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Bryan shares her best tips for trauma-informed storytelling. She explains the importance of being sensitive to both the storyteller and the audience, emphasizing ethical practices. Both Maria’s share practical tips for conducting interviews with grace and care, as well as strategies for emotional self-care and processing difficult stories. Have you encountered challenges in telling sensitive stories? We would love to hea...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sarah Ali, a digital-first fundraiser and founder of SA Digital, about Muslim philanthropy, digital mobilization, and how nonprofits can engage diverse communities through culturally competent fundraising strategies. Sarah shares her expertise on leveraging digital tools like WhatsApp and her insights on the growing role of Muslim giving in the nonprofit space. Key Topics Covered: Muslim philanthropy &amp...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria talks with Kamilah Martin, founder and CEO of Katalyst, about nonprofits adapting to the future of work. They discuss evolving work models, remote and hybrid setups, and innovative leadership strategies. Kamilah shares her journey from nonprofit executive to consultant and offers insights on piloting new initiatives, shared leadership, and overcoming resistance to change. Tune in for practical tips on how nonprofits can embra...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society. Nina shares her insights into the fractional fundraising model, the benefits it has brought to her organization, and the challenges faced in arts fundraising. Together, they explore how fractional fundraising offers smaller nonprofits access to high-level fundraising expertise without the challenges of hiring a full-time development directo...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Quilen Blackwell, President and co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms. Quilen shares his remarkable journey of founding and growing a nonprofit with a thriving $2 million social enterprise. With a focus on sustainability, community development, and economic resilience, Quilen offers invaluable tips for nonprofits looking to scale effectively. Key Topics: Social enterprise success: from ...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria speaks with Kathryn LeBlanc, a communications consultant specializing in social impact. Kathryn shares valuable insights on the importance of clear, concise messaging for nonprofits, and how to effectively communicate your organization’s mission. Key Topics: The Importance of Clear Messaging Operationalizing Communications Developing Key Messages Identifying and Targeting Audiences Building Inter...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria interviews Carmen Randolph, the CEO and President of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). Carmen shares her insights into the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in the Southern United States, especially those led by and serving women and girls of color. The conversation covers the historical and systemic issues affecting philanthropy in the South, the growing legal challenges against organizations that prioritize mar...

Send us a textKey Episode Highlights: Trust-Based Philanthropy Challenging Outdated Norms Donor-Nonprofit Partnerships Quotable Moments: "I believe in the nonprofits we fund. They know better than I do where the money needs to go." "We need to move away from this idea that nonprofit staff should be underpaid. It's time to invest in the people who make change happen." "If nonprofits across the country could standardize a percentage of donations for admin cost...

Send us a Text Message.In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with Roz Zavras, founder of the Center for Community Collaboration (C3) and CEO of Aropa Consulting. Roz shares her unique approach to supporting community-based nonprofits, particularly those led by people of colour or individuals with lived experience. Through C3, Roz is finding innovative ways to foster collaboration, provide essential services, and break down the silos that often hinder nonprofits from ac...

Send us a textIn this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria welcomes Vu Le, a prominent voice in the nonprofit sector and the writer behind the influential blog Nonprofit AF. Known for his humor and sharp insights, Vu discusses his journey from “aspiring to be a doctor” to becoming a leader in community-centric fundraising and nonprofit advocacy. He shares his thoughts on the systemic issues within traditional fundraising practices, the importance of ethical storytelling, and the need f...

Send us a Text Message.How can we shift power dynamics in philanthropy and create more equitable partnerships between funders and nonprofits? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I chat with Megan Lorius, the Managing Director at the Sprott Foundation, a Toronto-based foundation that grants funds to organizations seeking to solve hunger and homelessness. We dive into the principles of trust-based philanthropy and how the Sprott Foundation, as a funder, applies them ...

Send us a Text Message.How can we create a more equitable and just nonprofit sector? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, we chat with Chris Talbot-Heindl, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit world. Chris shares their personal experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits today, particularly in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (JEDI). We explore the challenges faced by BIPOC individual...

Send us a Text Message.In a world where trust is paramount, how can small nonprofits ensure they're not just talking the talk, but walking the walk? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I chat with Rickesh Lakhani, founder of Radiance Advisory, about the importance of aligning actions with values in the nonprofit sector. We delve into the challenges of upholding stated values, especially during leadership transitions, and the significance of creating a culture of trust and tru...

Send us a Text Message.Do you find it challenging to connect with your donors on a deeper level and turn one-time gifts into lasting relationships? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we dive into the world of donor community building with Owen O'Doherty, the CEO of DonorSee. Owen shares his insights on how to leverage beneficiary-driven storytelling, technology, and authentic engagement to create a thriving community of donors who are passionate about your cause.Key Episode Highl...

Send us a Text Message.Have you ever thought about merging your nonprofit with another organization? Or maybe transferring a program to another nonprofit? If you're like me, you might be thinking, "That sounds complicated and risky!" But what if strategic collaboration could be the key to unlocking your nonprofit's full potential?In this episode, I chat with Michelle Shumate, a professor at Northwestern University and a consultant at Social Impact Network Consulting, . Michelle shares her fas...

Send us a Text Message.Are your nonprofit's efforts to build community feeling a bit... flat? Are you struggling to connect with your service users and donors in a meaningful way? On this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Ashley Alaniz-Moyer, Executive Director of the Hispanic Scholarship Consortium and co-founder of Refuerzo Collaborative, shares her insights on refreshing your approach to community engagement. Discover how to move beyond transactional interactions, infuse fun and creativ...

Send us a Text Message.Do you ever feel like your passion for nonprofit work has wilted? Are you constantly exhausted, overwhelmed, and struggling to find the motivation to keep going?You're not alone. In this episode, Kishshana Palmer and I dive into the pervasive issue of burnout in the nonprofit sector. We explore its causes, its impact on our work and well-being, and most importantly, practical strategies to reclaim your energy, passion, and joy.Kishshana, an expert in leadership and orga...

Send us a Text Message.Curious about balancing experience and fresh ideas on your nonprofit board? Seeking ways to keep fundraising events engaging in the digital age? Join a candid conversation with a mother-daughter duo as they share their diverse experiences and perspectives on board service, fundraising, and community engagement.In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio sits down with Suzy Wilcox, Director of Development at Evergreen, and her mother, Martha Schwieters, an active d...

Don’t chase money - have it chase you! In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, fundraising expert Michelle Benson reveals the tool nonprofits are most overlooking: LinkedIn.Transform your LinkedIn profile into a powerful fundraising tool with Michelle’s tips. She shares her proven strategies for optimizing your profile, creating engaging content, and building authentic relationships with potential funders. Learn how to attract high-value partnerships, secure grants, and even cultivate legacy ...

Does your org face the frustration of constantly losing your best fundraisers? Higher salaries, the pressure of unrealistic expectations, feeling undervalued, and being micromanaged are driving talented fundraisers out of the sector. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, fundraising expert Laura Vitelli shares practical insights on how small nonprofits can break this cycle. We discuss the current challenges nonprofits face with attracting and retaining top fundraising talent, and how a focu...