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    Business

    Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits

    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.

    Advertise

    Copyright: ℗ & © 2019 The Small Nonprofit

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    Latest Episodes:
    Writing Emails Donors Actually Want to Read Dec 16, 2025
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    Ever wondered why your nonprofit's email list is stuck at 400 contacts after decades of work? Join Maria Rio for a conversation with Jess Campbell, founder of Out in the Boons, who shares an uncomfortable truth: your email list is probably shrinking right now, and it's kneecapping your fundraising. Jess shares why email is 9-10 times more effective than social media, creative list-building tactics beyond event sign-ups, and how to shift from boring organizational updates to thought leadership content people actually want to read. She introduces the "loop method" for steady growth, tackles the "won't weekly emails be too much?" fear, and challenges nonprofits to stop staying silent on issues their communities care about.

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    How to ACTUALLY change hearts and minds Dec 09, 2025
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    What's the one thing you wish the public understood better about the problem you're solving?

    That gap between what people know and what you wish they knew? That's your narrative change work, and it should be driving every communication decision you make.

    On this week's episode, we break down how small nonprofits can stop reacting to headlines and start shaping the conversation around the issues they care about most.

    Maria sits down with Dimitrios Kalantzis, a nonprofit strategist, communications expert, and former journalist with 10 years of experience covering public affairs. From the "if only people knew" framework to treating your organization as essential reading, this conversation will help you change hearts and minds with confidence and clarity.

    Changing Hearts and Minds- The Highlights:

    1. Your nonprofit should function as its own media organization. With traditional journalism struggling and public affairs reporting declining, nonprofits have an opportunity to fill critical gaps. When supporters sign up for your newsletter, they should feel like you're essential reading on your issue.
    2. The "if only people knew" test reveals your narrative strategy. Every nonprofit leader has thought "if only the public knew [blank]." That gap between what people understand and what you wish they understood? That's your narrative change work. Let it guide your communications strategy.
    3. Lead by showing others how to think about the issue. Don't just react to how criminal justice, education, or homelessness is being discussed. Be the organization that demonstrates how we should be thinking about these problems in 2025 and beyond.

    Actionable Tips for Nonprofits to Changing Hearts and Minds:

    1. Lead with your strategic plan. Before commenting on any external event, ask: Does this align with our strategic plan? Is this serving our mission or confusing it? Your strategic plan should be your compass for every communications decision.
    2. Identify your "if only people knew" moment. What's the one thing you wish the public understood better about your issue? Write it down. That's your narrative change work, now build your communications strategy around closing that gap.
    3. Treat your newsletter like essential journalism. Position your organization as the go-to source on your issue. Share what you're learning, be transparent about challenges, and fill the gaps that traditional media is leaving behind.
    4. Bridge back to your message. When a news event pops off, you don't have to address every question or debate. Stay on message even if it feels repetitive to you, your audience needs to hear it.
    5. Don't engage with bad faith arguments. If someone is asking a question designed to distract or derail the conversation, don't take the bait. You only get pulled into the mud. Redirect to your core message or ignore it entirely.

    About Dimitrios Kalantzis (he/him)
    Dimitri is a nonprofit strategist and copywriter who helps small teams raise more money by getting clear on who they are, what they stand for, and how to say it out loud. He served as the first Director of Communications for Life After Hate, a national nonprofit dedicated to preventing violent extremism. Before that, he spent years as a journalist and editor.

    You can find him at fivefifteenmedia.com.

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    Fundraising for “The Perfect Victim” Dec 02, 2025
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    There's a reason some fundraising stories feel easier to tell than others. Stories about animals, "grateful" clients, and non-political solutions raise money quickly because they tap into what donors already believe about who deserves help. But what happens when those easy stories erase the complexity and humanity of the people you actually serve?

    On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio sits down with Esther Lee, a fundraising and equity strategist who's part of the inaugural Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council and a leader of the Asian Fundraisers in Canada Collective.

    The Highlights:

    • The "Ideal Victim" Framework: Esther introduces sociologist Nils Christie's concept of who society deems "deserving" of compassion; those seen as weak, vulnerable, respectable, and harmed by a clearly bad offender. Sound familiar? Nonprofits unconsciously replicate these biases every time we sanitize stories to make donors comfortable.
    • The Dog Campaign That Never Was: When Esther and her team of survivors gave extensive input on an intersectional campaign, the contractor delivered a direct mail piece featuring a cartoon dog. The entire appeal hinged on the shelter's pet program, completely erasing the refugee, immigrant, harm-reduction clients they actually served. It would've raised money but she refused to send it.
    • What Gets Left Out When You Lead with Pets: Every time Esther talked about the shelter's pets, donations poured in. But when she talked about systemic poverty, substance use, or the reality of being a newcomer survivor in Toronto's housing crisis? Uneasiness. The pattern revealed who donors saw as "deserving" of help or not.
    • Audit Your Storytelling Practices: Esther challenges listeners to look at who gets featured in newsletters, grant applications, and appeals. Are you sharing the full scope of challenges? Or are you scared to talk about complexity because you're trying to cultivate a donor base that wants simple stories?
    • The Cost Beyond Revenue: If you only measure success by money raised and ignore the trust you're losing with your community, staff, and the people you serve—that's a cost you can never fix. Esther asks: What metrics are you using? And who are you leaving out of your stories?

    Resources and Links:

    • Connect with Esther Lee on LinkedIn or visit Elevate Philanthropy Consulting. You can also read Esther's article here: "You're Not Feeling Imposter Syndrome, You Are an Imposter: Identity and Belonging in Nonprofit Work"

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    When Funders Try to Silence Your Advocacy with Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride Nov 25, 2025
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    What happens when the money your organization needs comes with a muzzle attached? In this bold and necessary conversation, Maria and Caitlin tackle one of the most uncomfortable truths in the nonprofit sector: funders using their financial power to silence organizational advocacy and control community narratives.

    On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, co-hosts Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride don't hold back as they share real stories of organizations facing pressure to stay quiet, stay neutral, and stay safe in exchange for funding. From the Ontario Trillium Foundation's anti-advocacy clauses to prolific donors demanding ideological alignment, this episode exposes how censorship happens behind closed doors and what nonprofit leaders can do to protect their mission.

    If you've ever felt pressured to soften your stance, avoid political issues, or accept funding that made you uncomfortable, this conversation will validate your concerns and give you practical strategies to stand your ground. Because serving your community means advocating for your community, even when it costs you.

    The Highlights:

    • The OTF investigation: How political appointments led to anti-advocacy clauses in funding agreements, and how public pressure eventually got them removed
    • Real consequences of saying "yes": Caitlin shares the personal story of turning down a longtime funder whose new agreement would have muzzled not just the organization, but individual staff and board members from speaking out
    • The Band-Aid trap: Why organizations that don’t advocate for systemic change end up keeping communities in cycles of dependency
    • When politicians weaponize nonprofits: Examples of how elected officials use organizations for photo ops and political gain while simultaneously trying to control their messaging
    • The performativity problem: How organizations publicly claim values they privately compromise through the funding agreements they sign

    Resources and Links:

    • Gabe Oatley's investigation into Ontario Trillium Foundation's anti-advocacy clauses
    • Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride

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    Leading While Latina: Identity, Power, and the Politics of Nonprofit Work Nov 18, 2025
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    What is it like to lead a nonprofit when you’re constantly being told you’re “too much” of one thing and “not enough” of another? On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Sharonne Navas shares what it’s been like to navigate a predominantly white sector as a first-gen American Latina. With experience spanning organizations like Para Los Niños, Ayuda, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and national justice movements, Sharonne names what it means to do deeply political work in a sector that loves to pretend it’s “neutral”.

    Maria sits down with Sharonne — co-founder and Executive Director of the Equity and Education Center in Seattle and a longtime advocate, organizer, and policy leader — to talk about identity, race, and power in nonprofit leadership. Nonprofit leaders will walk away with language to describe what they’re experiencing, validation that they’re not imagining it, and practical ideas to lead in ways that centre community, democracy, and their own humanity.

    The Highlights

    • Living in the “in-between” as a Latina ED – Sharonne reflects on growing up as the first American-born child of Central American immigrants, never feeling quite “Latina enough” or “American enough,” and how that plays out in mostly white nonprofit spaces.
    • Racism and tokenism in fundraising – From being treated as a bilingual “two-for-one” hire to working with wealthy donors, Sharonne names the microaggressions and structural issues that racialized leaders face in development and leadership roles.
    • Why nonprofits are inherently political – Sharonne challenges the idea that nonprofits should be “non-political,” framing our work as resistance in systems where governments have stepped back from their responsibilities to marginalized communities.
    • Democracy, philanthropy, and power – Drawing on her policy and advocacy work, she unpacks the contradictions of billionaire philanthropy.

    Resources and Links

    • Connect with our host, Maria Rio
    • Connect with our guest, Sharonne Navas

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    Nonprofit Leadership and The "PolyCrisis" Nov 11, 2025
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    The nonprofit sector is facing a “polycrisis”. In this candid conversation, we unpack how simultaneous shocks (policy shifts, funder chill, shrinking donor pools) are reshaping civil society and what small nonprofits can do to adapt. We talk about building durable strategies instead of episodic crisis responses, and how to make decisions that protect mission over ego. Just as importantly, we get real about leadership wellbeing: navigating fear, staying in productive tension, and knowing when to step back. You’ll hear concrete ways to hold both urgency and care without burning yourself out or your team.

    On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio sits down with consultant and movement leader Rachel D'Souza, founder and principal of Gladiator Consulting and a member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council. Together, they explore how nonprofit leaders can stay grounded, collaborative, and courageous in uncertain times, and what this moment asks of all of us.

    The Highlights:

    • Polycrisis = this is a structural reset, not a blip. Multiple shocks are hitting at once, from government pullbacks to donor-consolidation trends; this reset requires long-term strategy, not perpetual crisis appeals.
    • Leadership in ambiguity: Discomfort isn’t the same as harm; staying in relationship through tension is a core leadership skill right now.
    • Mission over ego: When resources shift, leaders may need to right-size, share services, merge, or even sunset, to preserve gains made.
    • Wellbeing as capacity: The sector isn’t well; leaders need practices that keep them resourced enough to make hard, long-horizon decisions.
    • Values alignment matters: If we claim justice externally, our internal policies and culture must reflect it.

    Actionable Tips for Nonprofits:

    • Create a “durability plan,” not just a crisis plan: Define 12–24 month funding scenarios, decision triggers (e.g., reserves level), and pre-agreed pivots (program pause, shared HR/finance).
    • Normalize productive tension: Add a “discomfort check” to meetings: name what feels hard, distinguish discomfort from harm, and agree on the next experiment.
    • Protect leadership capacity: Set non-negotiables (quiet hours, coverage plans, reflective time). Model boundaries so the team believes you mean it.
    • Align inside practices: Audit internal policies (pay equity, leave, flexibility) to match your external equity commitments. Then share that story with donors.

    Resources and Links:

    • Guest: Rachel D'Souza— Founder & Principal, Gladiator Consulting
      • Website: gladiatorrds.com
      • Instagram: @ConsultingGladiator
      • LinkedIn: Gladiator Consulting / Rachel D'Souza

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    Grant Writing: Getting to YES! with DeaRonda Harrison Nov 04, 2025
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    If you’re tired of chasing dead-end applications or hearing “we don’t accept unsolicited proposals,” this episode is for you. We dig into how to build a smarter pipeline by prioritizing funders that welcome new grantees. Then we tackle the myth of “hard-to-fund” programs (arts, advocacy, civic education, etc.) and show you how reframing your work to match donor priorities can unlock dollars without changing your programming.

    On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, grant expert DeaRonda Harrison shares practical ways small and mid-sized nonprofits can sharpen their prospecting and reposition “tough” programs, especially in shifting political climates. You’ll learn how to identify real opportunities, speak to funder focus areas, and package your outcomes in ways that resonate.

    The Highlights

    • Prospect where the odds are real: Use research tools to identify funders who funded new grantees last year and build your pipeline around them instead of chasing closed doors.
    • Positioning beats “hard-to-fund”: No program is inherently unfundable; reframe outcomes to align with funder interests.
    • Mindset shift for momentum: Swap “our program is hard to fund” for “we haven’t matched the right funder-message fit, yet.”
    • Save time, increase wins: Stop spending time on “no unsolicited proposals” and redirect to open, new-grantee-friendly funders.

    Actionable Tips for Nonprofits

    • Start your list with “new grantees” filters: Find 20–30 funders who added new organizations last year; prioritize by alignment and deadlines.
    • Write a 1-paragraph positioning brief: For each program, list the community problem, your outcome, and 1–2 crosswalks to current funder priorities (e.g., “street outreach → community building”).
    • Qualify fast: If a funder is closed to unsolicited proposals and has no pathway to connect, park them for later and move on.
    • Collect proof points: Gather quotes, stories, or early indicators (surveys, sign-ups, attendance) that validate your reframed outcomes.

    Resources and Links

    • Connect with our host, Maria Rio
    • Connect with our guest, DeaRonda Harrison
    • DeaRonda’s website
    • Support our show. We are fully self-funded!
    • Watch this episode on YouTube
    • Need help with your fundraising?

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    From Donor-Centric to Community-Centric Fundraising Oct 28, 2025
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    From Donor-Centric to Community-Centric: Building Equity Into Fundraising

    Most “best practices” put donors and boards at the top of the pyramid - and everyone else (staff, volunteers, service users) at the bottom.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down the shift from donor-centric to community-centric fundraising and why this change is key to building a more equitable nonprofit sector.

    Maria unpacks how covert white supremacy shows up in nonprofit culture, from “tone-policing” to donor hero narratives, and what it looks like to root those habits out in everyday fundraising. She also shares how fundraisers can start bringing donors into these conversations—challenging outdated ideas about overhead, pushing back on problematic donations, and transforming donors into real partners for justice.

    Maria shares the mindset, tools, and examples every fundraiser needs to move from good intentions to meaningful action—without burning out or compromising their values.

    Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

    • Why community-centric fundraising is more than a trend; it’s a reimagining of how nonprofits build power and impact.
    • The hidden ways white supremacy culture shows up in fundraising practices (and how to spot them).
    • How to have respectful but firm conversations with donors about overhead, dignity, and equity.
    • Why “no” can be the most ethical and mission-aligned answer to a donation.
    • How to turn donors into true advocates and allies for systemic change.

    🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!

    Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits – 5 Actionable Tips:

    • Audit your fundraising practices — Identify donor-centric habits that center wealth instead of community.
    • Educate your donors — Share resources like the Community-Centric Fundraising Hub and invite donors to learn alongside your team.
    • Challenge problematic donations — Ask: “Does this gift align with our mission and values?” before saying yes.
    • Talk openly about overhead — Frame it as the cost of doing meaningful, sustainable work—not a burden.
    • Reframe donor relationships — Position them as collaborators in social change, not saviors.

    Resources and Links

    • Community-Centric Fundraising Hub
    • Vu Le’s Nonprofit AF Blog
    • Connect with Maria Rio on LinkedIn
    • Support The Small Nonprofit Podcast — we’re fully self-funded! Donate here
    • Watch this episode on YouTube
    • Need help with your fundraising?

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    Grant Writing Strategies That Work Oct 21, 2025
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    Grants look easy from the outside: download a form, fill it in, wait for the cheque. In reality? Cold applications rarely convert, and the magic happens off the application portal. On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin McBride unpack why grants are not the quick win many organizations expect and how a single 15-minute call can completely change your pitch, and your odds. We break down what funders won’t put on their website, why most “perfect fit” applications still miss, and how to flip your process from “apply first” to “build trust first.” If you’ve been told to “just send more grants,” but aren’t seeing the results you want, this one’s for you.

    Grant Writing for Nonprofits - The Highlights:

    1. Cold grants rarely win funds
      Caitlin shared a study by grant consultant Valerie Grant that analyzed 270 grants over 19 months. When organizations submitted cold applications with no prior connection, the approval rate was 7 percent. That means 93 percent were denied. High volume without strategy burns time.
    2. Relationships exponentially increase your odds
      When there was prior contact or a relationship, the approval rate rose to 17 percent - a 140 percent increase. Funders often clarify fit, timing, and budget in conversation. Sometimes the formal application follows an informal yes.
    3. Expect a 12-to-18-month runway
      Grants are a long game. Many wins come after a first rejection, a feedback loop, and a re-application in the next cycle. Most funders have fixed windows, internal review processes, and shifting priorities that you cannot rush. Plan your efforts and your expectations accordingly.
    4. Do not build your budget on speculative grants
      Caitlin is conservative: she only budgets grants that are multi-year or renewed reliably with active stewardship. If you base a program plan on a hoped-for grant and it does not land, the fallout can be severe.
    5. Capacity and clarity come before hiring a grant writer
      A grant writer cannot save a weak system. You need a clear project or program, measurable outcomes, data collection, stories, and a stewardship plan. Your website must make you findable and credible; you should post annual reports, impact stats, audited financials, and real stories. Funders do their homework.

    🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!

    Grant Writing for Nonprofits – 3 Actionable Tips:

    1. Call before you apply
      Use staff and board networks or mutual LinkedIn connections to secure a warm intro. Go in to validate: Are we a fit right now? What range makes sense? Which program aligns best? You will learn things not listed online and avoid misaligned applications.
    2. Measure the right inputs
      Track leading metrics, not just submissions; track the number of funder calls, touch points, impact stats gathered, stories captured, and stewardship initiatives delivered on time. These behaviors drive results. Counting applications alone rewards activity, not strategy.
    3. Pair grants with unrestricted revenue
      Grants are often project-restricted and many funders favor new projects. Build unrestricted revenue through individual giving or earned income so you can fund raises, rent, and tech. Trust-based funders are growing, but you still need a balanced revenue mix.

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    4-Day Week: Real Results of Implementing Oct 14, 2025
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    A four-day work week is not a gimmick. Done right, it can reduce burnout, stabilize output, and help you keep great people. Our guest today shares that after two years of doing a 4-day work week model, they saw a 46% increase in staff morale and wellbeing. This is only one of the many amazing benefits Imagine Canada has seen!

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Jodene Baker, Vice President of Research, Advocacy and External Relations at Imagine Canada. Jodene oversees national research and policy efforts supporting Canada’s nonprofit sector. Imagine Canada also builds tools like Grant Connect and advocates federally to strengthen the sector. Maria and Jodene discuss the challenges of starting, decent work practices, and how to measure the unmeasurable.

    4-Day Work Week for Nonprofits - The Highlights:

    1. Why try a four-day week in the first place
      The sector is stretched: lower average pay, rising demand, and chronic burnout. Imagine Canada saw the same internal pressures and chose to test a four-day week to improve staff wellbeing and retention while holding impact.
    2. Their model is 100 percent pay, 80 percent time, 100 percent outcomes
      Imagine Canada works Monday to Thursday and closes Fridays. There is no pay cut and no compressed schedule. This pilot began in January 2023 and is now extended through 2026. It remains a pilot so they can keep measuring and adjust if needed.
    3. Preparation made the shift workable
      They joined the Four Day Week Global pilot, created a cross-functional staff group, set clear goals, and defined success metrics. They also cleaned up calendars:
      • Audited and shortened meetings
      • Made Monday afternoons meeting-free internally
      • Blocked Fridays well in advance to build the habit
    4. Measured results: wellbeing up, sick days down, impact stable
      They track roughly 50 metrics across wellbeing, productivity, and outputs.
    5. Recruitment and retention improved
      Candidates now cite the four-day week as a reason to apply. Staff attrition has dropped exponentially.

    🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!

    ✨ Key Quote

    “The four day work week is a tactic - to help tackle wellbeing and equity challenges without needing to increase wages.” – Jodene Baker

    4-Day Work Week for Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips:

    1. Do a calendar cleanse before you change schedules
      Remove or shorten recurring meetings. Pilot a no internal meetings block on Friday and a second block on Monday afternoon. This builds focus time, reduces context switching, and makes a four day schedule realistic.
    2. Decide your goals and metrics first
      Be clear about what you want to improve and what must be protected. Examples: morale, sick days, turnover, core outputs, donor response times. Build a simple dashboard, survey staff, and review quarterly.
    3. Adapt the model to your operating reality
      Frontline or high-access orgs can stagger schedules: Team A works Mon-Thu and Team B works Tue-Fri. You can also test summer Fridays, rotating days, or a 9-day fortnight. Pair any schedule with decent work practices like personal days, clear sick leave, and paid PD. The goal is capacity and wellbeing, not a rigid recipe.

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