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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:
    How EDs Lead Through a Governance Crisis in Nonprofit Oct 07, 2025
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    When a nonprofit faces a full board turnover, staff departures, and community outrage all at once, most Executive Directors want to run away. Nina Horvath stayed.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, producers of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Years ago, Nina joined Coastal as their ED just two weeks before a contentious AGM that resulted in a complete board shake-up. What followed was months of turmoil, community mistrust, and staff uncertainty. Through transparency, communication, and stubborn resilience, Nina helped guide the organization back to stability. Her leadership built psychological safety, trust with the community, and provided much-needed calm through the storm.

    Governance Crisis in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

    1. Transparency is your anchor in chaos
      Closed doors fuel suspicion. Nina used weekly all-staff meetings and open communication so people knew what was happening and why.
    2. Community needs a seat at the table
      Quarterly town halls gave members and musicians space to ask questions, share feedback, and hold leadership accountable.
    3. A transition board can stabilize governance
      A small, mixed transition board of former members and community reps helped build the path forward in a collaborative way.
    4. Funders will stick with you if you are honest
      One-on-one check-ins with major funders, plus a clear plan forward, kept support intact.
    5. Leadership in crisis is about trust, not perfection
      Nina second-guessed herself early. Her advise to her past self would be to ground decisions in values and move at the speed of trust.

    🎧 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!

    Governance Crisis in Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips

    1. Set steady communication rhythms:
      Hold weekly all-staff check-ins and regular board updates. Silence invites rumors.
    2. Create public accountability moments:
      Run quarterly community updates or town halls. Share progress and the messy middle. Visibility builds credibility.
    3. Ask for help sooner:
      Bring in mentors, peers, or advisors. Outside perspective keeps you from carrying it alone.

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    Nonprofit Staff Are Not OK: The Changemaker Wellbeing Index Sep 30, 2025
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    The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index Report shows that 30% of nonprofit workers are experiencing food insecurity. This new study confirms what so many in our sector already feel every day: burnout, financial strain, and constant pressure.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio is joined by Caitlin McBride, CFRE, a fundraising executive with over a decade of experience. Together, they unpack Future of Good’s 2025 Change Maker Wellbeing Index and what it reveals about food security, mental health, and overall wellbeing across Canadian nonprofits.

    Burnout in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

    1. We’re not in alignment with our values
      The study found that about 30% of nonprofit staff are experiencing food insecurity. Many organizations try to fight poverty in the community while it is happening inside their own four walls.
    2. Wellbeing is alarmingly low
      In arts, culture, and recreation, nearly half of staff reported poor wellbeing. Government-linked organizations like schools and hospital foundations reported lower but still concerning rates.
    3. Leadership and frontline experiences are different
      About half of entry-level and frontline staff reported poor wellbeing, compared to about 30% in senior leadership. Power, pay, and job security shape stress in very different ways.
    4. Turnover creates sector-wide brain drain
      More than 70% of entry-level staff who quit nonprofit roles leave the sector entirely. That is loss of experience, momentum, and future leadership.
    5. The future of the sector is at risk without change
      If early-career staff burn out and leave, organizations lose continuity and capacity. Sustainable missions require sustainable workplaces.

    🎧 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

    “Doing good does not put food on the table. Just because someone wants to make a difference does not mean it should come at the expense of their health or financial security.” – Caitlin McBride

    Burnout in Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips

    1. Compete on decent work
      If salary increases are limited, pull other levers: four-day work weeks, flexible schedules, real time off, meeting caps, and workload boundaries. However, if you can raise pay do it.
    2. Invest in systems for stability
      Track attrition, build simple budgets, create documented processes, and plan beyond year-end. Stable systems reduce chaos and protect staff wellbeing.
    3. Make wellbeing a core sustainability strategy
      Treat staff health and security as mission-critical. Align internal practices with external values so your team experiences the dignity your programs promise.

    Support the show

    Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits Sep 23, 2025
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    Small nonprofits deserve BIG support. However, many fundraisers stumble while trying one to one relationships with major donors without it feeling fake, forced, or transactional. Fundraising is not sales; it is matchmaking. At the heart of every major gift is a shared why: the values and experiences that connect you, your mission, and your donors.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down how small nonprofits can shift their mindset about major gifts, move past common fears, and start building authentic, lasting relationships with donors.

    Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits: The Highlights

    1. Fundraising Begins With Your Why
      Donors are not just buying into what your organization does - they are connecting with why you do it. Leading with your “why” helps you find alignment and build deeper trust.
    2. Limiting Beliefs Hold Fundraisers Back
      Common fears like "I don’t know how to ask," "I don’t know wealthy people," or "fundraising feels like begging" stop many from even trying. Naming and reframing these beliefs is the first step to moving past them.
    3. Fundraising Is Not Begging - It Is Partnership
      Begging means asking for something in exchange for nothing. Fundraising is offering donors a chance to live in alignment with their values and invest in the world they want to see. Lean into the psychology of fundraising.
    4. Rejection Is Not the End
      A no does not mean rejection of you or your cause - it simply means the timing or priority is not right for the donor. Every no gets you closer to a stronger yes.
    5. Communication Goes Beyond Words
      How you show up matters more than a perfect script. Your tone, presence, body language, and ability to listen all play a bigger role in building donor confidence and connection than memorized lines.

    🎧 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 from Maria:
    "Fundraising is not about convincing someone to give - it is about connecting them to a mission they already care about." - Maria Rio

    Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips

    1. Reframe Fundraising as Matchmaking
      Think of yourself as the bridge between a donor’s values and your cause. You are not selling - you are introducing two parties who already belong together.
    2. Use the FORM Framework to Build Rapport
      Ask about Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Material interests to find common ground. Share about yourself too so it feels like a genuine relationship, not an interview.
    3. Anchor Every Ask in a Clear Story
      Focus on one problem, one solution, one result, and one impact. This keeps the conversation simple and powerful while helping donors clearly see the role they can play.

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    Audience Building for Nonprofits Sep 16, 2025
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    Growing your organization is about smarter, easier touchpoints. It’s about how small nonprofits can show up where people already are, build real connection, and grow a brand that attracts donors, partners, and advocates.
    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio is joined by Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at Charity: Water. Christa brings a wealth of experience leading technology, product, and data innovation at one of the world’s most recognized nonprofits. Together, they dig into how nonprofits can use technology and partnerships to deepen empathy, engage new audiences, and grow sustainable revenue.

    Audience Building for Nonprofits: The Highlights

    1. Nonprofits don’t need to compete for scraps:
      The real opportunity is to expand generosity overall. Whether through brand partnerships, tech, or social enterprise models, the sector wins when the giving pie gets bigger.
    2. Trust is a built-in nonprofit advantage:
      Strict reporting and transparency requirements give nonprofits credibility that influencers or corporations cannot always guarantee.
    3. Technology can drive revenue, not just costs:
      At Charity: Water, tech is seen as a way to build donor products, deepen engagement, and grow giving - not just an overhead line item.
    4. Partnerships are powerful growth tools:
      From influencers to retail experiences, nonprofits can use creative partnerships to show up in everyday spaces where people already spend their time and money.
    5. Long-term sustainability matters:
      Unlike corporate campaigns, nonprofits are designed to deliver solutions that last. We’re experts at building trust with communities and donors who want to see their dollars have real staying power.

    🎧 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!

    Audience Building for Nonprofits: ️ 3 Actionable Tips

    1. Know your audience
      Get clear on who you are trying to reach and where they spend their time. Local nonprofits may focus on community events, while larger ones might lean on digital strategies.
    2. Experiment with partnerships
      You don’t need a global brand to start. Partner with a coffee shop, an influencer, or a local business to amplify your message and create new touchpoints.
    3. Lead with transparency
      Share stories, impact data, and even challenges openly. Donors want to see not just where their money went, but how it created change.

    Resources and Links

    • Connect with our host, Maria Rio
    • Connect with our guest, Christa Stelzmuller
    • Check out Charity: Water website!
    • Watch this episode on YouTube
    • Support our show. We are fully self-funded!
    • Need help with your fundraising?
    • Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

    Support the show

    AI in Nonprofits: Re-engaging Your Community Sep 09, 2025
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    Storytelling is the heartbeat of nonprofit fundraising - and now, AI is giving organizations new ways to capture and share those stories while still keeping a human touch at the center.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Gustavo Zylberberg, Co-founder and CEO of Vitalcy, an AI-powered alumni engagement platform helping nonprofits reconnect with their communities, strengthen relationships, and unlock new donor support.

    AI Storytelling in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

    1. Bandwidth is the biggest barrier
      Most nonprofits are not resisting AI - they are just stretched too thin to explore it. Lack of time and staff capacity is the real challenge.
    2. AI strengthens community ties
      When used well, AI can capture and amplify personal stories that reconnect alumni or past participants with a mission, turning memories into renewed engagement and donor support.
    3. Fear is normal, but not permanent
      Nonprofits may hesitate because AI feels overwhelming or too big. Starting small and experimenting is the best way to push past fear and discover practical value.
    4. Ethical storytelling still matters most
      AI can make processes faster, but human review and dignity safeguards are critical. Technology should enhance authenticity, not replace it.
    5. AI is an enabler, not a replacement
      Just like the internet transformed nonprofit work, AI is becoming part of daily operations. But the human relationships at the heart of fundraising will always remain.

    🎧 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

    “Fundraising is human work at its core. AI should never erase that – it should help nonprofits do it more authentically, more efficiently, and at greater scale.” – Gustavo Zylberberg

    Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders to Harness AI Effectively:

    1. Start small with curiosity
      Go into tools like ChatGPT and ask simple questions about how they might make your job easier. You don’t need to overhaul everything, just dip your toes.
    2. Train AI on your organization’s own messaging
      Whether it is appeals, alumni stories, or newsletters, the more you feed AI about your nonprofit, the more useful and accurate it becomes.
    3. Pair efficiency with authenticity
      Use AI for first drafts or systems support, but keep a human voice and review in your storytelling. The goal is not speed for its own sake, but deeper connection with your community.

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    Donor Stewardship: Community-Centric Segmentation and Practices Sep 02, 2025
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    Your top donors don’t just write big cheques; they could be folding newsletters in your conference room every Tuesday or serving on your board for the third consecutive year.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we're exploring on what it means to steward supporters through a Community-Centric Fundraising lens. We're sharing ways we’ve shown gratitude to people who show up for your mission with time, talent, advocacy, and yes, dollars too. We challenge the traditional approach of stewarding people based solely on gift amounts and explore who really deserves your high-touch attention (spoiler: it's not just your $1,000+ donors).

    1. Volunteers Are Major Donors in Disguise

    Your regular volunteers are often contributing the equivalent of $15,000-$60,000 in staff time, yet most organizations don't steward them like major donors. That volunteer who designed your website for free? That's a $15,000 gift that deserves the same recognition as a financial contribution of that size.

    2. Monthly Donors Deserve VIP Treatment

    Even a $5 monthly donor should be in your major giving category. These supporters show incredible commitment and loyalty, and research shows they're likely to increase their giving over time. Plus, they're your best candidates for additional campaign gifts and planned giving opportunities.

    3. Your Staff Are Subsidizing Your Mission

    Every nonprofit staff member is essentially making a $20,000-$30,000 gift by accepting below-market wages. During the current hiring and retention crisis, treating staff with the same stewardship approach you'd use for major donors isn't just nice. It's smart business.

    4. Longevity Matters More Than Single-Year Giving

    A donor who's given $100 for five consecutive years is more valuable than someone who gave $500 once. Length of relationship and consistency of support are stronger indicators of future giving potential than one-time gift amounts.

    5. Meaningful Stewardship Is About Connection, Not Cost

    The most impactful stewardship often costs very little. A quick, personal email sharing a story you just heard can be more meaningful than an expensive branded gift. Authenticity trumps fancy materials every time.

    Resources and Links

    o Connect with our host, Maria Rio

    o Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride

    o Support our show. We are fully self-funded!

    o Watch this episode on YouTube

    o Need help with your fundraising?

    o Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

    Support the show

    Why DEI Fails in Nonprofits (and How to Do It Right) Aug 26, 2025
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    Is your nonprofit struggling to turn DEI intentions into meaningful action?

    Fear, burnout, and performative allyship often hold us back from creating truly equitable organizations. But what if we could move beyond discomfort into sustainable change?

    In this episode, Maria sits down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, an equity educator and nonprofit consultant, to explore the real reasons why DEI work stalls and how to finally make it stick. They discuss power dynamics, fear of being "canceled," the broken board structure, and how small nonprofits can lead with community and strategy at the center.

    Justice Work in Nonprofits: – The Highlights:

    • Why traditional nonprofit boards are “a dysfunctional hot mess” (his words 😆)
    • How fear paralyzes well-meaning teams and leaders
    • The difference between being canceled and being held accountable
    • 4 stages of meaningful equity work (Assessment → Acknowledgement → Learning → Action)
    • How to center equity across fundraising, governance, and communications

    🎧 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!

    About Jonathan Meagher-Zayas:

    Jonathan Meagher-Zayas is a global educator, equity strategist, and nonprofit consultant. With 14+ years in fundraising, DEI work, and community organizing, he now empowers nonprofits to assess their internal systems, build more inclusive strategies, and take meaningful action toward equity.

    Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders to Advance Equity:

    ➜ Start with an internal assessment: Before jumping into training or committees, assess your org's culture, systems, and staff perspectives to understand where change is most needed.

    ➜ Engage your community in the process: Talk to your staff, board, and the people you serve. Let their lived experiences guide your equity goals—not just checklists or trends.

    ➜ Invest in internal capacity: If you're asking people to lead DEI efforts, pay them, redistribute their workload, and give them authority—not just responsibility.

    Resources and Links

    • Connect with our host, Maria Rio
    • Connect with our guest, Jonathan Meagher-Zayas
    • Support our show. We are fully self-funded!
    • Watch this episode on YouTube
    • Need help with your fundraising?
    • Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

    Support the show

    Social Enterprise: Earned Revenue for Nonprofits Aug 19, 2025
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    Social enterprises aren't only about earning or diversifying revenue; they’re key to finding creative, sustainable ways to advance your mission while serving your community with dignity.

    In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio chats with Tom Armitage, who has been leading The SEED, a project of the Guelph Community Health Centre, for almost 10 years. The SEED is dedicated to ensuring that everyone in the community has access to good food, and along the way they have built innovative programming, including a social enterprise, that rethink how nonprofits can deliver impact.

    Meet the Guest

    Tom Armitage is the driving force behind The Seed. With a background in agriculture and local food systems, not business, he is proof that passion and persistence matter more than waiting to get an MBA. Over nearly a decade, Tom has helped grow The SEED from a central food distribution idea into a multi-program social enterprise reaching thousands of people.

    5 Key Takeaways

    1. Start with Real Community Needs
      The SEED was born out of a lack of infrastructure in Guelph. Agencies were struggling with storage and distribution, while people facing poverty were subjected to invasive, stigmatizing processes. Centralizing food storage and access improved both dignity and efficiency.
    2. Social Enterprise is Part of the Solution, Not the Whole Answer
      From the beginning, The SEED designed a wholesale program that took a small margin on food sales, stretching limited grant further. But Tom is clear - no single program fully funds itself. Social enterprises can reduce reliance on grants, but it does not automatically eliminate the need for funders and donors.
    3. Pilot First, Scale Later
      The SEED did not dive into big projects overnight. They started small - like testing sliding-scale markets - then expanded when the model worked. This iterative approach minimized risk and made scaling more sustainable.
    4. Speak the Language of Business
      By talking about margins, efficiencies, and outcomes, Tom found that funders and business leaders connect more easily with The SEED‘s mission. It builds credibility and opens new doors for partnerships.
    5. Don’t Lose Sight of the Big Picture
      Even with impressive growth moving millions of dollars’ worth of food annually, Tom always brings conversations back to the root causes of food insecurity: poverty and income inequality. Programs help, but systemic change is what really solves the problem.

    🎧 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!

    3 Actionable Tips for Small Nonprofits & Fundraisers

    1. Ask Tough Questions Before Launching a Social Enterprise
      Look at your fundraising strategy first and think carefully about your participants. Will charging for a service create barriers? If they aren’t your customers, who is? How will you reach them? Social enterprise should enhance your mission, not compete with it.
    2. Start Small, Learn, and Grow
      Instead of going all-in, test your idea at a small scale. Use real-world results to refine the model and build a stronger case for funders when you are ready to expand.
    3. Frame Impact in Business Terms
      When speaking to donors, funders, or local businesses, use language they understand - like ROI, efficiency, and value creation

    Support the show

    The Network Myth: A Hiring Red Flag Aug 12, 2025
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    Relying on a fundraiser’s personal network isn’t a fundraising strategy; it’s a shortcut that can cost your nonprofit big in the long run.

    In this episode, Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride unpack why this common hiring question is a major red flag, what it reveals about an organization’s approach to fundraising, and how small nonprofits can shift toward healthier, more sustainable donor relationships.

    Meet the Hosts

    • Maria Rio: Expert fundraiser with 10+ years of experience helping Executive Directors secure the funding they need without the overwhelm.
    • Caitlin McBride: Certified Fundraising Executive with a decade of experience making fundraising less chaotic and more doable for small nonprofits.

    5 Key Takeaways

    1. Fundraising Is About Mission, Not Personal Rolodexes
      A fundraiser’s job is to connect donors to the mission, not just to themselves. The strongest relationships are built between donors and the organization’s cause, not one staff member.
    2. “Who Do You Know?” Reveals Short-Term Thinking
      When nonprofits ask this, they’re often chasing quick wins instead of building long-term fundraising systems. It signals a lack of investment in donor stewardship.
    3. It’s an Inequitable Expectation
      Not everyone has a wealthy, well-connected network. Tying job eligibility to personal privilege shuts out talented, values-aligned fundraisers from diverse backgrounds.
    4. Over-Reliance on One Person is Risky
      If donor relationships live only with one fundraiser, they walk out the door when that person leaves. That’s a high-stakes gamble for any small nonprofit.
    5. You Need Hunters AND Farmers
      Hunters go after big gifts fast; farmers cultivate relationships for the long haul. The best fundraising teams balance both approaches for sustainable growth.

    🎧 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:

    “Focus on relationships between the mission and the donor, not just between the fundraiser and the donor.” – Caitlin McBride

    3 Actionable Tips for EDs & Hiring Managers

    • Hire for Relationship-Building Skills
      Ask candidates how they build, deepen, and sustain donor relationships. Skip the “who do you know” question; it doesn’t measure actual fundraising ability.
    • Build Systems That Keep Donors Connected to the Mission
      Use stewardship processes, regular communication, and impact storytelling so donors feel invested in the cause regardless of staff changes.
    • Prioritize Values Alignment Over Access to Wealth
      Fundraisers who share your mission’s values will build stronger, more authentic relationships that last – no matter who’s in their contact list.

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    5 Trends Redefining Nonprofits by 2035 Aug 05, 2025
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    The nonprofit world is changing FAST - and the way we fundraise, build teams, and connect with communities is being rewritten in real time. If you’ve been feeling the tension between keeping your nonprofit afloat today and preparing for tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen.

    In this solo episode, Maria Rio dives into five powerful forces shaping the future of the nonprofit sector and lays out what organizations might look like by 2035. From workforce shifts and AI adoption to government instability and DEI backlash, Maria doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges but she also shares smart ways small nonprofits can stay resilient, ethical, and effective through it all.

    The Future of Nonprofit Organizations: The Highlights

    1. The nonprofit workforce is already in crisis....and it’s getting worse.
      Hiring and retention are major hurdles, with salary competition, burnout, and tight budgets making it hard to maintain strong teams. By 2035, nonprofits may rely more heavily on fractional staff and consultants, while in-house roles shrink to essential functions.
    2. Fundraising will rely even more on the ultra-wealthy.
      Donor concentration is increasing. Fewer donors are giving more, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) hold billions in untapped potential. While this creates big opportunities, it also makes funding riskier. A single major donor changing course could disrupt an entire budget.
    3. AI is transforming how nonprofits work, but not always for the better.
      From grant writing to stewardship emails, nonprofits are embracing AI. But too much automation risks alienating donors and devaluing relationships. Stewardship that feels “too perfect” may be seen as inauthentic, and relational fundraisers will become even more critical.
    4. Government funding is becoming unreliable and politicized.
      Nonprofits are facing freezes, layoffs, and rising scrutiny—especially if they advocate for equity. Some governments are threatening charitable status based on political alignment, putting advocacy-focused organizations at serious risk.
    5. DEI and CCF efforts are facing backlash but they’re not going away.
      While many staff support Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) and DEI, boards are hesitant or outright opposed. The result? Tension, watered-down messaging, and even lawsuits. But Maria sees a continued rise in CCF adoption, especially among younger, justice-focused fundraisers.

    🎧 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!

    3 Actionable Tips for Small Nonprofits:

    1. Start building your future team now.
      Think beyond full-time hires. Begin exploring how consultants, fractional leaders, and AI tools can support your mission while keeping burnout and payroll manageable.
    2. Diversify your revenue and donor pool.
      Relying on one major donor or a single grant is risky. Start developing earned revenue strategies, invest in planned giving, and engage donors who align with your values.
    3. Revisit your policies before backlash hits.
      Now’s the time to review your gift acceptance policy, create (or update) your AI usage policy, and plan for donor education around your values. This will prepare you for political shifts, funder scrutiny, and community questions.

    🎧 Resources + Links

    • Connect with our host, Maria Rio
    • Support our show. We are fully self-funded!
    • Watch this episode on YouTube <

    Support the show

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