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.
Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions
Navigating Hiring Challenges and Finding Top Talent in 2025 with Maria & Caitlin
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 salary transparency is essential, how to support your employees beyond pay, and ways to streamline your hiring process to avoid common pitfalls. If you’re struggling with hiring or retention, this episode is a must-listen!
Why Is Hiring So Tough in 2025? – Episode Highlights:
- Why pay gaps and lack of transparency are pushing talent away.
- Why reducing remote options is a major dealbreaker for candidates.
- Understanding why fundraisers are leaving for higher pay and better support.
- How a long, disorganized hiring process can cost you top talent.
- From salary transparency to fractional hires, explore new ways to hire and retain staff.
🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable insights on nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategies, and ways to build a stronger team. Let’s tackle burnout and find sustainable solutions for your nonprofit.
Actionable Tips for Nonprofits Struggling to Hire:
➜ Post salary ranges: Transparent salaries are needed for equity and candidate trust.
➜ Offer competitive benefits: Flexibility, additional PTO, wellness perks, and professional development opportunities can make up for limited budgets.
➜ Speed up your hiring process: The longer you take, the more likely candidates will accept another offer. Stay organized and communicative.
➜ Retain before you replace: Conduct “stay interviews” to learn what your current staff need before they consider leaving.
➜ Think beyond full-time hires: Consider fractional or interim leadership roles, outsourcing, or internal promotions to fill gaps quickly.
Connect with Us:
- Maria Rio – Connect on LinkedIn
- Caitlin McBride – Connect on LinkedIn
Support the Podcast:
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Coming next week:
P.S. Join us next week to learn how leading with value can boost your nonprofit’s impact and strengthen community connections!