
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
Building a Fundraising Board
Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
Building a Fundraising Board
Fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board.
In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderstanding of what fundraising even is, we’re breaking down the myths, sharing real-world tactics, and giving you the mindset shifts that actually work.
📌 Don’t forget: We’ve included a Board Fundraising Menu in the show notes with a full list of task ideas you can assign based on your org’s real needs. Plus, we’re also sharing a companion script guide to help your board get even more confident and consistent in their outreach.
🔑 Getting Your Board to Fundraise - 5 Key Takeaways
- Fundraising ≠ Begging
The fear that fundraising is "icky" or akin to begging is one of the biggest blockers. Reframing it as an invitation into community shifts everything. - Boards Don't Understand Fundraising—Because No One Taught Them
Most board members have never been trained. They’re not unmotivated—they’re just unclear on what fundraising actually involves. - Matchmaking, Not Sales
Great fundraising is about alignment, not persuasion. If the mission and the person don’t align, that’s okay—you’re just finding the right match. - Board Members' Personal Stories Are Their Superpower
A board member sharing why they care hits harder than any brochure. Storytelling > strategy. - Accountability = Clarity + Relationship
Board engagement skyrockets when expectations are clear, roles are specific, and there's a personal connection—like pairing with a staff member.
🎧 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
- Assign by Name, Not Role
“The board” doesn’t do anything. Sam, Deirdre, and James do. Assign clear names to tasks and follow up. It makes a BIG difference. - Use the 1-30-10-7 Pitch Practice
Have board members practice describing the org in 1 minute, 30 seconds, 10 seconds, and finally 7 seconds. That short pitch becomes their go-to confidence builder. - Build In Buddy Accountability
Pair each board member with a development staffer. It keeps them engaged, informed, and supported and stops them from sending those “should we ask Oprah?” emails to your ED.
Resources and Links
- Connect with our host, Maria Rio
- Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride
- Support our show. We are fully self-funded!
- Board fundraising menu
- Board fundraising scripts