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
The Network Myth: A Hiring Red Flag
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
- 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. - “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. - 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. - 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. - 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.