Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

Send us Fan Mail Ever tried to juggle visionary ideas, tight budgets, and a team that spans every learning style under the sun? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit , Maria sits down with management coach and EDI powerhouse Marisa Tran (they/them) to unpack what “people-first, consent-based leadership” really looks like when you’re running a small shop.  Marisa is an autistic, gender-queer, Iris...

Send us Fan Mail Good Works estimates that a staggering $280 billion in estate wealth is expected to flow into Canadian charities. That’s not a number small nonprofits can afford to overlook. Planned giving doesn’t have to be exclusive, intimidating, or tax-code-heavy. In this episode, we dive into how small nonprofits can approach planned giving in a way that’s equitable, inclusive, and deeply al...

Send us Fan Mail Too many small nonprofits build their budgets on optimism alone, dreaming big without the strategy or infrastructure to back it up. This episode is all about why that’s a problem, and how to stop the cycle of setting fundraising goals that hurt more than they help.  In this episode of The Small Nonprofit , Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin McBride get real about what it means to set r...

Send us Fan Mail Street fundraising teaches you more than grit, it teaches you the psychology of yes. Maria shares how to use these powers for good.  In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares real-world insights from her time as a face-to-face fundraiser, where she learned the science and subtlety behind why people say yes. It’s about harnessing cognitive biases and psychology t...

Send us Fan Mail Marketing doesn’t have to mean manipulation. But for many small nonprofits, common practices like donor recognition, emotional appeals, and urgency-driven fundraising can unintentionally cause harm. In this episode, Maria and anti-oppressive marketer Natalia Sanyal unpack how to shift your messaging and methods without compromising your values or your impact.  Natalia works with h...

Send us Fan Mail Running a small nonprofit often means juggling strategy, people, programs, and inbox chaos, all while making what feels like a million decisions a day. If you’ve ever felt stuck between leading and just trying to keep up, this episode is for you.  In this candid and insightful conversation, Maria chats with returning guest Veronica LaFemina about one of the most overlooked pain po...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.   If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall  How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit   Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we break down...

Send us Fan Mail Wondering how to make millions for your nonprofit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms, as he shares how sustainability and social enterprise can transform communities. Quilen discusses his journey from starting with zero funds to running a $2 million nonprofit. Learn how his organization uses vacant lot...

Send us Fan Mail Does making your nonprofit feel inclusive seem impossible? Today,  we're getting real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sector. Join host Maria Rio and Michelle Okere, an expert in nonprofit equity, diversity, and inclusion, as they discuss how communication and belonging play a crucial role in nonprofit success. Michelle shares her lived experience and practical...

Send us Fan Mail How about turning your LinkedIn profile into a powerful fundraising tool? Join Maria Rio and LinkedIn expert, Michelle Benson, as they share actionable strategies for nonprofits to build their digital presence and attract funders via LinkedIn. In this episode, Michelle discusses how to create content that actually enagges donors and funders as well as how to use the platform for d...

Send us Fan Mail Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)   Subscribe for more episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.  Mandatory office returns are back but are they actually helping us work better? In today's episode, we get real about task masking, quiet quitting, and the push-pull tension around remote work that every fundraiser and nonprofit leader is feeling right now.  F...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria sits down with major gifts expert, Emma Lewzey, to bust myths, shift mindsets, and bring some much-needed clarity (and courage!) to one of fundraising’s most misunderstood areas. Whether you’re in a small shop or a national organization, this episode will remind you: you don’t need to be perfect to build authentic relationship...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria unpacks the nonprofit power dynamic we don’t talk about enough: what to do when you need to move things forward, but your Executive Director or board just… won’t.  Whether you're tired of chasing down information, being given confusing direction, or trying to navigate an ineffective board, this episode is your tactical gu...

Send us Fan Mail Despite being a sector dominated by women, nonprofit leadership remains disproportionately male. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria Rio sits down with Caitlin McBride to unpack the gender gap at the top.  They dig into everything from the “motherhood penalty” vs. the “fatherhood bonus,” to sneaky internalized biases and straight-up structural BS. Just because o...

Send us Fan Mail Fundraising isn’t just about securing donations—it’s about embedding justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into every aspect of the process. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Huda Al-Saedy, Director of Philanthropy at Ecojustice, to explore how nonprofits can align their fundraising practices with their core values.  From rede...

Send us Fan Mail Nonprofit fundraising is more than just making the ask. It’s about providing value, building relationships, and using data to drive smart decisions. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria shares the top lessons she’s learned as a consultant that every nonprofit fundraiser can apply.  Whether you’re managing a small shop or leading a larger development team, this co...

Send us Fan Mail 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 bu...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria and Caitlin explore the key differences between being a boss versus being a leader and why leadership gaps are causing burnout and turnover in the nonprofit sector. They share insights into how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, create a supportive work environment, and empower their teams for long-term success. Whether you&a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria sits down with Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, to discuss why email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for nonprofits. They dive into strategies for donor retention, automation, and engagement tactics that keep donors connected beyond their first gift. Katelyn shares actionable tips on improving email effectiv...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria and Caitlin dive into why fundraising should never be a solo effort and how nonprofit professionals can engage their teams, board members, and leadership in fundraising efforts. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and tips to create a culture where fundraising is a shared responsibility. If you've ever...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria breaks down the nine biggest red flags to watch for during your nonprofit job search. While the sector is full of impactful orgs, not all are well-managed or even stable. Maria shares tips on spotting warning signs—like financial instability, poor leadership, and lack of work-life balance— before you accept an offer. If you&ap...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria chats with Sheela Mahajan, founder of the Nonprofit Science Institute and host of the Nonprofit Science Podcast. Sheela shares how nonprofits can move beyond reactive decision-making and start thinking more strategically. They discuss the challenges of shifting organizational mindsets, how to implement systematic decision-maki...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria and Caitlin dive into the biggest fundraising trends shaping the nonprofit sector this year. From the rise of Community-Centric Fundraising and AI-driven tools to the ongoing burnout crisis, they break down what’s ahead and how nonprofits can prepare. They explore how ethical storytelling is becoming a must, why fractional fun...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast , Maria is joined by Caitlin McBride to discuss how nonprofit fundraisers can transition smoothly into the new year after the year-end fundraising rush. They share strategies for celebrating success, reflecting on what worked, and setting yourself up for long-term sustainability—without burning out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by...