Monthly giving is one of the most overlooked growth strategies for startup, small, and growing nonprofits.

Too many nonprofit leaders spend their time chasing the next fundraising campaign, the next event, the next grant opportunity, or the next major donor conversation, while overlooking one of the most stabilizing and sustainable revenue streams they could build: recurring monthly donors.

In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions about monthly giving and explains why recurring donors are often far more valuable than nonprofit leaders realize. If your nonprofit constantly feels financial pressure, if fundraising always feels reactive, or if losing one donor or grant would create a major crisis for your organization, this conversation is designed to help you rethink how you build financial sustainability.

Matt walks through several common myths nonprofit leaders believe about monthly donor programs, including:

•  “Monthly gifts are too small to prioritize” 
•  “We need more donors before we focus on sustainers” 
•  “Recurring donors are just small givers” 
•  “Monthly giving only works for large nonprofits” 
•  “People won’t commit to monthly gifts in this economy” 

Along the way, you’ll learn why monthly donors often stay connected to nonprofits significantly longer than one-time givers, why recurring giving creates healthier and more predictable cash flow, and why smaller nonprofits may actually have an advantage when it comes to building strong sustainer communities.

This episode also explores the concept of “psychological distance” between a donor and the impact of their gift, and why smaller nonprofits are often uniquely positioned to help donors feel personally connected to the mission they’re supporting each month.

You’ll also hear practical encouragement for how to get started building a recurring donor program, even if your nonprofit is still early-stage. You do not need thousands of donors to begin. A simple recurring giving page, clear communication, and a handful of committed supporters can begin creating real momentum and long-term stability.

In this episode:

•  Why balanced revenue streams matter for nonprofit sustainability 
•  The lifetime value of monthly donors 
•  Why recurring donors are often your most engaged supporters 
•  How monthly giving strengthens donor retention 
•  Why sustainers frequently give above and beyond their recurring gift 
•  The relationship between recurring giving and long-term donor loyalty 
•  Why smaller nonprofits may be better positioned than large organizations to grow monthly support 
•  Simple ways to begin building a monthly donor strategy today

Connect with Matt:
[email protected]
website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/
Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

What does it actually take to move a nonprofit from an idea to a sustainable, growing organization?

In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman sits down with Paul Schmitz, founder and executive director of ShowerUp, to talk about the real-world journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up.

What started as a simple vision to provide mobile showers for people experiencing homelessness has grown into a multi-city nonprofit serving thousands through mobile shower and laundry services. But this conversation goes far beyond the story itself.

Paul shares practical insight into:

•  Identifying a real community need 
•  Taking the first steps toward launching a nonprofit 
•  Building a strong nonprofit board 
•  Creating donor systems and fundraising infrastructure 
•  Avoiding mission drift 
•  Scaling sustainably without losing focus 
•  Developing succession plans and long-term organizational health 
•  Leading volunteers and staff without burning out 

If you're a nonprofit founder, executive director, ministry leader, or someone considering launching a nonprofit organization, this episode provides practical guidance and leadership insight you can apply immediately.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Paul describes the emotional impact of ShowerUp’s first outreach event. After nearly 50 days without access to a shower, one guest walked out and simply said, “I feel human again.” That moment helped define the heart of the organization and reinforced the importance of building programs that restore dignity, not just meet technical needs.

This episode is especially valuable for:

•  Startup nonprofits 
•  Small nonprofit organizations 
•  Faith-based nonprofit leaders 
•  Ministry founders 
•  Executive directors 
•  Nonprofit board members 
•  Leaders trying to scale responsibly 
•  Organizations struggling with focus or mission drift 

Key Topics Covered

•  How to validate a nonprofit idea before launching 
•  What founders should do before filing for 501(c)(3) status 
•  Why many nonprofit boards fail early on 
•  How to recruit better board members 
•  Donor experience and nonprofit fundraising systems 
•  Why clarity matters when scaling a nonprofit 
•  The danger of chasing grants outside your mission 
•  Volunteer leadership and organizational culture 
•  Succession planning for nonprofit founders 
•  Sustainable nonprofit growth strategies 

Resources & Links

• ShowerUp
• Mission Drift, the book Paul mentions in the episode

Connect With Matt Stockman

If you’re building a startup, small, or growing nonprofit and want practical coaching, fundraising strategy, or help building a sustainable growth plan, connect with Matt through Nonprofit Launch Plan.

Sign up for the weekly “Launch Briefing” email for nonprofit leadership strategies, fundraising insight, and practical next steps for nonprofit growth. Send an email with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to [email protected]

Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits
Matt's Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan
Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Many startup nonprofits and growing organizations get stuck because they believe they need a building, full staff, major funding, or a polished infrastructure before they can begin serving people. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains how to launch a Minimum Viable Program (MVP) so you can start small, create real impact, build momentum, and grow wisely. If you are starting a nonprofit, designing your first program, or trying to expand without chaos, this episode gives practical nonprofit startup strategies, nonprofit program development advice, and smart growth planning for mission-driven leaders. 

Most nonprofit founders have a version 10 dream but have never launched version 1.0. Matt breaks down why waiting for perfection delays impact and how serving a small number of people exceptionally well can become the foundation for long-term success. He also shares why evidence should drive growth, not emotion. 

In This Episode

•  Why many nonprofit leaders stay stuck in vision mode 
•  What a Minimum Viable Program really is 
•  How to separate your long-term dream from your first practical step 
•  Why starting with five people may be smarter than trying to serve fifty 
•  How a 90-day pilot program reduces fear and builds momentum 
•  What metrics matter most for early nonprofit programs 
•  Why many nonprofits scale too early and create internal chaos 
•  How to grow stronger instead of simply growing faster 

Key Takeaways

Start Small to Start Smart

You do not need a building, full team, or large budget to begin helping people. Many successful nonprofits began with borrowed space, a folding table, and a few committed volunteers. 

Serve a Few People Exceptionally Well

Trying to help everyone too early often lowers quality and creates confusion. Start with a manageable number, learn what works, and improve from there. 

Use a 90-Day Pilot Program

Instead of launching something permanent, test your idea in a focused 90-day pilot. This lowers pressure, creates clarity, and gives you valuable data. 

Measure What Matters

Track participation, outcomes, stories, costs, demand, and lessons learned. Evidence builds confidence with leaders, donors, and future supporters. 

Let Evidence Drive Growth

Do not expand because emotions are high in the moment. Expand because results consistently prove the model works. 

Powerful Quote From This Episode

“Your growth should follow the evidence, not the emotion of the moment.” 

Ask yourself this question today:

What is the smallest version of my mission that could genuinely help somebody in the next 90 days?

Get Matt's Nonprofit Launch Briefing (Weekly Email) A super-valuable weekly email that you will actually WANT to get in your inbox each week as you grow your nonprofit - no matter where you are in your nonprofit journey, there's something valuable in the Nonprofit Launch Briefing Weekly Email.

Get on Matt's email list - just by sending a quick email to [email protected], with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line!

website: www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com
email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/
Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Many aspiring nonprofit leaders delay launching because they believe they need the finished version of the dream before they can begin.

They think they need the building, the staff, the full budget, polished branding, and complete infrastructure before making impact. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why that mindset keeps great missions stuck at the starting line.

This is Part 1 of a two-part series focused on building what Matt calls your Minimum Viable Program (MVP), the smartest way to start small, help real people, create momentum, and learn what works before scaling.

You’ll learn why successful nonprofits separate long-term vision from version one, how to focus on outcomes instead of structures, and how to start serving people now with the resources already available to you.

If you have a big dream but feel overwhelmed by where to begin, this episode will help you take the next practical step.

In This Episode:

• Why many nonprofit leaders confuse mission with vision
• The danger of waiting for the “finished version” before starting
• What a Minimum Viable Program really means for nonprofits
• Why version one should never look like version ten
• How small early wins build donor confidence and momentum
• Why outcomes matter more than buildings or programs
• Practical ways to launch with little money, staff, or infrastructure
• Why access often beats ownership in the startup phase
• A four-step framework for turning vision into action

Key Takeaway

Starting small is not thinking small. Starting small is thinking wisely.

Resources Mentioned

Nonprofit Launch Plan Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact, April 28 - 30, 2026. Sign Up Here -  Launchpad Workshop for Nonprofits | Nonprofit Launch Plan

Connect with Matt Stockman:

Matt Stockman helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build strong, sustainable foundations through leadership, fundraising, marketing, operations, programs, and finances.

Email: [email protected]
Web: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits
Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Ever had a donor prospect seem fully engaged… only to go completely silent? No reply. No questions. No decision.

In this episode, Matt breaks down exactly what to do next when a potential supporter “ghosts” you, without coming across as pushy, desperate, or unsure.

The reality is, silence almost never means rejection. More often, it means something far simpler and far more fixable.

You’ll learn how to reframe what’s actually happening, avoid the most common follow-up mistakes, and step back into your role as a confident guide in the donor decision-making process.

What You’ll Learn In This Episode:

•  Why donor silence is almost never personal 
•  The 3 real reasons prospects stop responding 
•  The mindset shift every nonprofit leader needs to make about follow-up 
•  Why “just checking in” is hurting your results 
•  How to follow up with clarity instead of pressure 
•  A simple 4-step framework to re-engage silent prospects 
•  What to say (and what to avoid) in your follow-up messages 
•  How to create a “gentle decision moment” that invites a response 

The 4-Step Follow-Up Framework:

1. Evaluate your last interaction
   Did you give a clear next step, or leave the decision entirely on them? 
2. Follow up with clarity, not pressure
   Reference where you left off, add value, and give a clear next step. 
3. Add value again
   Share a story, insight, or helpful resource that reduces uncertainty. 
4. Create a gentle decision moment
   Make it easy for them to respond, without feeling pressured. 

Key Takeaway:

Your job is not to chase donors.
 Your job is to guide them.

Follow-up isn’t about pressure, it is about getting clarity for the prospect and for you.

Workshop Invitation:

If you're in the early stages of building your nonprofit and need clarity around your mission, board, fundraising, and first programs, join the Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact.

📅 April 28–30
 ⏱️ 1 hour per day (live + replay available)
 💲 $49

Learn more and sign up at:
 👉 nonprofitlaunchplan.com/workshop

If You Found This Helpful:

Be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with another nonprofit leader who’s navigating donor conversations right now.

If your nonprofit feels stuck, the issue may not be your strategy or your effort. It may be the relationship at the core of your organization.

In this episode, we revisit a foundational conversation with Bob Lonac on one of the most critical dynamics in any nonprofit: the relationship between the CEO or Executive Director and the board.

When this relationship is healthy, aligned, and clearly defined, it becomes the backbone of a strong, growing organization. When it’s not, it creates confusion, friction, and ultimately limits your impact.

Matt and Bob unpack what a healthy CEO and board partnership actually looks like, where things tend to break down, and how nonprofit leaders can build clarity, trust, and alignment moving forward.

What You’ll Learn

• The distinct roles of the CEO and the board and why confusion here causes problems
• What a healthy, functional CEO and board relationship actually looks like in practice
• Common breakdowns that lead to tension, misalignment, or stalled growth
• How to create clarity around expectations, authority, and accountability
• Practical ways to strengthen trust and communication between leadership and board members
• Why this relationship is foundational to long-term sustainability and impact

Why This Matters

Every nonprofit rises or falls on its leadership structure.

You can have a compelling mission, strong programs, and passionate people. But if the CEO and board are not aligned, the organization will always feel like it’s working harder than it should.

Getting this relationship right creates:

• Clear decision-making
• Stronger leadership confidence
• Healthier governance
• Greater long-term impact

Listen If You Are:

• A nonprofit founder or Executive Director navigating board dynamics
• A board member who wants to better support leadership
• A leader feeling friction or lack of clarity in governance
• Building or rebuilding the foundation of your organization

Intro Context (Replay Note)

This episode is a replay from earlier in the podcast, re-released due to its continued relevance for nonprofit leaders.

Resources:

Connect with Bob Lonac: www.boblonac.com
Register for the upcoming Launchpad Workshop: Launchpad Workshop for Nonprofits | Nonprofit Launch Plan
Contact Matt: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/
Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

What if your nonprofit could reach people who are already searching for the exact problem you solve… without spending a dollar on ads?

In this episode, Matt Stockman sits down with digital marketing strategist Matt Mundt to break down one of the most underutilized tools available to nonprofits today: the Google Ad Grant.

Eligible nonprofits can access up to $10,000 per month in free Google search advertising. Yet most organizations either don’t know about it, don’t understand it, or never fully leverage it.

This conversation provides a practical, strategic starting point to help you change that.

What You’ll Learn

• What the Google Ad Grant is and how it works
• Who benefits most from using it
• Why most nonprofits fail to maximize the opportunity
• How to use content to attract the right audience
• Common mistakes that can limit your results or get your account penalized
• Simple first steps to get started (even if you feel overwhelmed)

Key Takeaways

The Google Ad Grant works best when you:

• Meet people at the point of need
• Provide helpful, relevant content
• Build trust before asking for support

2. Content is the engine that makes this work

Nonprofits with more website content perform significantly better.

Strong examples include:

• Blog posts answering real questions
• Devotionals or educational resources
• Embedded podcast or video content

The goal is simple:

 Serve the visitor well enough that they stay, engage, and explore.

3. Relevance determines performance

Google is constantly evaluating:

• What people search
• Whether your content matches that intent
• How long users stay on your site

If your content doesn’t match the search, your ads will be shown less frequently.

4. Start simple, then optimize

You don’t need to master everything upfront.

A strong starting point:

• Create a brand campaign (your nonprofit name)
• Add a few mission-related keywords
• Link to helpful, relevant content

Then improve over time as you learn what works.

5. Avoid these common mistakes

• Driving ads directly to a donation page
• Promoting short-term events
• Using irrelevant or misleading keywords
• Ignoring account rules and compliance requirements

These limit effectiveness and can even get your account suspended.

6. Think like your audience, not your organization

The most effective campaigns start with one question:

What is someone typing into Google right before they need what we do?

When you answer that well, you move from:

• Awareness → Engagement → Relationship → Support

7. This is a long-term growth strategy

Google Ads are not a quick win. They require:

• A learning period
• Ongoing refinement
• Consistent content development

But when done well, they create a steady stream of highly relevant traffic.

Action Steps

If you’re just getting started:

1. Apply for or activate your Google Ad Grant
2. Set up a basic brand campaign
3. Identify 3–5 questions your audience is already asking
4. Create simple content that answers those questions
5. Begin testing and refining

Resources

• Learn more about Matt Mundt: mattmundt.com
• Register for the Launchpad Workshop: nonprofitlaunchplan.com

For many nonprofit leaders, hosting a large event feels like a natural step in growing awareness and raising funds. But before you jump into planning venues, catering, invitations, and programming, there is a more important question to ask:

Is your nonprofit actually ready to host an event?

In this episode, Matt Stockman breaks down how nonprofit leaders can pressure test whether an event is the right next step for their organization, and the two foundational questions that should guide every successful nonprofit event.

Done well, an event can introduce new people to your mission, deepen relationships with supporters, and generate meaningful funding. Done poorly, it can drain time, money, and energy while delivering disappointing results.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

Many organizations assume an event is the logical next step for growth. But in many cases, nonprofits attempt large events before their team, donor base, or systems are ready.

Before planning an event, ask yourself:

Could your nonprofit absorb the financial loss if the event had to be canceled?

Events often require significant upfront investment. If the financial risk of cancellation or underperformance would damage your organization, it may not be the right time.

Event planning requires far more manpower than most leaders initially expect.

Your team and volunteers must have the bandwidth to handle the operational demands.

The biggest reason nonprofit events struggle is not poor execution.

It is poor strategic focus.

The Two Questions That Make or Break a Nonprofit Event

1. What is the purpose of the event?

Define a specific purpose statement using this simple formula:

The purpose of this event is to raise or accomplish X, which will result in Y impact.

Example:

• Raise $50,000
• Which will provide 20 new computer workstations at a community center

When the purpose is clear:

• Planning decisions become easier
• Messaging becomes stronger
• Donors better understand the impact of their giving

2. Who is the target attendee?

Another common mistake is trying to design an event “for everyone.”

Instead, define your ideal attendee.

Ask questions like:

• What age group are they in?
• What interests or hobbies do they have?
• What community networks are they connected to?
• What motivates them to support causes?

When you understand who you are designing the event for, everything becomes clearer:

• Marketing messages
• Program design
• Atmosphere and experience

A Smarter Strategy: Start Small

One final recommendation for nonprofit leaders planning their first event:

Start smaller than you think you should.

A smaller first event allows you to:

• Test your concept
• Identify what works
• Learn from mistakes
• Build momentum for future years

A manageable proof-of-concept event is far better than launching something so large that it overwhelms your team.

Key Takeaways

Before planning a nonprofit event, pause and ask:

1. Can our nonprofit handle the financial risk?
2. Do we have the team capacity to execute it well?
3. What is the clear purpose of the event?
4. Who is the exact type of person we want to attend?

When you answer these questions first, your event planning becomes more focused, strategic, and successful.

Workshop Mention

If you're in the early stages of building your nonprofit, Matt invites you to join the upcoming:

Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact

During this live virtual workshop you will:

• Clarify your mission and vision
• Define the right board structure
• Build early fundraising strategies
• Develop your minimum viable program

Dates: April 28–30
Cost: $49

Learn more and register at:
 nonprofitlaunchplan.com

Contact:
Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan/
Matt's LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Sooner or later, every nonprofit leader faces a difficult leadership moment. You bring someone onto your team because you believe in them. They care about the mission and want to help move the organization forward. But over time something starts to feel off. Deadlines slip. Details are missed. Results are not what they should be. Now you are left wondering what the real issue is.

• Is it a coaching problem?
• A communication breakdown?
• Or did you make the wrong hiring decision?

In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman walks through a practical leadership framework that helps nonprofit leaders diagnose performance issues on their team and respond in a way that actually helps people improve.

Instead of reacting emotionally or avoiding the conversation, effective leaders step back and diagnose the real cause of the problem.

Matt explains the Three Scenario Framework, a simple diagnostic tool he regularly uses when coaching nonprofit leaders through team performance challenges.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why ignoring performance issues creates long term culture problems inside a nonprofit
 • The leadership mindset required to address team challenges early and constructively
 • Why many underperformance problems are actually symptoms of deeper issues
 • How to have productive conversations with team members who are struggling

The Three Scenarios Behind Team Performance Problems

Matt explains that when a team member is struggling, one of three things is usually happening.

1. Execution Problems (A Skills Issue)

The team member understands the role and expectations but struggles to execute consistently.

This often means they need additional development such as:

• Training
 • Coaching
 • Systems and processes
 • Skill development

Great leaders treat this the same way a coach treats an athlete who needs more practice.

2. Understanding Problems (A Clarity Issue)

In this situation the team member believes they are doing their job correctly, but the leader sees a gap in performance.

This usually means expectations were not clearly communicated.

The solution is leadership clarity:

• Clearly define success in the role
 • Document expectations
 • Walk through examples
 • Maintain regular check ins

Many nonprofit leaders assume clarity exists when it actually does not.

3. Strategic Alignment Problems (A Direction Issue)

Here the team member understands the job and has the skills to do it, but they believe their approach is better than the organization’s strategy.

When this happens leaders must explain the reasoning behind the strategy and how the work connects to the mission.

Alignment improves dramatically when people understand why decisions are being made.

Why This Matters for Nonprofit Leaders

Avoiding performance conversations can create serious organizational consequences.

When leaders ignore problems:

• The issue continues
 • The employee never has a chance to grow
 • Lack of attention to the situation is a breeding ground for toxicity in your nonprofit.

Your team is one of the most important assets your nonprofit has.

Great leaders address problems with clarity, coaching, and purpose rather than avoidance.

Workshop Invitation

If you are in the dreaming or early phases of launching a nonprofit, Matt invites you to join the upcoming virtual Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit IDEA to IMPACT.

In this live workshop you will:

• Clarify your mission and vision
 • Identify the right board members
 • Develop your initial fundraising approach
 • Build your minimum viable nonprofit program

Workshop Details

April 28–30
 1 hour each day (virtual)
 Cost: $49

Register at
nonprofitlaunchplan.com → Click “Workshop”

Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan
Matt's Personal LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn

Brainstorming meetings are supposed to spark creativity, solve problems, and move your nonprofit forward. But for many leaders, they end up feeling like a waste of time, energy, and attention. In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains why most brainstorming sessions fail and shares a simple 7-step framework nonprofit leaders can use to design meetings that produce clear ideas, better decisions, and real progress.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why most brainstorming sessions don’t actually produce useful outcomes
• The common leadership mistakes that derail meetings before they even begin
• How choosing the right participants matters more than inviting more people
• Why briefing your team ahead of time dramatically improves idea quality
• How time limits and structure actually improve creativity
• The leadership skill of guiding discussion without shutting it down
• Why the “yes, and” mindset keeps momentum alive in group problem solving
• How documenting ideas and following up ensures meetings lead to action
• The critical final step that builds trust and improves future participation

The 7 Steps to Better Brainstorming

Matt walks through a practical framework leaders can use immediately:

1. Put the right people in the room
2. Brief participants in advance
3. Set a clear agenda and time limit
4. Guide the conversation without over-controlling it
5. Record every idea
6. Send a recap and allow for follow-up ideas
7. Close the loop by sharing the final decision and outcome

Who This Episode Is For?

This episode is especially helpful if you:

• Lead a startup or growing nonprofit
• Feel like meetings drain energy instead of creating progress
• Want better team input without losing direction
• Need practical leadership tools you can implement right away

Mentioned in This Episode

Matt invites early-stage nonprofit leaders to join the Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact, happening April 28–30.
Learn more at: nonprofitlaunchplan.com → Workshop

Share This Episode

If this episode helped you think differently about meetings or leadership, share it with another nonprofit leader who could benefit from it.