Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions for Canadian and American Nonprofits

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Curious about balancing experience and fresh ideas on your nonprofit board? Or seeking ways to keep fundraising events engaging in the digital age? In this special Mother’s Day episode of Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio is joined by Suzanne Wilcox, Director of Developmental Fundraising at Evergreen, and her mother, Martha Schwieters. 

Together, they share their personal and professional experiences with philanthropy, nonprofit boards, and fundraising strategies across generations.

Generational Perspectives on Nonprofit Boards, Fundraising, and Events – The Highlights:

• Susie and Martha’s journeys into nonprofit leadership.
• Board diversity as a crucial key for nonprofit success.
• How generational perspectives influence board participation and fundraising.
• The pros and cons of modern fundraising events and digital elements.
• Strategies for building community through inclusivity and feedback.
• Insights on balancing mission alignment with ambitious campaigns.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Suzanne Wilcox:

Suzzane is a Fund Development and Strategic Planning Leader. Through her work at several charitable organizations, a cultural sponsorship agency, and as an industry consultant, she has a deep understanding of non-profit organizations while also being comfortable in a corporate setting. Her work includes fundraising, writing proposals, plans and reports, research projects, business and marketing planning, and feasibility studies.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Suzy Wilcox on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suzanne-wilcox2019/?originalSubdomain=ca
• Check out the Evergreen website: https://www.evergreen.ca/ 
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3jYFMOpeRdI

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Are you constantly losing your best fundraisers? Join Maria Rio and Laura Vitelli, co-founder of Staiger, Vitelli & Associates, as they share actionable insights on how nonprofits can attract, retain, and support their top fundraisers. Laura highlights the challenges fundraisers face, the importance of value alignment, and how to foster a supportive culture that retains top talent.

This episode dives deep into boundaries, nonprofit leadership accountability, and strategies to prevent nonprofit burnout, offering practical tips to empower fundraisers and strengthen organizational success.

Retaining & Supporting Nonprofit Fundraisers – The Highlights:

• Why fundraisers leave: Exploring burnout, unrealistic goals, and lack of value alignment.
• How to foster a supportive, human-centered workplace culture.
• The role of nonprofit leadership in creating accountability and setting boundaries.
• Practical steps to attract, retain, and empower fundraisers.
• The growing need for values-driven fundraising and donor relationships.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Laura Vitelli:

Laura Vitelli is a seasoned fundraiser with over 30 years of experience and co-founder of Staiger, VITELLI & Associates. Laura and her business partner Sarah Staiger specialize in helping nonprofits create sustainable fundraising systems through value-based strategies. Together, they provide coaching, training, and strategic planning support to small and mid-sized organizations.

 Links and Resources: 

• Connect with Laura Vitelli on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laura-vitelli
• Check out the Website: https://www.staigervitelli.com/
• Director of Development Questions Free Download: https://www.staigervitelli.com/dod 
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/rv7hdVLFDy4 

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Can you support your cause AND prioritize worker's rights? Nonprofit workplaces often come with an expectation of self-sacrifice. Staff are expected to work long hours, accept below-market pay, and tolerate unfair conditions – all in service of the mission. But what if there's a better way?

Join Maria Rio and Christina Rousseau, a labor organizer and union advocate, to explore the nuanced process of unionizing in the nonprofit sector. Christina shares her firsthand experiences—from organizing her workplace to working within unions—and dives into how unions can balance worker rights with organizational goals. This episode covers key aspects of collective bargaining, power dynamics, and how nonprofits can align union practices with values like equity and community-centric fundraising. 

Gain actionable insights on protecting workers’ rights, negotiating collective agreements, and navigating the complexities of leadership in unionized nonprofits.

Unionizing Nonprofits: Balancing Worker Rights & Organizational Values — The Highlights:

• Understanding the role of unions in nonprofit organizations.
• Common challenges and misconceptions about unionization in the nonprofit sector.
• Balancing equity and values with standardized union practices.
• Steps for starting a unionization process in your nonprofit.
• Practical advice for managers and employees navigating unionization.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Christina Rousseau:

Having led a successful unionization effort in her former nonprofit role and now working as a union representative, Christina offers a unique 360-degree view of the possibilities and challenges unions bring to the nonprofit sector. 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Christina Rousseau on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/christina-rousseau
• Check out the Website: https://psacunion.ca/ 
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/krjZ871CUoo

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Does your nonprofit seem to be just scraping by even though everyone is working harder than ever?  It's not just your organization. The nonprofit sector is in crisis, facing issues like shrinking revenue, chronic underfunding, staffing struggles, and increasing demands from the community. 

Join Maria Rio and Nicole Gagliardi, a nonprofit governance consultant with nearly 20 years of experience, as they discuss the challenges and opportunities within nonprofit governance today. 

Nicole shares her insights into how nonprofit leadership structures can hinder or help, trends impacting the sector, and how nonprofits can move towards innovative, community-centric governance. 

This episode explores bold leadership strategies, addressing board challenges, and building capacity for long-term impact.

Nonprofit Governance Challenges & Solutions — The Highlights:

• How nonprofit governance structures impact bold leadership.
• Addressing the common struggles of nonprofit boards and staff.
• Trends threatening the nonprofit sector and solutions to adapt.
• Practical steps for nonprofit organizations to innovate governance models.
• Why collaborative networks and resource sharing are key for the sector.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Nicole Gagliardi:

Nicole helps nonprofit leaders build stronger governance structures, develop effective impact strategies, and enhance organizational capacity. Her goal is to empower organizations to advance their core purpose, successfully and sustainably, even in challenging times. With over 18 years of experience working in and alongside nonprofits, Nicole offers a sober view of the sector's challenges and provides actionable insights on how organizations can start adapting. 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Nicole Gagliardi  on Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegagliardi1/
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/ujVXfd7qfmM 

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Does your nonprofit talk a good game about diversity and inclusion, but the action never seems to follow? Maybe you've been part of mandatory trainings that left you asking, "Okay, but now what??" 

Join Maria Rio and Jade Pichette, Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, as they explore how organizations can implement effective DEI strategies to foster inclusive workplace cultures. With years of experience in nonprofit leadership, Jade shares actionable insights on how to support marginalized communities, repair harm, and create spaces where all employees can thrive.

This episode dives deep into the challenges and opportunities for nonprofits to lead with inclusion and equity.

Creating Inclusive Workplaces: DEI Strategies for Small Nonprofits — The Highlights:

• How small nonprofits can implement DEI strategies effectively.
• The importance of inclusive culture and leadership in nonprofits.
• Practical examples of inclusive practices like leadership chats and accessibility planning.
• How organizations can repair harm and prioritize equity.
• The role of inclusion councils and action plans in fostering cultural change.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Jade Pichette:

Jade (they/them) is an inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA!) professional based in Tkarón:to/Toronto. Currently, Jade serves as the Director of Programs at Pride at Work Canada, where they work with over 250 large employers across Canada around gender expression, gender identity, and sexual orientation inclusion. Previously, Jade served as the Volunteer and Community Outreach Coordinator at the ArQuives, the Education Programs Coordinator at Kind Space, and an independent inclusion consultant. 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Jade Pichette on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/jadepichette and Website: jadepichette.com
• Learn more about Pride at Work Canada: https://prideatwork.ca/ 
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Byz5mGyk0LY 

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Feel like you're constantly chasing, juggling, and maybe even losing ground? Join Maria Rio and communication expert Maryanne Dersch, founder of Courageous Communication, as they discuss how nonprofits can master the art of influence, release fear, and embrace bold communication strategies. 

Maryanne shares how organizations can stand in their values, build meaningful relationships, and confidently handle criticism while fostering genuine connections. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how nonprofits can effectively communicate, lead, and make an impact without compromising their authenticity.

Balancing Confidence And Doubt in Nonprofit Leadership — The Highlights:

• How to release fear and embrace bold communication strategies.
• Why criticism and doubt are essential for the growth of your nonprofit.
• The power of standing in your values and letting go of outcomes.
• Practical tips for influencing donors and board members.
• How to foster authentic connections through listening and empowered choice.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Maryanne Dersch:

Maryanne specializes in helping nonprofit organizations easily increase their influence and connect with new donors so they can raise more money without feeling rejected, ineffective or pushy. She has spent almost 30 years working in the nonprofit world helping organizations communicate more effectively internally and externally. From those experiences she authored "Courageous Communication: Why codependence is making your nonprofit brand boring and what to do about it."

Resources & Links:

• Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/1-_aVugy33Y  

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What if everyone in you nonprofit was a fundraiser? Join Maria Rio as she chats with Tammy Ebuen, Senior Director of Development at Visions of Science, about creating a shared fundraising culture and engaging program staff in fundraising campaigns. Tammy shares her personal journey from HR admin to fundraising leadership and discusses the impact of authentic representation -- highlighting how inclusive work environments lead to more successful fundraising.

This episode dives into the power of psychological safety, community-based leadership, and fostering a shared fundraising culture across teams.

Building Inclusive Cultures for Fundraising Success — The Highlights:

• The importance of psychological safety and authentic representation in nonprofits.
• How inclusive cultures empower fundraisers and enhance donor engagement.
• Tammy’s unique career journey and how it shaped her fundraising philosophy.
• Practical tips on creating a shared fundraising culture and engaging program staff.
• How fostering belonging translates to staff retention and 700K growth.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Tammy Ebuen:

Tammy is a savvy, outcomes-focused fundraising generalist with over a decade of professional nonprofit leadership experience. She brings a background in fundraising, human resources, health, education, gender, and social justice within both community-based and international development organizations. 

Links and Resources:

• Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/g0SOACjg-lQ 

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Think you know how donors behave? Think again! Join Maria and Tim Sarrantonio, Director of Corporate Brand at Neon One, as they explore the realities (and myths) of monthly giving and donor retention. They talk about the psychology behind giving and Tim shares insights from a five-year analysis of donor data, revealing that recurring donors give nearly $1,000 annually -- with 50% contributing additional gifts.

Learn how to design a recurring giving program that builds strong donor relationships and enhances your nonprofit’s sustainability.

Monthly Giving Insights – The Highlights:

• Key findings from Neon One’s five-year donor analysis.
• 50% of recurring donors contribute additional gifts annually.
• How to design impactful monthly giving programs for small nonprofits.
• The role of ethical AI in donor engagement.
• Why prioritizing people over money strengthens donor communities.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Tim Sarrantonio:

Tim Sarrantonio is a Nonprofit Ecosystems Theorist studying the intersection of technology, human behavior, and organizational structures in modern giving. As chair of the Fundraising Effectiveness Project and through his work at Neon One, he has helped shape how thousands of nonprofits approach their mission. A speaker at AFPICON, NTC, and TEDx, Tim holds a Certificate in Philanthropic Psychology from the Institute for Sustainable Philanthropy. He lives in Niskayuna with his wife and three daughters, finding inspiration in the Adirondacks.

Links and Resources:  

• Email Report's digital reader: https://neonone.com/resources/nonprofit-email-report/report-reader/?section=1-1
• Recurring Giving Report: https://neonone.com/resources/recurring-giving-report/?ref=mainNav 
• Connect with Tim on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timsarrantonio/ 
• Website: https://neonone.com/ 
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube:https://youtu.be/RidjdI1A-NM 

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Why are fundraisers of color leaving the sector? Join Maria and Marissa as they explore the vital role of mentorship in supporting fundraisers of color in the nonprofit sector. Marissa, a California-based mentor and facilitator, shares her experience running a cohort for BIPOC fundraisers and leaders. She is uniquely positioned to provide key insights on the state of the sector, its treatment of racialized leaders, and the exodus of fundraisers.

Racialized leaders do not have the same access to wealth, connections, or power as white leaders. However, like all EDs, they feel the entire mission's weight resting solely on their shoulders. We'll unpack how this impacts the sector, and most importantly, what we can do about it.

Nonprofit Mentorship: Supporting Fundraisers of Color – The Highlights:

• The "Black Excellence" trap.
• The importance of mentorship in empowering fundraisers of color.
• Key challenges faced by racialized fundraisers, including tone policing and career barriers.
• Unpacking trauma and tending to ourselves.
• How creating safe spaces for sharing stories can support nonprofit professionals.
• The impact of systemic racism in fundraising and nonprofit leadership.
• Practical advice for finding and being a mentor in the nonprofit sector.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Marisa DeSalles:

Marisa is a faculty member with Impact Foundry, assisting as a Certified Sustainable coach, presenting a monthly series of educational workshops and is the featured speaker, Emcee and host for the Impact Foundry’s 5th annual What IF conference. She also serves on the global transition team for Community-Centric Fundraising, a burgeoning movement of nonprofit fundraising professionals working to improve fundraising through a lens of equity. She volunteers her time with Sacramento Community Land Trust, a cohort of Big Day of Giving mentees and dozens of other organizations, mentoring young and newly emerging fundraisers.

Links and Resources:  

• “12 Years a Fly in the Milk”: https://communitycentricfundraising.org/2020/07/11/12-years-a-fly-in-the-milk/
• Collecting Courage: https://www.collectingcourage.org/
• Dean Article - https://archive.is/lYjUU
• Giving Black Conference - https://www.givingblack.ca/copy-of-giving-black-conference-2023
• Connect with Marissa DeSalles on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-desalles/
• Learn more about Good Tilth Consulting: https://www.goodtilthconsulting.com/
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Nw4LPpPOtS4 

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Tired of the same old fundraising that doesn't reflect your community? Join Maria and Madeline Taylor as they dive into the unique fundraising efforts at Out On Screen, a queer-focused nonprofit in Vancouver, BC. Madeline shares their approach to Community-Centric Fundraising, showcasing queer stories in the Vancouver Queer Film Festival, and using live events to build stronger community relationships.

Learn about the challenges and rewards of fundraising authentically in a diverse, intersectional community. Get inspired by their innovative methods, including inclusive programming and building deep connections with donors.

Community-Centric Fundraising – The Highlights:

• The impact of authentic, community-centered fundraising on donor relationships.
• How Out On Screen represents diverse queer experiences in their programming.
• Examples of inclusive fundraising strategies, including access pricing and community partnerships.
• How to build connections with donors through shared values and transparency.
• Tips on using live events and interactive fundraising campaigns to engage supporters.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor engagement, productivity & tools, and nonprofit storytelling strategies!

About Madeline Taylor:

Madeline is an experienced community builder, programming manager, and communicator with a passion for storytelling, leadership, and new media. Skilled in fundraising campaigns, donor stewardship, event planning, management, project coordination, interviewing, teaching, program development and radio production.

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