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

Send us Fan Mail

Ready to rethink nonprofit leadership and accountability? Scandals, harmful practices, and image-obsessed leaders plague our sector, but it doesn't have to be this way. Join host Maria Rio and Liz LeClair -- an intersectional feminist, fundraiser, and advocate -- as they discuss accountability, equity, and systemic challenges in the nonprofit sector. Liz shares insights into the sector’s struggle with groupthink, tokenism, and performative allyship while highlighting the importance of meaningful leadership practices. 

This episode might leave you uncomfortable – and that's the point. But it will also provide actionable steps nonprofits can take to prioritize diversity, inclusion, and transparency in their governance and operations.

The Nonprofit Sector’s Struggle with Groupthink, Tokenism, and Performative Allyship  – The Highlights:

• The importance of listening to marginalized voices in the nonprofit sector.
• How groupthink and lack of accountability harm nonprofit organizations.
• Tackling systemic racism and tokenism in board governance.
• Practical steps to integrate equity and inclusion into your organization's culture.
• Why accountability starts with leadership.

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

About Liz LeClair:

Liz LeClair brings 20 years of experience to her role as a co-founder and partner of Sargasso Philanthropic CIC. She's a long-standing member of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) and the past chair of the AFP Women's Impact Initiative (WII), a board member of the African American Development Officer Network (AADO), and a former member on the board of Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) International. In 2019, Liz published an op-ed with CBC on rampant issue of sexual harassment in the non-profit sector, putting a face to the issue. In the fall of 2019 she helped co-found the National Day of Conversation to highlight the issue of sexualized violence in fundraising. Liz is committed to speaking up about the challenges facing women and marginalized individuals in the non-profit sector.

Links and Resources:  

• Website: https://www.sargassophilanthropic.ca/ 
• Connect with Liz on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-leclair/ 
• 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/eVCH1_lgviQ 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

What if you could turn your biggest supporters into top-performing fundraisers? Discover the untapped power of peer-to-peer fundraising with Tess Conrad, founder of Full Potential Fundraising. Tess breaks down how nonprofits, big and small, can engage their supporters to become ambassadors for their cause. From setting realistic goals to crafting effective toolkits and engaging donors, Tess shares actionable insights to help your organization leverage peer-to-peer campaigns for maximum impact.

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising Simplified  – The Highlights:

• How to get started with peer-to-peer fundraising, even if you're a small nonprofit.
• Tips for setting achievable goals and recruiting fundraisers.
• The importance of donor stewardship and retention in peer-to-peer campaigns.
• Creative ideas for unique fundraising events and challenges.
• How to identify your top supporters and turn them into fundraisers.

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

About Tess Conrad:

Tess founded Full Potential Fundraising to help charities build a foundation of effective fundraising that drives results - without compromising their values. Too often in her career in the non-profit sector she witnessed charities waste time on ineffective fundraising strategies. The sector's siloed departments, lack of systems, and high-effort-low-results-fundraising keep amazing organizations from reaching their potential and Tess is on a mission to change that.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Tess on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/tess-conrad-cfre
• Learn more about Full Potential Fundraising: https://www.fullpotentialfundraising.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/GURy-BbU7ig 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Why do "big nonprofits" use those emotional, tear-jerking stories? Well, today, we are sharing a much better (and more ethical) way to inspire donors. Discover how ethical storytelling can transform your nonprofit's marketing strategy and deepen donor relationships. Diana Farias Heinrich, a marketing and communications expert, shares her insights into putting service users’ voices first while creating powerful, transformative stories. Learn about informed consent, bridging the gap between program staff and fundraisers, and the dos and don'ts of nonprofit storytelling.

Why Ethical Storytelling Will Transform Your Nonprofit Marketing Strategy – The Highlights:

• The importance of informed consent and agency in nonprofit storytelling.
• Bridging power dynamics between nonprofits and service users.
• How ethical storytelling enhances donor retention and engagement.
• Practical steps for creating human-centered narratives.
• The role of program and development staff in ethical storytelling.

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

About Diana Heinrich:

Diana is the CEO of Habrá Marketing. She's passionate about helping nonprofits share their work in ways that empower both clients and donors. With certifications in DEI and as an Advocate for Survivors of Domestic Violence, she brings essential expertise to our sector. We talk about the long-term harm of those guilt-driven appeals, how to build trust with clients, and the transformative power of letting people share their stories on their own terms.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Diana on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianafariasheinrich/
• Cultivating ethical narratives workshop: https://witty-musician-3516.ck.page/products/cultivating-ethical-narratives
• Your Guide to Informed Consent Conversations: https://informedconsentconversation.habramarketing.com/
• Learn more about Habra Marketing: https://habramarketing.com/
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• 10 Dignified questions guide:  https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/sign-up
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Watch this episode on Youtube:  https://youtu.be/RKLqPgUfzgE 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Are you torn between supporting your team's work-life balance and striving to hit those all-important milestones? Balancing parental leave and nonprofit work is no small feat, but Lacey Kempinski, founder and CEO of Balanced Good, is leading the charge in creating supportive workplace practices. In this episode, Maria and Lacey discuss the challenges faced by working parents in the nonprofit sector and actionable steps organizations can take to better support employees, retain talent, and decrease turnover. Lacey shares her journey as a working parent, insights on parental leave policies, and the importance of leading human-first in nonprofits.

Supporting Parental Leave in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

• How nonprofits can support working parents and retain talent.
• The importance of parental leave policies and workplace flexibility.
• Strategies for creating a supportive and inclusive work environment.
• Practical recommendations for balancing employee needs and organizational goals.
• Why treating employees holistically leads to better retention and engagement.

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable insights on nonprofit leadership, ethical fundraising, and employee engagement strategies!

About Lacey Kempinski:

Lacey Kempinski is the CEO and Founder of Balanced Good. Balanced Good provides parental leave coverage – from the day-to-day hands-on work to big picture transition planning. Balanced Good believes that a supported transition to parenthood will benefit both our sector and the parents working in it. Lacey has a big vision, she wants parental leave to become a celebrated life milestone, not a feared employment gap.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Lacey Kempinski on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laceykempinski 
• Learn more about Balanced Good: balancedgood.com
• Balanced Good LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balanced-good/ 
• Mat Leave Workbook: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/1986644d-75ba-476f-a37f-788cd7e5d48d
• VIP Day Waitlist: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/vipwaitlist
• 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/tNxjzz1q6Fo 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Wanna get your voice heard at city council meetings? Join Maria Rio and Alison Stewart, Director of Advocacy and Public Policy at Cycle Toronto, as they explore the intersection of advocacy, public policy, and collaboration to create safer streets in Toronto. In this episode, Alison shares how small nonprofits can effectively engage with government officials, advocate for policy changes, and build alliances to achieve shared goals. Learn actionable strategies to influence public policy and create healthier, more equitable communities.

Engaging with Government Officials - The Highlights:

• Insights on building relationships with government officials to influence public policy.
• Key steps for small nonprofits to engage in advocacy and public policy.
• How collaboration with community organizations amplifies impact.
• Lessons from creating safer streets through protected bike lanes and complete streets.
• Tips for navigating municipal processes and engaging supporters to depute.

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

About Alison Stewart:

Alison's passion for biking paired with her desire to make Toronto a vibrant cycling city led her to take on several volunteer roles since 2013. Her background includes senior leadership roles in the post secondary sector which saw her develop strategic plans that focused on supporting the diverse needs of international and domestic students while securing funding and developing government and community partnerships. 

Links and Resources: 

• Alison Stewart (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/alisonvstewart
• Alison Stewart (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AlisonVStewart 
• Alison Stewart (Email): [email protected]
• Cycle Toronto (Website): https://www.cycleto.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/NBZsYb21eUs

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Are you feeling burned out? In this deeply insightful episode, Mike Prosserman, founder of Unity Charity and CEO of EPIC Leadership, shares his journey of starting and growing a nonprofit organization.

From humble beginnings as a high school project to becoming a national charity, Mike opens up about the challenges, lessons, and personal tolls of nonprofit leadership. He dives into his decision to leave Unity Charity, reflecting on the importance of founder transitions, avoiding burnout, and fostering sustainable organizational growth. Mike also provides actionable advice for nonprofit leaders on setting boundaries, supporting staff, and creating a healthier nonprofit culture.

Preventing Nonprofit Burnout - the highlights:

• The story of founding Unity Charity and building it from a high school project.
• Navigating the transition from founder to a sustainable leadership model.
• Insights into preventing nonprofit burnout and creating boundaries as an ED.
• The importance of empowering staff and alumni for nonprofit sustainability.
• Strategies for tackling challenges and transitions in nonprofit leadership.

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

About Mike Prosserman:

Mike ‘Piecez’ Prosserman is a bestselling author, professional B-Boy (breakdancer), university instructor, and certified coach who specializes in scaling non-profits, team culture, and succession. In Michael’s book Building Unity: Leading a Non-Profit From Spark to Succession, he shares practical tools to building resilient and responsive organizations.

Links and Resources:  

• Mike Prosserman (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/bboypiecez/
• Mike Prosserman (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelprosserman/
• EPIC Leadership: https://www.epicleadership.ca/ 
• Unity Charity: https://www.unitycharity.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/cgxK1coghmU 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Tired of pouring your time and effort onto social media and NOT hit your fundraising goals? In this episode, Sara Hoosholey, fundraising consultant and founder of Charity Shift, joins host Maria Rio and shares innovative strategies for small nonprofits to collect emails, engage audiences, and boost donations.

Sara explains how nonprofits can use digital strategies to build trust, retain donors, and grow their impact. Learn how to create values-aligned campaigns, collect email leads effectively, and nurture long-term donor relationships.

Email Strategies for Nonprofits – The Highlights:

• Why email is the most effective communication channel for nonprofit donors.
• How to grow your nonprofit's email list: Proven email collection strategies for nonprofits.
• How values-aligned campaigns build trust and create long-term donor relationships.
• Steps to nurture new email subscribers with a targeted welcome series.
• The role of reciprocity in donor retention and engagement.

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

About Sara Hoshooley:

Our guest, Sara Hoshooley is a fundraising consultant and coach with a passion for small nonprofit organizations. As a former small charity Executive Director, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing small but growing nonprofits. Her unique approach uses each organization's strengths to grow fundraising in an authentic and achievable way. 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sarahoshooley/
• Sara’s Website: https://www.charityshift.ca/
• Email: Sara@charityshift
• 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/W1PAtQ2x7dI 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Are the challenges in your nonprofit growing pains or signs of deeper issues? This episode can make your nonprofit more effective, scalable, and fundable, so listen up!

Join host Maria Rio and operational expert Miriam Dicks from 180 Management Group as they share how nonprofits can strengthen their operations, foster accountability, and streamline efficiency. Miriam highlights common issues within nonprofit operations, from lack of accountability to the challenges of change management.

Discover practical solutions to build a healthy organizational culture, optimize operations, and leverage automation to maximize impact. From preventing high staff turnover to creating a culture of accountability, this episode is packed with actionable advice for nonprofit leaders looking to enhance their organizations.

Nonprofit Capacity Building – The Highlights:

• Why accountability at all levels is critical to organizational success.
• How poor accountability structures lead to nonprofit staff turnover and burnout.
• The importance of change management to implement and sustain operational improvements.
• Leveraging automation and outsourcing to boost efficiency in small nonprofits.
• Creating systems that boost capacity + promote alignment between strategy and daily operations (without expanding your team)!

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

About Miriam Dicks:

Miriam has over two decades of operational management and consulting experience. She brings her insights to the operational challenges facing our sector. From the perils of toxic workplace cultures to the smart outsourcing of HR functions, Miriam opens up about what truly can move the needle for small nonprofits.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Miriam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriampdicks 
• Website: https://www.180managementgroup.com/  
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Is your major gifts fundraising strategy aligned with your core values? In this insightful conversation, host Maria Rio is joined by Sarah Staiger. Together, they explore the intimidating (but rewarding!) world of major gifts and the transformative power of community-centric fundraising (CCF) while also discussing actionable strategies for small nonprofits to align their values with their fundraising practices.

Major Gifts & Community-Centric Fundraising - the highlights:

• What is Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF)? Sarah explains how CCF prioritizes values, community accountability, and systemic change over traditional donor-centric models.
• Values-Based Major Gifts Strategy: Learn how to incorporate values-based qualifiers into your donor portfolios, making donor engagement more aligned with your mission and community.
• Engaging Your Board in CCF Practices: Sarah shares practical tips for training predominantly white boards to adopt CCF principles and foster long-term cultural change within nonprofits.
• The Role of Transparency in Fundraising: How being honest about deficits, challenges, and community needs can deepen trust and partnership with donors.
• Centering Community in Annual Reports: Sarah introduces the innovative concept of creating "Community Reports" rather than traditional donor-centric annual reports.
• Navigating Donor Values Misalignment: Sarah and Maria discuss how addressing misaligned values with donors early can lead to stronger, more sustainable relationships.

Throughout the episode, Sarah and Maria also reflect on the impact of the Community-Centric Fundraising movement and offer practical examples of how fundraisers can adopt these principles to increase donor trust, engagement, and overall impact.

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

About Sarah Staiger:

Sarah Staiger is a fundraiser with over 20 years of experience. Sarah is passionate about building power through organized people and organized money. She is a partner at Staiger Vitelli Associates and has been exploring Community-Centric Fundraising methodologies since 2017. 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staigervitelli/ 
• Sarah’s Values-Based Donor Qualification: https://www.staigervitelli.com/vbdq
• 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/VhzvjcgPQcI

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Does face-to-face fundraising feel out of reach for your small nonprofit?  In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio sits down with Jerome Cheung, fundraising expert and Strategic Communications leader at Stratcom Canada, to dive deep into the world of face-to-face fundraising. Jerome reflects on his extensive career in nonprofit fundraising, international development, and grassroots initiatives. Together, they explore the evolution of face-to-face fundraising and its impact on nonprofit organizations.

Jerome shares his experiences with Greenpeace, Ecojustice, and Public Outreach, offering insights into how professionalized face-to-face campaigns have shaped the nonprofit sector. From the challenges of canvassing in harsh conditions to the importance of genuine connections with donors, this episode is packed with actionable advice for nonprofits looking to optimize their fundraising strategies.

Face-to-Face Fundraising - the highlights:

• The origins of face-to-face fundraising and how Greenpeace played a pivotal role in professionalizing it.
• Why face-to-face fundraising remains a valuable donor acquisition method for nonprofits of all sizes.
• The difference between grassroots volunteer canvassing and professionalized agency-led campaigns.
• How smaller organizations can leverage volunteer canvassing to build lists and engage their communities.
• Strategies for creating a seamless donor journey, from initial contact to long-term support.
• The importance of tailoring canvassing strategies to local contexts and reducing barriers for volunteers.
• Tips for smaller organizations to implement face-to-face fundraising without high upfront costs.
• Jerome’s personal experiences managing large-scale fundraising initiatives globally and his advice for nonprofits navigating similar efforts.

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

About Jerome Cheung:

Jerome Cheung is a seasoned fundraiser whose 18-year career has spanned across high-profile charities and agencies. His expertise in monthly giving, telefundraising, face-to-face engagement, and other fundraising avenues has made him a distinguished professional in our field.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Jerome on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jerome-cheung-a0819912
• Email: [email protected]
• 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/lDuNNHprP9I

Support the show