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

Send us Fan Mail

The nonprofit sector is facing a “polycrisis”. In this candid conversation, we unpack how simultaneous shocks (policy shifts, funder chill, shrinking donor pools) are reshaping civil society and what small nonprofits can do to adapt. We talk about building durable strategies instead of episodic crisis responses, and how to make decisions that protect mission over ego. Just as importantly, we get real about leadership wellbeing: navigating fear, staying in productive tension, and knowing when to step back. You’ll hear concrete ways to hold both urgency and care without burning yourself out or your team. 

On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio sits down with consultant and movement leader Rachel D'Souza, founder and principal of Gladiator Consulting and a member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council. Together, they explore how nonprofit leaders can stay grounded, collaborative, and courageous in uncertain times, and what this moment asks of all of us. 

The Highlights: 

• Polycrisis = this is a structural reset, not a blip. Multiple shocks are hitting at once, from government pullbacks to donor-consolidation trends; this reset requires long-term strategy, not perpetual crisis appeals. 
• Leadership in ambiguity: Discomfort isn’t the same as harm; staying in relationship through tension is a core leadership skill right now. 
• Mission over ego: When resources shift, leaders may need to right-size, share services, merge, or even sunset, to preserve gains made. 
• Wellbeing as capacity: The sector isn’t well; leaders need practices that keep them resourced enough to make hard, long-horizon decisions. 
• Values alignment matters: If we claim justice externally, our internal policies and culture must reflect it. 

Actionable Tips for Nonprofits: 

• Create a “durability plan,” not just a crisis plan: Define 12–24 month funding scenarios, decision triggers (e.g., reserves level), and pre-agreed pivots (program pause, shared HR/finance). 
• Normalize productive tension: Add a “discomfort check” to meetings: name what feels hard, distinguish discomfort from harm, and agree on the next experiment. 
• Protect leadership capacity: Set non-negotiables (quiet hours, coverage plans, reflective time). Model boundaries so the team believes you mean it. 
• Align inside practices: Audit internal policies (pay equity, leave, flexibility) to match your external equity commitments. Then share that story with donors. 

Resources and Links: 

• Guest: Rachel D'Souza— Founder & Principal, Gladiator Consulting 
  • Website: gladiatorrds.com  
  • Instagram: @ConsultingGladiator 
  • LinkedIn: Gladiator Consulting / Rachel D'Souza 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

If you’re tired of chasing dead-end applications or hearing “we don’t accept unsolicited proposals,” this episode is for you. We dig into how to build a smarter pipeline by prioritizing funders that welcome new grantees. Then we tackle the myth of “hard-to-fund” programs (arts, advocacy, civic education, etc.) and show you how reframing your work to match donor priorities can unlock dollars without changing your programming. 

On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, grant expert DeaRonda Harrison shares practical ways small and mid-sized nonprofits can sharpen their prospecting and reposition “tough” programs, especially in shifting political climates. You’ll learn how to identify real opportunities, speak to funder focus areas, and package your outcomes in ways that resonate. 

The Highlights 

• Prospect where the odds are real: Use research tools to identify funders who funded new grantees last year and build your pipeline around them instead of chasing closed doors. 
• Positioning beats “hard-to-fund”: No program is inherently unfundable; reframe outcomes to align with funder interests. 
• Mindset shift for momentum: Swap “our program is hard to fund” for “we haven’t matched the right funder-message fit, yet.” 
• Save time, increase wins: Stop spending time on “no unsolicited proposals” and redirect to open, new-grantee-friendly funders. 

Actionable Tips for Nonprofits 

• Start your list with “new grantees” filters: Find 20–30 funders who added new organizations last year; prioritize by alignment and deadlines. 
• Write a 1-paragraph positioning brief: For each program, list the community problem, your outcome, and 1–2 crosswalks to current funder priorities (e.g., “street outreach → community building”). 
• Qualify fast: If a funder is closed to unsolicited proposals and has no pathway to connect, park them for later and move on. 
• Collect proof points: Gather quotes, stories, or early indicators (surveys, sign-ups, attendance) that validate your reframed outcomes. 

Resources and Links 

• Connect with our host, Maria Rio 
• Connect with our guest, DeaRonda Harrison 
• DeaRonda’s website  
• Support our show. We are fully self-funded! 
• Watch this episode on YouTube 
• Need help with your fundraising? 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

From Donor-Centric to Community-Centric: Building Equity Into Fundraising 

Most “best practices” put donors and boards at the top of the pyramid - and everyone else (staff, volunteers, service users) at the bottom.  

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down the shift from donor-centric to community-centric fundraising and why this change is key to building a more equitable nonprofit sector. 

Maria unpacks how covert white supremacy shows up in nonprofit culture, from “tone-policing” to donor hero narratives, and what it looks like to root those habits out in everyday fundraising. She also shares how fundraisers can start bringing donors into these conversations—challenging outdated ideas about overhead, pushing back on problematic donations, and transforming donors into real partners for justice. 

Maria shares the mindset, tools, and examples every fundraiser needs to move from good intentions to meaningful action—without burning out or compromising their values. 

Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits - The Highlights: 

• Why community-centric fundraising is more than a trend; it’s a reimagining of how nonprofits build power and impact. 
• The hidden ways white supremacy culture shows up in fundraising practices (and how to spot them). 
• How to have respectful but firm conversations with donors about overhead, dignity, and equity. 
• Why “no” can be the most ethical and mission-aligned answer to a donation. 
• How to turn donors into true advocates and allies for systemic change. 

🎧 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! 

Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits – 5 Actionable Tips:  

• Audit your fundraising practices — Identify donor-centric habits that center wealth instead of community. 
• Educate your donors — Share resources like the Community-Centric Fundraising Hub and invite donors to learn alongside your team. 
• Challenge problematic donations — Ask: “Does this gift align with our mission and values?” before saying yes. 
• Talk openly about overhead — Frame it as the cost of doing meaningful, sustainable work—not a burden. 
• Reframe donor relationships — Position them as collaborators in social change, not saviors. 

 Resources and Links 

• Community-Centric Fundraising Hub 
• Vu Le’s Nonprofit AF Blog 
• Connect with Maria Rio on LinkedIn 
• Support The Small Nonprofit Podcast — we’re fully self-funded! Donate here 
• Watch this episode on YouTube 
• Need help with your fundraising? 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Grants look easy from the outside: download a form, fill it in, wait for the cheque. In reality? Cold applications rarely convert, and the magic happens off the application portal. On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin McBride unpack why grants are not the quick win many organizations expect and how a single 15-minute call can completely change your pitch, and your odds. We break down what funders won’t put on their website, why most “perfect fit” applications still miss, and how to flip your process from “apply first” to “build trust first.” If you’ve been told to “just send more grants,” but aren’t seeing the results you want, this one’s for you. 

Grant Writing for Nonprofits - The Highlights: 

1. Cold grants rarely win funds 
   Caitlin shared a study by grant consultant Valerie Grant that analyzed 270 grants over 19 months. When organizations submitted cold applications with no prior connection, the approval rate was 7 percent. That means 93 percent were denied. High volume without strategy burns time. 
2. Relationships exponentially increase your odds 
   When there was prior contact or a relationship, the approval rate rose to 17 percent - a 140 percent increase. Funders often clarify fit, timing, and budget in conversation. Sometimes the formal application follows an informal yes. 
3. Expect a 12-to-18-month runway 
   Grants are a long game. Many wins come after a first rejection, a feedback loop, and a re-application in the next cycle. Most funders have fixed windows, internal review processes, and shifting priorities that you cannot rush. Plan your efforts and your expectations accordingly. 
4. Do not build your budget on speculative grants 
   Caitlin is conservative: she only budgets grants that are multi-year or renewed reliably with active stewardship. If you base a program plan on a hoped-for grant and it does not land, the fallout can be severe. 
5. Capacity and clarity come before hiring a grant writer 
   A grant writer cannot save a weak system. You need a clear project or program, measurable outcomes, data collection, stories, and a stewardship plan. Your website must make you findable and credible; you should post annual reports, impact stats, audited financials, and real stories. Funders do their homework. 

🎧 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! 

Grant Writing for Nonprofits – 3 Actionable Tips:  

1. Call before you apply 
   Use staff and board networks or mutual LinkedIn connections to secure a warm intro. Go in to validate: Are we a fit right now? What range makes sense? Which program aligns best? You will learn things not listed online and avoid misaligned applications. 
2. Measure the right inputs 
   Track leading metrics, not just submissions; track the number of funder calls, touch points, impact stats gathered, stories captured, and stewardship initiatives delivered on time. These behaviors drive results. Counting applications alone rewards activity, not strategy. 
3. Pair grants with unrestricted revenue 
   Grants are often project-restricted and many funders favor new projects. Build unrestricted revenue through individual giving or earned income so you can fund raises, rent, and tech. Trust-based funders are growing, but you still need a balanced revenue mix. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

A four-day work week is not a gimmick. Done right, it can reduce burnout, stabilize output, and help you keep great people. Our guest today shares that after two years of doing a 4-day work week model, they saw a 46% increase in staff morale and wellbeing. This is only one of the many amazing benefits Imagine Canada has seen! 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Jodene Baker, Vice President of Research, Advocacy and External Relations at Imagine Canada. Jodene oversees national research and policy efforts supporting Canada’s nonprofit sector. Imagine Canada also builds tools like Grant Connect and advocates federally to strengthen the sector. Maria and Jodene discuss the challenges of starting, decent work practices, and how to measure the unmeasurable. 

4-Day Work Week for Nonprofits - The Highlights: 

1. Why try a four-day week in the first place 
   The sector is stretched: lower average pay, rising demand, and chronic burnout. Imagine Canada saw the same internal pressures and chose to test a four-day week to improve staff wellbeing and retention while holding impact. 
2. Their model is 100 percent pay, 80 percent time, 100 percent outcomes 
   Imagine Canada works Monday to Thursday and closes Fridays. There is no pay cut and no compressed schedule. This pilot began in January 2023 and is now extended through 2026. It remains a pilot so they can keep measuring and adjust if needed. 
3. Preparation made the shift workable 
   They joined the Four Day Week Global pilot, created a cross-functional staff group, set clear goals, and defined success metrics. They also cleaned up calendars: 
   • Audited and shortened meetings 
   • Made Monday afternoons meeting-free internally 
   • Blocked Fridays well in advance to build the habit 
4. Measured results: wellbeing up, sick days down, impact stable 
   They track roughly 50 metrics across wellbeing, productivity, and outputs.  
5. Recruitment and retention improved 
   Candidates now cite the four-day week as a reason to apply. Staff attrition has dropped exponentially.  

🎧 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 

“The four day work week is a tactic - to help tackle wellbeing and equity challenges without needing to increase wages.” – Jodene Baker 

4-Day Work Week for Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips:  

1. Do a calendar cleanse before you change schedules 
   Remove or shorten recurring meetings. Pilot a no internal meetings block on Friday and a second block on Monday afternoon. This builds focus time, reduces context switching, and makes a four day schedule realistic. 
2. Decide your goals and metrics first 
   Be clear about what you want to improve and what must be protected. Examples: morale, sick days, turnover, core outputs, donor response times. Build a simple dashboard, survey staff, and review quarterly. 
3. Adapt the model to your operating reality 
   Frontline or high-access orgs can stagger schedules: Team A works Mon-Thu and Team B works Tue-Fri. You can also test summer Fridays, rotating days, or a 9-day fortnight. Pair any schedule with decent work practices like personal days, clear sick leave, and paid PD. The goal is capacity and wellbeing, not a rigid recipe. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

When a nonprofit faces a full board turnover, staff departures, and community outrage all at once, most Executive Directors want to run away. Nina Horvath stayed. 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society, producers of the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. Years ago, Nina joined Coastal as their ED just two weeks before a contentious AGM that resulted in a complete board shake-up. What followed was months of turmoil, community mistrust, and staff uncertainty. Through transparency, communication, and stubborn resilience, Nina helped guide the organization back to stability. Her leadership built psychological safety, trust with the community, and provided much-needed calm through the storm. 

Governance Crisis in Nonprofits - The Highlights: 

1. Transparency is your anchor in chaos 
   Closed doors fuel suspicion. Nina used weekly all-staff meetings and open communication so people knew what was happening and why. 
2. Community needs a seat at the table 
   Quarterly town halls gave members and musicians space to ask questions, share feedback, and hold leadership accountable. 
3. A transition board can stabilize governance 
   A small, mixed transition board of former members and community reps helped build the path forward in a collaborative way. 
4. Funders will stick with you if you are honest 
   One-on-one check-ins with major funders, plus a clear plan forward, kept support intact. 
5. Leadership in crisis is about trust, not perfection 
   Nina second-guessed herself early. Her advise to her past self would be to ground decisions in values and move at the speed of trust. 

🎧 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! 

Governance Crisis in Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips  

1. Set steady communication rhythms: 
   Hold weekly all-staff check-ins and regular board updates. Silence invites rumors. 
2. Create public accountability moments: 
   Run quarterly community updates or town halls. Share progress and the messy middle. Visibility builds credibility. 
3. Ask for help sooner: 
   Bring in mentors, peers, or advisors. Outside perspective keeps you from carrying it alone. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

The 2025 Changemaker Wellbeing Index Report shows that 30% of nonprofit workers are experiencing food insecurity. This new study confirms what so many in our sector already feel every day: burnout, financial strain, and constant pressure. 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio is joined by Caitlin McBride, CFRE, a fundraising executive with over a decade of experience. Together, they unpack Future of Good’s 2025 Change Maker Wellbeing Index and what it reveals about food security, mental health, and overall wellbeing across Canadian nonprofits. 

Burnout in Nonprofits - The Highlights: 

1. We’re not in alignment with our values 
   The study found that about 30% of nonprofit staff are experiencing food insecurity. Many organizations try to fight poverty in the community while it is happening inside their own four walls. 
2. Wellbeing is alarmingly low 
   In arts, culture, and recreation, nearly half of staff reported poor wellbeing. Government-linked organizations like schools and hospital foundations reported lower but still concerning rates. 
3. Leadership and frontline experiences are different 
   About half of entry-level and frontline staff reported poor wellbeing, compared to about 30% in senior leadership. Power, pay, and job security shape stress in very different ways. 
4. Turnover creates sector-wide brain drain 
   More than 70% of entry-level staff who quit nonprofit roles leave the sector entirely. That is loss of experience, momentum, and future leadership. 
5. The future of the sector is at risk without change 
   If early-career staff burn out and leave, organizations lose continuity and capacity. Sustainable missions require sustainable workplaces. 

🎧 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 

“Doing good does not put food on the table. Just because someone wants to make a difference does not mean it should come at the expense of their health or financial security.” – Caitlin McBride 

Burnout in Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips  

1. Compete on decent work 
   If salary increases are limited, pull other levers: four-day work weeks, flexible schedules, real time off, meeting caps, and workload boundaries. However, if you can raise pay do it. 
2. Invest in systems for stability 
   Track attrition, build simple budgets, create documented processes, and plan beyond year-end. Stable systems reduce chaos and protect staff wellbeing. 
3. Make wellbeing a core sustainability strategy 
   Treat staff health and security as mission-critical. Align internal practices with external values so your team experiences the dignity your programs promise. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Small nonprofits deserve BIG support. However, many fundraisers stumble while trying one to one relationships with major donors without it feeling fake, forced, or transactional.  Fundraising is not sales; it is matchmaking. At the heart of every major gift is a shared why: the values and experiences that connect you, your mission, and your donors. 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down how small nonprofits can shift their mindset about major gifts, move past common fears, and start building authentic, lasting relationships with donors. 

Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits: The Highlights 

1. Fundraising Begins With Your Why
   Donors are not just buying into what your organization does - they are connecting with why you do it. Leading with your “why” helps you find alignment and build deeper trust. 
2. Limiting Beliefs Hold Fundraisers Back 
   Common fears like "I don’t know how to ask," "I don’t know wealthy people," or "fundraising feels like begging" stop many from even trying. Naming and reframing these beliefs is the first step to moving past them. 
3. Fundraising Is Not Begging - It Is Partnership 
   Begging means asking for something in exchange for nothing. Fundraising is offering donors a chance to live in alignment with their values and invest in the world they want to see. Lean into the psychology of fundraising. 
4. Rejection Is Not the End 
   A no does not mean rejection of you or your cause - it simply means the timing or priority is not right for the donor. Every no gets you closer to a stronger yes. 
5. Communication Goes Beyond Words 
   How you show up matters more than a perfect script. Your tone, presence, body language, and ability to listen all play a bigger role in building donor confidence and connection than memorized lines. 

🎧 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 from Maria: 
"Fundraising is not about convincing someone to give - it is about connecting them to a mission they already care about." - Maria Rio 

Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips 

1. Reframe Fundraising as Matchmaking 
   Think of yourself as the bridge between a donor’s values and your cause. You are not selling - you are introducing two parties who already belong together. 
2. Use the FORM Framework to Build Rapport 
   Ask about Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Material interests to find common ground. Share about yourself too so it feels like a genuine relationship, not an interview. 
3. Anchor Every Ask in a Clear Story 
   Focus on one problem, one solution, one result, and one impact. This keeps the conversation simple and powerful while helping donors clearly see the role they can play.

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Growing your organization is about smarter, easier touchpoints. It’s about how small nonprofits can show up where people already are, build real connection, and grow a brand that attracts donors, partners, and advocates. 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio is joined by Christa Stelzmuller, Chief Technology Officer at Charity: Water. Christa brings a wealth of experience leading technology, product, and data innovation at one of the world’s most recognized nonprofits. Together, they dig into how nonprofits can use technology and partnerships to deepen empathy, engage new audiences, and grow sustainable revenue. 

Audience Building for Nonprofits: The Highlights 

1. Nonprofits don’t need to compete for scraps: 
   The real opportunity is to expand generosity overall. Whether through brand partnerships, tech, or social enterprise models, the sector wins when the giving pie gets bigger. 
2. Trust is a built-in nonprofit advantage: 
   Strict reporting and transparency requirements give nonprofits credibility that influencers or corporations cannot always guarantee. 
3. Technology can drive revenue, not just costs: 
   At Charity: Water, tech is seen as a way to build donor products, deepen engagement, and grow giving - not just an overhead line item. 
4. Partnerships are powerful growth tools: 
   From influencers to retail experiences, nonprofits can use creative partnerships to show up in everyday spaces where people already spend their time and money. 
5. Long-term sustainability matters: 
   Unlike corporate campaigns, nonprofits are designed to deliver solutions that last. We’re experts at building trust with communities and donors who want to see their dollars have real staying power. 

🎧 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! 

Audience Building for Nonprofits: ️ 3 Actionable Tips 

1. Know your audience 
   Get clear on who you are trying to reach and where they spend their time. Local nonprofits may focus on community events, while larger ones might lean on digital strategies. 
2. Experiment with partnerships 
   You don’t need a global brand to start. Partner with a coffee shop, an influencer, or a local business to amplify your message and create new touchpoints. 
3. Lead with transparency 
   Share stories, impact data, and even challenges openly. Donors want to see not just where their money went, but how it created change. 

Resources and Links

• Connect with our host, Maria Rio 
• Connect with our guest, Christa Stelzmuller 
• Check out Charity: Water website! 
• Watch this episode on YouTube 
• Support our show. We are fully self-funded! 
• Need help with your fundraising? 
• Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :) 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Storytelling is the heartbeat of nonprofit fundraising - and now, AI is giving organizations new ways to capture and share those stories while still keeping a human touch at the center. 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Gustavo Zylberberg, Co-founder and CEO of Vitalcy, an AI-powered alumni engagement platform helping nonprofits reconnect with their communities, strengthen relationships, and unlock new donor support. 

AI Storytelling in Nonprofits - The Highlights: 

1. Bandwidth is the biggest barrier 
   Most nonprofits are not resisting AI - they are just stretched too thin to explore it. Lack of time and staff capacity is the real challenge. 
2. AI strengthens community ties 
   When used well, AI can capture and amplify personal stories that reconnect alumni or past participants with a mission, turning memories into renewed engagement and donor support. 
3. Fear is normal, but not permanent 
   Nonprofits may hesitate because AI feels overwhelming or too big. Starting small and experimenting is the best way to push past fear and discover practical value. 
4. Ethical storytelling still matters most 
   AI can make processes faster, but human review and dignity safeguards are critical. Technology should enhance authenticity, not replace it. 
5. AI is an enabler, not a replacement 
   Just like the internet transformed nonprofit work, AI is becoming part of daily operations. But the human relationships at the heart of fundraising will always remain. 

🎧 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 

“Fundraising is human work at its core. AI should never erase that – it should help nonprofits do it more authentically, more efficiently, and at greater scale.” – Gustavo Zylberberg

Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Leaders to Harness AI Effectively: 

1. Start small with curiosity 
   Go into tools like ChatGPT and ask simple questions about how they might make your job easier. You don’t need to overhaul everything, just dip your toes. 
2. Train AI on your organization’s own messaging 
   Whether it is appeals, alumni stories, or newsletters, the more you feed AI about your nonprofit, the more useful and accurate it becomes. 
3. Pair efficiency with authenticity 
   Use AI for first drafts or systems support, but keep a human voice and review in your storytelling. The goal is not speed for its own sake, but deeper connection with your community. 

Support the show