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

Send us Fan Mail

Despite being a sector dominated by women, nonprofit leadership remains disproportionately male. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Caitlin McBride to unpack the gender gap at the top. 

They dig into everything from the “motherhood penalty” vs. the “fatherhood bonus,” to sneaky internalized biases and straight-up structural BS. Just because our sector talks about equity, doesn’t mean we're actually living it. 

Whether you’re climbing the ladder, job hunting, or just trying to survive nonprofit life as a woman or gender-diverse human, this episode will leave you fired up, inspired, and feeling a little less alone. 

Nonprofit Leadership & Gender Equity – The Highlights: 

• Women are the backbone of the nonprofit workforce - but still left out of leadership: Despite making up 80% of the sector, women hold less than half of executive roles - and even fewer in larger organizations. 
• The world treats women’s time as infinite and men’s as precious: Women are expected to “figure it out” at work and home: juggling unpaid labor, emotional caretaking, and their careers without complaint. 
• Women are underpaid and undervalued:  Orgs justify low salaries by pointing to women’s partners’ incomes, reinforcing harmful assumptions. 
• Green flags to look out for: From tampon access in bathrooms to child-friendly meeting times, true inclusion is in the details. 
• Does the org walk their equity talk? Representation alone isn’t enough if power dynamics remain unchanged. 

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations! 

About Caitlin McBride and Maria Rio: 

Caitlin is a Certified Fund-Raising Executive with over a decade of experience across large nonprofits in the UK and grassroots charities in Canada. She is known for building authentic, values-driven donor relationships and developing sustainable systems that deepen the donor experience. A published writer with a post-graduate diploma in Professional Communications, Caitlin also serves as vice-chair of the board at New Westminster Family Place in British Columbia. 

Maria Rio is the CEO and founder of Further Together, a Fractional Fundraising consulting firm she launched in January 2023. As a refugee who arrived in Canada at an early age, Maria’s personal experience with charitable services fueled her passion for nonprofit work. An advocate for Community-Centric Fundraising, Maria uses her lived experience to push for innovative, equity-driven approaches in the nonprofit sector. 

Actionable tips for building gender equity in nonprofit leadership:
➜ Audit your board and leadership team. Who’s excluded? Why?
➜ Review your parental leave, flexibility, and caregiving policies.
➜ Make mentorship visible and accessible.
➜ Challenge assumptions about who “should” lead, what leadership looks like, and whose time we value.
➜ If you’re a woman applying for a new role, negotiate like a man. You’re worth it. 

Resources: 

• Board of director positions filled by designated groups 
• Board Source, Leading with Intent Report - 2021 
• The 50-30 Challenge&am

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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

From redefining policies to centering Indigenous voices, Huda shares how Ecojustice has built authentic donor relationships, empowered its team, and addressed systemic inequities. Whether you’re a nonprofit leader or a fundraiser looking to create meaningful change, this conversation will help you rethink how you approach philanthropy with an equity-driven mindset. 

Nonprofit Inclusive and Indigenized Philanthropy – The Highlights: 

• Building a diverse and inclusive team: Learn how Ecojustice attracts and retains diverse staff through inclusive hiring practices and equitable workplace policies. 
• Redefining donor engagement: Discover how to have honest conversations with donors about Indigenous reconciliation and systemic inequities. 
• Shifting the narrative: How Ecojustice positions donors as partners and highlights Indigenous and marginalized communities as leaders in environmental justice. 
• Supportive philanthropy: Ecojustice’s approach to sharing resources, supporting smaller organizations, and promoting equitable funding. 
• Policy in action: Why they introduced a land back policy and how it’s reshaping their approach to accepting gifts of land. 

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations! 

About Huda Al-Saedy 

Huda is a purposeful environmentalist, non-profit leader, and fundraiser. With justice serving as her core value and a profound passion for driving change, her nonprofit career began 20 years ago where she fervently campaigned to eradicate child poverty in the UK. It was here that she first witnessed the stark reality: marginalized communities, shackled by socioeconomic disparity, are disproportionately impacted by poor air and water quality. Venturing further, she then worked in the Middle East supporting refugees displaced by wars driven by the global obsession with oil and gas, witnessing firsthand the intricate web of ecological devastation it spins across continents. 

Connect with Us: 

• Maria Rio – Connect on LinkedIn 
• Ecojustice – Learn More 
• Huda Al-Saedy – Connect on LinkedIn 

Support the Podcast: 

Love these conversations? Support the podcast and help us continue to bring you actionable nonprofit insights by donating here. 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! 

Watch this episode on Youtube. 

Coming Next Week: 

P.S. Join us next week as we dive into the gender divide in nonprofit leadership — why it persists, how it impacts organizations, and what we can do to create more equitable leadership opportunities. 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Nonprofit fundraising is more than just making the ask. It’s about providing value, building relationships, and using data to drive smart decisions. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares the top lessons she’s learned as a consultant that every nonprofit fundraiser can apply. 

Whether you’re managing a small shop or leading a larger development team, this conversation will help you rethink your approach to donor relationships, automation, and nonprofit data management. 

3 Nonprofit Fundraising Lessons I Learned from Consulting – The Highlights: 

• Providing Value First: Learn why offering insights and building trust before making an ask leads to stronger donor relationships. 
• Automating for Efficiency: Discover how automation can streamline fundraising tasks, freeing up time for meaningful connections. 
• Data-Driven Fundraising: Understand why clean, accurate data is essential for effective donor retention and decision-making. 
• Lead Generation Strategies: Find out how providing value upfront with resources like fundraising audits can engage new donors. 
• Balancing Personalization: Learn how to personalize donor outreach without overwhelming your team. 

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, donor retention, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work! We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations! 

Resources: 

Burnout Check Quiz 

Actionable Tips for Nonprofit Fundraisers: 
➜ Create a lead generator: Offer valuable resources, like free fundraising audits or reports, to engage potential donors.
➜ Automate your follow-ups: Set up automated email sequences for donor retention, thank-you messages, and impact updates.
➜ Perform regular data audits: Review your donor database quarterly to remove duplicates, correct errors, and track the right metrics.
➜ Segment and personalize: Use clean data to segment your donors and send relevant, personalized communications.
➜ Track your impact: Use dashboards and reports to monitor fundraising progress and adjust your strategy as needed. 

Connect with Us: 

• Maria Rio – Connect on LinkedIn 
• Further Together – Visit the Website 

Support the Podcast: 

Love these conversations? Support the podcast and help us continue to bring you actionable nonprofit insights by donating here. 

Watch this episode on Youtube. 

Coming Next Week: 

P.S. Join us next week as we chat with Maria about how leading with value can transform your nonprofit’s impact and build stronger connections with your community! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

Hiring in the nonprofit sector is harder than ever in 2025. With stagnant salaries, limited remote work options, and increased competition for talent, many organizations are struggling to fill positions and retain staff. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key challenges nonprofits are facing and share actionable strategies to help you build a strong and motivated team. 

They cover why salary transparency is essential, how to support your employees beyond pay, and ways to streamline your hiring process to avoid common pitfalls. If you’re struggling with hiring or retention, this episode is a must-listen! 

Why Is Hiring So Tough in 2025? – Episode Highlights: 

• Why pay gaps and lack of transparency are pushing talent away. 
• Why reducing remote options is a major dealbreaker for candidates. 
• Understanding why fundraisers are leaving for higher pay and better support. 
• How a long, disorganized hiring process can cost you top talent. 
• From salary transparency to fractional hires, explore new ways to hire and retain staff. 

🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable insights on nonprofit leadership, fundraising strategies, and ways to build a stronger team. Let’s tackle burnout and find sustainable solutions for your nonprofit. 

Actionable Tips for Nonprofits Struggling to Hire:
➜ Post salary ranges: Transparent salaries are needed for equity and candidate trust.
➜ Offer competitive benefits: Flexibility, additional PTO, wellness perks, and professional development opportunities can make up for limited budgets.
➜ Speed up your hiring process: The longer you take, the more likely candidates will accept another offer. Stay organized and communicative.
➜ Retain before you replace: Conduct “stay interviews” to learn what your current staff need before they consider leaving.
➜ Think beyond full-time hires: Consider fractional or interim leadership roles, outsourcing, or internal promotions to fill gaps quickly. 

Connect with Us: 

• Maria Rio – Connect on LinkedIn 
• Caitlin McBride – Connect on LinkedIn 

Support the Podcast: 

Love the podcast? 

• Support these conversations by becoming a member here.  
• Subscribe for email updates here!  
• Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Coming next week: 

P.S. Join us next week to learn how leading with value can boost your nonprofit’s impact and strengthen community connections! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key differences between being a boss versus being a leader and why leadership gaps are causing burnout and turnover in the nonprofit sector. They share insights into how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, create a supportive work environment, and empower their teams for long-term success. Whether you're managing staff for the first time or looking to refine your leadership approach, this episode is packed with actionable advice. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Boss vs. Leader: What’s the difference? 
• The impact of poor leadership in nonprofits 
• The traits of an effective nonprofit leader 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Foster psychological safety: Encourage open communication and feedback within your team.
➜ Seek mentorship & coaching: Great leaders never stop learning—invest in executive coaching or peer mentorship.
➜ Lead by example: If you want a positive, motivated team, you must embody those traits first.
➜ Encourage smart risk-taking: Nonprofits often fear failure too much—innovation requires taking calculated risks.
➜ Hold leaders accountable: If an ED or manager is ineffective, address the leadership issue instead of blaming staff. 

Resources 

• Burnout Check Quiz 
• Building Psychological Safety Guide 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Caitlin McBride 
• Further Together Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

P.S. Join us next week as Caitlin and I dive into the hiring challenges nonprofits are facing in 2025—and what you can do to find and keep the right talent! 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, to discuss why email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for nonprofits. They dive into strategies for donor retention, automation, and engagement tactics that keep donors connected beyond their first gift. Katelyn shares actionable tips on improving email effectiveness, measuring success, and turning one-time supporters into lifelong champions for your cause. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Why email marketing is nonprofit gold 
• The biggest email marketing mistakes nonprofits make 
• Automating for personalization & engagement 
• Fundraising emails: best practices & what to avoid 
• Using AI to improve your email marketing 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Audit your emails: Look at engagement data, click-through rates, and unsubscribes.
➜ Be consistent: Aim for at least one email per week.
➜ Use automation: Set up a welcome series and donor thank-you emails.
➜ Refine your subject lines: Use AI tools or A/B testing to improve open rates.
➜ Repurpose content: Use past high-performing emails or social media posts. 

Resources 

• Burnout Check Quiz 
• Subject Line 
• Email Audit Guide 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Katelyn Baughan 
• Further Together Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

P.S. Join us next week as we dive into practical strategies for staying true to your values without burning out. Don’t miss it! 🚀 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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

Key Topics Covered: 

• Fundraising is not a solo act 
• Empowering program staff to support fundraising 
• Getting your board involved in fundraising 
• Creating a culture of fundraising across the organization 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Start small with your board: Ask them to make thank-you calls before jumping into solicitation. 
➜ Educate your team: Help staff understand where the money comes from and how they contribute to the process. 
➜ Celebrate wins together: When a campaign or grant succeeds, acknowledge everyone’s role in making it happen. 
➜ Be transparent: Regularly share financial updates so staff and board members understand fundraising realities.
➜ Shift the mindset: Fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about building relationships and sharing impact. 

Resources 

• Burnout Check Quiz 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Caitlin McBride 
• Further Together Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

Join us next week for an insightful conversation with Katelyn Baughan on how to transform first-time donors into loyal, long-term supporters! 🚀 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria breaks down the nine biggest red flags to watch for during your nonprofit job search.

While the sector is full of impactful orgs, not all are well-managed or even stable. Maria shares tips on spotting warning signs—like financial instability, poor leadership, and lack of work-life balance—before you accept an offer. If you're looking for a nonprofit job or just want to be more intentional about your next career move, this episode is a must-listen! 

Nonprofit Job Search -- The Highlights: 

• Expanding programming without secured funding  
• Ignoring past strategic failures 
• Recurring financial instability 
• Board members lacking governance knowledge 
• Egocentric leadership and lack of transparency 
• Poor work-life balance 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Do your research: look at the organization’s financials, Glassdoor reviews, and strategic plans. 

➜ Ask the right questions: use this episode’s prompts to dig deeper in interviews. 

➜ Trust your gut: if something feels off, take it seriously. 

➜ Talk to current and former employees: get real insights into the workplace culture. 

➜ Prioritize your needs: define your non-negotiables and set boundaries before accepting an offer. 

Resources 

• Burnout Check Quiz 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Further Together Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast for email updates here! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

Join us next week for "Fundraising is a Team Sport," where Maria and Caitlin dive into how collaboration across your organization can lead to stronger donor relationships and bigger fundraising wins! 🏆 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sheela Mahajan, founder of the Nonprofit Science Institute and host of the Nonprofit Science Podcast. Sheela shares how nonprofits can move beyond reactive decision-making and start thinking more strategically. They discuss the challenges of shifting organizational mindsets, how to implement systematic decision-making processes, and the importance of defining problems before jumping to solutions. Sheela introduces the Signals Framework, a structured approach to problem-solving that empowers nonprofit leaders to make data-driven decisions with confidence. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Why nonprofits struggle with decision-making 
• Introducing the signals framework 
• Rethinking fundraising events 
• Overcoming resistance to change 
• The power of documentation in decision-making 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Use the signals framework: write down the specific problem you’re solving, collect data, and test solutions systematically.
➜ Get everyone in the room: bring together staff, leadership, and board members to align on key challenges.
➜ Track decision-making: keep records of strategic decisions to help future teams stay informed.
➜ Shift the culture: encourage a data-driven mindset rather than relying on “this is how we’ve always done it.”
➜ Start small: test the framework on a single issue before applying it organization-wide. 

Resources: 

• Nonprofit Science Institute – Website 
• Nonprofit Science Podcast – Listen Here 
• Free Ebook: The Signals Framework – Download Here 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Sheela Mahajan 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

Join us next week for a must-listen episode on landing your dream nonprofit job! 🎯 Maria shares the ultimate list of red flags to watch out for in your job search so you can avoid toxic workplaces and find the right fit. Don't miss it!

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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

Key Topics Covered: 

• The rise of Community-Centric Fundraising  
• AI and automation in fundraising 
• Ethical storytelling & the shift away from exploitation 
• Burnout & the shift to fractional fundraising 
• Creative ways to show gratitude to donors 

Actionable tips: 

➜ Explore AI tools for efficiency: Start small by using AI for board meeting minutes or email drafts.
➜ Shift to community-centric fundraising: Move beyond traditional donor-centric models to prioritize impact.
➜ Audit your storytelling practices: Ensure your messaging centers dignity, autonomy, and ethical representation.
➜ Address burnout before it’s too late: Take proactive steps to support nonprofit teams and explore fractional fundraising models. 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Caitlin McBride 
• Further Together Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform! Leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue providing valuable insights. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Coming Next Week: 

Join us next week as we chat with Sheela Mahajan about transforming the way nonprofits think. We’ll explore how to move beyond outdated mindsets, make more strategic decisions, and tailor solutions to your community for greater impact. Don’t miss this game-changing conversation! 🚀 

Support the show