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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!

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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! 🚀 

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria is joined by Caitlin McBride to discuss how nonprofit fundraisers can transition smoothly into the new year after the year-end fundraising rush. They share strategies for celebrating success, reflecting on what worked, and setting yourself up for long-term sustainability—without burning out. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the reset of a new fiscal year, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you start 2025 with confidence. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Celebrating year-end wins 
• Avoiding the post-year-end slump 
• Practical ways to reflect and improve for next year 
• How to fill your own cup as a fundraiser 
• Creative ways to show gratitude to donors 

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Take time to celebrate your achievements—big and small. 
➜ Document key insights from your year-end campaign to reference later. 
➜ Start the year with activities that energize and inspire you. 
➜ Show gratitude to your donors and supporters in thoughtful ways. 
➜ Give yourself grace—fundraising is a long game, and every step matters. 

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 Caitlin and Maria share fundraising trends in 2025. Tune in for practical tips to start the new year strong and set yourself up for success! 🚀 

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio dives into the Five Pillars of Great Fundraising, a powerful framework to help nonprofits assess and optimize their fundraising strategies. Maria explains how nonprofit leaders can evaluate their efforts, identify gaps, and implement changes that lead to sustainable growth. Whether you're working with a small team or looking to refine your fundraising approach, this episode provides practical, actionable insights to maximize your impact. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Prospecting & one-to-one fundraising 
• Digital fundraising & lead generation 
• One-to-many fundraising campaign 
• Crafting a strong unique value proposition  
• Branding & trust building for fundraising success 

Actionable Tips: 
➜ Choose one pillar to focus on: Start with the area that needs the most improvement. 
➜ Track & analyze key metrics: Set up a system to monitor progress and make data-driven decisions. 
➜ Gather feedback: Engage donors, staff, and volunteers to refine your approach.
➜ Optimize & iterate: Use insights to adjust and enhance your fundraising strategy. 
➜ Celebrate small wins: Recognize progress and share successes internally and externally. 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• 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 Caitlin and Maria share how to celebrate your year-end success without feeling overwhelmed as you start fresh. Don’t miss this episode on setting yourself up for a strong new year! 🚀 

Support the show

Send Maria a text HERE :)

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Caitlin McBride, an experienced fundraiser and consultant, to discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of being a one-person fundraising department. Caitlin shares her journey from working in large fundraising teams to becoming the sole fundraiser at small nonprofits. She provides actionable insights on setting up systems, avoiding burnout, and leveraging technology to maximize efficiency. If you’re a nonprofit professional juggling multiple roles, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you thrive. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Embrace systems and technology 
• Get comfortable with decision-making 
• Set boundaries and manage expectations 
• Prioritize self-care without guilt 
• Know when to ask for help 

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Build a strong support network: Connect with other fundraisers, listen to industry podcasts, and seek mentorship. 
➜ Leverage free and low-cost tech: Use tools like TechSoup for nonprofit discounts on software and services. 
➜ Create a case for support: Having a well-written document makes grant writing and donor outreach much more efficient. 
➜ Audit and organize your CRM: Clean data and standardized tracking can save hours of work. 
➜ Educate your board & ED: Set clear expectations about what’s realistic for a one-person fundraising team. 

Resources: 

• Are you burnt out? QUIZ  
• Reboot  
• MASadvice  

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 Maria shares her insights on measuring success and making data-driven decisions! 🚀 

Support the show

Send Maria a text HERE :)

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria speaks with Kel Haney, a fundraising coach and consultant, about transforming donor engagement through personalized and strategic phone calls. Kel introduces her "ditch the script" approach and her "five-minute fundraising ask" framework, which emphasizes authenticity, connection, and clear asks. Whether you’re a seasoned fundraiser or new to phone outreach, Kel’s insights will help you foster deeper relationships and make your calls more effective. 

Key Topics Covered: 

• Why scripts don’t work 
• The power of vulnerability 
• Five-minute fundraising ask framework 
• Effective voicemail strategies 
• Time management for fundraising calls 

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Be prepared but flexible:Have talking points, but allow the conversation to flow naturally.
➜ Personalize your approach:Reference past interactions or specific donor interests to build rapport.
➜ Practice active listening:Make donors feel heard by acknowledging their concerns and interests.
➜ Follow up consistently:Whether via email or another call, keep the lines of communication open.
➜ Make specific asks:Avoid vague language; be clear about the amount or action you’re requesting. 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Kel’s Website: kelhaney.com 
• Free Resource: Eight Phrases Not to Use in Fundraising and Five Tips for Mid-Level Giving 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria Rio 
• Connect with Kel Haney 

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 Caitlin McBride shares how small nonprofits can streamline operations, set boundaries, and build a culture of philanthropy to drive lasting impact without burning out. 

Take just two minutes to find out where you stand with our burnout check quiz: burnoutcheck.paperform.co

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Can nonprofits truly live their values? Learn how to align organizational values with action from the experienced leadership of Hoang Murphy, CEO of People Serving People. In this episode, we discuss building workplace cultures of transparency, centering lived experiences in decision-making, and embedding nonprofit values into budgeting and operations. Explore how intentional nonprofit leadership can create better workplaces and stronger mission outcomes.

Aligning Nonprofit Leadership with Core Values - The Highlights:

• Why and how nonprofit budgets reflect values (and how to align them).
• Centering lived experiences in nonprofit leadership, staff, and boards.
• Practical steps for engaging teams and clients in defining values.
• The benefits of relational fundraising and building genuine connections with funders.
• Strategies for scaling transparency and culture at large nonprofits.

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

About Hoang Murphy:

Hoang Murphy is the CEO of People Serving People. He brings a wealth of experience from his journey as a teacher, a Foster, and a leader in the nonprofit sector. Hoang shares his expertise on creating impactful solutions for those affected by inequality and emphasizes the role of lived experiences in decision-making processes.

Links and Resources:  

• Hoang Murphy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/hoangmurphy 
• Hoang Murphy (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/hrcapist/ 
• Hoang Murphy (Email): [email protected]  
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aJ8-uNCxLvY 
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new

Take just two minutes to find out where you stand with our burnout check quiz: burnoutcheck.paperform.co

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Is the nonprofit-industrial complex STUCK? Discover the journey of implementing Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles with your host Maria Rio and Marie-France, Director of Community Engagement and Major Gifts at TNG Community Services. In this episode, they discuss the complexities and rewards of aligning fundraising strategies with equity, justice, and collective mission values. Topics include practical applications of CCF, the importance of self-reflection, addressing limitations, and the ongoing work of dignified storytelling in the nonprofit sector.

Community-Centric Fundraising - The Highlights:

• How to integrate CCF principles into your nonprofit’s strategy.
• Overcoming challenges like resource constraints and systemic barriers.
• The role of gift acceptance policies in ethical fundraising.
• Empowering communities through dignified storytelling and public policy advocacy.
• Engaging major donors in values-aligned philanthropy.

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

About Marie-France:

Marie-France is passionate about advancing economic justice and equity through dignified storytelling, trust-based philanthropy, and diverse participation in civic engagement. She brings her commitment to advocacy and an anti-poverty, intersectional feminist lens to all of the work she does. She has worked for anti-poverty organizations for the past 8 years and is currently the Director of Community Engagement and Major Gifts at The Neighbourhood Group (TNG) Community Services. She oversees the organization's major gifts and foundations revenue, drive the departmental strategy, and amplify TNG's presence in the sector.

Links and Resources:  

• Marie-France Roche (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/marie-france-roche 
• 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/YsndeUvRwdI 

Take just two minutes to find out where you stand with our burnout check quiz: burnoutcheck.paperform.co

Get clarity with 10 simple questions. Your answers will reveal how burned out you are, and more importantly, what to do next.

Support the show

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Are you slipping into slip into siloed efforts in the nonprofit sector? Join Lanrick Bennett, Executive Director of Charlie's FreeWheels, as he discusses building a culture of collaboration in nonprofits. Lanrick shares his journey from a career in government and advocacy to leading a youth-centered cycling nonprofit, weaving themes of equity, leadership, and community into his work. Discover how nonprofit leaders can dismantle silos, foster internal and external partnerships, and implement equitable practices to drive systemic change. From his "clean as you go" approach to leadership to building trust through shared meals and safe spaces, Lanrick provides actionable insights for nonprofit teams.

Nonprofit Leadership & Collaboration in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

• The importance of collaboration to break nonprofit silos and promote equity.
• How internal cultures of collaboration can impact external partnerships.
• Key insights on building trust and leadership in nonprofit teams.
• Lessons from cycling programs that transform communities through empowerment.
• Building equity into nonprofit leadership and programming.

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

About Lanrick Bennet:

Lanrick is not only the executive director of Charlie’s Free Wheels, a nonprofit teaching young people leadership through bicycles, but also Toronto's first bicycle mayor, a comedian, and a champion of community engagement. Our conversation promises to be an insightful journey into what it means to be a hands-on leader who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty – quite literally!

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Lanrick Bennett on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LanrickBennett
• Learn more about Charlie’s FreeWheels: https://www.charliesfreewheels.ca/
• Email Lanrick: [email protected] | [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/P9LqhfPMV6c 

Take just two minutes to find out where you stand with our burnout check quiz: burnoutcheck.paperform.co

Get clarity with 10 simple questions. Your answers will reveal how burned out you are, and more importantly, what to do next.

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Is your nonprofit aligned with your values or is it perpetuating harm? In this thought-provoking episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio sits down with Sheetal Puri, digital fundraising leader at Wikimedia Foundation, to discuss the critical issues of value misalignment, nonprofit burnout, and workplace culture in the nonprofit sector. Together, they explore how nonprofit professionals can navigate organizational challenges, advocate for meaningful change, and build a healthier, values-aligned workplace culture.

Sheetal brings her extensive fundraising experience, from grassroots volunteering to overseeing global digital campaigns, to offer actionable advice for fundraisers at all career stages. Whether you're navigating a workplace that doesn’t align with your values or looking to build a more equitable and inclusive nonprofit sector, this conversation offers insights and strategies to inspire change.

Burnout in Nonprofit Fundraising - the highlights:

• Sheetal's journey from an alumni caller to digital fundraising at Wikimedia Foundation.
• How value misalignment can lead to burnout and strategies to mitigate it.
• The role of storytelling in fundraising and why we must challenge "savior" narratives.
• Practical ways to advocate for equity, inclusion, and better workplace cultures in nonprofits.
• Why fundraisers hold unique power to create systemic change in their organizations.
• How privilege can be leveraged to challenge the status quo and advocate for marginalized voices.
• The importance of transparency, collaboration, and trust in nonprofit management.
• How unionization and collective action could reshape 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 Sheetal Puri:

Sheetal Puri, our guest today, has dedicated her career  to non-profit fundraising, marketing and communications for organizations globally. Having raised hundreds of millions for multiple organizations over the past 15 years, Sheetal’s commitment to the sector has given her the insight to identify areas in present day fundraising models that perpetuate colonial modes of power and prevent the ability to practice and implement our core values and missions. She is a strong advocate for community-centric approaches to fundraising that prioritize the return of power and agency to those who have experienced disempowerment.

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Sheetal on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sheetalpersaud
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new

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