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

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

Send us Fan Mail

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! 🚀 

Support the show

Send us Fan Mail

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 us Fan Mail

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