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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society. Nina shares her insights into the fractional fundraising model, the benefits it has brought to her organization, and the challenges faced in arts fundraising. Together, they explore how fractional fundraising offers smaller nonprofits access to high-level fundraising expertise without the challenges of hiring a full-time development director. 

Key Topics: 

• Exploring Fractional Fundraising 
• What are the pros and cons of working with a Fractional Fundraiser? 
• The financial and intangible results of working with Fractional Fundraisers at Further Together 

Quotable Moments: 

• "The beauty of fractional fundraising is that you get the expertise you need at a fraction of the cost, which is perfect for small to mid-sized nonprofits"  
• "As an ED, it can feel isolating. Having a fractional fundraiser who understands my challenges and offers valuable, outside perspective has been a personal and professional support" 
• "We didn’t expect to double our individual giving in a year, but with a strategic approach and fresh ideas, we made it happen"   

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Consider Outsourced Supports: If you’re a small to mid-sized nonprofit struggling to find a full-time development director, fractional fundraising could give you access to senior-level expertise without breaking the bank.
➜ Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect to raise a million dollars overnight. Success in fundraising is about building momentum and balancing both short-term wins and long-term goals.
➜ Leverage the Expertise of a Fractional Fundraiser: Fractional fundraisers work with multiple organizations, which allows them to offer fresh insights and best practices from across the nonprofit sector.

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Nina
• Coastal Jazz Website 

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Coming Next Week: 

Join Maria as she discusses the future of work in the nonprofit sector with Kamilah Martin! 

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Quilen Blackwell, President and co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms. Quilen shares his remarkable journey of founding and growing a nonprofit with a thriving $2 million social enterprise. With a focus on sustainability, community development, and economic resilience, Quilen offers invaluable tips for nonprofits looking to scale effectively. 

Key Topics: 

• Social enterprise success: from zero to $2 million 
• Challenges of scaling a nonprofit and a business 
• How Southside Blooms converts customers into donors 
• The pros and cons of business-to-business (B2B) versus business-to-consumer (B2C) social enterprise models 

Quotable Moments: 

• “As a nonprofit, we didn’t want to be dependent on a few big donors telling us what to do. Running it like a serious business gave us the freedom to stay true to our mission.”  
• “Focus on the foundation of the business, not just the money. If you’re not ready to handle growth, it can quickly turn from a blessing into a burden.” 
• “Our flowers are our ambassadors. They go into spaces we can’t, and they open doors we never expected.”  

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Start Small: Focus on building a solid foundation before scaling. Test your ideas on a smaller scale to work out any kinks and ensure your model is sustainable. 

➜ Invest in Technology: Use technology to streamline operations and customer service, especially when managing a social enterprise. Tools like Routific for route optimization can be game changers in last-mile delivery 

➜ Leverage Customer Relationships: Turn customers into donors by integrating donation opportunities into your sales process and engaging them through events like farm tours. 

➜ Do B2B and B2C: Diversify your income streams by engaging in both B2B and B2C models. This approach not only stabilizes revenue but also opens unexpected doors for media coverage and large grants. 

➜ Prepare for Growth: As your organization scales, be ready to tackle complex challenges, including human resources, compliance, and maintaining quality across a growing operation. 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria 
• Connect with Quilen: Personal Instagram, Southside Blooms, Chicago Eco House 
• Chicago Eco House: Website 
• Southside Blooms: Website 

Support the Podcast: 

1. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube. 
2. Support these conversations by becoming a member here. 

What’s next? 

Don’t forget to tune into next week’s episode where we chat about the pros and cons of hiring a Fractional Fundraiser with Nina Horvath!  

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria speaks with Kathryn LeBlanc, a communications consultant specializing in social impact. Kathryn shares valuable insights on the importance of clear, concise messaging for nonprofits, and how to effectively communicate your organization’s mission. 

Key Topics: 

• The Importance of Clear Messaging 
• Operationalizing Communications 
• Developing Key Messages 
• Identifying and Targeting Audiences 
• Building Internal Capacity 

Quotable Moment: 

• "A good message should be concise, rooted in emotion, and something people will actually repeat." 

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Create a Message Guide and Communication Strategy: These documents should be separate, clear, and shared consistently across your team. 

➜ Focus on Building Internal Cohesion: A well-aligned team is better equipped to handle both day-to-day communications and unexpected crises. 

➜ Develop a Crisis Communications Plan: Create a plan outlining how your organization will respond to incidents, emergencies, and crises. Assign roles, establish protocols, and train your team regularly to ensure a swift, unified response when needed. 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Kathryn LeBlanc's Communications Consulting Firm 
• Downloadable Communication Strategy Template 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria 
• Connect with Kathryn 

Subscribe and Review: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by becoming a member here. 

Next Episode Teaser: 

Stay tuned for next week as we crack the code on starting a social enterprise with Quilen Blackwell! 

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria interviews Carmen Randolph, the CEO and President of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). Carmen shares her insights into the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in the Southern United States, especially those led by and serving women and girls of color. The conversation covers the historical and systemic issues affecting philanthropy in the South, the growing legal challenges against organizations that prioritize marginalized communities, and the importance of trust-based philanthropy. 

Carmen emphasizes the need for Southern nonprofits to diversify their funding sources, engage in proactive donor education, and prepare for potential legal challenges in the wake of recent shifts in U.S. policy and law. 

Key Topics: 

• Legal Challenges and Affirmative Action: Carmen discusses recent lawsuits targeting organizations that focus on racial equity, particularly those led by people of color, and the importance of legal preparedness for nonprofits in this new landscape. 
• Philanthropy in the Southern U.S.: Learn about the unique challenges faced by Southern nonprofits, including underfunding, systemic racism, and the impact of the region's historical context on philanthropic efforts.
• Donor Education and Engagement: Explore how nonprofits can engage donors proactively in the face of increasing legal and political challenges, ensuring continued support for marginalized communities. 

Quotable Moments: 

• "Women and girls of color receive the smallest share of philanthropic investment in the U.S., and we are seeking to change that trend." 

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Engage in Legal Preparedness: Nonprofits should conduct legal reviews of their operations and documents to prepare for potential lawsuits, especially those focused on racial equity. 

➜ Proactively Educate Donors: Engage donors about the importance of continued support for marginalized communities and the potential challenges your organization may face due to shifting legal landscapes. 

➜ Diversify Funding Streams: Look at your nonprofit's work through various lenses to attract funding from different sources. 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Women’s Foundation of the South Website 
• Shift the South Report 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria 
• Connect with Carmen

Subscribe and Review: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Support these conversations by donating here. 

Next Episode Teaser: 

Join us next week as we dive into a conversation on effective communications with Kathryn LeBlanc! Don’t miss it! 

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Key Episode Highlights: 

• Trust-Based Philanthropy 
• Challenging Outdated Norms 
• Donor-Nonprofit Partnerships 

Quotable Moments: 

• "I believe in the nonprofits we fund. They know better than I do where the money needs to go." 
• "We need to move away from this idea that nonprofit staff should be underpaid. It's time to invest in the people who make change happen." 
• "If nonprofits across the country could standardize a percentage of donations for admin costs, it would be a game changer for the sector." 

Actionable Tips: 

➜ Include Admin Costs in Funding Requests: Nonprofits should automatically include a percentage for administrative expenses in donor agreements.  

➜ Trust Grantees' Expertise: Funders should trust that nonprofits know best how to allocate resources and should avoid imposing restrictions that hinder their effectiveness. 

➜ Educate Donors on Real Needs: Nonprofits should feel empowered to educate donors about the importance of funding operational costs and negotiate for the support they truly need. 

Resources Mentioned: 

• The Philanthropy Workshop 
• "Uncharitable" by Dan Pallotta (Book and Film) 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria 
• Follow the The Sprott Foundation 

Subscribe and Review: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. 

Support the Podcast: 

Consider supporting the podcast by subscribing here. 

Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!

Watch this episode on Youtube.

Next Episode Teaser: 

Join us next week as we discuss systemic change and the effects of whitelash with Carmen Randolph. Don’t miss it! 

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with Roz Zavras, founder of the Center for Community Collaboration (C3) and CEO of Aropa Consulting. Roz shares her unique approach to supporting community-based nonprofits, particularly those led by people of colour or individuals with lived experience.  

Through C3, Roz is finding innovative ways to foster collaboration, provide essential services, and break down the silos that often hinder nonprofits from achieving their full potential. She talks about collaborative fundraising events and sharing HR or bookkeeping services. 

Key Topics: 

• The Vision Behind C3 
• Collaborative Fundraising Events 
• Building Trust Among Nonprofits 
• Shared Services Model  

Quotable Moments: 

• “The feedback that I get from small nonprofits is often, how do I build a donor list? How do I find donors that are interested in my work? If we have six organizations together, pooling their lists and pooling their networks, you're going to naturally grow your donor list.” 
• "Let's work together, have fun together, and share our donors, share the revenue, and share the work." 
• "Trust-building starts with one step. It’s all about taking that first step towards collaboration and partnership." 

Actionable Tips: 

1. Leverage Collaboration for Greater Impact
   • Consider partnering with other nonprofits on fundraising events or shared services to maximize resources and reduce costs. Start small with a joint project to build trust and rapport. 
2. Focus on Donor Education
   • Educate your donors about the benefits of supporting a collaborative, community-based approach. Highlight how their contributions can drive systemic change by supporting multiple organizations with aligned missions. 
3. Embrace an Abundance Mindset
   • Shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Trust that collaborating with others can lead to greater impact and stronger communities, rather than diminishing your own resources. 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Center for Community Collaboration Website 
• Community-Centric Fundraising Principles 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria 
• Connect with Roz 
• Center for Community Collaboration LinkTree 

Subscribe and Review: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube. 

Support the Podcast: 

Consider supporting the podcast by subscribing here. 

Next Episode Teaser: 

Join us next week as we dive into the world of trust-based philanthropy with Juliana Sprott, another member of The Sprott Foundation. Don’t miss it! 

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria welcomes Vu Le, a prominent voice in the nonprofit sector and the writer behind the influential blog Nonprofit AF. Known for his humor and sharp insights, Vu discusses his journey from “aspiring to be a doctor” to becoming a leader in community-centric fundraising and nonprofit advocacy.  

He shares his thoughts on the systemic issues within traditional fundraising practices, the importance of ethical storytelling, and the need for nonprofits to engage in advocacy for systemic change. Vu's unique perspective and unwavering commitment to equity and justice provide invaluable lessons for anyone involved in the nonprofit sector. 

Key Topics: 

• The Role of Humor in Nonprofit Work: Learn how Vu uses humor to address and analyze the challenges and absurdities in the nonprofit sector. 
• Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF): Understand the principles of CCF and why Vu believes it’s crucial for promoting equity and justice in fundraising. 
• Systemic Issues and Advocacy: Explore Vu’s views on the need for nonprofits to engage in advocacy and policy change to address root causes of social issues. 
• Future Vision for the Sector: Hear Vu’s vision for a future where CCF principles are widely adopted and lead to systemic change. 

Quotable Moments: 

• "We should be working as a sector to support one another, but we often don't. It's challenging, but it's essential for better serving our communities." 
• "Humor and baby animals are my go-to for coping with the frustrations in the sector. They bring some light to the heavy work we do." 
• "The donor-centered model often infantilizes donors while putting them on pedestals. We need to treat donors as equal partners and have honest conversations with them." 

Resources Mentioned: 

• Nonprofit AF Blog 
• Community-Centric Fundraising Principles 
• Crappy Funding Practices 
• The Slavery of our Times by Leo Tolstoy  

For personalized fundraising advice and strategies tailored to your organization's needs, contact Maria Rio or Further Together Fundraising. Together, we can create impactful, equitable, and community-focused fundraising strategies. 

Connect with Us: 

• Connect with Maria 
• Connect with Vu: Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram 
• Nonprofit AF Website 

Subscribe and Review: 

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on Youtube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. 

Support the Podcast: 

Consider supporting the podcast by donating here. 

Next Episode Teaser: 

Join us next week as we talk with Roz Zavras about the Center for Community Collaboration. Don’t miss it! 

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How can we shift power dynamics in philanthropy and create more equitable partnerships between funders and nonprofits? 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I chat with Megan Lorius, the Managing Director at the Sprott Foundation, a Toronto-based foundation that grants funds  to organizations seeking to solve hunger and homelessness. 

We dive into the principles of trust-based philanthropy and how the Sprott Foundation, as a funder, applies them to build strong, equitable relationships with grantees. Megan shares valuable insights and advice for both funders and fundraisers on how to create a more collaborative and impactful philanthropic landscape.

Key Episode Highlights: 

• Soliciting and Acting on Feedback: We explore the significance of open communication and feedback loops between funders and grantees, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
• Transparency and Open Dialogue: Megan highlights the value of transparency in all interactions, ensuring that both funders and grantees have a clear understanding of expectations and goals.
• Shifting Power Dynamics: We delve into the concept of shifting power dynamics in philanthropy, empowering grantees to have a stronger voice in decision-making processes.

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Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/3rfg-E_V464 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Megan Lorius  on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-lorius-a6894211/
• Check out the Sprott Foundation website: https://www.sprottfoundation.com/
• 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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How can we create a more equitable and just nonprofit sector? 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, we chat with Chris Talbot-Heindl, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience in the nonprofit world. Chris shares their personal experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities facing nonprofits today, particularly in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (JEDI). 

We explore the challenges faced by BIPOC individuals in predominantly white-led organizations and the importance of moving beyond performative allyship to achieve real, transformative change.

Chris provides actionable advice for fostering a more inclusive and equitable nonprofit sector. They emphasize the significance of community-based learning, emotional regulation, and collective responsibility in dismantling systemic inequities. 

Chris's personal experiences and insights offer valuable lessons for nonprofit leaders, staff, and board members alike, reminding us that the path to collective liberation requires ongoing commitment, education, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Key Highlights: 

• The Importance of Community: Chris highlights the need for community-based learning and support in JEDI work. They provide actionable tips to the audience such as to form groups, share knowledge, and practice calling in and being called in to foster a safer and more accountable environment.
• The Power of Emotional Regulation: Chris emphasizes the importance of emotional regulation in navigating difficult conversations and conflicts. They stress that everyone has a responsibility to manage their emotions and avoid reacting with violence or harm.
• The Need for Transformational Change: Chris argues that incremental change is not enough to address the systemic inequities in the nonprofit sector. They call for transformational change that prioritizes JEDI principles and collective liberation.
• The Role of Cultural Competency: Chris discusses the importance of cultural competency in DEI work and shares an example of a shocking lack of cultural awareness in a previous workplace. They emphasize the need for DEI specialists to have a deep understanding of the communities they serve.

Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Kb4NSqOS1w0 

Links and Resources:  

• Connect with Chris Talbot-Heindl  on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christalbotheindl/
• Check out the website: https://www.talbot-heindl.com/
• Link to Chris's Tapas where my educomics live: https://tapas.io/episode/3152530
• Twitter: https://x.com/talbot_heindl
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talbot_heindl/
• Learn more about JEDI Committee: https://jedicollaborative.com/
• 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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In a world where trust is paramount, how can small nonprofits ensure they're not just talking the talk, but walking the walk? 

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I chat with Rickesh Lakhani, founder of Radiance Advisory, about the importance of aligning actions with values in the nonprofit sector. We delve into the challenges of upholding stated values, especially during leadership transitions, and the significance of creating a culture of trust and truth within organizations. 

Rickesh shares insights on how to identify and bridge the gap between an organization's stated values and its actual practices, emphasizing the importance of feedback, vulnerability, and accountability.

Key Highlights: 

• Aligning Actions with Values: Rickesh emphasizes the need for organizations to go beyond just stating their values and ensure that these values are reflected in their day-to-day operations, from HR practices to financial decisions.
• Identifying Organizational Values: He suggests that values should be identified through the behavior, rather than just being listed on a website. They can be discovered through surveys, group discussions, and one-on-one interviews.
• Creating a Culture of Trust and Truth: Rickesh highlights the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment where employees feel comfortable sharing feedback, both positive and negative. This involves minimizing hierarchical impacts and ensuring that feedback is acted upon.
• The Role of Leadership: Leaders play a crucial role in shaping organizational culture. They need to be open to feedback, vulnerable, and willing to acknowledge their own flaws. Their actions should align with the organization's stated values.
• Measuring Cultural Change: Rickesh suggests that cultural change can be measured through quantitative measures like employee engagement scores and attrition rates. Regular assessments can help track progress and identify areas for improvement.

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Links and Resources:  

• Website: https://www.radianceadvisory.com/ 
• Connect with Rickesh on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/rickeshlakhani 
• Connect with Rickesh on X: https://x.com/ConstantChanges 
• Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/
• Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new
• Speak-Up Culture: When Leaders Truly Listen, People Step Up

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