By Further Together
You are going to change the world. We can help. Running a small nonprofit is not for the faint of heart. With limited resources and fueled by a combination of caffeine and passion, small charity le
... more
4.6
2626 ratings
The podcast currently has 263 episodes available.
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria is joined by Kimberley McKenzie, a seasoned charity executive turned leadership coach, to discuss the urgent need for wellness in the nonprofit sector. From her journey as a nonprofit leader to her current work coaching charity executives around the globe, Kimberley shares actionable insights on fostering a culture of well-being and trust in mission-driven organizations.
Key Topics Covered:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Invest in coaching: Support managers with coaching to improve team performance and workplace culture.
➜ Adopt trauma-informed practices: Recognize and address the emotional well-being of your team.
➜ Embed wellness in strategy: Align organizational priorities and budgets with the well-being of your staff.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
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 Matt Diamante of 'HeyTony' reveals how nonprofits can ditch rigid marketing for genuine connections, build community with DIY strategies, and get real results by focusing on what works best—even on a tight budget.
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria welcomes Nicole from Canada Helps and Sam from Apathy Is Boring to discuss the latest trends in giving and civic engagement. They dive into findings from Canada Helps' 2024 Giving Report, exploring the challenges nonprofits face in engaging donors amid rising disconnection, financial stress, and generational shifts. Together, they share actionable insights on how charities can adapt and foster community impact despite these trends.
Key Topics Covered:
Quotable Quotes:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Leverage monthly giving: consider encouraging monthly donations to provide stable, recurring support.
➜ Highlight impact: show donors exactly how their contributions make a difference in their community.
➜ Engage young people on their terms: tap into platforms like TikTok to connect with younger audiences and address their interest in accessible, transparent impact.
➜ Focus on community connections: creating opportunities for meaningful interactions between donors and beneficiaries can boost engagement, especially in an increasingly disconnected world.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
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 Kimberley Mackenzie shares her expertise on how prioritizing team well-being can transform your nonprofit, prevent burnout, and create a resilient, values-driven culture.
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Rachel Bearbower, founder of Small Shop Strategies and the Nonprofit Automation Agency, about using automation to streamline nonprofit operations and build authentic donor relationships. Rachel breaks down how automation tools can help nonprofits stay connected with donors, reduce repetitive tasks, and free up time for more impactful work.
Key Topics Covered:
Quotable Quotes:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Automate donor welcome series: set up a welcome email series for new donors, ensuring they feel immediately connected.
➜ Organize follow-ups with tools like FollowUpThen: automate follow-ups on donor conversations or tasks by setting reminders that pop back up when it’s time to reconnect.
➜ Optimize your tech stack: regularly audit your tech tools, ensuring they’re integrated and serve your organization’s needs. Consider connecting with experts like Rachel for a tech audit if you're unsure where to start.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
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 Nicole Danesi and Sam Reusch dig into why connection matters for donor engagement, how equitable RFPs could transform partnerships, and practical ways to strengthen community impact.
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Heather Nelson, founder of Bridge Raise, to explore how small nonprofits can build successful corporate partnerships. They discuss common challenges, the importance of aligning values, and how nonprofits can confidently approach corporate funders, even small organizations. This episode provides essential strategies for nonprofits wanting to build meaningful corporate connections.
Key Topics Covered:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Start with a clear vision: Define what a successful corporate partnership looks like for your organization. Write it down and build your strategy around this vision.
➜ Offer value beyond funding: Know what you can offer to corporates—employee engagement, volunteerism, or brand alignment—and be clear about what you’re willing to provide.
➜ Prioritize persistence: Follow up with corporates consistently, and don’t give up after one email. Corporate partnerships take time, but persistence often pays off.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
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 Rachel Bearbower, CEO of Small Shop Strategies, shares how nonprofits can use automation to boost revenue, improve donor retention, and create a sustainable impact!
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Rhea Wong, a major gift fundraising expert and former nonprofit Executive Director, about building trust with major donors, consent-based fundraising, and the shifting philanthropic landscape. Rhea shares her experience navigating donor relationships, building trust, and tips for creating a successful major gifts program.
Key Topics Covered:
Quotable Quotes:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Ask for consent: Before considering someone as a major gift prospect, ensure you have their consent to engage in deeper conversations. Use surveys and personal interactions to learn about their interests and how they’d like to be involved.
➜ Treat donors as partners: Build relationships based on trust and transparency. Engage donors as equal partners in your mission, focusing on long-term relationships rather than one-time transactions.
➜ Have tough conversations: Don’t shy away from discussing difficult topics like systemic issues or organizational challenges. Addressing these openly can deepen donor trust and lead to stronger partnerships.
➜ Start with strong annual giving: Before jumping into major gift fundraising, ensure your annual donor program is solid. This will give you a foundation of consistent support and help identify engaged donors who could become major prospects.
➜ Be intentional and proactive: Approach donor relationships with a clear plan. Define what an ideal major gift partnership looks like for your organization and communicate that vision early in conversations with donors.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
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 Heather Nelson shares how nonprofits can build values-aligned corporate partnerships by confidently articulating their goals and embracing tough conversations for stronger collaborations.
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Bryan shares her best tips for trauma-informed storytelling. She explains the importance of being sensitive to both the storyteller and the audience, emphasizing ethical practices. Both Maria’s share practical tips for conducting interviews with grace and care, as well as strategies for emotional self-care and processing difficult stories.
Have you encountered challenges in telling sensitive stories? We would love to hear your thoughts and experiences, and how you've handled those situations!
Key Topics Covered:
Quotable Quotes:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Create a harm repair plan: Always have a plan in place to address. Include steps for pausing, apologizing, and collaborating on next steps.
➜ Use grounding techniques: During difficult interviews, use sensory objects or boundaries to help regulate emotions and maintain composure.
➜ Incorporate breaks: Schedule time for breaks during emotionally intense interviews to process emotions and give yourself space to reset.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
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.
Coming Next Week:
Join us next week as we talk to Rhea Wong about helping nonprofits raise more money through major giving programs and building the next generation of fundraising leaders.
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sarah Ali, a digital-first fundraiser and founder of SA Digital, about Muslim philanthropy, digital mobilization, and how nonprofits can engage diverse communities through culturally competent fundraising strategies. Sarah shares her expertise on leveraging digital tools like WhatsApp and her insights on the growing role of Muslim giving in the nonprofit space.
Key Topics Covered:
Actionable Tips:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Us:
Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how nonprofits can embrace digital tools and cultural competency to strengthen their donor base and engage meaningfully with diverse communities.
Subscribe and Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform. Please leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable insights for nonprofit leaders.
Coming Next Week:
Join us next week as we talk about trauma-informed storytelling with Maria Bryan!
Support the show
Send us a text
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria talks with Kamilah Martin, founder and CEO of Katalyst, about nonprofits adapting to the future of work. They discuss evolving work models, remote and hybrid setups, and innovative leadership strategies. Kamilah shares her journey from nonprofit executive to consultant and offers insights on piloting new initiatives, shared leadership, and overcoming resistance to change. Tune in for practical tips on how nonprofits can embrace the future of work.
Have you seen organizations successfully embracing innovation? Maria and Kamilah want to hear about them! Reach out and share your examples so we can highlight them on the podcast and learn from these organizations.
Key Topics:
Quotable Moments:
Actionable Tips:
➜ Embrace Flexible Work Models: Involve program and admin staff in discussions on remote work equity, and find ways to offer flexibility, even to those in roles requiring in-person work (e.g., alternating schedules).
➜ Pilot Innovations with Clear Goals: Establish a finite timeline for pilots with an evaluation period at the end to determine if adjustments are needed.
➜ Leverage External Expertise: Don’t try to solve complex problems alone—engage consultants or experts in areas like change management, technology, or HR for quicker solutions.
Connect with Us:
Subscribe and Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform. Please leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable insights for nonprofit leaders.
Coming Next Week:
Join us next week with fundraising expert, Rhea Wong, as she shares how to build successful major gifts programs and boost your donations!
Support the show
Send us a text
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:
Quotable Moments:
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:
Subscribe and Review:
Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform. Please leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable insights for nonprofit leaders.
Coming Next Week:
Join Maria as she discusses the future of work in the nonprofit sector with Kamilah Martin!
Support the show
Send us a text
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:
Quotable Moments:
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:
Support the Podcast:
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!
Support the show
The podcast currently has 263 episodes available.
12,461 Listeners
308 Listeners
1,926 Listeners
5,899 Listeners
14,454 Listeners
16,547 Listeners
1,422 Listeners
15,035 Listeners
9,286 Listeners
119 Listeners
25,990 Listeners
16 Listeners
62 Listeners
40,451 Listeners
12,165 Listeners