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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

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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.

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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.

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In this episode, we delve into the critical importance of aligning your nonprofit's actions with its core values. We're joined by Hoang Murphy, CEO of People Serving People, who 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.

Episode Highlights:

• Identifying Core Values: Hoang guides us through the process of identifying the fundamental values that drive your nonprofit. He stresses the importance of narrowing down to essential values to establish a solid foundation for your organization's mission and actions.
• Translating Values into Action: Discover how to move beyond merely talking about values to actively incorporating them into your organization's operations. Hoang shares strategies for engaging your team and the communities you serve, ensuring their voices are heard and valued.
• Cultivating a Committed Team: Learn how to integrate your nonprofit's values into your hiring process. Hoang discusses the significance of real-life experience and cultural fit over traditional qualifications, highlighting the role of shared values in staff retention and satisfaction.
• Fostering Genuine Funder Relationships: Hoang emphasizes the importance of building authentic relationships with funders who truly understand and support your mission. He shares his approach to fundraising that has consistently helped double their budget year after year.

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Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/aJ8-uNCxLvY

Links and Resources:

• Hoang Murphy (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/hoangmurphy
• Hoang Murphy (Facebook): https://www.facebook.com/hrcapist/
• Hoang Murphy (Email): hmurphy@peopleservingpeople.org
• 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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The nonprofit-industrial complex - are we stuck?

In this episode, we delve into the intricate - and evolving - world of ethical fundraising within the nonprofit sector, featuring insights from Marie-France Roche, the Director of Community Engagement and Major Gifts at TNG Community Services. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting Community-Centric Fundraising.

Key Takeaways:

• Navigating Power Dynamics: Marie-France shares her perspective on the influence of power and privilege within nonprofit organizations and their potential to drive systemic change. We explore strategies for utilizing this power ethically to foster meaningful societal progress.
• Challenges for White Fundraisers: Addressing the unique challenges faced by white fundraisers in predominantly white spaces, Marie-France reflects on her experiences and the importance of supporting diverse voices within the nonprofit sector.
• Allyship in Action: Learn how to be an effective ally within your organization, advocating for equity and justice, even when you haven't personally faced the injustices being addressed.
• Innovative Fundraising Strategies: Marie-France discusses her journey in implementing innovative, equitable fundraising practices aligned with Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles, highlighting the practical aspects of such initiatives in dynamic nonprofit environments.
• Community First Approach: The episode concludes with insights on the transformative impact of prioritizing community needs over organizational goals, emphasizing the value of building lasting relationships with donors committed to justice.

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

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

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Are you leaving the 'dirty work' to others? It's time for leader to embrace the saying, "no task is too small!" In this episode, we'll delve into the art of leading by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, and the transformative power of saying "yes and" to opportunities.

Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Lanrick Bennett to The Small Nonprofit. 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!

Key Episode Highlights:

• Leading by Example: Lanrick emphasizes the value of leadership that doesn't shy away from any task. He's a firm believer that to inspire your team and serve your community, you need to be willing to dive into every aspect of your organization's work, including the grunt work. It's about truly showing that no role is too small and that every task is crucial to your mission.
• Saying "Yes And" to Opportunities: Drawing from his days in improvisational comedy, Lanrick stresses the power of being open to possibilities and building upon them rather than dismissing them. This mindset helps fuel creativity and innovation within an organization, leading to growth and new ways to tackle challenges.
• Collaboration over Competition: In the nonprofit sector, it’s easy to slip into siloed efforts, but Lanrick's vision is one of interconnected collaboration. By embracing partnerships and sharing resources, small nonprofits can amplify their impact without stepping on each other's toes.
• Vulnerability in Leadership: Authenticity and humility in leadership can resonate throughout an entire organization. Lanrick shares his personal journey, including both successes and setbacks, showing that it's not about being infallible, but about being relatable and transformative.

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Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/P9LqhfPMV6c

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: lanrickbennettjr@gmail.com | info@charliesfreewheels.ca
• 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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Is your nonprofit aligned with your values or is it perpetuating harm? How does the culture within our organizations shape our effectiveness and well-being?In today's episode, we're diving into the realities many of us face in the nonprofit sector. From acknowledging ethical dilemmas in our work practices to recognizing our alignment (or misalignment) with organizational values, we discuss the complexities of working for a cause.

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.

Key Highlights:

• Finding Your Value Alignment: There are immense benefits of working in a vision-aligned environment. It's about empathy, understanding, and the shared commitment to our mission – but what happens when there’s a disconnect?
• Overcoming Power Dynamics: Power dynamics often muddy the waters of transparency and authentic connection within a team. Maria discusses how she has transitioned from withholding information to embracing openness when team members raise complaints or concerns.
• The Courage to Speak Up: The importance of voicing our concerns within the sector cannot be understated; that might mean finding allyship, or even considering something as bold as unionizing. It’s crucial that we create an atmosphere where open conversation is not just allowed, but encouraged.
• Leadership's Responsibility: Those in leadership roles carry the responsibility of aligning an organization's actions with its stated values. This includes implementing policies and fostering environments that empower trust and autonomy among employees.
• Advocacy and Allyship: A significant segment of our discussion revolves around the roles of fundraisers, the privilege they hold, and the impact they can make in advocating for organizational changes—especially regarding racial equity and diversity issues.

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

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

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

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