The Small Nonprofit

23
Non-Profit #110

Welcome to Small Nonprofit, the podcast designed for leaders, fundraisers, and advocates in the nonprofit sector who want to create real change. We provide small nonprofit organizations with strategies to enhance their fundraising campaigns, improve nonprofit governance, and implement ethical fundraising practices that resonate with today’s values-driven donors. 

Hosted by an experienced nonprofit consultant, Maria Rio, this show delves into the unique challenges of nonprofit fundraising and community-centric fundraising, providing tools for donor engagement and major gifts fundraising.

👤 Who Should Listen?

This podcast is perfect for anyone involved in a small nonprofit seeking practical advice on fundraising strategy, nonprofit leadership, and board accountability. Whether you're looking for innovative fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations or trying to create an impact measurement framework that demonstrates your organization’s value, Small Nonprofit is here to guide you.

🎤 Core Topics We Cover

Community-Centric Fundraising: Learn how ethical fundraising practices can strengthen donor relationships, enhance donor engagement, and align your organization with values-based major giving principles. We’ll help you shift from a donor-centric model to one that prioritizes the community.

Systemic Change and Governance: From participatory budgeting to nonprofit board of directors best practices, we explore how to navigate the nonprofit industrial complex and embrace structures that foster diversity in nonprofit leadership and board accountability.

Preventing Nonprofit Burnout: Tackle topics such as nonprofit burnout prevention and learn how to cultivate a healthy, anti-oppressive work culture that supports your team’s well-being.

Nonprofit Storytelling: Understand how to measure your nonprofit’s effectiveness through nonprofit impact measurement strategies and leverage nonprofit storytelling to create compelling narratives that attract donors.

📣 Engaging Conversations and Real-World Advice

In each episode, we bring you insights from experts in fundraising consulting, nonprofit grant writing, and capital campaign strategies. From interviews with fractional fundraisers and major gift officers to deep dives on fundraising tips and innovative fundraising ideas, we offer actionable advice that you can implement immediately to strengthen your organization’s impact.

💰 Learn How to Build a Sustainable Nonprofit

Every nonprofit leader faces the challenge of achieving financial sustainability. Our episodes address critical fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations, providing insights on volunteer management, capacity building, and nonprofit marketing strategy. Gain access to tools that help you execute successful fundraising campaigns and build a foundation for long-term growth.

🤝 Join the Movement for Systemic Change

At The Small Nonprofit, we’re committed to transforming the nonprofit sector from the ground up. Our focus on systemic change and community-centric fundraising aligns with our mission to support nonprofits in creating equitable, sustainable communities. By addressing topics like values-based decision making and nonprofit transparency, we’re working to build a more ethical, inclusive sector.

❤️ Stay Connected

Subscribe to Small Nonprofit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t miss an episode as we explore everything from fundraising tips to nonprofit social media strategy, and learn how you can become a stronger advocate for your organization’s mission.

Recent Episodes
  • How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit
    Jun 3, 2025 – 21:29
  • From $0 to $2M! Scaling Nonprofits & Building Economic Resilience with Quilen Blackwell
    May 27, 2025 – 26:47
  • DEI for Small Nonprofits: Getting REAL about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Michelle Okere
    May 20, 2025 – 41:07
  • Fundraising on LinkedIn: Strategies for Small Nonprofits with Michelle Benson
    May 13, 2025 – 32:34
  • Why forced office returns backfire (and what smart leaders do instead)
    May 6, 2025 – 21:19
  • Major Gift Fundraising with Emma Lewzey
    Apr 29, 2025 – 31:50
  • Manage Up in Nonprofit Leadership
    Apr 22, 2025 – 19:49
  • The Glass Ceiling in Nonprofit Leadership
    Apr 15, 2025 – 26:46
  • How Nonprofit Fundraising Can Drive Real Change: Insights from Huda Al-Saedy
    Apr 8, 2025 – 36:35
  • 3 Nonprofit Fundraising Lessons I Learned from 2 Years of Consulting (That Will Transform Your Fundraising Strategy)
    Apr 1, 2025 – 16:27
  • Navigating Hiring Challenges and Finding Top Talent in 2025 with Maria & Caitlin
    Mar 25, 2025 – 23:11
  • Nonprofit leadership: Managing Vs. Leading
    Mar 18, 2025 – 21:24
  • Donor Retention Strategy🛑 STOP 🛑 losing donors in 2025!
    Mar 11, 2025 – 24:14
  • Listen Today! 🏆 Fundraising as a Team Sport
    Mar 4, 2025 – 23:52
  • Nonprofit job search? 9 red flags you NEED to watch for!
    Feb 25, 2025 – 19:01
  • Beyond the day-to-day: How nonprofits can think strategically with Sheela Mahajan
    Feb 18, 2025 – 29:27
  • Fundraising Trends for 2025: AI, Ethical Storytelling & Burnout Solutions
    Feb 11, 2025 – 28:09
  • How to Celebrate Year-End Success and Avoid Burnout in 2025
    Feb 4, 2025 – 23:45
  • 5 Essential Fundraising Metrics Every Nonprofit Should Track
    Jan 28, 2025 – 19:21
  • Thriving as a One-Person Fundraising Team with Caitlin McBride
    Jan 21, 2025 – 33:18
  • Nonprofit Fundraising Strategy: Taking the 'Ick' Out of Fundraising Calls with Kel Haney
    Jan 14, 2025 – 25:22
  • Aligning Nonprofit Leadership with Core Values with Hoang Murphy
    Dec 31, 2024 – 43:11
  • Community-Centric Fundraising: Principles, Challenges, and Progress with Marie-France
    Dec 17, 2024 – 40:45
  • Nonprofit Leadership: Fostering a Culture of Collaboration in Nonprofits with Lanrick Bennett
    Dec 10, 2024 – 41:05
  • Addressing Value Misalignment and Burnout in Nonprofit Fundraising with Sheetal Puri
    Dec 3, 2024 – 39:36
  • Nonprofit SEO Made Simple: Build Funnels that Boost Donations & Donor Engagement with Matt Diamante
    Nov 26, 2024 – 27:12
  • Nonprofit Burnout Prevention: Building Resilient and High-Performing Teams with Kimberley McKenzie
    Nov 19, 2024 – 34:28
  • Nonprofit Community Building in Challenging Times: Data from Canada Helps' 2024 Giving Report
    Nov 12, 2024 – 35:26
  • Nonprofit Automation Tips! Save Time, Build Relationships with Rachel Bearbower
    Nov 5, 2024 – 30:09
  • Corporate Partnerships for Small Nonprofits: Expert Tips from Heather Nelson
    Oct 29, 2024 – 33:10
  • Major Gifts Fundraising for Small Nonprofits: Tips & Strategies from Rhea Wong
    Oct 22, 2024 – 36:29
  • Trauma-Informed Storytelling for Nonprofits: Promote Safety & Resist Harm with Maria Bryan
    Oct 15, 2024 – 32:41
  • Muslim Giving Trends: Fundraising Tips and Strategies for Nonprofits with Sarah Ali
    Oct 1, 2024 – 30:42
  • The Future of Work in Nonprofits: Consulting, Innovation, and Leadership with Kamilah Martin
    Sep 24, 2024 – 34:11
  • What's Fractional Fundraising? The Game-Changer for Small Nonprofits with Nina Horvath
    Sep 17, 2024 – 29:51
  • Nonprofit Marketing Strategy: Mastering Nonprofit Messaging with Kathryn LeBlanc
    Sep 3, 2024 – 30:21
  • Addressing Funding Challenges for Women of Color Nonprofits with Carmen Randolph
    Aug 27, 2024 – 35:32
  • From Check-Writing Philanthropy to Trust-Based Philanthropy with Juliana Sprott
    Aug 20, 2024 – 38:34
  • Collaboration Over Competition: Building Stronger Nonprofits with Roz Zavras
    Aug 13, 2024 – 31:55
  • Reclaiming THIS and Ditching The Nonprofit Hunger Games with Vu Le
    Aug 6, 2024 – 38:57
  • Trust-Based Philanthropy & Grant-Making with Megan Lorius
    Jul 30, 2024 – 29:39
  • Nonprofit Leadership & Governance: Why We Need More JEDI with Chris Talbot-Heindl
    Jul 23, 2024 – 35:32
  • Nonprofit Culture and WHY Organizational Values Matter with Rickesh Lakhani
    Jul 16, 2024 – 41:39
  • Transforming Donor Engagement Relationships with Storytelling & Technology with Owen O'Doherty
    Jul 9, 2024 – 28:44
  • What You Need to Know about Nonprofit Mergers, Partnerships, and Asset Transfers with Michelle Shumate
    Jul 2, 2024 – 32:07
  • Building Meaningful Nonprofit Community Engagement with Ashley Alaniz-Moyer
    Jun 25, 2024 – 32:15
  • Preventing Nonprofit Burnout & Finding Your "Sit-in-The-Sun" Moments with Kishshana Palmer
    Jun 18, 2024 – 45:12
  • Generational Perspectives on Nonprofit Boards, Fundraising, and Events with Suzy Wilcox & Martha Schwieters
    Jun 11, 2024 – 36:32
  • How Nonprofits Can Attract, Retain & Support Their TOP Fundraisers with Laura Vitelli
    May 28, 2024 – 33:56
  • Unionizing Nonprofits: Balancing Worker Rights & Organizational Values with Christina Rousseau
    May 21, 2024 – 29:49
Recent Reviews
  • Diana FH
    Real talk tho
    I love Maria’s real talk style. This is the kind of podcast where you can come as you are!
  • MariahMo
    A podcast for your toolkit
    If you are looking to grow your nonprofit there are major gems shared all throughout this podcast show.
  • smccur
    Thank you for a wonderful resource!
    Thank you for sharing such tangible action steps for small nonprofit fundraising. Have only listened to a few episodes but the value of knowledge shared is immense and so helpful.
  • Jordana_VoiceforGood
    Love this podcast!
    Cindy and I both serve small nonprofits, and I love how she and her guests break down what’s relevant—and doable—to this audience! When you’re resource-strapped and looking for advice and those who get it, this is the podcast to listen to.
  • kporter9876
    Small Nonprofits: You Need This!
    Cindy and her team do an incredible job of highlighting the issues, challenges, and opportunities that small nonprofits face. They have their pulse on the industry because they are practitioners and deeply want to see small organizations grow. From practical advice to inspiration, you’ll find it here.
  • Shireymama
    Great advice in every episode!
    Cindy’s approach to helping the small nonprofit thrive is unique and spot on, delivering great advice in every episode. I like Cindy’s down-to-earth take on everything from board management to annual fund campaigns, and her network of nonprofit professionals bring a wealth of expertise to this show. If you’re a small nonprofit, you need to be listening and taking notes!
  • Rachel Bearbower
    My go-to podcast!
    The Small Nonprofit podcast is my go-to every week. Insightful conversations that make me feel like the host and guests really understand the needs of small organizations!
  • Dboyceman
    Listen and you’ll come away with a new perspective
    Podcast does a great job by framing probing questions for the guest speaker. More important though is they allow the guest speaker to talk a majority of the time.
  • obacker19
    Entertaining, insightful and actionable! 🙏
    Whether you’re well established as a non-profit executive, or just getting started identifying the impact you want to bring to the world through your organization - this is a must-listen podcast for you! Cindy and Aine do an incredible job leading conversations that cover a huge breadth of topics related to the ins and outs of building a thriving non-profit, and life you can be proud of - from leaders who’ve actually experienced success themselves. Highly recommend listening and subscribing!
  • Chris Alarcon
    A must have for non-profit entrepreneurs
    I’ve always aspired to help others building a non-profit. What has helped me back has been the lack of funds and knowledge. I’m pumped that I’ll be able to learn new strategies to one day apply to my future business. I highly recommend this podcast if you’re looking to build a non-profit.
  • Alejandro I. Morles
    Best for Small Nonprofits
    I just found this podcast and I fell in love. Thanks for all the amazing advice!
  • Mark Lineberry
    Great info
    I used to consult for a non -profit. Wish I had this resource back then. This podcast is full of actionable tips.
  • Adult Struggles
    You NEED this podcast
    If you are even considering getting into the nonprofit world, you need to listen to this show! I love that this podcast helps those who are helping others.
  • JF0000T
    Awesome Resource
    I've been toying with the idea of starting a nonprofit and decided to see if I could find a podcast that talked about it more. This podcast is awesome and definitely found me when I needed it most. I've listened to all the episodes and can't wait to continue to tune in!
  • JesseDolan
    Great Resource
    Small charities and small nonprofits face all sorts of challenges. This is a great podcast for peeling back the layers on how to do things small, so you can survive and make a difference. Very practical.
  • seshe12
    This podcast is definitely worth your time
    If you work in small charities, this is required listening!
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