Explore every episode of the podcast Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Make It Easy For Donors To Give | Fearless Fundraising Part 5 (Ep 70) | 29 Oct 2026 | 00:22:24 | |
A potential donor understands your mission, believes in the impact you're making, and has decided to give. But what happens next? If the process of actually making that gift is confusing, complicated, or unclear, you may lose a donation you worked hard to earn. In this episode of Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman concludes the five-part Fearless Fundraising Framework series with Step 5: Action. This final step focuses on helping donors move from the decision to give to actually completing their gift. You'll learn the important distinction between making a fundraising ask and giving a donor a clear next step. Matt explains how unnecessary friction, confusing donation pages, too many giving options, and vague calls to action can get in the way of successful fundraising.
The Complete Fearless Fundraising Framework
Whether you're asking for a $50 gift online, inviting someone to become a monthly partner, or having a conversation with a potential major donor, the principle remains the same: make the next step clear and easy. Ready to build your nonprofit's fundraising framework? Matt offers a complimentary 90-minute coaching call where you'll work together to build your organization's complete Fearless Fundraising Framework. You'll leave with a practical messaging structure you can use in donor conversations, fundraising emails, your website, and future campaigns. Visit https://www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com and click Book A Call. The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast provides practical leadership, fundraising, marketing, operational, program, and financial guidance for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. | |||
| How to Create Urgency Without Pressuring Donors | Fearless Fundraising Part 4 (Ep. 69) | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:19:17 | |
A potential donor can believe in your nonprofit's mission, appreciate the work you're doing, and even intend to give. But without a compelling reason to act now, that good intention can quietly turn into "I'll think about it." So how do you create a sense of urgency in nonprofit fundraising without making donors feel pressured or manipulated? In Part 4 of the Fearless Fundraising series, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explores how to help potential donors understand why their financial support matters today rather than someday. Creating urgency doesn't mean manufacturing emergencies, inventing deadlines, or using high-pressure fundraising tactics. It means helping supporters recognize the real difference their generosity can make when they choose to act now. In this episode, you'll learn:
The key principle: Urgency is the gap between where your nonprofit is today and the impact that becomes possible once the money arrives. Whether you're preparing a year-end fundraising appeal, asking someone to become a monthly donor, or launching a new nonprofit program, this episode will help you communicate a clear, honest reason why giving now matters.
I'm offering a complimentary 90-minute coaching call where we'll build your nonprofit's Fearless Fundraising Framework together.
You'll leave with a practical framework you can use in donor conversations, fundraising emails, your website, and other fundraising communications.
The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofit organizations build financially healthy, sustainable organizations that make a lasting impact. Hosted by nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman, each episode delivers practical guidance on leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs and services, operations, and finances. | |||
| What to Say When It's Time to Ask For a Gift | Fearless Fundraising Part 3 (ep. 68) | 14 Oct 2026 | 00:25:44 | |
Making the ask is often the moment when an otherwise confident fundraising conversation suddenly gets uncomfortable.
In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, we continue building the Fearless Fundraising Framework with Step 3: The Ask.
The goal isn’t to find a magical fundraising script that guarantees someone will say yes. Your job is to clearly present the opportunity, confidently invite someone to participate, and then give them the dignity of deciding what they want to do. Build Your Fearless Fundraising Framework The Fearless Fundraising Framework is built around five pieces:
For this episode, work on completing this sentence: Would you consider ____________________? Then test your ask with three questions: Is it specific? Can the donor tell exactly what you’re asking them to do? Is it connected to impact? Can they understand what their gift will help make possible? Is it appropriate? Does the amount and type of gift make sense for this donor and this situation? Then say your ask out loud until the words feel natural coming from you. Want Help Building Your Fundraising Message? I’m offering a complimentary 90-minute coaching call where you and I will build your nonprofit’s Fearless Fundraising Framework together. We’ll work through the problem, solution, ask, urgency, and action around your actual organization so you leave with clearer fundraising language you can use in donor conversations, emails, your website, and the rest of your fundraising communication. Visit nonprofitlaunchplan.com and click Book A Call. | |||
| Fearless Fundraising (Step 2): The Solution is Bigger Than You (Ep. 67) | 07 Oct 2026 | 00:21:52 | |
Your nonprofit may be doing incredible work. But when you talk about that work with a potential donor, who sounds like the hero? Too often, nonprofit fundraising revolves around what we do: we provide these programs, we served this many people, we expanded into this community. In this episode, we continue working through the Fearless Fundraising Framework with step two: the solution. And the solution is bigger than your program. Your mentoring program, food pantry, shelter, counseling service, or clean water project is the mechanism. The real solution is the change that happens in someone’s life because that program exists. A well is what you build. A family having clean water close to home is the impact. A mentoring program is what you operate. A teenager having a trusted adult consistently show up in their life is the impact. That way of thinking about the solution can completely change the way you communicate with donors.
Here’s the exercise for this week: The problem we exist to solve is __________. Then add: Because of your support, __________. Keep both sentences simple, specific, and conversational. Your organization may do the work, but your donor helps make the impact possible. When you communicate that consistently, fundraising begins to sound less like an organization asking people to fund its needs and more like an invitation to participate in something that matters.
If you’d like help building the complete Fearless Fundraising Framework for your nonprofit, I’m offering a complimentary 90-minute coaching call. Together, we’ll work through the five pieces every fundraising conversation needs: Problem. Solution. Ask. Urgency. Action. Go to nonprofitlaunchplan.com and click Book a Call. Contact Matt: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| Fearless Fundraising (Step 1): Start With the Problem (Ep. 66) | 30 Sep 2026 | 00:18:55 | |
Before you ask someone to support your nonprofit, can you clearly explain the problem you’re asking them to help solve? That sounds simple, but it’s one of the places nonprofit fundraising communication often gets complicated. We become really good at explaining our organization, our programs, our history, and everything we’re doing. But to someone hearing about our work for the first time, we may be starting in the middle of the story. In this episode, we begin a five-part series walking through the Fearless Fundraising Framework: Problem, Solution, Ask, Urgency, and Action.
• Why fundraising communication should begin with the problem, not your organization
“The problem we exist to solve is __________.”
Is it specific?
Part 1: Problem Connect with Matt Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| When a Donor Says Yes… But the Gift Never Comes (Ep. 65) | 23 Sep 2026 | 00:19:25 | |
A donor tells you they’re going to give $5,000. Great. Except a week passes. Then another week. Eventually you start wondering: Do I call them? Send an email? Leave it alone? And at what point does following up become pushy? This is one of those awkward fundraising situations that almost every nonprofit leader eventually encounters, but very few people teach you how to handle. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman walks through a practical approach for following up when a donor says they intend to give, but the gift never arrives. The key principle is simple: when someone tells you they intend to make a gift, they have given you permission to follow up. They have not given you permission to pressure them. You’ll learn how to:
Matt also shares simple language you can use in a follow-up conversation so you can get clarity without making the donor feel pressured. The goal of following up is not to collect money at all costs. The goal is clarity. Did they forget? Do they need the giving link again? Do they have another question? Did their circumstances change? Or did they simply decide not to give? Any of those answers is better than spending the next three months wondering what happened. Clear fundraising does not have to be aggressive fundraising. Done well, these conversations can actually strengthen trust because donors discover that you are comfortable talking about money while also demonstrating that the relationship matters more than any individual gift. In this episode:
Need help strengthening your fundraising? If raising consistent financial support is one of the biggest challenges facing your nonprofit, Matt offers a complimentary 90-minute coaching call where you will build your nonprofit’s Fearless Fundraising Framework together. You’ll work through the five pieces every fundraising conversation needs: Problem. Solution. Ask. Urgency. Action. You’ll leave with a framework you can use in donor conversations, emails, your website, and other fundraising communication. Visit NonprofitLaunchPlan.com and click Book A Call to schedule your complimentary coaching session. | |||
| 4 Leadership Lies Nonprofit Leaders Need to Stop Believing (Ep. 64) | 04 Sep 2026 | 00:19:23 | |
Some leadership habits look responsible on the surface. Watching the numbers closely. Working long hours. Staying involved in decisions. Learning not to take rejection personally. But each of those can quietly become something unhealthy. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman shares four leadership beliefs he has had to unlearn through years of leading organizations, teams, and now his own business. You'll hear why constantly checking nonprofit metrics can create anxiety instead of clarity, why long hours aren't necessarily evidence of commitment, how a leader can unintentionally become the bottleneck that keeps a team from growing, and why fundraising rejection should affect you without determining how you approach the next opportunity. You'll also learn a simple way to identify the handful of numbers an executive director should actually be watching, how your work habits communicate expectations to your staff and volunteers, and how to evaluate a donor's “no” without allowing rejection to undermine your confidence. In this episode: • Why obsessing over nonprofit metrics rarely improves the numbers The question to consider after listening: What are you doing right now in the name of good leadership that may actually be making it harder for you to lead well? Learn more about Nonprofit Launch Plan and access free nonprofit leadership and fundraising resources at nonprofitlaunchplan.com. Want the free weekly Nonprofit Launch Briefing? Email Matt at matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with “Sign Me Up” in the subject line. Frequently Asked Questions What numbers should a nonprofit executive director track? A nonprofit executive director should focus on a small number of metrics that provide the clearest picture of organizational health and that leadership can actually influence. Depending on the nonprofit, those could include progress toward the fundraising goal, new donors or contacts added to the database, revenue compared with expenses, or the number of people being served. How often should nonprofit leaders check their metrics? Important nonprofit metrics should be reviewed consistently, but constantly checking dashboards can create unnecessary anxiety and lead leaders to make changes before enough information exists to know whether a strategy is working. For many executive directors, reviewing a focused dashboard once or twice a day is more useful than monitoring dozens of numbers throughout the day. How can a nonprofit leader avoid becoming a bottleneck? Look for decisions, meetings, approvals, and responsibilities that currently require your involvement but could appropriately be owned by someone else. Giving capable staff and volunteers genuine decision-making responsibility can increase organizational capacity while helping people grow. How should nonprofit leaders handle fundraising rejection? Allow yourself to be disappointed, then evaluate what you can learn. Ask whether the problem was clearly explained, whether the solution made sense, whether the ask was specific, whether urgency was clear, and whether the donor understood the next step. Make any necessary adjustments, then move on to the next opportunity. Long hours may occasionally be necessary, especially during the early stages of an organization, but they are not an accurate measurement of commitment. Leaders should also consider what their work habits communicate to employees and volunteers about availability, expectations, and healthy boundaries. | |||
| When Donor Confidence Shakes: How Nonprofits Can Protect Fundraising and Respond Wisely (Ep. 63) | 26 Aug 2026 | 00:22:03 | |
Uncertainty does not always stop generosity, but it can change how donors make decisions. When conflict escalates, markets become unsettled, or political and economic changes create anxiety, donors may begin thinking differently about their jobs, retirement accounts, household expenses, and charitable giving. For nonprofit leaders, the challenge is knowing how to respond without panicking or making assumptions about every donor. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains the difference between donor capacity and donor confidence, and offers practical ways nonprofits can prepare for changing donor behavior. You’ll learn how to build stronger relationships, diversify revenue, create financial breathing room, communicate impact clearly, and respond to donor uncertainty with steadiness and trust. In This Episode, Matt covers:
Four Ways to Safeguard Your Nonprofit Before Uncertainty Arrives
Four Ways to Respond When Donor Behavior Changes
The goal is not to make your nonprofit immune to change. That is impossible. The goal is to make sure one delayed gift, disappointing campaign, or unexpected event does not immediately threaten the entire mission. The Question to Take to Your Next Board or Staff Meeting If a significant portion of our giving were delayed for the next 90 days, what would help us respond wisely, and where would we be most vulnerable? Don’t wait for the next unsettling headline to answer that question. Use the clear weather to work on the roof. About the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build strong, sustainable organizations through practical guidance in six key areas: leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs and services, operations, and finances. Hosted by nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman, each episode offers clear frameworks, practical tools, and real-world insight to help nonprofit leaders create lasting impact without unnecessary complexity. Get the Nonprofit Launch Briefing Matt sends out a free weekly email with practical nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and growth insights that are different from the podcast. To sign up, email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with “Sign Me Up” in the subject line. Frequently Asked Questions How should nonprofits respond when donor giving begins to slow? Start by examining what is actually happening. Look at response rates, average gift size, monthly cancellations, delayed gifts, and differences among donor groups. Then combine the data with conversations with trusted donors. What is the difference between donor capacity and donor confidence? Donor capacity is what someone is financially able to give. Donor confidence is how comfortable that person feels making a financial commitment. A donor’s financial capacity may remain unchanged while their confidence becomes more cautious. How much financial reserve should a small nonprofit have? For many small nonprofits, three months of operating expenses may be a responsible goal. Organizations with seasonal revenue, unpredictable giving, or heavy dependence on a few donors may need four to six months of reserves. Should nonprofits mention current events in fundraising appeals? Only when there is a clear and meaningful connection to the organization’s mission. If the event directly affects the people you serve, explain that connection honestly. Otherwise, using an unrelated crisis to create urgency may feel manipulative. How can nonprofits build donor confidence? Build trust through consistent communication, meaningful gratitude, clear impact stories, responsible financial decisions, personal relationships, and evidence that the organization is doing what it promised to do. Should nonprofits stop asking for gifts during uncertain economic times? Not necessarily. Nonprofits should continue inviting people to give when there is a legitimate need and a clear opportunity to make a difference. The tone, timing, and projections may need to change, but disappearing entirely can create more uncertainty. What is the most important fundraising principle during uncertain times? Urgency may produce a gift today, but trust gives donors a reason to remain connected when their circumstances and the headlines change. Nonprofit fundraising, donor confidence, fundraising in uncertain times, donor retention, nonprofit financial resilience, nonprofit reserves, monthly giving, diversified revenue, donor stewardship, nonprofit leadership, donor behavior, nonprofit financial planning, nonprofit crisis response, fundraising strategy. | |||
| Nonprofit Leadership: Could You Keep Leading This Way for Another Three Years? (Ep. 62) | 20 Aug 2026 | 00:19:03 | |
You can lead at an unsustainable pace for a surprisingly long time. You can continue making every decision, answering every question, carrying the fundraising pressure, and solving every problem while telling yourself, “This is just the season we’re in.” But what happens when the season becomes the system? In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman examines five areas where an unsustainable leadership pace often reveals itself. These warning signs do not always look like complete exhaustion or obvious burnout. Your nonprofit may still be growing, the work may still be getting done, and everything may appear healthy from the outside. The real question is whether you could continue leading this way for another three years. Matt explores decision fatigue, leadership isolation, fundraising pressure, organizational boundaries, and the danger of building a nonprofit that requires heroic leadership to survive. You’ll also learn why delegation is about more than clearing your schedule, how boundaries can help develop your team, and why caring for your own leadership capacity is an important act of organizational stewardship. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Five areas to examine in your leadership 1. Decision fatigue When nearly every organizational decision eventually reaches you, the mental burden begins to accumulate. You may start postponing decisions, reacting more quickly, or spending less time on the strategic thinking your organization needs most. The solution begins by deciding which decisions actually belong to you. 2. Leadership isolation The executive director or founder is often the only person who sees the organization’s complete picture. You may simultaneously carry concerns about finances, staffing, board relationships, donors, and program performance. Every nonprofit leader needs a trusted person with whom they can honestly process that pressure. 3. Fundraising pressure When payroll, programs, and the organization’s future depend on fundraising, donor conversations can begin to feel overly consequential. You may avoid those conversations or turn every interaction into an ask. A healthy donor journey distributes the pressure through consistent relationship-building, communication, stewardship, and appropriate invitations to give. 4. Boundaries and delegation Boundaries are not simply about protecting personal time. They help other people learn what they can own, decide, and accomplish without the leader’s constant involvement. Doing something yourself may be more efficient today, but teaching someone else to do it builds organizational capacity for tomorrow. 5. Heroic leadership Every nonprofit will experience demanding seasons, but emergency mode cannot become its permanent operating model. An organization built around heroic leadership eventually extracts a cost from the leader’s health, family, creativity, judgment, or love for the mission. Sustainable leadership allows ordinary, consistent work to produce extraordinary impact over time. Questions for nonprofit leaders Set aside 30 minutes this week and consider these four questions:
Choose one answer and take one practical step. Delegate a recurring responsibility, give someone authority over a category of decisions, protect a weekly block of strategic thinking time, or have an honest conversation with someone you trust. Frequently Asked Questions How can nonprofit leaders prevent burnout? Preventing burnout begins before complete exhaustion occurs. Leaders should examine decision-making responsibilities, delegate recurring work, establish healthy boundaries, create dependable fundraising systems, and find trusted people with whom they can process leadership pressure. What is decision fatigue in nonprofit leadership? Decision fatigue occurs when the number of daily decisions begins reducing a leader’s ability to think clearly and strategically. It may appear as delayed decisions, increased irritability, reactive leadership, or small choices feeling unnecessarily difficult. Why do nonprofit executive directors feel isolated? Executive directors are often the only people who see the organization’s complete financial, operational, personnel, fundraising, and board-related picture. That creates a unique burden that other staff members or volunteers may not fully understand. How can nonprofit leaders reduce fundraising pressure? Leaders can reduce fundraising pressure by building a consistent donor journey. This includes identifying prospective donors, developing relationships, communicating impact, thanking supporters, providing value, and making appropriate asks instead of treating every financial need as an emergency. Why is delegation important in a small nonprofit? Delegation builds the organization’s capacity to function without every task or decision depending on its founder. It also develops staff members and volunteers by giving them opportunities to think, decide, and take responsibility. What is heroic leadership? Heroic leadership is an operating pattern in which an organization repeatedly depends on extraordinary effort, long hours, and constant intervention from its leader. While this may be necessary during occasional emergencies, it is not a sustainable way to operate. How can a nonprofit become less dependent on its founder? Start by identifying recurring responsibilities and categories of decisions that others could own. Then provide clear expectations, appropriate authority, training, and room for team members to make decisions without continually seeking the founder’s approval. Key takeaway As a nonprofit leader, you are one of your organization’s most important resources. Protecting your ability to think clearly, develop people, build donor relationships, cast vision, and make wise decisions is not selfish. It is par... | |||
| When a Donor Complains: A 5-Step Response Plan for Nonprofit Leaders (Ep 61) | 13 Aug 2026 | 00:17:23 | |
A donor sends you an email, and they're not happy. Immediately, your mind starts racing. Are they going to stop giving? Did we do something wrong? Do we need to fix this right now? Donor complaints can feel like an emergency, especially when you're leading a startup, small, or growing nonprofit where every donor relationship matters. But not every complaint means your organization made a mistake, and an unhappy donor doesn't automatically mean you need to change course. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman shares a practical five-step framework for responding to donor complaints without becoming defensive, overreacting, or giving away your responsibility to lead. The Five Steps for Handling a Donor Complaint 1. Listen Before explaining or defending your decision, make sure you understand what the donor is actually concerned about. Sometimes the complaint you hear isn't the real issue. A complaint about receiving too much direct mail, for example, could actually be a concern about whether the organization is spending donor dollars wisely. Listen first. Ask questions. Understand before you answer. 2. Investigate Determine what kind of complaint you're dealing with. Most donor complaints fall into one of four categories:
Knowing which kind of complaint you're facing will help determine what should happen next. And remember: financial support does not give someone organizational authority. Giving creates partnership. It does not transfer leadership authority. 3. Own When you've made a mistake, own it quickly and clearly. Don't offer a vague apology simply because someone is unhappy. But when your nonprofit actually got something wrong, acknowledge it, apologize, and explain how you're going to correct it. There may also be situations where the organizational decision was right, but the communication surrounding it wasn't. You can remain confident in the decision while still taking responsibility for poor communication. 4. Respond Match your response to the seriousness of the problem. A donor disliking the font on your website does not require the same response as a concern about whether you've properly honored a restricted gift. One of the most important principles from this episode is: The seriousness of your response should match the seriousness of the issue, not the size of the donor. For significant concerns, get out of email when possible. Pick up the phone or meet with the donor personally so that tone, context, and nuance aren't lost. 5. Learn Finally, ask whether the complaint has revealed something your organization needs to improve. Is this an isolated concern, or could other donors be having the same experience? A complaint might expose problems with:
Don't overreact to a single complaint, but don't underlearn from it either. Before Changing Something Because of a Donor Complaint Ask three questions:
Sometimes the appropriate response to a donor is simply, "Thank you for sharing that with us." Good donor stewardship does not mean keeping every donor happy. It means treating every donor with respect while maintaining the courage and responsibility to lead your organization well. Key Takeaways
Questions This Episode Answers What should a nonprofit do when a donor complains? Should you apologize every time a donor is unhappy? Should a major donor's complaint receive more attention than a smaller donor's complaint? What if a donor wants to influence how the nonprofit is run? Can a donor complaint actually strengthen the donor relationship? About the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast provides practical tools, clear frameworks, and real-world guidance for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Episodes focus on six key areas of nonprofit health and growth: Leadership, Fundraising, Marketing, Programs & Services, Operations, and Finances. Hosted by nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman, the podcast is designed to help nonprofit leaders build strong, sustainable organizations capable of creating lasting impact without unnecessary complexity. Get the Nonprofit Launch Briefing Want more practical nonprofit growth strategies? Subscribe to the free weekly Nonprofit Launch Briefing for practical tools, fundraising insights, leadership ideas, and real-world guidance created specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. To subscribe, email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with "Sign me up" in the subject line. | |||
| Operational Stewardship: 3 Mistakes That Quietly Hurt Nonprofits (Ep. 60) | 30 Jul 2026 | 00:15:26 | |
When nonprofit leaders think about stewardship, they usually think about finances. Budgets. Donor dollars. Financial accountability. Those things matter. But what if the resource you're wasting most isn't money? In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman argues that time—not money—is often a nonprofit's most under-managed resource. Every unnecessary meeting, every unclear expectation, every inefficient process, and every undocumented system quietly steals hours away from your mission. Operational stewardship means treating your organization's time, people, systems, and leadership responsibility with the same intentionality you apply to your finances. The encouraging news? Improving operational stewardship rarely requires a larger budget. It simply requires better habits. In This Episode Matt explores three common operational mistakes that quietly consume nonprofit capacity and explains how small improvements can dramatically increase organizational effectiveness. You'll learn:
Key Takeaways 1. Stewardship Is Bigger Than Money Most nonprofit leaders naturally associate stewardship with finances. True stewardship also includes:
Every one of these resources has been entrusted to your organization. Good stewardship asks: Are we using all of them wisely?2. Stop Saying "We're Just a Nonprofit" One phrase makes Matt cringe: "We're just a nonprofit."Too often this becomes an excuse for:
Mission-driven organizations should never lower their standards simply because they're nonprofits. Excellence builds trust. Poor execution damages it. 3. Clarity Creates Capacity Many nonprofit teams work incredibly hard. Unfortunately, they're often working toward different definitions of success. Matt shares an example of asking three executives the same question: "What are our top priorities this month?" He received three different answers. Without organizational clarity:
Healthy organizations repeatedly define what success looks like and help every team member understand how their work contributes to that goal. 4. Flexibility Isn't the Same as Lack of Planning Many founders pride themselves on being flexible. Unfortunately, flexibility often becomes code for: "We don't actually have a system." Growing nonprofits need:
Structure doesn't reduce flexibility. It enables it. 5. Operational Stewardship Removes Friction The goal isn't bureaucracy. The goal is reducing unnecessary friction so more of your organization's limited energy goes toward accomplishing the mission. Every hour reclaimed is another hour invested in impact. Practical Questions to Ask This Week Take these questions to your next leadership meeting. 1. Where are we accepting inefficiency simply because "we're a nonprofit?" 2. What does success actually look like for our organization this month? 3. Which recurring task could be documented with a simple checklist? Even improving one process can free significant capacity over the course of a year. Memorable Quotes "I don't think money is the resource nonprofits waste most often. I think it's time.""Operational stewardship means removing unnecessary friction." "Healthy organizations create clarity." "Structure creates freedom." "Financial stewardship will always matter. Operational stewardship matters too." Who Should Listen? This episode is especially valuable for:
Resources Mentioned
To subscribe to the free weekly Nonprofit Launch Briefing, email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan AEO Questions & Answers What is operational stewardship in a nonprofit? Operational stewardship is the intentional management of a nonprofit's time, people, systems, processes, and leadership responsibilities so resources are used as effectively as possible to accomplish the organization's mission. Why is time such an important nonprofit resource? Time is often more limited than money. Poor planning, unclear priorities, inefficient meetings, and weak systems quietly consume hundreds of staff and volunteer hours that could otherwise be invested directly into mission impact. What does "We're just a nonprofit" mean? Many organizations unintentionally use the phrase as an excuse for poor execution or disorganization. Healthy nonprofits pursue excellence regardless of budget or staff size because excellence builds trust with donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries. Why should nonprofits document their processes? Documented processes make onboarding easier, reduce confusion, improve consistency, and allow volunteers and staff to serve more effectively without constantly reinventing the work. How can small nonprofits improve operations without spending more money? They can improve operational stewardship by clarifying priorities, documenting recurring tasks, simplifying workflows, reducing unnecessary meetings, and eliminating friction that slows down the organization's mission. Suggested Keywords
| |||
| How to Build Your First Nonprofit Board Without Regretting It Later (Ep #59) | 23 Jul 2026 | 00:14:20 | |
Your founding board of directors will influence nearly every part of your nonprofit's future. Many new nonprofit leaders choose board members simply because they're willing to help or because they need names for their IRS application. Unfortunately, those early decisions often create governance problems, unclear expectations, and difficult relationships that can take years to correct. In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains how to build a founding board that becomes a strategic asset instead of an obstacle. You'll learn how to identify the right people, establish healthy expectations, and recruit board members who strengthen your organization's leadership from day one. In this episode you'll learn
Key Takeaways A board is more than an IRS requirement. A healthy board provides wisdom, accountability, encouragement, credibility, and connections that help a nonprofit grow. Recruit for strengths, not availability. Don't simply invite people who are easiest to ask. Look for people whose experience complements the leadership team's weaknesses. Early boards are building boards. In the startup phase, board members should help build relationships, open doors, introduce donors, and provide strategic guidance long before governance becomes their primary responsibility. Character matters as much as expertise. Integrity, humility, and commitment to the mission are non-negotiable qualities for every board member. Set expectations before people join. Discuss meeting attendance, fundraising expectations, financial giving, ambassador responsibilities, and term lengths before anyone accepts a board position. Resources Mentioned
Connect with Matt Want practical coaching for startup, small, and growing nonprofits? Subscribe to the Nonprofit Launch Briefing, Matt's free weekly email featuring nonprofit leadership strategies, fundraising ideas, practical tools, and actionable coaching that complement the podcast. Email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to join. Frequently Asked Questions How do I choose my first nonprofit board members? Choose people who believe deeply in your mission, demonstrate strong character and integrity, bring expertise your organization lacks, and are willing to actively help build the nonprofit through introductions, guidance, and accountability. Avoid selecting board members solely because they're easy to recruit. Should friends and family serve on a nonprofit board? They can, but founders should be cautious. Friends and family often agree quickly, but serving on a board includes accountability and governance responsibilities that can complicate personal relationships if challenges arise. What skills should a nonprofit board have? A well-rounded board should collectively bring strengths in leadership, fundraising, marketing, finance, legal matters, operations, nonprofit governance, and the organization's specific program area. Should nonprofit board members donate? Yes. While the amount will vary based on each individual's capacity, every board member should make a meaningful financial contribution. A fully giving board demonstrates commitment and builds credibility with future donors. How long should a nonprofit board member commit initially? For many startup nonprofits, an initial one-year commitment works well. It gives both the founder and the board member an opportunity to evaluate the relationship before extending the term. Why is an experienced board member important? Someone who has previously served on a nonprofit board can help establish healthy governance practices, mentor newer board members, and normalize effective board processes from the beginning. What's the difference between a governing board and a building board? A governing board primarily focuses on oversight, compliance, and long-term governance. A building board, which is especially valuable during the startup phase, also helps open doors, build relationships, connect donors, and strengthen the organization's early growth. | |||
| 3 Things Nonprofit Leaders Should Use AI For and 3 Things They Shouldn’t (Ep. 58) | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:23:17 | |
Artificial intelligence is changing how nonprofits work. The question isn't whether your organization should use AI. The better question is: What should AI actually be doing? In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman shares a practical framework to help nonprofit leaders decide where AI creates real value—and where it can quietly undermine leadership if used carelessly. Rather than replacing nonprofit leaders, AI should increase your capacity to do the work only humans can do. Matt walks through three practical ways every nonprofit can begin using AI today, along with three critical leadership responsibilities that should never be outsourced to technology. If you're an executive director, founder, development director, ministry leader, or nonprofit CEO trying to understand how AI fits into your organization, this episode offers practical guidance without the hype. In This Episode You'll Learn - How AI can dramatically improve meeting preparation and follow-up The Three Best Uses of AI for Nonprofits Matt recommends leaning into AI for: - Preparing for meetings These uses save time while allowing leaders to focus on relationships and strategy. Three Things You Should Never Outsource to AI Matt also explains why nonprofit leaders should avoid allowing AI to replace: - Donor, partner, and staff communication Technology can assist leaders. It cannot replace leadership. Key Takeaway Use AI to increase your capacity—not to outsource your humanity. The nonprofits that thrive over the next decade won't be the organizations that ignore AI. They'll be the organizations that use it wisely while protecting the relationships, judgment, and leadership that technology can never replace. --- Resources Mentioned Episode 15 featuring David Watters of Simple & Engaging on practical AI implementation for nonprofits. Get it HERE LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan Frequently Asked Questions ### How can nonprofit organizations use AI effectively? The best uses of AI include preparing for meetings, analyzing organizational information, identifying patterns in donor or program data, and documenting repeatable systems and processes. AI works best when it increases a leader's capacity rather than replacing leadership responsibilities. ### Should nonprofits use AI to write donor communications? AI can help improve grammar, clarity, and organization, but important donor, partner, volunteer, and staff communications should remain personal. Authentic relationships are built through genuine human communication. ### Can AI help with nonprofit fundraising? Yes. AI can analyze donor surveys, identify trends, summarize meeting notes, organize fundraising information, and help build systems. However, relationship-building, donor stewardship, and major gift conversations should remain human-led. ### What are the risks of using AI in nonprofit leadership? The greatest risks are allowing AI to replace original thinking, relying on it as a primary source of truth without verification, and avoiding personal leadership responsibilities. Leaders remain accountable for every significant decision. ### What is the biggest takeaway from this episode? AI should increase your effectiveness—not replace the uniquely human work of leadership, relationship-building, judgment, and accountability. | |||
| A Vision Is Not a Roadmap: How Nonprofits Turn Big Dreams Into Action (Ep 57) | 02 Jul 2026 | 00:33:23 | |
Every nonprofit leader has a vision for the future. The challenge isn't imagining where your organization could be ten years from now. The challenge is knowing what to do next. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman sits down with longtime nonprofit executive Dick Whitworth to discuss one of the biggest challenges facing startup, small, and growing nonprofits: turning a long-term vision into a practical roadmap your team can begin following today. Together they explore why so many organizations become trapped in survival mode, how to break a ten-year vision into achievable milestones, why quarterly planning matters, and what leadership lessons Dick learned through decades of leading nonprofit organizations. Whether you're building a brand-new nonprofit or leading an established organization through its next season of growth, this conversation will help you move from simply talking about the future to intentionally building it. In This Episode You'll learn:
Key Takeaways A vision should influence today's decisions. If your vision statement doesn't change how your team spends its time this quarter, it's probably just an inspiring paragraph on your website. Strategic planning means working backward. Rather than hoping you'll eventually arrive at your preferred future, identify your ten-year destination, then determine what needs to happen in five years, three years, one year, and the next ninety days. Schedule time to think. Growing nonprofits don't accidentally stay on course. The healthiest organizations intentionally step away from daily operations to evaluate progress, recalibrate priorities, and make strategic decisions. Clarity creates momentum. When your mission and vision are easy to explain, it's much easier for staff, volunteers, board members, and donors to understand exactly what they're joining. Growth requires healthy systems. Rapid growth often exposes weaknesses in staffing, communication, budgeting, and leadership capacity. Sustainable growth is built intentionally. Resources Mentioned
Memorable Quotes "A vision by itself doesn't move an organization forward. It has to become a roadmap.""People don't rally around complexity. They rally around clarity.""Organizations don't drift toward their preferred future.""Don't allow survival mode to become your permanent operating mode."Connect with Matt Want practical nonprofit leadership insights every week? Sign up for the Nonprofit Launch Briefing, Matt's free weekly email designed specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to subscribe. About the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build healthy, sustainable organizations through practical coaching, proven frameworks, and real-world leadership strategies. Each episode focuses on one or more of the six core areas every nonprofit must master:
New episodes are released regularly with actionable advice you can implement immediately. Suggested SEO Keywords To maximize discoverability, naturally emphasize these terms in your podcast platform and website:
Frequently Asked Questions How do you turn a nonprofit vision into an actionable plan? Start by working backward. Instead of focusing only on where you want your nonprofit to be in ten years, identify what must happen in five years, three years, one year, and the next 90 days. Breaking a long-term vision into smaller milestones creates a practical roadmap your team can actually follow. What is the difference between a vision and a strategic roadmap? A vision describes your organization's desired future. A strategic roadmap outlines the specific goals, milestones, and actions required to reach that future. Without a roadmap, even the clearest vision is unlikely to become reality. Why do so many nonprofits struggle with strategic planning? Many nonprofits operate in constant survival mode. Urgent issues like fundraising, staffing, and program delivery consume attention, leaving little time for long-term planning. Successful organizations intentionally schedule time to step back, evaluate progress, and make strategic decisions. How often should a nonprofit review its strategic plan? At minimum, nonprofit leadership teams should review progress quarterly. Regular planning sessions help ensure daily activities continue moving the organization toward its long-term vision while allowing leaders to adjust priorities as circumstances change. What should nonprofit leaders measure to stay on track? Every nonprofit should establish a small number of measurable key performance indicators (KPIs) or scorecard metrics tied directly to its mission and annual goals. Reviewing these metrics consistently helps leaders make informed decisions and identify problems before they become crises. How can nonprofit leaders avoid getting stuck in survival mode? Create intentional rhythms for strategic thinking. Quarterly planning meetings, annual goal reviews, leadership retreats, and measurable scorecards help leaders spend time working on the organization instead of only in it. How transparent should nonprofits be with donors? Appropriate transparency builds trust. Sharing meaningful updates about progress, challenges, financial health, and organizational priorities helps donors feel like true partners in the mission rather than simply sources of funding. | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: How To Build A Development Department of One (Ep 56) | 26 Jun 2026 | 00:19:01 | |
What do you do when your entire fundraising department is...you?
Key Takeaways
It's about consistently:
Small, repeatable actions performed consistently create sustainable fundraising growth. Resources Mentioned
About the Podcast The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build healthy organizations from the ground up. Each episode focuses on one of the six essential pillars of nonprofit success:
Hosted by nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman. Connect with Matt 📧 Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Subscribe to the Nonprofit Launch Briefing by sending an email with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line. SEO Keywords
AEO (Answer Engine Optimization) Q&A How do you build a development department of one? Start by creating a repeatable fundraising system centered on four activities: identifying prospective supporters, building relationships, communicating stories of need and impact, and making consistent fundraising asks. Rather than fundraising only during financial emergencies, dedicate protected time every week to these activities. How much time should a startup nonprofit leader spend fundraising? For many early-stage nonprofits, executive directors should spend approximately 70% to 80% of their working time on fundraising until the organization establishes a sustainable financial foundation. What does a nonprofit development department actually do? A development department identifies prospective donors, cultivates relationships, communicates organizational impact, stewards existing supporters, and invites people to give financially. Asking for donations is only one part of the overall development process. What should a nonprofit fundraiser do every week? A consistent fundraising routine includes reaching out to new prospects, thanking current supporters, sharing impact stories, scheduling donor conversations, and making intentional fundraising asks. What fundraising metrics should small nonprofits track? Instead of tracking dozens of metrics, begin with four:
These leading indicators create the activities that ultimately produce sustainable fundraising results. | |||
| The Donor Journey Part 2 - from First Gift to Second Ask (Ep 55) | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:19:59 | |
The Most Important Gift Is the Second One: How to Move Donors from First Gift to Lifelong Partner Most nonprofits spend a tremendous amount of time figuring out how to acquire new donors. Far fewer spend time creating a clear plan for what happens after a donor makes their first gift. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explores why donor retention is one of the most overlooked growth opportunities for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. You'll learn why the first gift isn't usually the most important gift, how to build a simple donor welcome process, and the four steps that help move supporters from a first-time donation to a long-term relationship with your organization. In This Episode:
The Four Steps Between the First Gift and the Second Ask Step 5: Thank You A donor should hear from a real person within 24 to 48 hours of making a gift. Examples include:
The goal is simple: make sure the donor knows they were noticed and appreciated. Step 6: Show Impact Within the next few weeks, show the donor evidence that their gift mattered. The most effective way to do this is through stories. Share:
People don't give to become part of a statistic. They give to make a difference. Step 7: Add Value Before making another ask, provide something valuable. Examples include:
Healthy donor relationships involve value flowing in both directions. Step 8: Make the Second Ask The second ask doesn't always have to be another donation. It may include:
The right time for a second ask isn't based on a calendar. It's based on whether the donor has experienced enough gratitude, impact, and value to justify another invitation. A Sample Donor Stewardship Timeline
The sequence matters more than the specific dates. Thank You → Impact → Value → Invitation Key Quote "The most important gift your organization receives is almost never the first gift. It's the second one." Questions Answered in This Episode
Action Step Make a list of the last five first-time donors who gave to your organization. Ask yourself:
Your answers may reveal one of the biggest growth opportunities in your nonprofit. Resources Subscribe to the Nonprofit Launch Briefing for weekly nonprofit leadership, fundraising, marketing, operations, and growth insights. Connect with Matt Stockman: | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: The 4 Stages Every Donor Moves Through Before Giving (Ep 54) | 12 Jun 2026 | 00:18:48 | |
Many nonprofit leaders believe they have a fundraising problem when, in reality, they have a donor journey problem. In this episode, Matt breaks down the four stages every donor moves through before making a first gift and explains why focusing only on donation appeals can cause organizations to lose potential supporters long before they ever reach the giving stage. You'll learn why awareness alone isn't enough, how interest and engagement build trust, and why the first gift is not the finish line but the beginning of a deeper relationship. If you've ever wondered why people seem interested in your mission but never become donors, this episode will help you identify where your organization may be unintentionally losing momentum. In This Episode
Key Takeaway People rarely become donors immediately after discovering your organization. They move through a process of awareness, interest, engagement, and trust before they are ready to give. Organizations that intentionally build each stage of that journey will create more donors and stronger long-term supporters. Resources Mentioned
Connect with Matt Want practical nonprofit growth strategies delivered to your inbox each week? Email matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to receive the free weekly Nonprofit Launch Briefing. Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits | |||
| The Founder Bottleneck: Why Your Nonprofit Can't Grow Without You (Ep 53) | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:18:00 | |
Could Your Nonprofit Survive Two Weeks Without You? What would happen if you disappeared for two weeks? No email. No phone calls. No text messages. No checking in. Would your fundraising continue? Would your volunteers know what to do? Would donors still receive thank-you calls? Would your team keep moving forward? Or would everything come to a standstill until you returned? In this episode, Matt Stockman tackles one of the most common growth barriers facing startup, small, and growing nonprofits: the founder bottleneck. When too much of an organization's success depends on one person, growth slows, teams become dependent, burnout becomes inevitable, and the mission itself can suffer. The challenge is that founder bottlenecks rarely develop because of bad leadership. They usually emerge because passionate founders care deeply, work hard, and want to ensure everything is done well. Unfortunately, the same habits that help launch a nonprofit can eventually limit its growth. In this episode, you'll learn how to identify whether you're creating a bottleneck in your organization and discover five practical steps to build a stronger, more sustainable nonprofit that can thrive without your constant involvement. In This Episode
Key Takeaways ✅ Growth can only move as fast as the founder when every decision requires their approval. ✅ The goal is not to make yourself unnecessary. The goal is to focus your time on the things only you can do. ✅ Your team is capable of handling more responsibility than you think. ✅ Strong organizations are built on systems, delegation, and shared ownership. ✅ White space on your calendar is not wasted time. It creates the capacity for leadership, strategy, and growth. Your Action Step Identify one responsibility that currently depends entirely on you but could belong to a team member or volunteer within the next 90 days. Write down the process. Create a transition plan. Begin handing it off. Then repeat the process with something else. Every responsibility you successfully transfer creates more capacity for leadership and helps build a nonprofit that can thrive for years to come. Connect with Matt: nonprofit leadership nonprofit growth nonprofit founder executive director leadership nonprofit management nonprofit operations nonprofit systems nonprofit delegation founder bottleneck nonprofit scalability nonprofit organizational growth nonprofit leadership development nonprofit startup challenges executive director burnout nonprofit team development | |||
| Nonprofit Marketing: 5 Social Media Priorities for Small Nonprofits (Ep 52) | 29 May 2026 | 00:22:18 | |
Stop Chasing Followers: What Really Matters on Social Media For many nonprofit leaders, social media can feel like both a billboard and a scoreboard. It's easy to look at follower counts, likes, shares, and views and assume those numbers determine whether your nonprofit is succeeding online. It's also easy to believe that if you could just grow a large enough audience, donors, volunteers, and supporters would naturally follow. The reality is much different. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why engagement matters far more than follower count, especially for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. He shares five practical priorities that can help your organization build trust, strengthen relationships, and use social media more effectively without consuming all of your time, budget, and energy. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by social media, frustrated by slow growth, or unsure whether your efforts are actually helping your mission, this episode will help you focus on what truly matters. In This Episode
The Five Priorities Matt Recommends
Key Takeaway Stop trying to impress the internet and start trying to consistently connect with your people. Engagement creates trust. Trust creates involvement. And involvement is what ultimately drives volunteers, donors, advocates, and long-term impact. Resources Mentioned The Nonprofit Launch Briefing Get Matt's free weekly email filled with practical strategies, fundraising insights, and nonprofit leadership guidance designed specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Connect with Nonprofit Launch Plan Learn more about coaching, consulting, workshops, and resources for startup, small, and growing nonprofits: | |||
| Nonprofit Finances: The Ins and Outs of Fiscal Sponsorship (Ep. 51) | 22 May 2026 | 00:41:17 | |
Starting a nonprofit is exciting. But for many leaders, the pressure to immediately build a standalone 501(c)(3), create HR systems, manage compliance, oversee payroll, and handle financial reporting can become overwhelming before the mission ever gains momentum. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt sits down with Noah Stockman and Brianna Carr from Third Sector New England (TSNE), one of the most established fiscal sponsorship organizations in the country, to unpack how fiscal sponsorship actually works and why it may be one of the most misunderstood structures in the nonprofit world. You’ll hear practical insight into:
This conversation also explores a larger leadership question many nonprofit founders wrestle with: Do you really need to build every piece of infrastructure yourself right away… or would your mission be healthier, faster, and more sustainable with the right operational partner? If you’re launching a nonprofit, leading a growing organization, navigating a season of transition, or simply trying to better understand nonprofit infrastructure, this episode offers a practical framework that could save your organization significant time, money, and complexity. Key Topics Covered
Connect with TSNE Learn more about Third Sector New England and fiscal sponsorship services: Connect with Matt / Nonprofit Launch Plan Want more practical nonprofit strategy each week? Fiscal sponsorship, how to start a nonprofit, nonprofit startup strategy, nonprofit infrastructure, nonprofit operations, fiscal agency vs fiscal sponsorship, nonprofit compliance, 501(c)(3), nonprofit leadership, startup nonprofit podcast, nonprofit growth strategy, nonprofit management, TSNE, nonprofit operational support | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: The Hidden Power of Monthly Donors for Small Nonprofits (Ep 50) | 13 May 2026 | 00:19:23 | |
Monthly giving is one of the most overlooked growth strategies for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Too many nonprofit leaders spend their time chasing the next fundraising campaign, the next event, the next grant opportunity, or the next major donor conversation, while overlooking one of the most stabilizing and sustainable revenue streams they could build: recurring monthly donors. In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions about monthly giving and explains why recurring donors are often far more valuable than nonprofit leaders realize. If your nonprofit constantly feels financial pressure, if fundraising always feels reactive, or if losing one donor or grant would create a major crisis for your organization, this conversation is designed to help you rethink how you build financial sustainability. Matt walks through several common myths nonprofit leaders believe about monthly donor programs, including:
Along the way, you’ll learn why monthly donors often stay connected to nonprofits significantly longer than one-time givers, why recurring giving creates healthier and more predictable cash flow, and why smaller nonprofits may actually have an advantage when it comes to building strong sustainer communities. This episode also explores the concept of “psychological distance” between a donor and the impact of their gift, and why smaller nonprofits are often uniquely positioned to help donors feel personally connected to the mission they’re supporting each month. You’ll also hear practical encouragement for how to get started building a recurring donor program, even if your nonprofit is still early-stage. You do not need thousands of donors to begin. A simple recurring giving page, clear communication, and a handful of committed supporters can begin creating real momentum and long-term stability. In this episode:
Connect with Matt: | |||
| From Vision to Execution: How ShowerUp Grew into a Multi-City Nonprofit (Ep #49) | 06 May 2026 | 00:45:51 | |
What does it actually take to move a nonprofit from an idea to a sustainable, growing organization? In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman sits down with Paul Schmitz, founder and executive director of ShowerUp, to talk about the real-world journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up. What started as a simple vision to provide mobile showers for people experiencing homelessness has grown into a multi-city nonprofit serving thousands through mobile shower and laundry services. But this conversation goes far beyond the story itself. Paul shares practical insight into:
If you're a nonprofit founder, executive director, ministry leader, or someone considering launching a nonprofit organization, this episode provides practical guidance and leadership insight you can apply immediately. One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Paul describes the emotional impact of ShowerUp’s first outreach event. After nearly 50 days without access to a shower, one guest walked out and simply said, “I feel human again.” That moment helped define the heart of the organization and reinforced the importance of building programs that restore dignity, not just meet technical needs. This episode is especially valuable for:
Key Topics Covered
Resources & Links
Connect With Matt Stockman If you’re building a startup, small, or growing nonprofit and want practical coaching, fundraising strategy, or help building a sustainable growth plan, connect with Matt through Nonprofit Launch Plan. Sign up for the weekly “Launch Briefing” email for nonprofit leadership strategies, fundraising insight, and practical next steps for nonprofit growth. Send an email with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits | |||
| From Dream to Impact: Your Nonprofit MVP Blueprint - Pt. 2 (Ep. 48) | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:12:14 | |
Many startup nonprofits and growing organizations get stuck because they believe they need a building, full staff, major funding, or a polished infrastructure before they can begin serving people. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains how to launch a Minimum Viable Program (MVP) so you can start small, create real impact, build momentum, and grow wisely. If you are starting a nonprofit, designing your first program, or trying to expand without chaos, this episode gives practical nonprofit startup strategies, nonprofit program development advice, and smart growth planning for mission-driven leaders. Most nonprofit founders have a version 10 dream but have never launched version 1.0. Matt breaks down why waiting for perfection delays impact and how serving a small number of people exceptionally well can become the foundation for long-term success. He also shares why evidence should drive growth, not emotion. In This Episode
Key Takeaways Start Small to Start Smart You do not need a building, full team, or large budget to begin helping people. Many successful nonprofits began with borrowed space, a folding table, and a few committed volunteers. Serve a Few People Exceptionally Well Trying to help everyone too early often lowers quality and creates confusion. Start with a manageable number, learn what works, and improve from there. Use a 90-Day Pilot Program Instead of launching something permanent, test your idea in a focused 90-day pilot. This lowers pressure, creates clarity, and gives you valuable data. Measure What Matters Track participation, outcomes, stories, costs, demand, and lessons learned. Evidence builds confidence with leaders, donors, and future supporters. Let Evidence Drive Growth Do not expand because emotions are high in the moment. Expand because results consistently prove the model works. Powerful Quote From This Episode “Your growth should follow the evidence, not the emotion of the moment.” Ask yourself this question today: What is the smallest version of my mission that could genuinely help somebody in the next 90 days? Get Matt's Nonprofit Launch Briefing (Weekly Email) A super-valuable weekly email that you will actually WANT to get in your inbox each week as you grow your nonprofit - no matter where you are in your nonprofit journey, there's something valuable in the Nonprofit Launch Briefing Weekly Email. Get on Matt's email list - just by sending a quick email to matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com, with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line! website: www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| From Dream to Impact: Your Nonprofit MVP Blueprint - Pt. 1 (Ep. 47) | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:16:40 | |
Many aspiring nonprofit leaders delay launching because they believe they need the finished version of the dream before they can begin. They think they need the building, the staff, the full budget, polished branding, and complete infrastructure before making impact. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why that mindset keeps great missions stuck at the starting line. This is Part 1 of a two-part series focused on building what Matt calls your Minimum Viable Program (MVP), the smartest way to start small, help real people, create momentum, and learn what works before scaling. You’ll learn why successful nonprofits separate long-term vision from version one, how to focus on outcomes instead of structures, and how to start serving people now with the resources already available to you. If you have a big dream but feel overwhelmed by where to begin, this episode will help you take the next practical step. In This Episode:
Key Takeaway Starting small is not thinking small. Starting small is thinking wisely. Resources Mentioned Nonprofit Launch Plan Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact, April 28 - 30, 2026. Sign Up Here - Launchpad Workshop for Nonprofits | Nonprofit Launch Plan Connect with Matt Stockman: Matt Stockman helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build strong, sustainable foundations through leadership, fundraising, marketing, operations, programs, and finances. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: How To Respond When a Prospect Goes Silent (Ep. 46) | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:18:36 | |
Ever had a donor prospect seem fully engaged… only to go completely silent? No reply. No questions. No decision. In this episode, Matt breaks down exactly what to do next when a potential supporter “ghosts” you, without coming across as pushy, desperate, or unsure.
You’ll learn how to reframe what’s actually happening, avoid the most common follow-up mistakes, and step back into your role as a confident guide in the donor decision-making process.
The 4-Step Follow-Up Framework:
Key Takeaway: Your job is not to chase donors. Follow-up isn’t about pressure, it is about getting clarity for the prospect and for you. Workshop Invitation: If you're in the early stages of building your nonprofit and need clarity around your mission, board, fundraising, and first programs, join the Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact. 📅 April 28–30 Learn more and sign up at: If You Found This Helpful: Be sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with another nonprofit leader who’s navigating donor conversations right now. | |||
| Nonprofit Leadership: Building a Strong Executive Director and Board Partnership (Ep 45) | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:26:50 | |
If your nonprofit feels stuck, the issue may not be your strategy or your effort. It may be the relationship at the core of your organization. In this episode, we revisit a foundational conversation with Bob Lonac on one of the most critical dynamics in any nonprofit: the relationship between the CEO or Executive Director and the board. When this relationship is healthy, aligned, and clearly defined, it becomes the backbone of a strong, growing organization. When it’s not, it creates confusion, friction, and ultimately limits your impact. Matt and Bob unpack what a healthy CEO and board partnership actually looks like, where things tend to break down, and how nonprofit leaders can build clarity, trust, and alignment moving forward. What You’ll Learn
Why This Matters Every nonprofit rises or falls on its leadership structure. You can have a compelling mission, strong programs, and passionate people. But if the CEO and board are not aligned, the organization will always feel like it’s working harder than it should. Getting this relationship right creates:
Listen If You Are:
Intro Context (Replay Note) This episode is a replay from earlier in the podcast, re-released due to its continued relevance for nonprofit leaders. Resources: | |||
| Google Ad Grants Explained: Free Advertising Dollars Your Nonprofit Isn't Using | 19 Mar 2026 | 00:33:10 | |
What if your nonprofit could reach people who are already searching for the exact problem you solve… without spending a dollar on ads? In this episode, Matt Stockman sits down with digital marketing strategist Matt Mundt to break down one of the most underutilized tools available to nonprofits today: the Google Ad Grant. Eligible nonprofits can access up to $10,000 per month in free Google search advertising. Yet most organizations either don’t know about it, don’t understand it, or never fully leverage it. This conversation provides a practical, strategic starting point to help you change that. What You’ll Learn
Key Takeaways The Google Ad Grant works best when you:
2. Content is the engine that makes this work Nonprofits with more website content perform significantly better. Strong examples include:
The goal is simple: Serve the visitor well enough that they stay, engage, and explore. 3. Relevance determines performance Google is constantly evaluating:
If your content doesn’t match the search, your ads will be shown less frequently. 4. Start simple, then optimize You don’t need to master everything upfront. A strong starting point:
Then improve over time as you learn what works. 5. Avoid these common mistakes
These limit effectiveness and can even get your account suspended. 6. Think like your audience, not your organization The most effective campaigns start with one question: What is someone typing into Google right before they need what we do? When you answer that well, you move from:
7. This is a long-term growth strategy Google Ads are not a quick win. They require:
But when done well, they create a steady stream of highly relevant traffic. Action Steps If you’re just getting started:
Resources
| |||
| Nonprofit Events Done Right: Purpose, People, and Planning (Ep 43) | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:19:13 | |
For many nonprofit leaders, hosting a large event feels like a natural step in growing awareness and raising funds. But before you jump into planning venues, catering, invitations, and programming, there is a more important question to ask: Is your nonprofit actually ready to host an event? In this episode, Matt Stockman breaks down how nonprofit leaders can pressure test whether an event is the right next step for their organization, and the two foundational questions that should guide every successful nonprofit event. Done well, an event can introduce new people to your mission, deepen relationships with supporters, and generate meaningful funding. Done poorly, it can drain time, money, and energy while delivering disappointing results. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Many organizations assume an event is the logical next step for growth. But in many cases, nonprofits attempt large events before their team, donor base, or systems are ready. Before planning an event, ask yourself: Could your nonprofit absorb the financial loss if the event had to be canceled? Events often require significant upfront investment. If the financial risk of cancellation or underperformance would damage your organization, it may not be the right time. Event planning requires far more manpower than most leaders initially expect. Your team and volunteers must have the bandwidth to handle the operational demands. The biggest reason nonprofit events struggle is not poor execution. It is poor strategic focus. The Two Questions That Make or Break a Nonprofit Event 1. What is the purpose of the event?
The purpose of this event is to raise or accomplish X, which will result in Y impact. Example:
When the purpose is clear:
2. Who is the target attendee? Another common mistake is trying to design an event “for everyone.” Instead, define your ideal attendee.
When you understand who you are designing the event for, everything becomes clearer:
A Smarter Strategy: Start Small One final recommendation for nonprofit leaders planning their first event: Start smaller than you think you should. A smaller first event allows you to:
A manageable proof-of-concept event is far better than launching something so large that it overwhelms your team. Key Takeaways Before planning a nonprofit event, pause and ask:
When you answer these questions first, your event planning becomes more focused, strategic, and successful. Workshop Mention If you're in the early stages of building your nonprofit, Matt invites you to join the upcoming: Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact During this live virtual workshop you will:
Dates: April 28–30 Learn more and register at:
| |||
| Nonprofit Leadership: What To Do When Someone On Your Team Isn’t Delivering (E. 42) | 06 Mar 2026 | 00:19:27 | |
Sooner or later, every nonprofit leader faces a difficult leadership moment. You bring someone onto your team because you believe in them. They care about the mission and want to help move the organization forward. But over time something starts to feel off. Deadlines slip. Details are missed. Results are not what they should be. Now you are left wondering what the real issue is.
In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman walks through a practical leadership framework that helps nonprofit leaders diagnose performance issues on their team and respond in a way that actually helps people improve. Instead of reacting emotionally or avoiding the conversation, effective leaders step back and diagnose the real cause of the problem. Matt explains the Three Scenario Framework, a simple diagnostic tool he regularly uses when coaching nonprofit leaders through team performance challenges. What You’ll Learn in This Episode • Why ignoring performance issues creates long term culture problems inside a nonprofit The Three Scenarios Behind Team Performance Problems Matt explains that when a team member is struggling, one of three things is usually happening. 1. Execution Problems (A Skills Issue) The team member understands the role and expectations but struggles to execute consistently. This often means they need additional development such as: • Training Great leaders treat this the same way a coach treats an athlete who needs more practice. 2. Understanding Problems (A Clarity Issue) In this situation the team member believes they are doing their job correctly, but the leader sees a gap in performance. This usually means expectations were not clearly communicated. The solution is leadership clarity: • Clearly define success in the role Many nonprofit leaders assume clarity exists when it actually does not. 3. Strategic Alignment Problems (A Direction Issue) Here the team member understands the job and has the skills to do it, but they believe their approach is better than the organization’s strategy. When this happens leaders must explain the reasoning behind the strategy and how the work connects to the mission. Alignment improves dramatically when people understand why decisions are being made. Why This Matters for Nonprofit Leaders Avoiding performance conversations can create serious organizational consequences. When leaders ignore problems: • The issue continues Your team is one of the most important assets your nonprofit has. Great leaders address problems with clarity, coaching, and purpose rather than avoidance. Workshop Invitation If you are in the dreaming or early phases of launching a nonprofit, Matt invites you to join the upcoming virtual Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit IDEA to IMPACT. In this live workshop you will: • Clarify your mission and vision Workshop Details April 28–30 Register at Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| Stop Wasting Time in Meetings: A Better Way to Brainstorm (Ep. 41) | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:14:26 | |
Brainstorming meetings are supposed to spark creativity, solve problems, and move your nonprofit forward. But for many leaders, they end up feeling like a waste of time, energy, and attention. In this episode, nonprofit growth coach Matt Stockman explains why most brainstorming sessions fail and shares a simple 7-step framework nonprofit leaders can use to design meetings that produce clear ideas, better decisions, and real progress. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The 7 Steps to Better Brainstorming Matt walks through a practical framework leaders can use immediately:
Who This Episode Is For? This episode is especially helpful if you:
Mentioned in This Episode Matt invites early-stage nonprofit leaders to join the Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact, happening April 28–30. Share This Episode If this episode helped you think differently about meetings or leadership, share it with another nonprofit leader who could benefit from it. | |||
| Your Nonprofit's Flight Path: The 5 Growth Phases Every Nonprofit Goes Through (Part 2) | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:21:18 | |
Each nonprofit grows through 5 distinct phases in its early years, and in this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman explains how nonprofit leaders move from early traction into long-term sustainability by understanding where their organization sits in the development cycle. If you’re trying to grow your donor base, stabilize funding, scale programs, or strengthen your leadership structure, this conversation will help you focus on the right priorities at the right time. This episode continues the Nonprofit Flight Path framework by walking through Phases 3–5, the stages where nonprofits move from initial traction into stability and long-term impact. Matt breaks down what leaders are thinking, feeling, and struggling with in each stage, along with the strategic moves that help organizations grow in a healthy, sustainable way instead of rushing growth too early or scaling without a foundation. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by competing priorities, unsure whether to expand programs, or trying to stabilize fundraising while growing your team, this episode will help you identify your current phase and clarify what actually matters most right now. What You’ll Learn in This Episode Phase 3: The First Steps Phase (Liftoff Stage)
Phase 4: The 1–3 Year Growth Phase
Phase 5: The Sustainability or “Orbit” Phase
Key Takeaway Progress in nonprofit leadership doesn’t come from doing everything at once. It comes from identifying your current phase, focusing on the few priorities that matter most in this season, and building a strong foundation before scaling. Resources Mentioned
Listen Next If you haven’t yet heard the previous episode covering Phases 1 and 2 of the Nonprofit Flight Path, go back and listen to that first for the full framework. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| Your Nonprofit's Flight Path: the 5 Growth Phases Every Nonprofit Goes Through (Pt 1) | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:20:08 | |
Every nonprofit begins the same way: with a problem that refuses to leave your mind. In this episode, Matt introduces the Nonprofit Flight Path, a five-phase framework that maps the predictable journey every nonprofit takes from early dreaming to long-term sustainability. Today’s focus is on the first two phases:
If you are in the early stages of launching your nonprofit, this episode will help you:
✈️ Phase One: The Dreaming Phase Every nonprofit starts with you seeing a problem up close. You feel a personal responsibility to do something about it. The idea grows quietly in your mind. Common thoughts in this phase:
What you’re feeling:
The biggest danger: What helps you move forward:
Dreaming is necessary. But clarity requires externalization. 🚀 Phase Two: The Building Consensus Phase This is where your idea leaves your head and enters the real world. You begin talking with family, mentors, and potential supporters. Affirmation builds. So does complexity. Common thoughts in this phase:
What you’re feeling:
This is often where:
The temptation is to build the fully formed organization in your imagination. Facilities. Staff. Multiple programs. But healthy nonprofits begin with an MVP: a Minimum Viable Program. Matt shares the story of a thriving multimillion dollar nonprofit that began with one college student, a camping stove, and grilled cheese sandwiches for the homeless. Big impact rarely starts big. What moves you forward from Phase Two:
Building consensus is not about convincing people to believe in you. Why This Matters Uncertainty in these early phases is not a red flag. It is predictable pressure. The leaders who move forward are not the ones who feel the most confident. They are the ones who understand what the pressure is revealing and what it is asking of them next. When you can name the phase you are in, you can name your next step. Coming Next In the next episode, Matt walks through Phases 3 - 5 And what it takes to move from intention to momentum without burning out. 🎯 Resource Mentioned Launchpad Workshop: Essentials for Moving from Nonprofit Idea to Impact If you are in the dreaming or early phases, this virtual workshop is designed specifically for you.
Visit: nonprofitlaunchplan.com and click Workshop. | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: Growing Your Early Fundraising The Right Way (E38) | 05 Feb 2026 | 00:16:44 | |
There is a critical moment in the early life of almost every nonprofit when leaders feel pressure to go bigger. More marketing. More emails. More social posts. A bigger event. A broader appeal. And when those efforts fall flat, it is easy to assume something is wrong with the mission. In this episode, I explain why the problem usually is not your mission at all. It is timing. This is part three of a three-part series on securing your first nonprofit dollars. In this final installment, we focus on why early fundraising does not grow through reach, but through depth and relationships. In This Episode, You Will Learn:
Key Takeaways: Early supporters are not strangers who click a donation link. Your nonprofit does not create that concern. That is why early believers are found through conversations, not campaigns. Introductions from board members, donors, and friends are not transactions. At this stage, your goal is not to walk away with a check.
Series Recap:
Together, these three groups form the foundation of healthy early nonprofit funding. Free Resource Mentioned: If fundraising still feels intimidating or unclear, download the Fearless Fundraising Mini Course. You can access it for free at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com by clicking the pink banner at the top of the homepage. Email: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: Your Board as your First Fundraising Team (E37) | 30 Jan 2026 | 00:16:36 | |
What comes after your very first nonprofit gifts? For most startup and early-stage nonprofits, the next critical source of funding is not grants, events, or online campaigns. It is your board and your board’s network.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
Key Takeaways
Practical Next Steps
Free Resource Mentioned Fearless Fundraising Mini Course About This Series This episode is Part 2 of a 3-part series on securing your first nonprofit dollars.
| |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: Zero Donors, Zero Dollars - How to Secure Your First Gifts | 23 Jan 2026 | 00:16:48 | |
What do you do when your nonprofit officially exists, the paperwork is approved, the vision is clear, and everything else is still at zero? Zero names in the database. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman kicks off Part 1 of a three-part series on how startup and early-stage nonprofits secure their very first dollars. If you are at what Matt calls “ground zero,” this conversation is more important than you might think. Rather than starting with grants, strangers, or complex fundraising systems, this episode explains why almost every healthy nonprofit begins in the same place: with people who already trust and believe in you. In this episode, you will learn:
Matt walks through a clear, practical process for identifying your inner circle and taking the pressure off early fundraising by focusing on practice, not pressure. Practical steps covered in this episode:
Free Resource Mentioned in This Episode Matt references his Fearless Fundraising Mini Course, a free PDF workbook with five short videos that walk through the five core steps of his fundraising framework:
You can access the free mini course at nonprofitlaunchplan.com by clicking the pink banner at the top of the homepage. What’s Next: This episode is Part 1 of a three-part series. In the next episode, Matt will break down the second critical source of early nonprofit funding: your board and your board’s network. If you are launching a nonprofit or helping one get off the ground, this series is designed to give you a clear, realistic fundraising path without unnecessary complexity. | |||
| Nonprofit Leadership: Getting Back to the Fundamentals That Create Stability and Momentum | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:18:18 | |
When a professional athlete hits a slump, the solution is rarely something flashy. Coaches bring players back to the fundamentals. Stance. Form. Focus. Repetition. In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt Stockman applies that same principle to nonprofit leadership. When your organization feels harder to run than it should, when every solution seems to create two new problems, it is usually not a motivation issue or a creativity issue. It is a fundamentals issue. This episode walks nonprofit leaders through three leadership behaviors to stop in 2026 and three strategic shifts to start, all aimed at building healthier, more stable, and more effective organizations. What You Will Learn in This Episode Three leadership habits to stop:
Three strategic shifts to start:
A Simple Leadership Challenge Rather than trying to implement everything at once, Matt challenges leaders to choose just two actions:
Implement both within the next 30 days. One focused decision can significantly change the trajectory of a nonprofit.
Who This Episode Is For
If your nonprofit feels busy but not stable, active but not focused, this episode will help you reset around the fundamentals that actually create momentum. | |||
| Nonprofit Operations and Finances: When Fundraising Success Is Actually Hurting Your Nonprofit - The Hidden Risk of Restricted Giving | 06 Jan 2026 | 00:18:11 | |
Many nonprofit leaders celebrate raising money, yet still find themselves unable to pay the bills. In this episode, Matt Stockman unpacks one of the most common and dangerous funding traps facing small and growing nonprofits: an overdependence on restricted giving. You will learn why restricted gifts are not the villain, how they can quietly undermine your organization’s stability, and how to shift donor conversations toward healthier, mission-aligned support. Matt walks through real examples, practical frameworks, and specific language you can use to educate donors, build trust, and protect your nonprofit’s long-term impact. If your programs are funded but your operations are constantly under pressure, this conversation will change how you think about fundraising and sustainability. Key Takeaways
Topics Covered
Action Steps for Listeners
Resources Mentioned Free PDF: | |||
| Nonprofit Programs: Why Good Ideas Struggle to Get Funded | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:15:29 | |
Many nonprofit leaders have a powerful vision, a meaningful mission, and a deep personal calling. Yet when it comes time to raise funds, they hit unexpected resistance. In this episode, Matt Stockman explains why passion alone does not create a fundable nonprofit program and how to transform a heartfelt idea into a clear, credible, and sustainable program that donors and foundations are willing to support. You will learn the critical distinction between passion and program, why donors evaluate outcomes rather than emotion, and how to apply a simple five-part framework to pressure-test any program idea before taking it to market. 🧩 Key Topics Covered
🛠️ The Five Core Elements of a Fundable Program A program becomes fundable when it clearly defines:
🧪 The Five Question Program Pressure Test Before launching or pitching any program idea, ask:
💡 Final Takeaway “Good program ideas deserve good design. Passion is the starting point. Programs are the vehicle.”When clarity increases, communication improves, donor confidence rises, and long-term sustainability follows. 📄 Free Resource Mentioned From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist | |||
| Nonprofit Marketing: The 3 Marketing Channels Every Small Nonprofit Actually Needs | 19 Dec 2025 | 00:13:23 | |
In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman breaks down the three core marketing channels that most small and early-stage nonprofits actually need. Rather than chasing every new platform or trend, Matt explains how focusing on the right channels, in the right order, can reduce overwhelm, build trust, and create sustainable momentum for your organization. This episode is especially relevant for nonprofit founders and leaders who feel pressure to “be everywhere” while still trying to run their organization and advance their mission. What You’ll Learn in This Episode
The 3 Core Marketing Channels Covered 1. Your Email List (Your Most Important Asset) 2. One Social Media Platform (Not All of Them) 3. Direct Human-to-Human Relationships Key Takeaways
Free Resource Mentioned in This Episode If you (or someone you know) are still in the dreaming or early planning phase of launching a nonprofit, Matt offers a free PDF resource: From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist To receive the free checklist:
About the Podcast The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast is for startups, small, and growing nonprofits that want to build on a strong, sustainable foundation. Each episode focuses on one of six core areas: leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs and services, operations, and finances... providing clear frameworks, practical tools, and real-world guidance you can actually apply. | |||
| Nonprofit Fundraising: Your Year-End Email Blueprint (Don't get buried in their inbox) | 11 Dec 2025 | 00:19:17 | |
In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt breaks down a simple, practical, and highly effective three-email year-end fundraising strategy designed specifically for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Whether you’re behind on your December communications or trying to maximize year-end generosity, this episode gives you a proven roadmap to follow. Matt shows why email is still the #1 driver of online giving for small nonprofits and how even organizations with modest budgets can see strong results by sending the right messages at the right time. 🔑 What You’ll Learn in This Episode 1. Why Email Still Works for Year-End Giving
2. The 3 Emails You Must Send in December Email #1: The Story Setup (Early–Mid December) This email lays the groundwork. It includes:
Matt emphasizes keeping the story to 3–4 sentences and writing like a human: warm, relational, mission-centered.
People love progress. This email lets them feel part of something that’s moving forward. Email #3: Final Call to Action (December 31) Short. Direct. Clear. This message taps the shoulder of every well-meaning procrastinator who meant to give but didn’t get to it yet. Include:
No pressure. No guilt. Just clarity. 4 Principles That Strengthen Every Email No matter which of the three emails you're writing, keep these in mind:
Don’t Forget: Subject Lines & Preview Text If they never open the email, nothing else matters.
Preview text should support, not repeat the subject line.
⚙️ Practical Tips for the Overwhelmed Team
You don’t need to be big to communicate well. You just need to be clear, consistent, and human. Mentioned in This Episode Free Resource: From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist Final Thought If you write and schedule these three emails: one story, one update, one reminder - you’ll already be ahead of the majority of small nonprofits. And your donors will thank you with their generosity. | |||
| Nonprofit Leadership: The Power of Essentialism for Greater Impact | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:17:04 | |
In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt digs into one of the biggest barriers to nonprofit effectiveness: clutter. Not the kind in your hall closet, but the kind that shows up in your donor messaging, your schedule, your internal processes, and even your website. Pulling inspiration from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism, Matt explores the transformative question: “If I didn’t already have this, would I invest in it?” This conversation will challenge you to rethink what you’re holding onto, and what you need to let go. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, stretched too thin, or unsure how to communicate your mission clearly, this episode will help you simplify and refocus on what truly matters. What You’ll Learn
Key Takeaways
Mentioned in This Episode
If You’re New Here This podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build strong foundations across six key areas: leadership, fundraising, marketing, programs, operations, and finances. Each episode gives you practical tools and frameworks to help you launch confidently and grow strategically. Connect with Matt Website: nonprofitlaunchplan.com LinkedIn: Matt Stockman | LinkedIn | |||
| Building Major Donor Relationships from the Ground Up Pt. 2 (An Interview with Tom Atema) | 18 Nov 2025 | 00:26:54 | |
In this second part of his conversation with veteran nonprofit leader Tom Atema, host Matt Stockman dives deeper into the heart of leadership and fundraising. With over 50 years of experience leading organizations like Heart for Lebanon, John Maxwell’s Equip, and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Tom shares timeless wisdom for nonprofit founders and fundraisers on how to build meaningful relationships, steward donors well, and lead from a place of value—not pressure. If you’ve ever struggled with donor burnout, awkward asks, or the tension between mission and money, this episode is for you. 💡 In This Episode You’ll Learn:
🧭 Key Quotes “You tell me how many people’s cell phone numbers you have in your phone, and I’ll tell you how good you are with relationships.” — Tom Atema"Don’t chase money. Add value to people, and let God handle the outcomes.” — Tom Atema 🔗 Resources Mentioned
👉 Get it at NonprofitLaunchPlan.com
🙌 About the Guest: Tom Atema Tom Atema is the co-founder and Chairman of Heart for Lebanon, a faith-based organization providing education, humanitarian relief, and the Gospel to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. He’s served in senior leadership roles at John Maxwell’s Equip, the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, and Word of Life Fellowship. Tom brings five decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, development, and strategic partnerships—always centered around people, not transactions. 🧩 Episode Takeaways
🎧 Listen & Subscribe Be sure to subscribe to The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast so you don’t miss future episodes, and please leave a review to help other nonprofit leaders discover the show. ➡️ Share this episode with another nonprofit founder or development officer who needs encouragement to lead with purpose, not pressure. | |||
| Building Major Donor Relationships from the Ground Up (An Interview With Tom Atema pt 1) | 11 Nov 2025 | 00:33:55 | |
In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, host Matt Stockman sits down with veteran nonprofit leader Tom Atema, co-founder of Heart for Lebanon and former VP with John Maxwell’s Equip. With more than 50 years of experience in ministry and development work, Tom shares timeless, faith-driven wisdom on what it really means to build meaningful relationships with your donors—what he calls investors. You’ll discover how to approach every gift, no matter the size, as the start of a relationship… not a transaction. Tom unpacks practical habits that turn small gifts into long-term partnerships and shares powerful stories that will challenge how you think about stewardship, gratitude, and generosity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Memorable Quote “Some of those $25 gifts are test gifts. They’re not about the money—they’re asking, ‘Do you see me? Do you care?’” — Tom AtemaFree Resource Mentioned 📘 From Dream to Action: Your Nonprofit Pre-Launch Checklist - 10 essential steps to move from nonprofit IDEA to IMPACT. Fearless Fundraising Mini Course - Get it here 👉 Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits Next Episode Teaser Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation with Tom Atema next week! Connect with Matt 📧 matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com 🔗 Follow on LinkedIn | |||
| The Operations Flywheel: 5 Systems That Keep Your Nonprofit Running Smoothly | 04 Nov 2025 | 00:23:45 | |
If you’ve ever felt like every week starts from zero — or like every day is more reactive than proactive — this episode is for you. Matt Stockman breaks down how to escape the constant cycle of overwhelm by creating what he calls your Nonprofit Operations Flywheel: a simple set of systems that give your organization rhythm, predictability, and peace of mind. In this practical, step-by-step episode, Matt walks you through five systems (or “gears”) that keep your nonprofit running smoothly — even when you’re short on time, staff, or energy:
Matt also shares a powerful story of a small nonprofit that went from chaos to clarity in just six months by implementing these systems — proving that lasting change comes from consistent structure, not more effort. 🧭 Key Takeaways
📈 Free Resources Mentioned
Both are available at nonprofitlaunchplan.com 🎧 Listen If You’re Asking…
🔗 Call to Action Ready to design your own operations flywheel? | |||
| Simplicity Beats Complexity: How to Stop Overcomplicating Your Nonprofit | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:18:14 | |
Complexity quietly chokes far too many nonprofits—large and small. Spreadsheets multiply, meetings take over calendars, and software stacks pile up in the name of “getting organized.” But the truth is, the best-run nonprofits are not the ones that are more complicated—they’re the ones that are simpler. In this episode, Matt Stockman breaks down how unnecessary complexity creeps into nonprofit operations, planning, and technology—and how to fight back with clarity and focus. Whether you’re still in the dreaming phase or already running programs, you’ll learn practical steps to strip away the clutter and lead with simplicity. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
Practical Takeaways:
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Matt: 📧 matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Quote of the Episode: “Simplicity isn’t laziness—it’s excellent leadership.” | |||
| How to Make the Tough Calls Your Nonprofit Needs: Breaking Free from Decision Paralysis | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:15:28 | |
Leadership expert Max Dupree once said, “We cannot become what we want by remaining where we are.” In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, host Matt Stockman unpacks one of the biggest leadership hurdles nonprofit leaders face — decision paralysis.
Resources Mentioned:
| |||
| Clarity Creates Impact: The Power of a Target Beneficiary Profile | 03 Oct 2025 | 00:14:42 | |
One of the biggest mistakes startup and small nonprofits make is trying to serve too many people with too broad of a mission. The result? Your message gets fuzzy, donors aren’t sure exactly who they’re helping, and your programs end up stretched thin. The truth is this: clarity creates impact. Donors don’t give to “programs” or “initiatives”—they give to change a life. They want to see a face, know a name, and understand exactly what difference their gift is making. That all starts with one essential step: identifying your beneficiary. In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman walks you through a practical process to get crystal clear on exactly who your nonprofit exists to serve. With the help of three powerful questions and a simple framework, you’ll learn how to create a “target beneficiary profile” that will help you focus your compassion, sharpen your messaging, and design programs that meet real needs. Matt also shares why narrowing your focus doesn’t limit your reach—it strengthens your effectiveness. You’ll hear examples of how this kind of clarity transforms donor communication and see how it leads to stronger fundraising, better resource allocation, and more meaningful impact. Whether you’re dreaming of starting a nonprofit or leading one that’s already running, this episode will give you the tools to clarify your mission, communicate with confidence, and inspire donors to join your cause. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Take Action Challenge: When you know exactly who you’re helping, you don’t just build a nonprofit—you build trust, connection, and lasting impact. | |||
| From Ask to Confirmation: Optimizing the User Experience on Your Donation Page | 26 Sep 2025 | 00:24:22 | |
Making an emotional connection with your donors is key to fundraising success. But what happens when that emotional momentum hits a digital wall? So often, the moment a donor is ready to make a gift, the experience on your website feels different, broken, or disconnected—and that can cost you a donation and, more importantly, the trust you’ve worked so hard to build. In this episode, host Matt Stockman dives into the crucial user experience through the whole donor journey—from clicking a button to completing the gift. He's joined by Cari Kates, Director of Digital Content at Pillar Media, to walk us through how to make sure each step of the digital giving process is as powerful as your initial ask. This discussion falls under the Fundraising (Development) core area of a strong nonprofit. Key Takeaways & Topics Covered
Resources Mentioned in the Episode Free Resources to Launch and Fuel Your Nonprofit:
Book A Free Call with Matt: Contact | Nonprofit Launch Plan Email Matt: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Find Matt on LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn Get My Free Fearless Fundraising Mini Course: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits | |||
| 5 Fundraising Practices That Drain Your Energy (and What to Do Instead) | 18 Sep 2025 | 00:20:16 | |
Fundraising is the lifeblood of your nonprofit—but it doesn’t have to leave you and your team exhausted. In this episode, host Matt Stockman shares five common fundraising practices that drain small nonprofit leaders of their limited energy and capacity. More importantly, he offers practical alternatives that build sustainability, trust, and stronger donor relationships. What you’ll learn in this episode:
Resources mentioned in this episode:
If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or stuck in fundraising that doesn’t move the needle, this episode will help you refocus your energy on what truly works. Subscribe & Share: www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com | |||
| Turn Donor Questions Into Confidence: Lessons from Charity: Water | 10 Sep 2025 | 00:18:21 | |
How do you build lasting trust with donors when your nonprofit is small and your budget is limited? In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, Matt takes a deep dive into one of the most recognized nonprofits in the world—Charity: Water—and uncovers what every small or startup nonprofit can learn from their approach. You’ll discover:
Matt also shares free resources to help you strengthen your fundraising and nonprofit launch plan:
🎧 Listen in to learn how you can wow donors, build trust, and grow your nonprofit—even without a massive budget or tech team. 👉 Resources mentioned in this episode: Email Matt: matt@nonprofitlaunchplan.com Find Matt on LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn | |||