Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions – Details, episodes & analysis

The nonprofit sector is facing a “polycrisis”. In this candid conversation, we unpack how simultaneous shocks (policy shifts, funder chill, shrinking donor pools) are reshaping civil society and what small nonprofits can do to adapt. We talk about building durable strategies instead of episodic crisis responses, and how to make decisions that protect mission over ego. Just as importantly, we get real about leadership wellbeing: navigating fear, staying in productive tension, and knowing when to step back. You’ll hear concrete ways to hold both urgency and care without burning yourself out or your team.

On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio sits down with consultant and movement leader Rachel D'Souza, founder and principal of Gladiator Consulting and a member of the Community-Centric Fundraising Global Council. Together, they explore how nonprofit leaders can stay grounded, collaborative, and courageous in uncertain times, and what this moment asks of all of us.

The Highlights:

Polycrisis = this is a structural reset, not a blip. Multiple shocks are hitting at once, from government pullbacks to donor-consolidation trends; this reset requires long-term strategy, not perpetual crisis appeals.
Leadership in ambiguity: Discomfort isn’t the same as harm; staying in relationship through tension is a core leadership skill right now.
Mission over ego: When resources shift, leaders may need to right-size, share services, merge, or even sunset, to preserve gains made.
Wellbeing as capacity: The sector isn’t well; leaders need practices that keep them resourced enough to make hard, long-horizon decisions.
Values alignment matters: If we claim justice externally, our internal policies and culture must reflect it.

Actionable Tips for Nonprofits:

Create a “durability plan,” not just a crisis plan: Define 12–24 month funding scenarios, decision triggers (e.g., reserves level), and pre-agreed pivots (program pause, shared HR/finance).
Normalize productive tension: Add a “discomfort check” to meetings: name what feels hard, distinguish discomfort from harm, and agree on the next experiment.
Protect leadership capacity: Set non-negotiables (quiet hours, coverage plans, reflective time). Model boundaries so the team believes you mean it.
Align inside practices: Audit internal policies (pay equity, leave, flexibility) to match your external equity commitments. Then share that story with donors.

Resources and Links:

Guest: Rachel D'Souza— Founder & Principal, Gladiator Consulting
- Website: gladiatorrds.com
- Instagram: @ConsultingGladiator
- LinkedIn: Gladiator Consulting / Rachel D'Souza

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

Grant Writing: Getting to YES! with DeaRonda Harrison

mardi 4 novembre 2025 • Duration 19:45

If you’re tired of chasing dead-end applications or hearing “we don’t accept unsolicited proposals,” this episode is for you. We dig into how to build a smarter pipeline by prioritizing funders that welcome new grantees. Then we tackle the myth of “hard-to-fund” programs (arts, advocacy, civic education, etc.) and show you how reframing your work to match donor priorities can unlock dollars without changing your programming.

On this week’s episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, grant expert DeaRonda Harrison shares practical ways small and mid-sized nonprofits can sharpen their prospecting and reposition “tough” programs, especially in shifting political climates. You’ll learn how to identify real opportunities, speak to funder focus areas, and package your outcomes in ways that resonate.

The Highlights

Prospect where the odds are real: Use research tools to identify funders who funded new grantees last year and build your pipeline around them instead of chasing closed doors.
Positioning beats “hard-to-fund”: No program is inherently unfundable; reframe outcomes to align with funder interests.
Mindset shift for momentum: Swap “our program is hard to fund” for “we haven’t matched the right funder-message fit, yet.”
Save time, increase wins: Stop spending time on “no unsolicited proposals” and redirect to open, new-grantee-friendly funders.

Actionable Tips for Nonprofits

Start your list with “new grantees” filters: Find 20–30 funders who added new organizations last year; prioritize by alignment and deadlines.
Write a 1-paragraph positioning brief: For each program, list the community problem, your outcome, and 1–2 crosswalks to current funder priorities (e.g., “street outreach → community building”).
Qualify fast: If a funder is closed to unsolicited proposals and has no pathway to connect, park them for later and move on.
Collect proof points: Gather quotes, stories, or early indicators (surveys, sign-ups, attendance) that validate your reframed outcomes.

Resources and Links

Donor Stewardship: Community-Centric Segmentation and Practices

mardi 2 septembre 2025 • Duration 30:25

o Connect with our host, Maria Rio

Your top donors don’t just write big cheques; they could be folding newsletters in your conference room every Tuesday or serving on your board for the third consecutive year.

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, we're exploring on what it means to steward supporters through a Community-Centric Fundraising lens. We're sharing ways we’ve shown gratitude to people who show up for your mission with time, talent, advocacy, and yes, dollars too. We challenge the traditional approach of stewarding people based solely on gift amounts and explore who really deserves your high-touch attention (spoiler: it's not just your $1,000+ donors).

1. Volunteers Are Major Donors in Disguise

Your regular volunteers are often contributing the equivalent of $15,000-$60,000 in staff time, yet most organizations don't steward them like major donors. That volunteer who designed your website for free? That's a $15,000 gift that deserves the same recognition as a financial contribution of that size.

2. Monthly Donors Deserve VIP Treatment

Even a $5 monthly donor should be in your major giving category. These supporters show incredible commitment and loyalty, and research shows they're likely to increase their giving over time. Plus, they're your best candidates for additional campaign gifts and planned giving opportunities.

3. Your Staff Are Subsidizing Your Mission

Every nonprofit staff member is essentially making a $20,000-$30,000 gift by accepting below-market wages. During the current hiring and retention crisis, treating staff with the same stewardship approach you'd use for major donors isn't just nice. It's smart business.

4. Longevity Matters More Than Single-Year Giving

A donor who's given $100 for five consecutive years is more valuable than someone who gave $500 once. Length of relationship and consistency of support are stronger indicators of future giving potential than one-time gift amounts.

5. Meaningful Stewardship Is About Connection, Not Cost

The most impactful stewardship often costs very little. A quick, personal email sharing a story you just heard can be more meaningful than an expensive branded gift. Authenticity trumps fancy materials every time.

Resources and Links

o Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride

o Support our show. We are fully self-funded!

o Watch this episode on YouTube

o Need help with your fundraising?

o Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :)

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

Asking for unrestricted funds with Aimee Lindenberger

Season 10 · Episode 19

mardi 9 mai 2023 • Duration 26:47

Today we'll tackle a common challenge faced by small nonprofits – obtaining unrestricted funds. It's no secret that while many organizations excel at securing grants and program funding, the quest for those vital, unrestricted annual operating funds can be an uphill battle. In this episode, we’re joined by Aimee Lindenberger, the founder of Refocused Fundraising, an expert in fundraising communications, key messages, annual appeals, and legacy giving. Listen in as we discuss the importance of unrestricted funds and how to effectively communicate their value to your supporters.

Key Highlights:

The importance of unrestricted funds for small nonprofits
How to shift from program-based fundraising to vision-based asks
Tips for tapping into your organization's unique values and personality
The benefits of humanizing your fundraising appeals and communications
Strategies for balancing specific asks with broader, unrestricted funding goals

Connect with Aimee:
Website: https://refocusfundraising.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aim%C3%A9e-lindenberger/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/a_lindenberger?lang=en
Unrestricted Funds Bonus: https://bit.ly/UnrestrictedFundsBonus

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

Moving people with words with Jordana Merkin

Season 10 · Episode 18

mardi 2 mai 2023 • Duration 25:43

Are you struggling to connect with your audience and make an impact with your organization's messaging? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I speak with Jordana Merkin, founder and CEO of Voice for Good, about the power of words in moving people to action. Join us as we dive into the world of nonprofit messaging and show you how to make a lasting impact with your words.

Key Highlights:

The importance of a messaging guide for your nonprofit
Strategies for crafting a consistent message that brings together all stakeholders
Common messaging mistakes nonprofits make and how to avoid them
The power of language in motivating and moving people to action

Connect with Jordana:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/jordana-merkin/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voiceforgood/

Website: https://www.voiceforgoodmarketing.com/

Freebie: https://www.voiceforgoodmarketing.com/prompts (download a free guide to building your messaging guide)

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

Can we agree to stop exploiting our staff? with Nicole Gagliardi

Season 10 · Episode 16

mardi 25 avril 2023 • Duration 25:51

Are you tired of watching your nonprofit's most passionate and dedicated employees leave due to burnout and exhaustion? It's time to address the elephant in the room - the exploitation of nonprofit staff. In this episode, we're joined by Nicole Gagliardi, an innovator and changemaker in the nonprofit sector with over 10 years of experience leading small nonprofits. Join us as we discuss the pervasive issue of staff exploitation in the nonprofit sector and explore practical solutions to create a healthier workplace culture.

Key Highlights:

Why the exploitation of nonprofit staff is a pervasive issue
The role of charity and scarcity mindset on this issue
The importance of connecting sector-wide understanding with the daily lived realities of nonprofit workers
Why nonprofit organizations do not think of themselves as employers
The importance of creating a healthy workplace culture and how it affects the organization's mission
Using an equity lens to review HR practices

Connect with Nicole:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolegagliardi1/

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

Stop gatekeeping nonprofit knowledge with Tiffany Allen

Season 10 · Episode 15

mardi 18 avril 2023 • Duration 25:19

Our sector has a clear response when someone asks about starting a nonprofit - “please don’t”. I’ve seen this in Facebook groups and discussions. But what if starting a nonprofit is an act of equity and justice? Tune in to hear from our guest, Tiffany Allen, CEO of Boss On A Budget, as she shares her experience and expertise in the world of nonprofit startups.

Key Highlights:

The challenges of starting a nonprofit and accessing vital information
Key questions to ask yourself before starting a nonprofit
The importance of having a vision and a plan for your nonprofit
Essential skill sets for nonprofit founders
First things to outsource or get help with
Recognizing the impact of small and new nonprofits

Connect with Tiffany:

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BossonaBudget

Website: www.bossonabudget.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bossonab/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bossonab

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

Uncover the truth about status quo bias with Veronica LaFemina

Season 10 · Episode 14

mardi 11 avril 2023 • Duration 27:42

Are you struggling to turn your organization's strategic plan into a reality? Do you feel like your efforts to create change within your nonprofit are falling flat? Today on the podcast, I'm joined by Veronica LaFemina, a strategic advisor to nonprofit leaders with over 20 years of experience in change management. In this episode, Veronica shares her insights on why change often fails in organizations and what you can do to set yourself up for success.

Key Highlights:

The importance of implementing a strategic plan in organizations
The significance of having a visible and engaged executive sponsor
How to involve staff members in the change process
Different stages of change
Being intentional about pursuing change in your organization

Connect with Veronica:

Website: https://lafemina.co/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vlafemina

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

get those elusive event sponsors with Mariah Monique

Season 10 · Episode 13

mardi 28 mars 2023 • Duration 34:20

Have you ever considered hosting an event for your nonprofit organization? Do you know how to incorporate sponsorship into the profitability of your event? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit podcast, Mariah Monique, founder of The Sponsorship Catalyst, shares some insightful tips on how to leverage strategic partnerships and potential sponsors to make your event a success.

Key Highlights:

How to get started with sponsorship for your nonprofit events
The mistake nonprofits make in hosting an event and how to avoid it
Building long-term relationships with potential sponsors and funders
How to deliver meaningful experiences to sponsors and event attendees

Connect with Mariah:

Website: https://www.thesponsorshipcatalyst.com/

Free resource: What to offer sponsors https://colossal-hustler-635.ck.page/104885a769

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesponsorshipcatalyst/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesponsorshipcatalyst/

If this episode was useful, grab the 30-Day Board Fundraising Challenge at gofurthertogether.ca/boardchallenge — it's free and it gives your board actual structure.

Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help raising money in a way aligned with your values.

behind the scenes of the Fractional Fundraising Movement

Season 10 · Episode 12

mardi 28 mars 2023 • Duration 10:51

In today's episode of the Small Nonprofit Podcast, I'm introducing you to the Fractional Fundraising movement and our new private podcast series that will give you an inside look at how we do this revolutionary approach to fundraising that has helped many small nonprofits thrive.

Key Highlights:

What fractional fundraising is and how it can benefit fundraisers and charities
The behind-the-scenes of our Fractional Fundraiser Academy
The stories and experiences of our current members in the network

If you're interested in learning more, visit thegoodpartnership.com/pod to get exclusive access to our limited-time private podcast series. Don't miss out on the opportunity to change the fundraising game for your small nonprofit.