Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions
Welcome to Small Nonprofit, the podcast designed for leaders, fundraisers, and advocates in the nonprofit sector who want to create real change. We provide small nonprofit organizations with strategies to enhance their fundraising campaigns, improve nonprofit governance, and implement ethical fundraising practices that resonate with today’s values-driven donors.
Hosted by an experienced nonprofit consultant, Maria Rio, this show delves into the unique challenges of nonprofit fundraising and community-centric fundraising, providing tools for donor engagement and major gifts fundraising.
👤 Who Should Listen?
This podcast is perfect for anyone involved in a small nonprofit seeking practical advice on fundraising strategy, nonprofit leadership, and board accountability. Whether you're looking for innovative fundraising ideas for nonprofit organizations or trying to create an impact measurement framework that demonstrates your organization’s value, Small Nonprofit is here to guide you.
🎤 Core Topics We Cover
Community-Centric Fundraising: Learn how ethical fundraising practices can strengthen donor relationships, enhance donor engagement, and align your organization with values-based major giving principles. We’ll help you shift from a donor-centric model to one that prioritizes the community.
Systemic Change and Governance: From participatory budgeting to nonprofit board of directors best practices, we explore how to navigate the nonprofit industrial complex and embrace structures that foster diversity in nonprofit leadership and board accountability.
Preventing Nonprofit Burnout: Tackle topics such as nonprofit burnout prevention and learn how to cultivate a healthy, anti-oppressive work culture that supports your team’s well-being.
Nonprofit Storytelling: Understand how to measure your nonprofit’s effectiveness through nonprofit impact measurement strategies and leverage nonprofit storytelling to create compelling narratives that attract donors.
📣 Engaging Conversations and Real-World Advice
In each episode, we bring you insights from experts in fundraising consulting, nonprofit grant writing, and capital campaign strategies. From interviews with fractional fundraisers and major gift officers to deep dives on fundraising tips and innovative fundraising ideas, we offer actionable advice that you can implement immediately to strengthen your organization’s impact.
💰 Learn How to Build a Sustainable Nonprofit
Every nonprofit leader faces the challenge of achieving financial sustainability. Our episodes address critical fundraising strategies for nonprofit organizations, providing insights on volunteer management, capacity building, and nonprofit marketing strategy. Gain access to tools that help you execute successful fundraising campaigns and build a foundation for long-term growth.
🤝 Join the Movement for Systemic Change
At The Small Nonprofit, we’re committed to transforming the nonprofit sector from the ground up. Our focus on systemic change and community-centric fundraising aligns with our mission to support nonprofits in creating equitable, sustainable communities. By addressing topics like values-based decision making and nonprofit transparency, we’re working to build a more ethical, inclusive sector.
❤️ Stay Connected
Subscribe to Small Nonprofit on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your preferred podcast platform. Don’t miss an episode as we explore everything from fundraising tips to nonprofit social media strategy, and learn how you can become a stronger advocate for your organization’s mission.
Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions
Why forced office returns backfire (and what smart leaders do instead)
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Mandatory office returns are back but are they actually helping us work better? In today's episode, we get real about task masking, quiet quitting, and the push-pull tension around remote work that every fundraiser and nonprofit leader is feeling right now.
For many, being back at your desk doesn't mean you're actually getting more done; it might just mean you're playing the part. We dive into why forcing a return to office can create resentment, reduce productivity, and fuel resistance tactics like task masking. More importantly, we explore how nonprofits can shift to human-first workplace policies that actually make sense.
Joining Maria today is Caitlin McBride, an experienced nonprofit leader who has been on both sides of this conversation. She's been remote, she's been hybrid, and she’s seen firsthand how rigid office policies can miss the mark. Together, we unpack the nuance around what makes for a healthy, productive work environment in our sector.
Remote Working in Nonprofits – The Highlights
1️⃣ Task Masking is Real, and it’s Resistance, Not Laziness
Task masking happens when employees "act busy" just to appear productive in office environments. It’s a way to push back against rigid mandates and surveillance-driven leadership.
2️⃣ Remote Work Is Proven. Stop Pretending It Doesn’t Work
During the pandemic, we saw remote work boost wellbeing, widen talent pools, and help working parents and marginalized folks thrive. Ignoring this is ignoring evidence.
3️⃣ Not All Roles Need the Same Work Setup
While fundraisers may not need to be desk-bound, early-career employees or socially isolated team members may benefit from face-to-face connection. Flexibility is key.
4️⃣ Micromanagement + Sunk Cost = Forcing Office Returns
Some leaders push for office time due to control issues or because they’re stuck in long-term leases. Neither is a good enough reason to disrupt staff lives.
5️⃣ True Productivity Should Be Measured by Outcomes, Not Presence
Warming a seat is not the same as delivering impact. Nonprofits need to measure real outcomes, not how often people walk past a manager's door.
🎧 Listen to more episodes for actionable fundraising tips and insights on nonprofit leadership, nonprofit governance, productivity & tools, and donor engagement strategies that work. We're here to eliminate nonprofit burnout and boost your donations!
Resources and Links
Connect with our host, Maria Rio
Connect with our cohost, Caitlin McBride
Support our show. We are fully self-funded!
Need help with your fundraising?