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
5 Trends Redefining Nonprofits by 2035
The nonprofit world is changing FAST - and the way we fundraise, build teams, and connect with communities is being rewritten in real time. If you’ve been feeling the tension between keeping your nonprofit afloat today and preparing for tomorrow, this episode is a must-listen.
In this solo episode, Maria Rio dives into five powerful forces shaping the future of the nonprofit sector and lays out what organizations might look like by 2035. From workforce shifts and AI adoption to government instability and DEI backlash, Maria doesn’t sugarcoat the challenges but she also shares smart ways small nonprofits can stay resilient, ethical, and effective through it all.
The Future of Nonprofit Organizations: The Highlights
- The nonprofit workforce is already in crisis....and it’s getting worse.
Hiring and retention are major hurdles, with salary competition, burnout, and tight budgets making it hard to maintain strong teams. By 2035, nonprofits may rely more heavily on fractional staff and consultants, while in-house roles shrink to essential functions. - Fundraising will rely even more on the ultra-wealthy.
Donor concentration is increasing. Fewer donors are giving more, and donor-advised funds (DAFs) hold billions in untapped potential. While this creates big opportunities, it also makes funding riskier. A single major donor changing course could disrupt an entire budget. - AI is transforming how nonprofits work, but not always for the better.
From grant writing to stewardship emails, nonprofits are embracing AI. But too much automation risks alienating donors and devaluing relationships. Stewardship that feels “too perfect” may be seen as inauthentic, and relational fundraisers will become even more critical. - Government funding is becoming unreliable and politicized.
Nonprofits are facing freezes, layoffs, and rising scrutiny—especially if they advocate for equity. Some governments are threatening charitable status based on political alignment, putting advocacy-focused organizations at serious risk. - DEI and CCF efforts are facing backlash but they’re not going away.
While many staff support Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) and DEI, boards are hesitant or outright opposed. The result? Tension, watered-down messaging, and even lawsuits. But Maria sees a continued rise in CCF adoption, especially among younger, justice-focused fundraisers.
🎧 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!
3 Actionable Tips for Small Nonprofits:
- Start building your future team now.
Think beyond full-time hires. Begin exploring how consultants, fractional leaders, and AI tools can support your mission while keeping burnout and payroll manageable. - Diversify your revenue and donor pool.
Relying on one major donor or a single grant is risky. Start developing earned revenue strategies, invest in planned giving, and engage donors who align with your values. - Revisit your policies before backlash hits.
Now’s the time to review your gift acceptance policy, create (or update) your AI usage policy, and plan for donor education around your values. This will prepare you for political shifts, funder scrutiny, and community questions.
🎧 Resources + Links