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
Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits
Small nonprofits deserve BIG support. However, many fundraisers stumble while trying one to one relationships with major donors without it feeling fake, forced, or transactional. Fundraising is not sales; it is matchmaking. At the heart of every major gift is a shared why: the values and experiences that connect you, your mission, and your donors.
In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down how small nonprofits can shift their mindset about major gifts, move past common fears, and start building authentic, lasting relationships with donors.
Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits: The Highlights
- Fundraising Begins With Your Why
Donors are not just buying into what your organization does - they are connecting with why you do it. Leading with your “why” helps you find alignment and build deeper trust. - Limiting Beliefs Hold Fundraisers Back
Common fears like "I don’t know how to ask," "I don’t know wealthy people," or "fundraising feels like begging" stop many from even trying. Naming and reframing these beliefs is the first step to moving past them. - Fundraising Is Not Begging - It Is Partnership
Begging means asking for something in exchange for nothing. Fundraising is offering donors a chance to live in alignment with their values and invest in the world they want to see. Lean into the psychology of fundraising. - Rejection Is Not the End
A no does not mean rejection of you or your cause - it simply means the timing or priority is not right for the donor. Every no gets you closer to a stronger yes. - Communication Goes Beyond Words
How you show up matters more than a perfect script. Your tone, presence, body language, and ability to listen all play a bigger role in building donor confidence and connection than memorized lines.
🎧 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!
✨ Key Quote from Maria:
"Fundraising is not about convincing someone to give - it is about connecting them to a mission they already care about." - Maria Rio
Major Gifts for Small Nonprofits: 3 Actionable Tips
- Reframe Fundraising as Matchmaking
Think of yourself as the bridge between a donor’s values and your cause. You are not selling - you are introducing two parties who already belong together. - Use the FORM Framework to Build Rapport
Ask about Family, Occupation, Recreation, and Material interests to find common ground. Share about yourself too so it feels like a genuine relationship, not an interview. - Anchor Every Ask in a Clear Story
Focus on one problem, one solution, one result, and one impact. This keeps the conversation simple and powerful while helping donors clearly see the role they can play.