Small Nonprofit: Fundraising Tips, Leadership Strategies, and Community-Centric Solutions

327 episodes

The Great Wealth Transfer Is Here — Is Your Nonprofit Ready?
14/04/2026 | 22 mins.
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Planned giving is one of those things that lives permanently on the "we'll get to it someday" list, and that someday keeps getting pushed back. But the Great Wealth Transfer is already happening, and nonprofits that aren't at least laying the groundwork are going to miss out on one of the biggest funding opportunities of our generation.
On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria is joined by Tess Conrad, CFRE, a planned giving specialist. We're breaking down the four core components you need to get started, why "planned giving" is actually the wrong term to use with donors, and how to start having legacy conversations without it feeling awkward or morbid.
Free Planned Giving website guide with examples: www.fullpotentialfundraising.com/freeguide
Connect with Tess on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-conrad-cfre/
Learn more about done-for-you Planned Giving: https://www.fullpotentialfundraising.com/
Email Tess at [email protected]
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help with building fundraising systems, raising money in a way aligned with your values, or developing a fundraising strategy,
Support the show
Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.
How to Build Culture of Innovation at Your Nonprofit, Even When Times Are Hard
07/04/2026 | 26 mins.
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We found the cure for your organizations' "we've always done it this way", and we are sharing it with you today.
On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Andrea Silverstone (CEO of Sagesse) and Carrie McManus (Director of Innovation and Programs at Sagesse). Sagesse is a nonprofit working to disrupt the structures of abuse and eradicate domestic violence. Together, they share what it looks like to lead strategically during lean times, how to build psychological safety, and why the path forward, even through a brutal year, is almost always innovation.
Visit their website: https://www.sagesse.org
Connect with Andrea: [email protected]
Connect with Carrie: [email protected]
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help with building fundraising systems, raising money in a way aligned with your values, or developing a fundraising strategy,
Check out the What The Fundraising podcast here.
Support the show
Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.
Fractional Executives: Your Secret Weapon?
31/03/2026 | 24 mins.
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If you've been hearing the word "fractional" thrown around and nodding along like you totally know what it means, this episode is for you. Fractional work is one of the fastest-growing models in the nonprofit sector, and it's not just for fundraising anymore. From HR to finance to communications, fractional executives are stepping in to give small organizations access to high-level expertise they could never afford full-time. But there are a LOT of myths floating around about what fractional is and isn't, and this episode sets the record straight.
On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio is joined by co-host Caitlin McBride. Together, they break down the fractional model, dispel common misconceptions, and make the case for why embracing fractional leadership could be one of the smartest moves small nonprofits can make right now.
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help with building fundraising systems, raising money in a way aligned with your values, or developing a fundraising strategy,
Check out the What The Fundraising podcast here.
Support the show
Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.
Donor Relations: Overcoming Fundraising Anxiety and Building Real Relationships
24/03/2026 | 21 mins.
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Fundraising fear is real and it's holding a lot of nonprofit leaders back from doing their best work. Whether it's the dread of being seen as pushy, the worry that donors don't want to hear from you, or the nagging feeling that you're just not "polished" enough, these limiting beliefs are more common than you think. The good news? They're also completely workable. This episode unpacks where fundraising fear actually comes from, why it makes total sense that so many EDs feel this way, and — more importantly — what you can do about it. You'll walk away with concrete strategies for shifting your mindset, showing up more authentically, and building the kinds of donor relationships that actually generate generosity. Spoiler: it has a lot less to do with PowerPoint decks than you'd think.
On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Vanessa Baker Rodriguez, a fundraising consultant and coach based in Northern California with a career-long dedication to the sector. Vanessa's work centers on helping nonprofit leaders fundraise with more ease, authenticity, and values alignment — and this conversation is packed with the kind of practical wisdom that executive directors and development staff at any stage can put to work right away.
Connect with Vanessa: [email protected]
Free gift: bravelyaligned.com/gift
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help with building fundraising systems, raising money in a way aligned with your values, or developing a fundraising strategy,
Support the show
Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.
Dignified Storytelling: Stop Treating Clients Like Props
17/03/2026 | 23 mins.
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What if the storytelling practices you're using are actually harming the people you're trying to serve? Many nonprofits believe that sharing clients' most traumatic moments is the only way to raise funds, but what's the real cost of this approach? The way we tell stories has consequences far beyond the donation page, like re-traumatizing vulnerable community members, or conditioning donors to expect exploitation, to name a few.
On this week's episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Diana Farias Heinrich, CEO of Habrá Marketing and creator of the Equastory Framework. Diana shares how a storytelling mistake early in her career, one that put a domestic violence survivor at risk, set her on a mission to transform how nonprofits approach client stories. Together, they challenge the sector's donor-centric storytelling norms and explore what it means to truly center dignity, consent, and community in fundraising. If you've ever felt uncomfortable with how your organization tells stories, or if you're ready to build systems that honor all stakeholders, and not just donors, this conversation is for you.
Visit their website: www.habramarketing.com
Register for the Ethical Nonprofit Summit HERE.
PS: Here is a code to save $15: FURTHERTOGETHER
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together if you need help with building fundraising systems, raising money in a way aligned with your values, or developing a fundraising strategy,
Support the show
Connect with the show: Watch the episode on YouTube; follow Maria Rio on LinkedIn for more conversations and resources. Or support our show. We are fully self-funded!
Book a Discovery Call with Further Together: Need help with your fundraising? See if our values-aligned fundraisers are a fit for your organization.

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About 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 CoverCommunity-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 AdviceIn 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 NonprofitEvery 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 ChangeAt 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 ConnectedSubscribe 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.

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