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The nonprofit-industrial complex - are we stuck? In this episode, we delve into the intricate - and evolving - world of ethical fundraising within the nonprofit sector, featuring insights from Marie-France Roche, the Director of Community Engagement and Major Gifts at TNG Community Services. We discuss the challenges and opportunities in adopting Community-Centric Fundraising. Key Takeaways: Navigating Power Dynamics: Marie-France shares her perspective on the influence of power and privilege within nonprofit organizations and their potential to drive systemic change. We explore strategies for utilizing this power ethically to foster meaningful societal progress.Challenges for White Fundraisers: Addressing the unique challenges faced by white fundraisers in predominantly white spaces, Marie-France reflects on her experiences and the importance of supporting diverse voices within the nonprofit sector.Allyship in Action: Learn how to be an effective ally within your organization, advocating for equity and justice, even when you haven't personally faced the injustices being addressed.Innovative Fundraising Strategies: Marie-France discusses her journey in implementing innovative, equitable fundraising practices aligned with Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF) principles, highlighting the practical aspects of such initiatives in dynamic nonprofit environments.Community First Approach: The episode concludes with insights on the transformative impact of prioritizing community needs over organizational goals, emphasizing the value of building lasting relationships with donors committed to justice.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/YsndeUvRwdI  Links and Resources:   Marie-France Roche (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/marie-france-roche Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Are you feeling torn between supporting your team's work-life balance and striving to hit those all-important organizational milestones? For those managing small nonprofits, where every hour and every dollar counts tenfold, balancing personal growth and professional success can be a challenge.  Today, we dive deep into creating a workforce that thrives on the “leading human-first” approach with Lacey Kempinski, CEO and Founder of Balanced Good. Balanced Good provides parental leave coverage – from the day-to-day hands-on work to big picture transition planning. Balanced Good believes that a supported transition to parenthood will benefit both our sector and the parents working in it. Lacey has a big vision, she wants parental leave to become a celebrated life milestone, not a feared employment gap. Key Episode Highlights:  Leading Human First: Leading with a human-first approach is a strategic move. Lacey and I explore the long-term benefits,the pressing need for people-centered policies, and how they play a crucial role in employee retention in a sector that's primarily women-led. Beyond Parental Leave: Targeting the nonprofit sector's approach to parental leave, Lacey addresses the broader spectrum of parental support necessary within our organizations. From the nuances of policy creation to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace, these actionable discussions could very well set your organization on a path to become a pioneer in employee well-being.Flexibility as a Retention Tool: We analyze how work culture—especially in the context of compensation and benefits—can be critically assessed and reshaped in innovative ways to prioritize the people behind the mission. By valuing flexibility and understanding, Lacey talks about creating a compelling argument for talent to stay, grow, and contribute meaningfully to the nonprofit world.Support at Every Stage: Discussing the ebb and flow of employees' personal lives—like becoming a parent—Lacey reiterates the need for smoother transitions. Learn about the steps for recruitment, hiring, and promotions that take the whole individual into account, ensuring that your nonprofit doesn't just survive these transitions but thrives because of them.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/tNxjzz1q6Fo  Links and Resources:   Connect with Lacey Kempinski on Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/laceykempinski Learn more about Balanced Good: balancedgood.comBalanced Good LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/balanced-good/ Mat Leave Workbook: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/1986644d-75ba-476f-a37f-788cd7e5d48dVIP Day Waitlist: https://icy-base-20781.myflodesk.com/vipwaitlistConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Are you leaving the 'dirty work' to others? It's time for leader to embrace the saying, "no task is too small!" In this episode, we'll delve into the art of leading by example, fostering a culture of collaboration, and the transformative power of saying "yes and" to opportunities. Today, I'm thrilled to welcome Lanrick Bennett to The Small Nonprofit. Lanrick is not only the executive director of Charlie’s Free Wheels, a nonprofit teaching young people leadership through bicycles, but also Toronto's first bicycle mayor, a comedian, and a champion of community engagement. Our conversation promises to be an insightful journey into what it means to be a hands-on leader who isn't afraid to get their hands dirty – quite literally! Key Episode Highlights:  Leading by Example: Lanrick emphasizes the value of leadership that doesn't shy away from any task. He's a firm believer that to inspire your team and serve your community, you need to be willing to dive into every aspect of your organization's work, including the grunt work. It's about truly showing that no role is too small and that every task is crucial to your mission.Saying "Yes And" to Opportunities: Drawing from his days in improvisational comedy, Lanrick stresses the power of being open to possibilities and building upon them rather than dismissing them. This mindset helps fuel creativity and innovation within an organization, leading to growth and new ways to tackle challenges.Collaboration over Competition: In the nonprofit sector, it’s easy to slip into siloed efforts, but Lanrick's vision is one of interconnected collaboration. By embracing partnerships and sharing resources, small nonprofits can amplify their impact without stepping on each other's toes.Vulnerability in Leadership: Authenticity and humility in leadership can resonate throughout an entire organization. Lanrick shares his personal journey, including both successes and setbacks, showing that it's not about being infallible, but about being relatable and transformative.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/P9LqhfPMV6c  Links and Resources:   Connect with Lanrick Bennett on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LanrickBennettLearn more about Charlie’s FreeWheels: https://www.charliesfreewheels.ca/Email Lanrick: lanrickbennettjr@gmail.com | info@charliesfreewheels.caConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new Support the show

Advocating for change seems daunting, especially when you're working with limited resources and a small team. What if you knew the insider strategies to make a significant impact in your community and get your voice heard at city council meetings? In today's episode, we'll pull back the curtain on the power of local engagement and show you how a small team can pedal their message to the top. Join us as we chat with the super inspiring Alison Stewart from Cycle Toronto. Her passion for sharing the joy of biking paired with her desire to make Toronto a vibrant cycling city led her to take on several volunteer roles since 2013. Her background includes senior leadership roles in the post secondary sector which saw her develop strategic plans that focused on supporting the diverse needs of international and domestic students on the one hand, while also securing funding and developing government and community partnerships on the other.  Key Episode Highlights:  The Importance of Personal Stories: Alison spotlighted the strength of personal testimony in influencing policy. By encouraging community members to share their experiences during city council deputations, Cycle Toronto demonstrates the real-world impact of policies on individuals, adding a human element that stats alone can't convey.Strategic Relationship Building: Developing collaborative relationships with city councillors and other stakeholders, as Alison outlines, is critical. Even if some aren't naturally aligned with your mission, finding mutual goals can lead to progress you might not achieve otherwise.Leveraging Volunteer Passion: Alison's own journey from volunteer to advocacy leader exemplifies the multifaceted potential of volunteers in a small charity. They are not just a workforce; they're potential future leaders who bring energy and new insights to your core mission.Effective Messaging Across Mediums: Whether it's supporting communications or getting involved with municipal staffers, clear and targeted messaging is pivotal. Alison's work on providing relevant and compelling content speaks to the importance of how you present your issues to the world, essential for any small nonprofit.The Power of Collaboration: Alison and Cycle Toronto show us that partnerships extend your reach. By aligning with other organizations, community groups, and leveraging varied advocacy approaches, small nonprofits can amplify their influence and achieve common goals.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube:  Links and Resources:  https://youtu.be/NBZsYb21eUs Alison Stewart (LinkedIn): linkedin.com/in/alisonvstewartAlison Stewart (Twitter): https://twitter.com/AlisonVStewart Alison Stewart (Email): Alison.Stewart@CycleTO.caCycle Toronto (Website): https://www.cycleto.ca/ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

What if walking away from the organization you've built is the bravest and most selfless choice you can make? Struggling to let go, battling founder’s syndrome, feeling like an organization will fall apart without you, and putting your life above your work—these are emotions many leaders in our sector face. Today's must-listen episode is a conversation with one such leader who tackled these issues head-on. Then, he turned that experience into expertise he now shares with others. Mike Prosserman shares his story in this episode; from founder, to leaving the organization, to helping others transition gracefully from their roles.  Mike ‘Piecez’ Prosserman is a bestselling author, professional B-Boy (breakdancer), university instructor, and certified coach who specializes in scaling non-profits, team culture, and succession. In Michael’s book Building Unity: Leading a Non-Profit From Spark to Succession, he shares practical tools to building resilient and responsive organizations. He founded and scaled Unity Charity, a grassroots movement using Hip-Hop to improve youth mental health. Through EPIC leadership, Michael is empowering non-profit leaders to build more resilient and responsible organizations. Key Episode Highlights:  Recognizing Founder Syndrome: Mike shares his own struggle with letting go of an organization he started and how he overcame the 'founder's trap' to ensure the best for both his well-being and the nonprofit's future.The Journey to Distance: Departing from his role was not a snap decision. Mike walks us through the reflective and brave process of distancing himself from his nonprofit, setting a precedent for leadership transitions that place personal health and organizational growth at the forefront.Teaching Leaders to Prioritize Themselves: Now, Mike's mission is to educate and support other nonprofit leaders and founders. He discusses how he assists them in forging paths toward healthier work-life balances and prioritizing their needs along with their organization's objectives.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/cgxK1coghmU  Links and Resources:   Mike Prosserman (Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/bboypiecez/Mike Prosserman (Linkedin): https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelprosserman/EPIC Leadership: https://www.epicleadership.ca/ Unity Charity: https://www.unitycharity.com/ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Feeling lost in the noise and chaos of social media? Let's shift our perspective and rediscover the power of emails. In today's episode of we'll explore why emails remain a timeless tool for building meaningful supporter connections. While social media can be attention-grabbing, it's through emails that genuine conversations and long-lasting bonds are nurtured. Our guest, Sara Hoshooley is a fundraising consultant and coach with a passion for small nonprofit organizations. As a former small charity Executive Director, she understands the challenges and opportunities facing small but growing nonprofits. Her unique approach uses each organization's strengths to grow fundraising in an authentic and achievable way.  Key Episode Highlights:  Acquire Donors Through Email: Unlike the fast-paced world of social media, emails offer a cozy space for meaningful conversations with your supporters. Learn why having a strategy to grow your email list is essential.Growing Your List: Provide valuable resources like checklists or guides in exchange for email sign-ups. Sara explains how this  exchange can kickstart trusting relationships with supporters.The Strength of Recurring Donations: Small, monthly gifts can have a big impact. Sara reveals how starting these campaigns can provide steady fuel for your nonprofit's growth.Building a Community, Not Just Numbers: Email collection isn't just about quantity. It's about nurturing a community of supporters aligned with your mission. Each email is an opportunity to strengthen this connection. Use clear, simple communication.Email Etiquette - Respect Boundaries and Laws: Sara discusses the importance of complying with local and national regulations. It's all about understanding what is consent and ensuring recipients are happy to hear from you.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/W1PAtQ2x7dI  Links and Resources:   Connect with Sara on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/Sarahoshooley/Sara’s Website: https://www.charityshift.ca/Email: Sara@charityshiftConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Are the challenges in your nonprofit growing pains or signs of  deeper issues? With a New Year, we have the opportunity to reflect on what is working and what is not!  If we don't address the roots of operational dysfunction, our mission is at risk.  In today’s episode, we’re exploring how the heart and soul of our work – our culture – plays a huge role in our success. We're discussing how nurturing the right environment can make your nonprofit more effective, scalable, and fundable. On this episode of The Small Nonprofit, we're talking with Miriam Dicks, owner of 180 Management Group. Miriam has over two decades of operational management and consulting experience. She brings her insights to the operational challenges facing our sector. From the perils of toxic workplace cultures to the smart outsourcing of HR functions, Miriam opens up about what truly can move the needle for small nonprofits. Key Episode Highlights:  Mutual Accountability: Leadership isn't about overseeing; it's about being a role model. Just like any team member, Miriam emphasizes the importance of holding leaders accountable. This isn't about control; it's about everyone striving for their best.Embracing Change: Heard the phrase, "We've always done it this way"? It's a common barrier but often masks the real issue – change management. Miriam shares that recognizing the need for change is just the first step. The real game-changer is sustaining it.Culture Eats Strategy for Lunch: Change is about shifting culture. We will explore why a healthy organizational culture is non-negotiable. We will also discuss how it can make or break your strategic efforts.Smart Operations for Small Teams: Think your small team can't achieve big things? Think again! Miriam discusses how automation and strategic outsourcing can dramatically increase your capacity without expanding your team.The Long Game in Decision Making: Miriam emphasizes that strategic decisions made today will have long-term implications. She encourages nonprofit leaders to think ahead, invest in the right resources, and dare to be trailblazers. Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Links and Resources:   Connect with Miriam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miriampdicks Website: https://www.180managementgroup.com/  Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Is your major gifts  fundraising aligned with your organization’s core values? In today’s episode, we're tackling the sometimes intimidating (but rewarding!) world of major gifts through a values-aligned, community-centric lens.  We are joined by Sarah Staiger, a fundraiser with over two decades of experience. Sarah is passionate about building power through organized people and organized money. She is a partner at Staiger Vitelli Associates and has been exploring Community-Centric Fundraising methodologies since 2017. She also volunteers with the Minnesota Association of Fundraising Professionals. Key Highlights:  Put Values at the Forefront: Join Sarah and I as we dive into how to rethink major donor engagament. It's about connecting on shared values and building something bigger together.Educate and Empower Your Donors: We are done with one-way conversations. Sarah emphasizes the need for continuous donor education and engagement, creating true partnerships and avoiding transactional communications..Values-Based Qualification for Major Gifts: Sarah introduces a transformative concept: using a values-based qualifier alongside financial capacity to identify major gift prospects. This transforms supporters into advocates for your cause.Investing in a Community-Centric Approach:  Sarah makes a compelling case for re-envisioning how we report impact.. She shares how reporting impact in a different manner can lead to crucial cultural shifts within our sector and drive the mission forward. Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/VhzvjcgPQcI Links and Resources:   Connect with Sarah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/staigervitelli/ Sarah’s Values-Based Donor Qualification: https://www.staigervitelli.com/vbdqConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new Support the show

Does face-to-face fundraising feel out of reach for your small nonprofit? Many you think you need a big amount saved just to start. What if I told you there's a way to step into large-scale face-to-face fundraising, just like the big, well-funded organizations, but without the financial barrier of hiring an agency? Today, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of pricey face-to-face campaigns and reveal accessible (and scalable!) paths for smaller nonprofits. Joining me is Jerome Cheung, a seasoned fundraiser whose 18-year career has spanned across high-profile charities and agencies. His expertise in monthly giving, telefundraising, face-to-face engagement, and other fundraising avenues has made him a distinguished professional in our field. I met Jerome at Public Outreach, a face-to-face fundraising agejcy, where he honed strategies to manage donor attrition and has successfully spearheaded initiatives for organizations like the American Red Cross, Greenpeace Canada, and Ecojustice. Key Episode Highlights:  Rethinking Big-Budget Campaigns: Why break the bank when you can make meaningful connections affordably? Small nonprofits might not have deep pockets, but what we do have is determination and a personal touch that's truly priceless.Volunteers to the Rescue: Your mission's got supporters, right? Let's get them out there talking to folks. Jerome tells us our volunteers have something really special—a real love for the cause that makes potential supporters stop and listen. Start with a Hello, Not an Ask: I joke that asking for monthly donations right away is like asking someone to marry you on the first date - there is little opportunity to build a relationship! Jerome and I talk about kicking things off with a friendly chat and a simple "Can we keep in touch?"Take it to the People: Where's everyone hanging out? At the park, grabbing coffee, walking the dog? That's where we can make some real connections. Jerome shares some cool strategies for making the most of these everyday spots.Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Watch this episode on Youtube: https://youtu.be/lDuNNHprP9I Links and Resources:   Connect with Jerome on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/jerome-cheung-a0819912Email: jerome.cheung@stratcom.caConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Is your nonprofit aligned with your values or is it perpetuating harm? How does the culture within our organizations shape our effectiveness and well-being?In today's episode, we're diving into the realities many of us face in the nonprofit sector. From acknowledging ethical dilemmas in our work practices to recognizing our alignment (or misalignment) with organizational values, we discuss  the complexities of working for a cause. Sheetal Puri, our guest today, has dedicated her career  to non-profit fundraising, marketing and communications for organizations globally. Having raised hundreds of millions for multiple organizations over the past 15 years, Sheetal’s commitment to the sector has given her the insight to identify areas in present day fundraising models that perpetuate colonial modes of power and prevent the ability to practice and implement our core values and missions. She is a strong advocate for community-centric approaches to fundraising that prioritize the return of power and agency to those who have experienced disempowerment.  Key Highlights: Finding Your Value Alignment: There are immense benefits of working in a vision-aligned environment. It's about empathy, understanding, and the shared commitment to our mission – but what happens when there’s a disconnect?Overcoming Power Dynamics: Power dynamics often muddy the waters of transparency and authentic connection within a team. Maria discusses how she has transitioned from withholding information to embracing openness when team members raise complaints or concerns.The Courage to Speak Up: The importance of voicing our concerns within the sector cannot be understated; that might mean finding allyship, or even considering something as bold as unionizing. It’s crucial that we create an atmosphere where open conversation is not just allowed, but encouraged.Leadership's Responsibility: Those in leadership roles carry the responsibility of aligning an organization's actions with its stated values. This includes implementing policies and fostering environments that empower trust and autonomy among employees.Advocacy and Allyship:  A significant segment of our discussion revolves around the roles of fundraisers, the privilege they hold, and the impact they can make in advocating for organizational changes—especially regarding racial equity and diversity issues. Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Links and Resources:   Connect with Sheetal on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/sheetalpersaudConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/new Support the show

Are you wondering if your small nonprofit is getting the attention it deserves from key decision-makers? Today's episode of The Small Nonprofit is all about unlocking the potential of government relations to amplify the impact of small organizations. We're chatting with Tristan Downe-Dewdney, a lobbyist who's an expert at turning influence into real action. Tristan is a seasoned government expert with over 15 years in policy and advocacy. His expertise spans both community-level and systemic advocacy strategies, making him the perfect guide for small nonprofits looking to make a significant impact through government engagement. Key Highlights: The Art of Legitimacy: Tristan talks about how crucial it is for small nonprofits to demonstrate their legitimacy and wield influence. He shares anecdotes from various campaigns, such as the contrasting approaches between the casino and elephant campaigns, showing how to make your voice heard by important people. The Strategy of Relationships: Building personal relationships is at the heart of nonprofit’s success. We delve into the tactics for augmenting your advocacy, from press conferences to the more subtle art of engaging through social media. Tristan will show you how to make sure your nonprofit stands out and gets noticed. First Steps to Making a Difference: So, where do you begin? Tristan advises to start small and focus on policy overlaps. It's all about identifying your goals, learning the ropes, and growing your campaign. And remember, the journey of government relations is not just a duty, but can also be a joy. Navigating the Political Landscape: For many, the world of lobbying is uncharted territory. Tristan demystifies the process, discussing how to engage with government on multiple levels and how to approach the registration process if necessary. We tackle concerns about partisanship and how to keep your nonprofit’s mission front and center. The Network Effect: If you're not already reaching out to key office holders and preparing your presentation for a political audience, it's time to start. As Tristan emphasizes, it's essential to maintain these relationships to ensure ongoing support for your nonprofit’s initiatives. Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Links and Resources:   Connect with Tristan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tristan-downe-dewdney-21523b28/Tristan’s Website: www.downedewdney.comConnect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show

Today we're talking about how nonprofits share their stories - especially in the digital age - and the ethical issues that can arise from how we choose to share stories. We'll explore how lived experience influences how we portray community members and how we can can use social media to connect with supporters while staying true to our values. For this conversation, I'm excited to have Fai Hassan with me, an expert in digital fundraising. She's the Associate Director of Digital Fundraising at Public Outreach. Fai's role is all about helping non-profit organizations create digital campaigns that engage supporters and convert them into donors. She's got a wealth of experience working with various non-profits, but what really sets her apart is her advocacy and her knack for crafting, executing, and managing compelling campaigns Key Highlights: Changing How We Tell Fundraising Stories: We'll explore the vital importance of sharing stories that respect and empower oppressed and marginalized communities. It's crucial to collect stories from diverse perspectives to give a complete picture of the work we do and of the people who benefit from it.Using Social Media for Nonprofits: Social media platforms have their own cultures and demands, and it is not a one-size-fits-all for small nonprofits. We'll talk about how to use platforms like Meta for finding donors and if you should be investing time in places like Pinterest, TikTok, and Reddit. Ethics and Consent: Delving into the ethical side of things, we'll discuss the responsible use of people's images and stories. . Fai will underscore the significance of obtaining consent regularly, avoiding the risks of perpetuating stereotypes, especially when dealing with AI-generated imagery. Upholding the dignity of the individuals we represent should always be our priority.Embracing Lived Experiences: Diversity is our strength, and embracing our unique identities is key. We'll explore how personal experiences are the heart and soul of our stories, adding authenticity to our causes. Celebrating these lived experiences is essential in our journey towards a more inclusive nonprofit sector.Nonprofit Community Realities: Fai's role in leading the Nonprofit Happy Hour Facebook group provides insight to the importance of peer support and accountability in the nonprofit realm. We'll delve into the value of this community and how it fosters a supportive environment. Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show! Links and Resources:   Connect with Fai on LinkedIn: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/fai-hassan-50561b271Learn more about Public Outreach: https://www.publicoutreachgroup.com/Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mariario/Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/208666/supporters/newSupport the show