Best Community Centric Fundraising Podcasts (2025)

1
Why DEI Fails in Nonprofits (and How to Do It Right) 27:11

Play Pause

2d ago27:11

27:11

Send us a text Is your nonprofit struggling to turn DEI intentions into meaningful action? Fear, burnout, and performative allyship often hold us back from creating truly equitable organizations. But what if we could move beyond discomfort into sustainable change? In this episode, Maria sits down with Jonathan Meagher-Zayas, an equity educator and …

1
Website Optimization with Lou Kotsinis 50:32

2d ago50:32

50:32

Lou Kotsinis is the CEO and Co-Founder of BCS Interactive, a digital marketing agency that "helps non-profits, foundations and educational institutions make their mark on the world." Lou chats with host KD Bauer about concepts that nonprofits should consider when it comes to their organization's website. Describing a website as a "living, breathing…

1
Social Enterprise: Earned Revenue for Nonprofits 20:03

9d ago20:03

20:03

Send us a text Social enterprises aren't only about earning or diversifying revenue; they’re key to finding creative, sustainable ways to advance your mission while serving your community with dignity. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, host Maria Rio chats with Tom Armitage, who has been leading The SEED, a project of the Guelph Commu…

1
The Network Myth: A Hiring Red Flag 16:23

16d ago16:23

16:23

Send us a text Relying on a fundraiser’s personal network isn’t a fundraising strategy; it’s a shortcut that can cost your nonprofit big in the long run. In this episode, Maria Rio and Caitlin McBride unpack why this common hiring question is a major red flag, what it reveals about an organization’s approach to fundraising, and how small nonprofits…

1
5 Trends Redefining Nonprofits by 2035 28:44

24d ago28:44

28:44

Send us a text 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 …

1
Next in Nonprofits 207 - Ballot initiatives with Chris Melody Fields Figueredo 44:53

1M ago44:53

44:53

Chris Melody Fields Figueredo is the executive director of the Ballot Initiative Strategy Center, "a nationwide movement-building infrastructure organization that leverages ballot measures across the United States to strengthen democracy; center people of color, queer, low-income, immigrant, Indigenous, and other marginalized communities; advance r…

1
Custom GPTs for Nonprofits A Step-by-Step Guide by Maria Rio 16:54

1M ago16:54

16:54

Send us a text About The Episode AI is here to stay, and many nonprofits are already embracing it. In this episode, we break down how you can set up your own custom GPT to save time, boost donor engagement, and make your team’s life a whole lot easier. Whether you're writing thank-you emails, managing volunteers, or brainstorming fundraising ideas,…

1
People-First Leadership for Nonprofits with Marisa Tran and Maria Rio 25:40

1M ago25:40

25:40

Send us a text Ever tried to juggle visionary ideas, tight budgets, and a team that spans every learning style under the sun? In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with management coach and EDI powerhouse Marisa Tran (they/them) to unpack what “people-first, consent-based leadership” really looks like when you’re running a small s…

1
Data enrichment with Todd Baylis 40:55

1M ago40:55

40:55

Todd Baylis is the Chief Customer Officer of Bloomerang, a data management system designed to "manage your entire constituent ecosystem, including donors, volunteers, sponsors, grant givers, and more. Your result: higher fundraising revenue and less donor attrition. " Todd joins host Steve Boland to talk about encouraging your audiences (supporters…

1
Planned Giving and Community-Centric Fundraising with Chantelle Ohrling and Maria Rio 23:10

1M ago23:10

23:10

Send us a text Good Works estimates that a staggering $280 billion in estate wealth is expected to flow into Canadian charities. That’s not a number small nonprofits can afford to overlook. Planned giving doesn’t have to be exclusive, intimidating, or tax-code-heavy. In this episode, we dive into how small nonprofits can approach planned giving in …

1
Realistic fundraising goals: Budgeting for Nonprofits with Maria and Caitlin 26:20

2M ago26:20

26:20

Send us a text Too many small nonprofits build their budgets on optimism alone, dreaming big without the strategy or infrastructure to back it up. This episode is all about why that’s a problem, and how to stop the cycle of setting fundraising goals that hurt more than they help. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria Rio and co-host Caitlin…

1
Responding to attacks with Greg Harrell-Edge 44:30

2M ago44:30

44:30

Greg Harrell-Edge is the founder of Proimpact Project, which is "Supporting nonprofit leaders with content and a community to scale impact." Greg talks to host Steve Boland about the need for early response, and more frequent responses, when nonprofits and social good missions are attacked. Keeping the tone authentic about your work and the real im…

1
Fundraising Psychology: Using Cognitive Biases for Good 18:09

2M ago18:09

18:09

Send us a text Street fundraising teaches you more than grit, it teaches you the psychology of yes. Maria shares how to use these powers for good. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares real-world insights from her time as a face-to-face fundraiser, where she learned the science and subtlety behind why people say yes. It’s abo…

1
Marketing Without Harm: How Nonprofits Can Communicate With Integrity 24:20

2M ago24:20

24:20

Send us a text Marketing doesn’t have to mean manipulation. But for many small nonprofits, common practices like donor recognition, emotional appeals, and urgency-driven fundraising can unintentionally cause harm. In this episode, Maria and anti-oppressive marketer Natalia Sanyal unpack how to shift your messaging and methods without compromising y…

1
Advocacy, 501 (c) 3 and 501 (c) 4 with Kat Rohn of Outfront Minnesota 42:49

2M ago42:49

42:49

Kat Rohn is the Executive Director of Outfront Minnesota, as well as Outfront Minnesota Community Services! Kat joins host Steve Boland to talk about advocacy in the nonprofit sector with a focus on the differences between 501 (c) 3 organizations (purely public charities with tax deductible contributions) and 501 (c) 4 nonprofits (social welfare or…

1
Nonprofit Leadership: Practical Tools to Reduce Burnout 23:48

2M ago23:48

23:48

Send us a text Running a small nonprofit often means juggling strategy, people, programs, and inbox chaos, all while making what feels like a million decisions a day. If you’ve ever felt stuck between leading and just trying to keep up, this episode is for you. In this candid and insightful conversation, Maria chats with returning guest Veronica La…

1
Building a Fundraising Board 23:20

3M ago23:20

23:20

Send us a text Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Building a Fundraising Board Fundraising isn’t about money; it’s about PEOPLE. And some of your most powerful people? Your board. In this episode, we dive into the challenges small nonprofits face when trying to activate their boards around fundraising. From fear of asking to a total misunderst…

1
How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit 21:29

3M ago21:29

21:29

Send us a text Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. If you want to learn how my company helps nonprofits create a fundraising plan, this link will explain: https://www.gofurthertogether.ca/discoverycall How to create a GREAT fundraising strategy for your small nonprofit Every thriving nonprofit starts with a plan, not a guess. In this episode of…

1
The Rebranding Journey with James Dismond 46:11

3M ago46:11

46:11

James Dismond, CEO of Mirasol Health chats with host KD Bauer about a 2-year rebranding journey the organization recently undertook. James shares insights in how the organization collaborated across teams, stakeholders, and community to identify where audiences' perceptions and experiences misaligned with elements of the 40-year old brand. From sur…

1
From $0 to $2M! Scaling Nonprofits & Building Economic Resilience with Quilen Blackwell 26:47

3M ago26:47

26:47

Send us a text Wondering how to make millions for your nonprofit? Join us for an inspiring conversation with Quilen Blackwell, co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms, as he shares how sustainability and social enterprise can transform communities. Quilen discusses his journey from starting with zero funds to running a $2 million nonpr…

1
Next in Nonprofits 202 - Community Centric Fundraising with Faviola Ramirez and Brooke Thomson 40:32

3M ago40:32

40:32

Faviola "Favi" Ramirez is a community organizer, often with BIPOC outdoors. Brooke Thomson is the development director at Abortion Care Network. Favi and Brooke have been part of the Community-centric fundraising movement, including a group sharing and based in Minnesota. Favi and Brooke join the podcast to talk about the origins of community-centr…

1
DEI for Small Nonprofits: Getting REAL about Diversity, Equity & Inclusion with Michelle Okere 41:07

3M ago41:07

41:07

Send us a text Does making your nonprofit feel inclusive seem impossible? Today, we're getting real about diversity, equity, and inclusion in our sector. Join host Maria Rio and Michelle Okere, an expert in nonprofit equity, diversity, and inclusion, as they discuss how communication and belonging play a crucial role in nonprofit success. Michelle …

1
Receiving non-cash gifts with Patrick Kincade 43:21

4M ago43:21

43:21

Patrick Kincade is Regional Director at Stonebridge Capital Advisors, a firm offering portfolio management services and related advising to nonprofit organizations as well as businesses and individuals. Patrick talks with host Steve Boland about a range of ways nonprofits can be ready to receive larger gifts, especially gifts that may not be cash. …

1
Fundraising on LinkedIn: Strategies for Small Nonprofits with Michelle Benson 32:34

4M ago32:34

32:34

Send us a text How about turning your LinkedIn profile into a powerful fundraising tool? Join Maria Rio and LinkedIn expert, Michelle Benson, as they share actionable strategies for nonprofits to build their digital presence and attract funders via LinkedIn. In this episode, Michelle discusses how to create content that actually enagges donors and …

1
Why forced office returns backfire (and what smart leaders do instead) 21:19

4M ago21:19

21:19

Send us a text Liked this episode? Have an idea? Send us a text HERE :) Subscribe for more episodes on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. 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 n…

1
Major Gift Fundraising with Emma Lewzey 31:50

4M ago31:50

31:50

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with major gifts expert, Emma Lewzey, to bust myths, shift mindsets, and bring some much-needed clarity (and courage!) to one of fundraising’s most misunderstood areas. Whether you’re in a small shop or a national organization, this episode will remind you: you don’t nee…

1
Knowledge sharing with Next in Nonprofits 44:56

4M ago44:56

44:56

This special 200th Anniversary episode of the podcast is hosted by KD Bauer and features members of the Next in Nonprofits team! KD talks with Steve Boland, Kathleen Conroy and Chelley McLear about sharing knowledge in the nonprofit sector. (Team members Bruktait Kebede, Keren Gudeman, and Grace Mayo contributed ideas off mic!) Next in Nonprofits c…

1
Manage Up in Nonprofit Leadership 19:49

4M ago19:49

19:49

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria unpacks the nonprofit power dynamic we don’t talk about enough: what to do when you need to move things forward, but your Executive Director or board just… won’t. Whether you're tired of chasing down information, being given confusing direction, or trying to navigate an ineffectiv…

1
The Glass Ceiling in Nonprofit Leadership 26:46

5M ago26:46

26:46

Send us a text Despite being a sector dominated by women, nonprofit leadership remains disproportionately male. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio sits down with Caitlin McBride to unpack the gender gap at the top. They dig into everything from the “motherhood penalty” vs. the “fatherhood bonus,” to sneaky internalized biases…

1
Nonprofit ethics with Jim Scheibel 43:44

5M ago43:44

43:44

Jim Scheibel is a professor of practice of at Hamline University, where he shares a wealth of experience in public life from his time as a leader of places such Corporation for National and Community Service, as Mayor of Saint Paul, and in other leadership positions in the nonprofit sector. Jim has incorporated ethics into his teaching for many yea…

1
How Nonprofit Fundraising Can Drive Real Change: Insights from Huda Al-Saedy 36:35

5M ago36:35

36:35

Send us a text Fundraising isn’t just about securing donations—it’s about embedding justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and reconciliation into every aspect of the process. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Huda Al-Saedy, Director of Philanthropy at Ecojustice, to explore how nonprofits can align their fundrais…

1
3 Nonprofit Fundraising Lessons I Learned from 2 Years of Consulting (That Will Transform Your Fundraising Strategy) 16:27

5M ago16:27

16:27

Send us a text Nonprofit fundraising is more than just making the ask. It’s about providing value, building relationships, and using data to drive smart decisions. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria shares the top lessons she’s learned as a consultant that every nonprofit fundraiser can apply. Whether you’re managing a small shop…

1
Corporate sponsorships with Brandice Daniel 45:16

5M ago45:16

45:16

Brandice Daniel is the founder and CEO of ICON360, "non-profit organization dedicated to dismantling the barriers facing Black designers and fashion programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)." Brandice joins host Steve Boland to talk about the value of sponsorships and connections to the mission of an organization. Brandice s…

1
Navigating Hiring Challenges and Finding Top Talent in 2025 with Maria & Caitlin 23:11

5M ago23:11

23:11

Send us a text Hiring in the nonprofit sector is harder than ever in 2025. With stagnant salaries, limited remote work options, and increased competition for talent, many organizations are struggling to fill positions and retain staff. In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key challenges nonprofits are facing…

1
Al-Maa'uun with Tyrus Hayes for Podcasthon 41:44

5M ago41:44

41:44

Tyrus Hayes is the Director of Strategic Engagement for Al-Maa'uun, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit whose "mission is to alleviate poverty and oppression within black and communities of color in North Minneapolis and surrounding areas through direct service and advocacy." The Next in Nonprofits Podcast usually focuses on a broad topic of interest to …

1
Nonprofit leadership: Managing Vs. Leading 21:24

5M ago21:24

21:24

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin explore the key differences between being a boss versus being a leader and why leadership gaps are causing burnout and turnover in the nonprofit sector. They share insights into how nonprofit leaders can foster trust, create a supportive work environment, and empower t…

1
Grants and volatility with Shoshana Grossman-Crist 47:19

6M ago47:19

47:19

Shoshana Grossman-Crist is the Founder and CEO of Social Impact Compass, providing support in grants and other support for impact missions. Shoshana joins host Steve Boland to talk about the impact of changes in funding streams in 2025. Shoshanna shares her insights getting a foot in the door for new support during these transitional times, includi…

1
Donor Retention Strategy🛑 STOP 🛑 losing donors in 2025! 24:14

6M ago24:14

24:14

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Katelyn Baughan, founder of KB Digital, to discuss why email marketing is one of the most powerful tools for nonprofits. They dive into strategies for donor retention, automation, and engagement tactics that keep donors connected beyond their first gift. Katelyn sha…

1
Listen Today! 🏆 Fundraising as a Team Sport 23:52

6M ago23:52

23:52

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin dive into why fundraising should never be a solo effort and how nonprofit professionals can engage their teams, board members, and leadership in fundraising efforts. They share personal experiences, actionable strategies, and tips to create a culture where fundraising …

1
Communications in chaotic times with Jackie Russell 39:00

6M ago39:00

39:00

Jackie Russell is President of Teak Media and Communication whose mission is "to increase recognition and revenue for socially responsible companies and nonprofit organizations." Jackie joins host Steve Boland to discuss communications strategies and public relations in a time of rapid, unpredictable change. Jackie shares her thoughts and experienc…

1
Nonprofit job search? 9 red flags you NEED to watch for! 19:01

6M ago19:01

19:01

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria breaks down the nine biggest red flags to watch for during your nonprofit job search. While the sector is full of impactful orgs, not all are well-managed or even stable. Maria shares tips on spotting warning signs—like financial instability, poor leadership, and lack of work-life…

1
Evolving Digital Comms with Noah Parrish 35:49

6M ago35:49

35:49

Noah Parrish is the Communications Director for Gender Justice, which "envisions a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their gender, gender expression, or sexual orientation" and works to "dismantle legal, structural, and cultural barriers that contribute to gender inequity" in Minnesota and North Dakota. Noah has worked in strategic comm…

1
Beyond the day-to-day: How nonprofits can think strategically with Sheela Mahajan 29:27

6M ago29:27

29:27

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sheela Mahajan, founder of the Nonprofit Science Institute and host of the Nonprofit Science Podcast. Sheela shares how nonprofits can move beyond reactive decision-making and start thinking more strategically. They discuss the challenges of shifting organizational mind…

1
Fundraising Trends for 2025: AI, Ethical Storytelling & Burnout Solutions 28:09

7M ago28:09

28:09

Send us a text In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria and Caitlin dive into the biggest fundraising trends shaping the nonprofit sector this year. From the rise of Community-Centric Fundraising and AI-driven tools to the ongoing burnout crisis, they break down what’s ahead and how nonprofits can prepare. They explore how ethical stor…