Search a title or topic

Over 20 million podcasts, powered by 

Player FM logo
Artwork

Content provided by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.
Player FM - Podcast App
Go offline with the Player FM app!

From Donor-Centric to Community-Centric Fundraising

26:59
 
Share
 

Manage episode 516120980 series 2445820
Content provided by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send us a text

From Donor-Centric to Community-Centric: Building Equity Into Fundraising

Most “best practices” put donors and boards at the top of the pyramid - and everyone else (staff, volunteers, service users) at the bottom.

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down the shift from donor-centric to community-centric fundraising and why this change is key to building a more equitable nonprofit sector.

Maria unpacks how covert white supremacy shows up in nonprofit culture, from “tone-policing” to donor hero narratives, and what it looks like to root those habits out in everyday fundraising. She also shares how fundraisers can start bringing donors into these conversations—challenging outdated ideas about overhead, pushing back on problematic donations, and transforming donors into real partners for justice.

Maria shares the mindset, tools, and examples every fundraiser needs to move from good intentions to meaningful action—without burning out or compromising their values.

Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

  • Why community-centric fundraising is more than a trend; it’s a reimagining of how nonprofits build power and impact.
  • The hidden ways white supremacy culture shows up in fundraising practices (and how to spot them).
  • How to have respectful but firm conversations with donors about overhead, dignity, and equity.
  • Why “no” can be the most ethical and mission-aligned answer to a donation.
  • How to turn donors into true advocates and allies for systemic change.

🎧 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!

Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits – 5 Actionable Tips:

  • Audit your fundraising practices — Identify donor-centric habits that center wealth instead of community.
  • Educate your donors — Share resources like the Community-Centric Fundraising Hub and invite donors to learn alongside your team.
  • Challenge problematic donations — Ask: “Does this gift align with our mission and values?” before saying yes.
  • Talk openly about overhead — Frame it as the cost of doing meaningful, sustainable work—not a burden.
  • Reframe donor relationships — Position them as collaborators in social change, not saviors.

Resources and Links

Support the show

  continue reading

303 episodes

Artwork
iconShare
 
Manage episode 516120980 series 2445820
Content provided by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Further Together: Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofit Organizations or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

Send us a text

From Donor-Centric to Community-Centric: Building Equity Into Fundraising

Most “best practices” put donors and boards at the top of the pyramid - and everyone else (staff, volunteers, service users) at the bottom.

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria Rio breaks down the shift from donor-centric to community-centric fundraising and why this change is key to building a more equitable nonprofit sector.

Maria unpacks how covert white supremacy shows up in nonprofit culture, from “tone-policing” to donor hero narratives, and what it looks like to root those habits out in everyday fundraising. She also shares how fundraisers can start bringing donors into these conversations—challenging outdated ideas about overhead, pushing back on problematic donations, and transforming donors into real partners for justice.

Maria shares the mindset, tools, and examples every fundraiser needs to move from good intentions to meaningful action—without burning out or compromising their values.

Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits - The Highlights:

  • Why community-centric fundraising is more than a trend; it’s a reimagining of how nonprofits build power and impact.
  • The hidden ways white supremacy culture shows up in fundraising practices (and how to spot them).
  • How to have respectful but firm conversations with donors about overhead, dignity, and equity.
  • Why “no” can be the most ethical and mission-aligned answer to a donation.
  • How to turn donors into true advocates and allies for systemic change.

🎧 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!

Community-Centric Fundraising in Nonprofits – 5 Actionable Tips:

  • Audit your fundraising practices — Identify donor-centric habits that center wealth instead of community.
  • Educate your donors — Share resources like the Community-Centric Fundraising Hub and invite donors to learn alongside your team.
  • Challenge problematic donations — Ask: “Does this gift align with our mission and values?” before saying yes.
  • Talk openly about overhead — Frame it as the cost of doing meaningful, sustainable work—not a burden.
  • Reframe donor relationships — Position them as collaborators in social change, not saviors.

Resources and Links

Support the show

  continue reading

303 episodes

All episodes

×
 
Loading …

Welcome to Player FM!

Player FM is scanning the web for high-quality podcasts for you to enjoy right now. It's the best podcast app and works on Android, iPhone, and the web. Signup to sync subscriptions across devices.

 

Copyright 2025 | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | | Copyright
Listen to this show while you explore
Play