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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria chats with Sarah Ali, a digital-first fundraiser and founder of SA Digital, about Muslim philanthropy, digital mobilization, and how nonprofits can engage diverse communities through culturally competent fundraising strategies. Sarah shares her expertise on leveraging digital tools like WhatsApp and her insights on the growing role of Muslim giving in the nonprofit space.

Key Topics Covered:

• Muslim philanthropy & digital mobilization
• WhatsApp for fundraising & community building
• Cultural competency in nonprofit messaging
• Digital tools for engagement

Actionable Tips:

• Build culturally competent messaging: Engage with diverse leadership councils from within communities to create messaging that resonates and doesn’t feel tokenizing.
• Focus on hope-based communications: In times of crisis, highlight positive stories of hope and concrete actions donors can take. This approach can help reduce collective trauma and increase engagement.
• Innovate through cultural campaigns: If you’re considering engaging a community you don’t represent, start by listening, asking for feedback, and being transparent in your intentions. Seek advice from community leaders and organizations like the Muslim Philanthropy Network.

Resources Mentioned:

• Muslim Philanthropy Network Website
• SA Digital Website

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Sarah

Tune in to this insightful episode to learn how nonprofits can embrace digital tools and cultural competency to strengthen their donor base and engage meaningfully with diverse communities.

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Coming Next Week:

Join us next week as we talk about trauma-informed storytelling with Maria Bryan!

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria talks with Kamilah Martin, founder and CEO of Katalyst, about nonprofits adapting to the future of work. They discuss evolving work models, remote and hybrid setups, and innovative leadership strategies. Kamilah shares her journey from nonprofit executive to consultant and offers insights on piloting new initiatives, shared leadership, and overcoming resistance to change. Tune in for practical tips on how nonprofits can embrace the future of work.

Have you seen organizations successfully embracing innovation? Maria and Kamilah want to hear about them! Reach out and share your examples so we can highlight them on the podcast and learn from these organizations.

Key Topics:

• COVID-19's impact on work
• Shared leadership models and equity in remote work
• Challenges of piloting new ideas
• Fostering a culture of innovation

Quotable Moments:

• "We existed a certain way because that's all we knew. But COVID forced us to rethink that — and that opened up so many opportunities for innovation." – Kamilah Martin
• "Innovation for innovation's sake isn't enough. What are your goals? How do you evaluate if your pilot actually achieves what you want?" – Kamilah Martin
• "Nonprofits that innovate now will thrive in the next 20 years. Those that don’t will get left behind." – Kamilah Martin

Actionable Tips:

➜ Embrace Flexible Work Models: Involve program and admin staff in discussions on remote work equity, and find ways to offer flexibility, even to those in roles requiring in-person work (e.g., alternating schedules).
➜ Pilot Innovations with Clear Goals: Establish a finite timeline for pilots with an evaluation period at the end to determine if adjustments are needed.
➜ Leverage External Expertise: Don’t try to solve complex problems alone—engage consultants or experts in areas like change management, technology, or HR for quicker solutions.

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Kamilah
• The Katalyst Website

Subscribe and Review:

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform. Please leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable insights for nonprofit leaders.

Coming Next Week:

Join us next week with fundraising expert, Rhea Wong, as she shares how to build successful major gifts programs and boost your donations!

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Nina Horvath, Executive Director of the Coastal Jazz and Blues Society. Nina shares her insights into the fractional fundraising model, the benefits it has brought to her organization, and the challenges faced in arts fundraising. Together, they explore how fractional fundraising offers smaller nonprofits access to high-level fundraising expertise without the challenges of hiring a full-time development director.

Key Topics:

• Exploring Fractional Fundraising
• What are the pros and cons of working with a Fractional Fundraiser?
• The financial and intangible results of working with Fractional Fundraisers at Further Together

Quotable Moments:

• "The beauty of fractional fundraising is that you get the expertise you need at a fraction of the cost, which is perfect for small to mid-sized nonprofits"
• "As an ED, it can feel isolating. Having a fractional fundraiser who understands my challenges and offers valuable, outside perspective has been a personal and professional support"
• "We didn’t expect to double our individual giving in a year, but with a strategic approach and fresh ideas, we made it happen"

Actionable Tips:

➜ Consider Outsourced Supports: If you’re a small to mid-sized nonprofit struggling to find a full-time development director, fractional fundraising could give you access to senior-level expertise without breaking the bank.
➜ Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t expect to raise a million dollars overnight. Success in fundraising is about building momentum and balancing both short-term wins and long-term goals.
➜ Leverage the Expertise of a Fractional Fundraiser: Fractional fundraisers work with multiple organizations, which allows them to offer fresh insights and best practices from across the nonprofit sector.

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Nina
• Coastal Jazz Website

Subscribe and Review:

Don’t forget to subscribe to The Small Nonprofit Podcast on your favorite platform. Please leave a review to help us reach more listeners and continue to provide valuable insights for nonprofit leaders.

Coming Next Week:

Join Maria as she discusses the future of work in the nonprofit sector with Kamilah Martin!

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria sits down with Quilen Blackwell, President and co-founder of Chicago Eco House and Southside Blooms. Quilen shares his remarkable journey of founding and growing a nonprofit with a thriving $2 million social enterprise. With a focus on sustainability, community development, and economic resilience, Quilen offers invaluable tips for nonprofits looking to scale effectively.

Key Topics:

• Social enterprise success: from zero to $2 million
• Challenges of scaling a nonprofit and a business
• How Southside Blooms converts customers into donors
• The pros and cons of business-to-business (B2B) versus business-to-consumer (B2C) social enterprise models

Quotable Moments:

• “As a nonprofit, we didn’t want to be dependent on a few big donors telling us what to do. Running it like a serious business gave us the freedom to stay true to our mission.”
• “Focus on the foundation of the business, not just the money. If you’re not ready to handle growth, it can quickly turn from a blessing into a burden.”
• “Our flowers are our ambassadors. They go into spaces we can’t, and they open doors we never expected.”

Actionable Tips:

➜ Start Small: Focus on building a solid foundation before scaling. Test your ideas on a smaller scale to work out any kinks and ensure your model is sustainable.

➜ Invest in Technology: Use technology to streamline operations and customer service, especially when managing a social enterprise. Tools like Routific for route optimization can be game changers in last-mile delivery

➜ Leverage Customer Relationships: Turn customers into donors by integrating donation opportunities into your sales process and engaging them through events like farm tours.

➜ Do B2B and B2C: Diversify your income streams by engaging in both B2B and B2C models. This approach not only stabilizes revenue but also opens unexpected doors for media coverage and large grants.

➜ Prepare for Growth: As your organization scales, be ready to tackle complex challenges, including human resources, compliance, and maintaining quality across a growing operation.

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Quilen: Personal Instagram, Southside Blooms, Chicago Eco House
• Chicago Eco House: Website
• Southside Blooms: Website

Support the Podcast:

1. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube.
2. Support these conversations by becoming a member here.

What’s next?

Don’t forget to tune into next week’s episode where we chat about the pros and cons of hiring a Fractional Fundraiser with Nina Horvath!

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria speaks with Kathryn LeBlanc, a communications consultant specializing in social impact. Kathryn shares valuable insights on the importance of clear, concise messaging for nonprofits, and how to effectively communicate your organization’s mission.

Key Topics:

• The Importance of Clear Messaging
• Operationalizing Communications
• Developing Key Messages
• Identifying and Targeting Audiences
• Building Internal Capacity

Quotable Moment:

• "A good message should be concise, rooted in emotion, and something people will actually repeat."

Actionable Tips:

➜ Create a Message Guide and Communication Strategy: These documents should be separate, clear, and shared consistently across your team.

➜ Focus on Building Internal Cohesion: A well-aligned team is better equipped to handle both day-to-day communications and unexpected crises.

➜ Develop a Crisis Communications Plan: Create a plan outlining how your organization will respond to incidents, emergencies, and crises. Assign roles, establish protocols, and train your team regularly to ensure a swift, unified response when needed.

Resources Mentioned:

• Kathryn LeBlanc's Communications Consulting Firm
• Downloadable Communication Strategy Template

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Kathryn

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Support the Podcast:

Support these conversations by becoming a member here.

Next Episode Teaser:

Stay tuned for next week as we crack the code on starting a social enterprise with Quilen Blackwell!

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, Maria interviews Carmen Randolph, the CEO and President of the Women’s Foundation of the South (WFS). Carmen shares her insights into the unique challenges faced by nonprofits in the Southern United States, especially those led by and serving women and girls of color. The conversation covers the historical and systemic issues affecting philanthropy in the South, the growing legal challenges against organizations that prioritize marginalized communities, and the importance of trust-based philanthropy.

Carmen emphasizes the need for Southern nonprofits to diversify their funding sources, engage in proactive donor education, and prepare for potential legal challenges in the wake of recent shifts in U.S. policy and law.

Key Topics:

• Legal Challenges and Affirmative Action: Carmen discusses recent lawsuits targeting organizations that focus on racial equity, particularly those led by people of color, and the importance of legal preparedness for nonprofits in this new landscape.
• Philanthropy in the Southern U.S.: Learn about the unique challenges faced by Southern nonprofits, including underfunding, systemic racism, and the impact of the region's historical context on philanthropic efforts.
• Donor Education and Engagement: Explore how nonprofits can engage donors proactively in the face of increasing legal and political challenges, ensuring continued support for marginalized communities.

Quotable Moments:

• "Women and girls of color receive the smallest share of philanthropic investment in the U.S., and we are seeking to change that trend."

Actionable Tips:

➜ Engage in Legal Preparedness: Nonprofits should conduct legal reviews of their operations and documents to prepare for potential lawsuits, especially those focused on racial equity.

➜ Proactively Educate Donors: Engage donors about the importance of continued support for marginalized communities and the potential challenges your organization may face due to shifting legal landscapes.

➜ Diversify Funding Streams: Look at your nonprofit's work through various lenses to attract funding from different sources.

Resources Mentioned:

• Women’s Foundation of the South Website
• Shift the South Report

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Carmen

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Support the Podcast:

Support these conversations by donating here.

Next Episode Teaser:

Join us next week as we dive into a conversation on effective communications with Kathryn LeBlanc! Don’t miss it!

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Key Episode Highlights:

• Trust-Based Philanthropy
• Challenging Outdated Norms
• Donor-Nonprofit Partnerships

Quotable Moments:

• "I believe in the nonprofits we fund. They know better than I do where the money needs to go."
• "We need to move away from this idea that nonprofit staff should be underpaid. It's time to invest in the people who make change happen."
• "If nonprofits across the country could standardize a percentage of donations for admin costs, it would be a game changer for the sector."

Actionable Tips:

➜ Include Admin Costs in Funding Requests: Nonprofits should automatically include a percentage for administrative expenses in donor agreements.

➜ Trust Grantees' Expertise: Funders should trust that nonprofits know best how to allocate resources and should avoid imposing restrictions that hinder their effectiveness.

➜ Educate Donors on Real Needs: Nonprofits should feel empowered to educate donors about the importance of funding operational costs and negotiate for the support they truly need.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Philanthropy Workshop
• "Uncharitable" by Dan Pallotta (Book and Film)

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Follow the The Sprott Foundation

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you.

Support the Podcast:

Consider supporting the podcast by subscribing here.

Don’t forget to become a supporter of our show!

Watch this episode on Youtube.

Next Episode Teaser:

Join us next week as we discuss systemic change and the effects of whitelash with Carmen Randolph. Don’t miss it!

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In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria sits down with Roz Zavras, founder of the Center for Community Collaboration (C3) and CEO of Aropa Consulting. Roz shares her unique approach to supporting community-based nonprofits, particularly those led by people of colour or individuals with lived experience.

Through C3, Roz is finding innovative ways to foster collaboration, provide essential services, and break down the silos that often hinder nonprofits from achieving their full potential. She talks about collaborative fundraising events and sharing HR or bookkeeping services.

Key Topics:

• The Vision Behind C3
• Collaborative Fundraising Events
• Building Trust Among Nonprofits
• Shared Services Model

Quotable Moments:

• “The feedback that I get from small nonprofits is often, how do I build a donor list? How do I find donors that are interested in my work? If we have six organizations together, pooling their lists and pooling their networks, you're going to naturally grow your donor list.”
• "Let's work together, have fun together, and share our donors, share the revenue, and share the work."
• "Trust-building starts with one step. It’s all about taking that first step towards collaboration and partnership."

Actionable Tips:

1. Leverage Collaboration for Greater Impact
   • Consider partnering with other nonprofits on fundraising events or shared services to maximize resources and reduce costs. Start small with a joint project to build trust and rapport.
2. Focus on Donor Education
   • Educate your donors about the benefits of supporting a collaborative, community-based approach. Highlight how their contributions can drive systemic change by supporting multiple organizations with aligned missions.
3. Embrace an Abundance Mindset
   • Shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. Trust that collaborating with others can lead to greater impact and stronger communities, rather than diminishing your own resources.

Resources Mentioned:

• Center for Community Collaboration Website
• Community-Centric Fundraising Principles

Connect with Us:

• Connect with Maria
• Connect with Roz
• Center for Community Collaboration LinkTree

Subscribe and Review:

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Small Nonprofit on YouTube, and leave us a review. Your feedback helps us create better content and reach more listeners like you. Watch this episode on YouTube.

Support the Podcast:

Consider supporting the podcast by subscribing here.

Next Episode Teaser:

Join us next week as we dive into the world of trust-based philanthropy with Juliana Sprott, another member of The Sprott Foundation. Don’t miss it!

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