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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

In this episode ofThe Small Nonprofit, Maria welcomes Juliana Sprott, Chief Giving Officer of the Sprott Foundation. Juliana shares her journey from sports broadcasting to leading a major family foundation in Canada.

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.

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit, Maria welcomes Vu Le, a prominent voice in the nonprofit sector and the writer behind the influential blog Nonprofit AF. Known for his humor and sharp insights, Vu discusses his journey from “aspiring to be a doctor” to becoming a leader in community-centric fundraising and nonprofit advocacy.

He shares his thoughts on the systemic issues within traditional fundraising practices, the importance of ethical storytelling, and the need for nonprofits to engage in advocacy for systemic change. Vu's unique perspective and unwavering commitment to equity and justice provide invaluable lessons for anyone involved in the nonprofit sector.

How can we shift power dynamics in philanthropy and create more equitable partnerships between funders and nonprofits?

In this episode of The Small Nonprofit Podcast, I chat with Megan Lorius, the Managing Director at the Sprott Foundation, a Toronto-based foundation that grants funds to organizations seeking to solve hunger and homelessness.

We dive into the principles of trust-based philanthropy and how the Sprott Foundation, as a funder, applies them to build strong, equitable relationships with grantees. Megan shares valuable insights and advice for both funders and fundraisers on how to create a more collaborative and impactful philanthropic landscape.