Small But Mighty Podcast for Non-Profits

How can small charities weather tough economic times using 'value for money' principles? In this episode Bianca chats to UK researchers Dr Carl Evans and Dr Nigel Jackson from Plymouth University about their two research projects focussing on small charities. Dr Evans has led two studies - 'Value-for-money and the small charity' and 'UK charities and the current economic situation: Embracing value-for-money (VFM) in order to survive.' Episode highlights: 10 mins - Value-for-money theory and the 'Three E's 11.30 mins - What charities think value-for-money actually is 12 mins - Why value-for-money is so important for small charities 15.20 mins - The research results and the economic impact on UK charities, and similarities with Australia. 25.40 mins - How small charities can adapt to change and economic challenges 26.23 mins - Why innovation is important 27 mins - Collaboration between small charities 37.16 mins - How small charities can practically adopt a value-for-money approach 41.45 mins - Tips for leaders of small charities wanting to create a culture of value-for-money 49.54 mins - What Dr Evans and Dr Jackson think Small But Mighty can mean for small charities For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

It's time to bust some non-profit myths! In this episode, Bianca and Kirsty bust four commonly-held myths about small charities in 2024, covering topics such as how small charities handle finances, whether they should use bequests, social media misconceptions and myths about video for charity marketing. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

In a post-Covid world, where events and community fundraising has become less reliable and much more challenging. More and more charities are shifting their focus up the donor pyramid a little to major donors. In this episode, Bianca breaks down The Circle of Giving and the six key steps in the process of the move management protocols for major donors. Resources mentioned in this episode can be found here. Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Small But Mighty is back for a sixth season! In this opening episode, hosts Bianca and Kirsty share key trends small non-profits need to be aware of in 2024. With economic and cost of living pressures being seen globally, it's more important than ever for small charities to work smarter and not harder. Episode highlights include: 2:53 mins - The importance of relationships & collaboration between small non-profits and charities 8:39 mins - Changes in determining the success of your non-profit's email marketing 13:29 mins - Why strengthening your donor relationships is more important than ever during the cost-of-living crisis 17:45 mins - Why you need to use video on social media in 2024 21:28 mins - The impact of AI in the small non-profit space For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Australian fundraising legend Peter Dalton joins Bianca to talk about his latest book, Giving Hope: The Journey of the For-Purpose Organisation and Its Quest for Success. Peter tackles a set of six fundraising dilemmas, and explains to Bianca how small non-profits can overcome them. Peter has been a huge influence in the Australian non-profit sector, with more than 30 years experience in working in fundraising. Among many well known campaigns in Australia and globally, he lead the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Centre campaign for the Austin Hospital in Melbourne. You can buy Peter's book here: https://www.amazon.com.au/Giving-Hope-Journey-Purpose-Organisation/dp/9811361444 Episode highlights: 5.40 mins – strengths of small charities – major gifts and major donors – a different approach for start-ups/small charities - the most cost effective way of starting funding. 7.15 mins - why a case for support is so important and tips of what is essential for a good one 8.15 mins – how to target a major single donor 11.10 mins – What Giving Hope is all about for for-purpose organisations 18.20 mins – the six fundraising dilemmas and what they mean for small non-profits - The cost ratio dilemma 23.20 mins - the tied funding dilemma 28.20 mins – the product vs misery vs hope dilemma For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

In our charity world, ‘overheads’ is a blanket term for any expenses a non-profit has, that aren’t program costs. In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca shares why there's often too much emphasis on the issue of overhead expenses, why it's a mistake to use it to measure a charity's efficiency, what non-profits can do to educate donors. The study mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/345485033_Is_Overhead_A_Tainted_Word_A_Survey_Experiment_Exploring_Framing_Effects_of_Nonprofit_Overhead_on_Donor_Decision Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

It's time to bust some non-profit myths! In this episode, Bianca and Kirsty bust four commonly-held myths about small organisations in the non-profit sector in 2022, including whether fundraising is trending down, if social media still works for non-profits anymore, high donor fatigue rates, and how many social media platforms you really need to be on. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the grants and funding landscape for non-profits. In this episode, Bianca talks to grants expert, Lindy Fentiman from Strategic Grants about new trends in grants landscape and how small non-profits can better communicate their impact to funders. 11 mins - Advice for small charities on how to communicate their impact to funders 13 mins - Why a non-profit's key messages are so important 20 mins - Three tips for how small charities can become grant-ready The GEM Local program discount mentioned in this episode can be found here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/member-benefits/strategic-grants-exclusive-member-offer/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

With so many recent changes on the Meta platforms – Facebook and Instagram – social media can be a discouraging space for small non-profits right now. In this episode of Short Stuff, Kirsty shares why Instagram can still work for small charities and the three areas to focus on. Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Creating social change is a goal of many small non-profits. but it's not an easy task. In this episode, Kirsty chats to Rhen Soggee, Executive Director and Co-CEO of ActNow Theatre, a socially conscious theatre company in Adelaide that's been a grassroots organisation for 14 years. Rhen shares insights into how ActNow uses the arts and theatre to educate and inform on issues such a racism, gender and cultural diversity, and domestic violence. Rhen also explains why it's important for small non-profit to take risks in the work they do, and the importance of diversity in non-profit leadership. You can learn more about ActNow's work here: https://www.actnowtheatre.org.au/home ActNow Theatre is a member of the Small Non-Profits Alliance. Learn about our free membership here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

An annual supporter survey is a great way to check in with your donor base each year. It gives non-profits an opportunity to connect and learn more about donors, both as individuals and collectively. In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca shares a few simple points to remember when creating a donor survey, including technical tips and example questions. The resources mentioned in this survey can be found here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/2022/02/14/donor-survey-sample-questions-downloadable-resource/ Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

2021 was a challenging year for many small charities, particularly for digital and peer-to-peer fundraising. Peer-to-peer fundraising events were heavily affected during covid lockdowns, but virtual events have proved very successful for some charities able to pivot quickly. So, in this episode Bianca chats to social entrepreneur and digital fundraising expert Tania Burstin, about digital fundraising advice and trends for small charities in 2022. Tania is the founder of mycause.com.au – Australia’s leading online fundraising platform. mycause.com.au has 6000 charity partners and has raised more than $140M for charities and Australian community groups. Tania shares insights into digital fundraising trends for 2022, and advice for small charities including: - Key mistakes in digital fundraising - How to engage major donors - Why getting marketing right is so important mycause.com.au is a Service Partner of the Small Non-Profits Alliance. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

What a rollercoaster of challenges 2021 has been for small non-profits! It's also been a year where small non-profits have shown themselves to be small but mighty: adapting to challenges, succeeding during a global pandemic, and embracing the digital world. In the final episode for 2021 Bianca and Kirsty share their highlights for small non-profits in 2021, from a new focus on donor engagement, and a shift towards instagram for many small non-profits to build awareness and community. Bianca and Kirsty also share advice for small non-profits in 2022, including the essential skills and resources to remain nimble and adaptable into the new year. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Social media is an important part of every small non-profit’s digital arsenal, but often leaders of small organisations can find it hard to make time to engage on social media. In this episode of Short Stuff, social media specialist & Co-Founder of the Small Non-Profits Alliance, Kirsty Wallett, shares three easy ways you can engage with your supporters on social media as a non-profit leader. Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Small charities are often more in touch with their donors than larger charities, and starting out in their fundraising efforts can be challenging on many fronts. So, what can small charities do to ensure they are acting ethically? In this episode Bianca chats to Katherine Raskob, the CEO of Fundraising Institute Australia (FIA) - the professional fundraising body in Australia - about the FIA Code and the importance of ethics in best-practice fundraising. Katherine has a wealth of experience as a charity board director and leader, and shares her advice for how small non-profits can act ethically and professionally when fundraising. The FIA Code and information on the FIA's course can be found here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/2021/11/02/what-is-the-fia-fundraising-code/ Listening notes; 13 mins - Why transparency in fundraising is important 14.30 mins - Why it costs money to raise money & how to explain that to donors 22.15 mins - The FIA Code and ethical data practices with donors 23.30 mins - How the Code advises on supply chain practices for small charities 24.30 mins - FIA Code Course 26.16 mins - Advice to directors of small charities on ethics in fundraising For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

When we're working tirelessly in the for-purpose space, it's important to find inspiration and hope from other sources In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca Crocker shares four books that are essential reads for non-profit leaders. Content note: this episode was recorded before the passing of author and holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku, mentioned in this episode. Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Dr Chrisanta Muli's grandmother didn't get past grade two in school. So her mother was raised her with a determination to ensure her daughter and granddaughter didn't suffer the same fate. Fast forward to her generation and Chrisanta is a feminist academic, gender justice expert, and the CEO of One Girl, a small but mighty international development organisation doing big things to educate girls all over the globe. In this episode Bianca chats to Chrisanta about her journey as an African woman, her experience in challenging the norms of the international development sector and the fundraising and programs success of One Girl. This October One Girl celebrates ten years of the organisation's flagship fundraising campaign Do it in a Dress, which has raised more than $4million to educate girls in Sierra Leone and Uganda. Chrisanta shares tips on their fundraising success and why communicating is so important in inspiring the support of young people. You can find out more about the Do it in a Dress campaign here: https://www.onegirl.org.au/event/do-it-in-a-dress-2021 For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

It's time to bust some non-profit myths! In this episode Bianca and Kirsty bust four commonly-held myths about small organisations in the non-profit sector, covering contentious topics like whether charities should make a profit, operating without a website and if non-profits should really have paid staff. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Prue Ingram began her career as a speech pathologist. Fast forward 20 years and Prue is an experienced CEO and leader in the non-profit sector, leading international development organisation, Assisi Aid. Prue shares her leadership journey with Bianca, from her experience across the international development space and her tips for the challenging nature of leadership in the small non-profit sector, particularly during COVID-19 and working virtually. Prue and Assisi Aid are members of the Small Non-Profits Alliance. Learn about our free membership here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ Listening highlights: 13.30 mins - Tips on managing relationships and workloads as a leader 17.40 mins - How to balance being part-time and staying connected as a non-profit leader 23.50 mins - Prue's number one tip for leaders of small charities 25.35 mins - What being 'Small but Mighty' means to Prue and Assisi Aid For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.

Just because you’re a small charity, doesn’t mean you should exclude major donors from your fundraising strategy. In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca explains why some philanthropists prefer to give to a smaller charity and what make major donors tick, so you can better engage and inspire your biggest supporters. Our Small But Mighty 'Short Stuff' episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes. For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ For more resources created specifically for small non-profits join the Small Non-Profits Alliance for FREE here: https://smallnonprofits.com.au/membership-account/membership-levels/ You can also connect with the Alliance on Facebook and Instagram.