Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits

Welcome to The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits!

Are you ready to build your nonprofit on a rock-solid foundation and create lasting impact? Join your host, Matt Stockman, in each episode as we dive deep into the 6 key areas essential for nonprofit success: Leadership, Fundraising, Marketing, Programs and Services, Operations, and Finances.

In today's episode, we're spotlighting a crucial element of nonprofit fundraising: Step 3 of the Fearless Fundraising Framework – The Ask. We'll explore how to effectively turn your compelling words about the problem your nonprofit solves and the impact you make into concrete action and financial partnership.

Let's Review the Fearless Fundraising Framework:

• Step #1: The Problem – Be specific and unique about the issue your nonprofit tackles.
• Step #2: The Solution – Position the impact of your work as the solution, making the potential giver the hero.
• Step #3: The Ask – Turning your passion into a clear invitation for financial support (that's what we're focusing on today!).
• Step #4: (Spoiler alert! This is coming up in our next episode!)
• Step #5: (2 weeks from today)

Mastering The Ask: Turning Words into Action for Your Nonprofit

Many passionate nonprofit leaders excel at describing the problems they address and the solutions they offer. However, the crucial step of asking for financial support can often feel challenging.

Before we dive into specifics, I highly recommend "A Spirituality Of Fundraising" by Henri Nouwen. This insightful book provides a foundational understanding of the biblical principles behind people coming together to support meaningful work and helps build confidence in inviting others into your mission.

As a nonprofit coach, I often emphasize the importance of shifting your mindset around fundraising. Remember from our previous episodes, the goal of outlining the problem and solution is to position your prospect as the hero, with your nonprofit serving as the guide.

When it comes to The Ask, this dynamic remains. You are connecting the "hero" (the potential giver) with the impact their financial gift will have on someone's life. It's about partnership, not just a transaction.

Key Differences: Relational Giving vs. Transactional Giving

• Transactional Giving: Asking for resources so that you can go do something.
• Relational Giving: Inviting people to partner with you so that together, the work gets done through your nonprofit. People are excited to create impact stories through relationships!

By allowing this mindset to take root, you'll become clearer and more dynamic in inviting others into partnership with your nonprofit. For faith-based nonprofits, this perspective can also shift the responsibility for funding, reducing the personal sting of a "no."

Key Points for Making a Clear and Effective Fundraising Ask:

• Be Clear About Your Needs and the Impact of Their Gift: The more directly the gift is tied to the problem and solution, the better.
  • Example: Instead of a vague "donate what you can," try: "The monthly cost of care for one resident is $3000. Could you commit to $100 a month to cover a day of care?"
• Put Yourself in the Potential Partner's Shoes: Wouldn't you want to know exactly how your contribution will help? Clarity removes the guesswork and frustration.
• Don't Offer Too Many Options: Stick to 1-2 clear giving options, and definitely no more than 3.
• Tailor Your Ask to the Situation: An email campaign will differ significantly from a face-to-face meeting with a major donor. Do your homework!

Key Takeaways for Fearless Nonprofit Fundraising:

1. Fundraising is about relationship and partnership. You and your financial supporters play equally important roles in achieving your nonprofit's mission. This mindset prevents fundraising from becoming a mere transaction.
2. Present your need with clarity and offer 1-2 specific suggestions for partnership. Avoid vague language like "whatever you can do would be great."

Need Help with Your Nonprofit's Fundraising Ask?

If you have questions or need help articulating your fundraising ask, don't hesitate to reach out via email. I'm here to support you...

Podcast Show Notes: The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small and Growing Nonprofits

Episode Title: Fearless Fundraising Step #4: Creating Urgency - Compelling Action Now!

Episode Summary:

Welcome to another impactful episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast! In this episode, host Matt Stockman dives deep into Step 4 of the Fearless Fundraising Framework: Creating Urgency. Learn how to inspire potential donors to make a financial gift now rather than later, maximizing your fundraising efforts and achieving greater nonprofit impact. This episode provides actionable strategies, real-world examples, and proven techniques to help your startup nonprofit or growing organization build a strong financial foundation. If you're struggling with donor engagement or want to improve your fundraising strategy, this episode is a must-listen for nonprofit founders, development directors, and anyone involved in nonprofit funding.

Key Takeaways from this Episode:

• The Power of Urgency in Nonprofit Fundraising: Discover why creating a sense of urgency is crucial for converting interest into immediate financial support for your charitable organization.
• Fearless Fundraising Framework Recap: Matt reviews the first three steps:
  • Step 1: The Problem: Clearly define the specific and unique problem your nonprofit organization addresses.
  • Step 2: The Solution: Position the potential giver as the hero who creates impact through their generosity.
  • Step 3: The Ask: Guide donors to take action by making a financial gift.
• Tactics for Creating Urgency:
  • Built-in Urgency: Understand how certain nonprofit missions (e.g., medical care, human trafficking) naturally possess urgency.
  • Strategic Urgency for Less Obvious Causes: Learn techniques for fundraising for faith-based organizations or those with less immediate needs.
  • Matching Gifts: Leverage major donor contributions to create dollar-for-dollar matches, incentivizing immediate giving.
  • Positive Peer Pressure: Highlight increasing monthly giving trends to encourage participation.
  • Optimized Communication: Utilize multiple "GIVE" buttons in email campaigns and strong calls to action on your nonprofit website.
  • Impact-Driven Urgency: Reiterate the impact of donations by connecting gifts back to the problem and solution, making the donor feel essential to the outcome.
  • Storytelling for Urgency: Share compelling stories of individual impact and clear progress updates on fundraising goals to motivate action (e.g., student outreach, humanitarian accounting).
  • Sprint Campaigns: Frame short, time-bound fundraising campaigns around specific, achievable goals (e.g., "Building Bridges" outreach, emergency transportation, winter coat drive).
  • Time-Sensitive Opportunities: Identify and communicate immediate needs within your community outreach or charitable programs.
• Why Urgency Matters: Without it, potential partners may become informed but not compelled to give, leading to missed funding opportunities. The moment of connection is when commitment is most likely to occur.

Resources Mentioned in this Episode:

• FREE Mini-Course: Fearless Fundraising Framework: Struggling with nonprofit fundraising? Get a free PDF workbook and 5 short videos that walk you through the 5 core steps of the Fearless Fundraising Framework. Clarify your messaging and grow your confidence to ask for financial partnerships.
  • Get the Free Course: Visit nonprofitlaunchplan.com
• Book a Free Consultation with Matt Stockman: Have a specific nonprofit challenge or question? Book a no-pressure, no-obligation "get to know you" chat to discuss your situation and receive personalized recommendations. Contact | Nonprofit Launch Plan

Don't forget to subscribe to "The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast" for more essential insights on building and growing a successful nonprofit...

As a nonprofit leader, do you struggle to articulate your organization's core purpose in a way that inspires support and drives impact? Effective nonprofit leadership starts with absolute clarity on the problem you exist to solve. Many nonprofits falter because their core problem statement is too broad or just not clear.

In this episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast, host Matt Stockman guides nonprofit founders, executive directors, and emerging leaders through the critical first step of the Fearless Fundraising Framework: getting crystal clear and specific about the exact problem your nonprofit exists to solve. This is a cornerstone of effective nonprofit strategy and mission clarity.

Discover why vague statements undermine your goals and learn how specificity is key for nonprofit leaders connecting with donors, volunteers, and partners. Matt shares actionable leadership insights and real-world examples to help your team refine this critical piece of your organizational development. Understand how mastering this step clarifies your nonprofit vision, strengthens all messaging – from website copy to grant proposals – and is essential for sustainable nonprofit success, particularly in fundraising.

🎧 Listen to the full audio episode:

• Apple Podcasts: Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2qPU5v8icpcQIEMyPhjEOn?si=6c1edf0551d44498
• Transistor: https://nonprofitlaunchplan.transistor.fm/

🎁 FREE RESOURCE MENTIONED: Struggling with fundraising? Grab the Fearless Fundraising Framework Mini-Course (5 short videos + workbook): https://www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com/#minicourse

CONNECT WITH US:

• Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan

ABOUT THE PODCAST: The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build on a strong foundation. Host Matt Stockman provides frameworks, tools, and guidance across 6 key areas (Leadership, Fundraising, Marketing, Programs, Operations, Finances) to help you create lasting community impact.

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Since you are launching or leading a small nonprofit, you know the feeling of being overwhelmed by fundraising, marketing, operations, and everything in between. You’re not alone—and you’re in the right place!

The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast is here to help you build a strong foundation and grow with confidence. Hosted by Matt Stockman, a nonprofit growth coach specializing in small and startup organizations, this show breaks down the six core frameworks every nonprofit needs to thrive:

✅ Leadership – Casting a clear vision and building the right team.
✅ Fundraising – Raising the financial support you need to grow.
✅ Marketing – Telling your story in a way that moves people to action.
✅ Programs & Services – Creating real impact through your work.
✅ Operations – The systems and processes that keep things running smoothly.
✅ Finances – Managing your money wisely for long-term success.

Each episode will bring you practical strategies, expert insights, and real-world advice to help you launch, grow, and sustain your nonprofit.

🎧 Hit subscribe now so you never miss an episode!

📩 Let’s connect! [email protected]
👉 Grab our free 5 video Fearless Fundraising Mini-Course here! https://www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com/#minicourse

#nonprofit #fundraising #nonprofitleadership #smallnonprofits #nonprofitstartup

Struggling to grow your nonprofit's support network beyond your initial circle of friends and family? 🤔 This episode of The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast is packed with practical strategies to help you build the robust connections your mission needs – without the awkwardness or a huge marketing budget!

So you've shared your vision... but then what? Host Matt Stockman tackles this common challenge for startup, small, and growing nonprofits. Discover how to strategically expand your reach to find not just donors, but also volunteers, advocates, resources, and crucial moral support. Learn how to move beyond hoping people find you, and start actively building a network that fuels your impact.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Timing is Everything: When and how to ask for connections effectively (plus the power of specific requests).
• Re-engage Past Champions: Simple ways to reconnect with former supporters (donors, volunteers, beneficiaries!) and turn them into network advocates.
• The 'Super Connector' Secret: How to identify, nurture, and empower people who naturally love connecting others to your cause.

Listen now for tangible steps you can take this week to build authentic relationships and make it easy for people who believe in your mission to share it with others.

🎧 Listen to the full audio episode:

• Apple Podcasts: Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits - Podcast - Apple Podcasts
• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2qPU5v8icpcQIEMyPhjEOn?si=6c1edf0551d44498
• Transistor: https://nonprofitlaunchplan.transistor.fm/

🎁 FREE RESOURCE MENTIONED: Struggling with fundraising? Grab the Fearless Fundraising Framework Mini-Course (5 short videos + workbook): https://www.nonprofitlaunchplan.com/#minicourse

CONNECT WITH US:

• Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan

ABOUT THE PODCAST: The Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast helps startup, small, and growing nonprofits build on a strong foundation. Host Matt Stockman provides frameworks, tools, and guidance across 6 key areas (Leadership, Fundraising, Marketing, Programs, Operations, Finances) to help you create lasting community impact.

👍 Enjoyed this episode?

• LIKE this video!
• SUBSCRIBE to the channel for more nonprofit tips!
• COMMENT below with your biggest networking challenge!

#Nonprofit #NonprofitNetworking #Fundraising #NonprofitLeadership #StartupNonprofit #SmallNonprofit #SupportNetwork #NonprofitGrowth #Podcast #MattStockman #NonprofitLaunchPlan