I sit down with Amy Varga of The Varga Group to dive into the Nonprofit Life Cycle Framework—a powerful tool for understanding the predictable stages of growth every nonprofit experiences. Whether you're leading a startup organization or managing a mature nonprofit, Amy explains how this framework helps organizations overcome challenges, strategically scale, and build capacity at every stage.

Learn actionable insights like:

- What the Nonprofit Life Cycle Framework is and why it’s crucial for growth.

- The unique challenges and priorities at each stage: startup, growth, maturity, and decline.

- How smaller nonprofits can outshine larger ones with high-touch donor stewardship.

- Why diversifying revenue streams is essential for scaling beyond grassroots fundraising.

- Practical tips to align your fundraising plan with your nonprofit's current stage.

The Varga Group consultants are experts in capital campaigns, fundraising training, retreat facilitation and leadership coaching. Check them out https://thevargagroup.com/

Connect with Amy Varga on LinkedIn for more insights - https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyvarga/

Nonprofit Organizational Life Cycles White Paper - https://thevargagroup.com/2020/04/25/nonprofit-organizational-life-cycles-white-paper/

#NonprofitGrowth #FundraisingTips #Leadership #ScalingNonprofits

Want to bring Tom to your next event? Contact us at: hello@realtomkelly.com

🔔 Subscribe for weekly episodes on nonprofit growth, leadership, and fundraising success.

About Our Channel

Our channel is dedicated to providing nonprofits with the tools and strategies they need to thrive. From fundraising tactics to donor engagement tips, we cover everything you need to grow your impact.

Check out our channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@realtomkelly

About Our Products & Company

We offer comprehensive solutions designed to help nonprofits maximize their impact and streamline their operations. Learn more about our products and services:

FIND US AT

https://realtomkelly.com/

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL

Stay connected and get the latest updates on our social media channels!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realtomkelly

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realtomkelly

#NonprofitGrowth #FundraisingTips #Leadership #ScalingNonprofits

Today, I sat down with Emily to explore the art and strategy behind crafting a compelling Case for Support—a powerful tool to formalize your nonprofit's storytelling, align your team, and elevate your fundraising efforts.

Together, we discuss how to transform founder stories into scalable narratives, build consistency across your organization, and create lasting donor connections.

Topics covered:

- The difference between storytelling and a Case for Support

- The 5 key elements every nonprofit needs to include

- How to gather impactful data and testimonials

- Tips for nonprofits in growth phases to level up

Links & Resources:

Want help directly from Emily? Check out teenyBIG - https://www.teenybig.com/

Connect with Emily - https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-taylor-teenybig/

Connect with Tom - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkelly5/

Emily's free resource - https://mailchi.mp/teenybig/strengthenstories

Want to bring Tom to your next event? Contact us at: hello@realtomkelly.com

In this episode, Jessica , Founder & CEO @ One Degree Impact, shares expert insights on how to know if your nonprofit is truly ready to apply for grants. Grants can be a powerful tool for funding, but they come with challenges many organizations overlook.

Key Takeaways:

- Why grants aren’t “free money” and what it really takes to secure them.

- The essential systems, financials, and team structure nonprofits need to have in place.

- Examples of grants that aren’t worth the effort (and why!).

- How relationship-building with funders leads to long-term grant success.

- Tips for small nonprofits: Which grants are “low-hanging fruit” to start with?

Who Should Watch:

- Small and mid-sized nonprofits looking to scale.

- Nonprofit leaders wondering if grants are the right funding strategy.

- Anyone struggling with grant applications and reporting requirements.

Jessica’s expertise comes from over a decade of helping nonprofits navigate the grant landscape. Whether you’re just starting out or want to improve your grant-seeking strategy, this episode provides actionable advice to help you build a foundation for success.

Connect with Jessica - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-merrell/

Connect with Tom - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkelly5/

Find more about One Degree Impact - https://onedegreeimpact.com/