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

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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

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

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#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/

In this episode, we're diving into event sponsorships and their immense potential for nonprofit fundraising. Joining me is Mariah Monique, an expert in event sponsorship strategies, to share actionable insights on:

- Why sponsorships are a game-changer for nonprofits.

- How to create long-lasting partnerships with sponsors.

- Strategies to maximize sponsor engagement and ROI.

- Innovative sponsorship ideas to stand out and attract local businesses.

- How to align sponsors with your nonprofit’s mission and goals.

Whether you're a small nonprofit just getting started or an established organization seeking new revenue streams, this episode is packed with strategies to elevate your events and impact. Discover how to leverage sponsorships to build relationships, secure unrestricted funds, and create unforgettable experiences for your community.

Need help with event sponsorships? Mariah is here to help!

https://www.thesponsorshipcatalyst.com/

Connect with Mariah - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thesponsorshipcatalyst/

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

Today we are uncovering how nonprofits can achieve long-term sustainability with insights from Wendie Veloz, a social impact expert with over 15 years of experience. Wendie introduces her proven 9-dimension sustainability model, packed with actionable strategies to help your nonprofit thrive.

What You'll Learn:

- How to identify and stop ineffective programs while maximizing impact.

- Why leadership development and teamwork are crucial for sustainability.

- How to diversify funding streams for financial resilience.

- Why engaging community voices strengthens your mission.

- Step-by-step guidance for evaluating and refining nonprofit strategies.

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

Connect with Wendie - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendieveloz/

Check out Wendie's Website! - https://wendieveloz.com/

We are exploring the power of messaging and storytelling for nonprofit growth with Blake Benton, founder of Coming Together for a Cure.

Learn how to craft authentic, compelling narratives that resonate with donors, volunteers, and the communities you serve. Discover practical tips for simplifying complex topics, tailoring your message to diverse audiences, and empowering your team to share impactful stories.

Blake also gives us an exclusive look at his upcoming documentary, The Sunshine Dreamer, and shares his journey of advancing stem cell therapy to change lives.

Tune in for inspiration and actionable insights that will elevate your nonprofit's messaging and impact.

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

Connect with Blake - https://www.linkedin.com/in/blake-benton/

Learn more about Coming Together for a Cure - https://www.ctfac.org/

In this episode of The Million Dollar Nonprofit Podcast, Tom Kelly is joined by Kerri Mollard, CEO of Mollard Consulting, LLC, to explore the often misunderstood role of nonprofit boards in fundraising.

Discover:

• The key differences between board giving and board fundraising.
• How to achieve 100% board participation without the pressure of direct solicitation.
• Practical tips for building a culture of giving and engagement.
• Innovative ways to measure board success and track impact.
• Strategies to turn board members into donors, doers, and door-openers.

Kerri shares actionable steps to help your board engage authentically, thank donors effectively, and build meaningful relationships that drive fundraising success. Whether you're a nonprofit leader or board member, this episode is packed with insights to elevate your fundraising game.

Connect with Kerri - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kerrimollard/

Check out her consulting business - https://mollardconsulting.com/

Join Tom Kelly and email marketing expert Kristi Scott as they explore the ins and outs of email fundraising for nonprofits. Discover why email remains one of the most effective ways to engage donors and learn how a well-crafted donor welcome sequence can build loyalty from the very first interaction.

From planning your email sequence to understanding what makes a welcome email powerful, Christy shares actionable insights tailored to nonprofits of all sizes. Find out why frequent, purposeful emails are critical—even for small nonprofits—and get tips on measuring the success of your email campaigns.

Plus, Kristi is offering a free three-part email sequence template for all listeners! Whether you're just starting or looking to improve your email strategy, this episode is packed with practical tips to elevate your nonprofit's donor engagement and retention.

🔗 Free Resource: Download email templates for donor welcome sequences https://kscott.link/newdonor

Connect with Kristi- https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristipscott/

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