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One of Australia’s most popular non-profit podcasts*
Latest episode
Episode 53 – Giving Hope: Solving fundraising dilemmas for small charities
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 has been a huge influence in the Australian non-profit sector, with more than 30 years experience in working in fundraising.
He tackles a set of six fundraising dilemmas, and explains to Bianca how small non-profits can overcome them.
Among many well known campaigns in Australia and globally, he lead the Olivia Newton-John Wellness Centre campaign for the Austin Hospital in Melbourne.
Recent episodes
Episode 52 – Short Stuff: Busting the Overhead Myth
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.
Our Small But Mighty ‘Short Stuff’ episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes.
Episode 51 – Non-Profit Myth Busters: 2022 fundraising & social media trends
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.
Episode 50 – How small charities can be grant-ready
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.
Episode 49 – Why Instagram still works for non-profits
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.
Episode 48 – Creating social change through a non-profit
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 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.
Episode 47 – Short Stuff: Donor Survey Basics
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.
Our Small But Mighty ‘Short Stuff’ episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes.
Episode 46 – Digital Fundraising Trends in 2022
2021 was a challenging year for many small charities, particularly for digital and 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.
Episode 45 – 2021 Highlights & Advice for Small Non-Profits
What a rollercoaster of challenges 2021 has been for small non-profits!
In the final episode of the year, 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.
Episode 44 – Short Stuff: 3 Social Media Tips for Leaders of Non-Profits
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, 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.
Episode 43 – Ethics in Fundraising for small charities
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.
Episode 42 – Short Stuff: 4 books for non-profit leaders
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.
Our Small But Mighty ‘Short Stuff’ episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes.
Episode 41 – Doing it in a Dress: Feminism & educating girls in Africa
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, including ten years of their successful Do it in a Dress campaign.
Episode 40 – Non-Profit Myth Busters: Common myths about small organisations
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.
Episode 39 – Leadership learnings for small non-profits
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.
Episode 38 – Short Stuff: Moving Major Donors
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.
Episode 37 – Creating major change as a small non-profit: Sonya Ryan
Sonya Ryan dedicates herself to promoting internet safety for children and teenagers through the Carly Ryan Foundation, established in memory of her daughter Carly, who was murdered by an online predator posing as a teenage boy, 14 years ago.
Sonya has worked tirelessly in her small charity to influence some mighty changes of Australian legislation to better protect young people on the internet. Her work has also made inroads of change in the UK and US.
Sonya shares her both devastating and inspiring story with Bianca, and provides inspiration and advice for those in the non-profit space striving to achieve major change and reform.
Episode 36 – Short Stuff: 5 Fundamentals of media coverage for non-profits
Getting positive media coverage for your cause is harder than ever, but with the right knowledge of news, getting positive PR for your organisation is something every small non-profit can achieve.
In this episode of Short Stuff Kirsty, a former journalist, shares her five fundamentals for gaining media coverage for your non-profit.
Our Small But Mighty ‘Short Stuff’ episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes.
Episode 35 – Working towards Reconciliation as a non-profit
As part of Reconciliation Week 2021 Bianca chats to proud Yugambeh man and community consultant Mark Watego, about how small non-profits can work towards reconciliation.
Episode 34 – Non-Profit Myth Busters: 4 Fundraising & Marketing Myths
It’s time to bust some non-profit myths!
In this episode Bianca and Kirsty bust four commonly-held myth within the non-profit sector, covering contentious topics like how often you should post on social media and the admin costs of running a charity.
Episode 33 – Short Stuff: 5 Must-Haves for Fundraising
A fundraising plan is one of the most important documents you’ll put together for your small non-profit.
In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca Crocker shares five must-haves for your small non-profit’s fundraising plan.
Our Small But Mighty ‘Short Stuff’ episodes are advice for small non-profit success, delivered in under five minutes.
Episode 32 – Turning Life Experience into a Non-Profit
Everyone feels a little lonely sometimes, right? Imagine being a new migrant to Australia and knowing no one, after having a full life with a professional job, a large family and friends back home.
Novela Corda experienced exactly that when she moved to Australia from Mumbai, India in 2015. So she decided to do something about it. She Co-Founded Key Into Australia with friend Maia 2019 after both women were inspired to support other migrant women in Australia in the same position as them.
In this episode Bianca chats to Novela about how her own personal experience inspired her to create a small non-profit, and the challenges and joys that went along with it.
Episode 31 – Short Stuff: 3 Digital Essentials for Small Charities
Your small non-profit’s digital presence has never been more important. It’s a way to ensure robustness in the ways you communicate, fundraise and basically do the good work you’re doing. The impact of COVID and recent issues with Facebook’s news content illustrate the dangers of having all your eggs in one digital basket.
In this episode of Short Stuff, Kirsty Wallett shares three digital tools that are essential for success in your small charity.
Episode 30 – Tips & inspiration for start-up non-profits: SAY Australia
Rich Stephens was in his 30s before he gave himself permission to stutter, now he’s the Founder of SAY Australia, a small non-profit inspiring and supporting Aussie kids living with a stutter.
Bianca chats to Rich about his experience establishing SAY Australia from the ground-up in Australia, after working with the organisation’s US version.
Episode 29 – Short Stuff: 3 tips for positive non-profit leaders
2020 was a challenging year for the non-profit sector and among the many lessons, was the importance of optimism and staying well. In the for-purpose space, we’re often under-resourced, have a never-ending to do list and the risk of burnout is very real.
In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca shares three tips for positive non-profit leadership; words of wisdom and advice for staying well and looking after your staff and supporters
Episode 28 – Two big lessons from 2020 for small non-profits
In the final episode for 2020 Bianca and Kirsty review the year that was, sharing two big lessons for small non-profits from the historic and challenging events of 2020.
It wasn’t all doom and gloom of course! It was a year of inspirational interviews with small non-profits founders and inspirational charity sector leaders.
Episode 27. From Small to Mighty: The success of Liz Dawes & RCD Foundation
In this episode, Bianca chats to Liz Dawes, Australian of the Year nominee, about the journey of losing her son to paediatric brain cancer. Hear how the Robert Connor Dawes Foundation went from being small and volunteer-run, to raising millions of dollars and how they reinvented fundraising events in a COVID-19 world.
Episode 26. Short Stuff: Giving Tuesday, simple, last minute ideas
Giving Tuesday 2020 is upon us! There’s still time to leverage this collective day of generosity for your small non-profit.
In this episode of Short Stuff, Kirsty shares 3 simple, last minute ideas to make the most of Giving Tuesday, this Tuesday 1 December, with fundraising or support for your organisation.
Episode 25. Starting a small non-profit: FurPetSake
Taking in stray animals is in Roshana Sultan’s blood. Growing up seeing her own parents volunteering, Roshana was inspired to found her own small non-profit two years ago. After spending a decade in leadership and admin roles at the University of NSW in Sydney, Roshana established FurPetSake, a small non-profit supporting animal organisations in Fiji, where her mum grew up.
Bianca chats to Roshana about about the journey of establishing her small charity, how her membership with the Small Non-Profits Alliance has helped her up-skill, grow the organisation and connect with others in the sector.
Episode 24. Short Stuff: The F-word & your board
A key ingredient to success in any non-profit is a good, well-functioning board. In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca shares four tips to banish your board’s fear of fundraising, a common problem facing many non-profits.
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/
Episode 23. Elliot Costello: A polished & passionate change maker
In this episode Bianca chats to Elliot Costello, the passionate Co-Founder and Director of YGAP, and the hugely successful Polished Man fundraising campaign to end violence against children.
Episode 22. The power of skilled online volunteering for non-profits
In this episode Bianca chats with Matt Boyd, the Founder of Vollie, a unique organisation helping non-profits with Skilled Online Volunteering.
Matt is passionate about volunteering for the digital age and shares his tips for making the most of skilled volunteers in your small non-profit, explains how to incentivise skilled volunteers, and how to keep your volunteers happy and engaged.
Episode 21. Short Stuff: 3 tips for better social media content
In this episode of Short Stuff, Kirsty shares three simple tips for improving your small non-profit’s social media content and growing engagement.
Small But Mighty’s Short Stuff is advice for small non-profit success, in under five minutes.
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Previous episodes
Join the Small Non-Profits Alliance team as they talk to some of the most inspiring and interesting personalities in the small non-profit community, and share advice and resources for small non-profit success.
Episode 1 – Meet the Small Non-Profits Alliance Team
In Episode #1 of Small But Mighty, the podcast for small charities, meet the team behind the Small Non-Profits Alliance, hear about the vision behind the creation of the Alliance and learn what’s coming up for members of the Alliance in June and July.
Alliance Founder Bianca chats to Small Non-Profits Co-Founder and Marketing Maven Kirsty Wallett of The K Franc Social, about the inspiration behind the Small Non-Profits Alliance, and why they are both passionate about supporting Australia’s small non-profits.
Episode 2 – Six fundraising & marketing tips for your small non-profit
Alliance Founder Bianca, and Founding Partner Kirsty share their top six tips for success for fundraising and marketing for your small non-profit. With a new financial year upon us, this advice is all about sharing straightforward ideas you can start implementing in your organisation tomorrow.
Episode 3 – A story of slow but steady growth: Foster Care Association of Victoria
In our August episode of Small But Mighty we talk to Katie Hooper, CEO of the Foster Care Association of Victoria, an organisation that has increased in size considerably over the past 10 years under Katie’s leadership. As she transitions out of the organisation, Katie reflects on the slow but steady approach they’ve had to purposeful growth.
Episode 4 – People power for animals: Farm Animal Rescue
In our September episode of Small But Mighty, we chat to Brad King, Founder of Farm Animal Rescue, a sanctuary for animals at Dayboro in Queensland. Brads shares with us how they turned a challenging situation with the government on its head, through perseverance, people power and staying true to their values.
Episode 5 – The power of social enterprise: St Kilda Gatehouse
In Episode 5 of Small but Mighty, we talk to Andie Patchett from St Kilda Gatehouse, who established a social enterprise to help build financial sustainability for this small non-profit.
Two years on, Andie shares with us the strength and power they’ve found in social enterprise, the lessons they’ve learnt and how community-led development has supported their success.
Episode 6 – Living for the moment, loving for a lifetime: HAS Foundation
Five years ago Ella Stratton and her husband lost their beautiful boy, Hunter, at age 12.
After a normal pregnancy and delivery, and at just eight weeks old, Hunter had his first seizure. The doctors were never able to clearly diagnose the cause of Hunter’s illness.
Ella’s heartbreaking experience with Hunter inspired her to develop the HAS Foundation, and after a successful first year supporting families with children experiencing life limiting illness, she is sharing her experience as a small but mighty organisation.
Episode 7 – Five tips to kickstart your small non-profit in 2020
In our last episode for 2019, Alliance Founder Bianca, and Founding Partner, Kirsty, share their Top 5 Tips to Kickstart your small non-profit in 2020. From fundraising to marketing and wellness, start 2020 off on the right foot for your small charity.
Episode 8 – The tragedy and generosity of the Australian bushfire crisis
With such a devastating start to 2020 for so many Australians, Bianca and Kirsty discuss the bushfire crisis, the important role of small charities and the impact on the charity sector.
A thank you to volunteers and a reflection on the still-developing crisis, Bianca and Kirsty talk about the huge success of online and Facebook fundraising campaigns, issues around funding and philanthropy, and what it all means for the sector going forward.
Episode 9 – The Little Mouse that Roared – Lolly Jar Circus Inc
Alliance Founder, Bianca, chats with Judy Bowden, from the inspirational Lolly Jar Circus in South Australia.
Judy tells the story of this small but mighty non-profit working to create positive change in the lives of young people via fun, social circus activity. Through the skills of tumbling, trapeze and juggling, young people learn the skills for life and fitness. Judy also shares some of their learning and wisdom working as a small organisation.
Episode 10 – Navigating uncharted waters: Advice for small non-profits during COVID-19
Given the challenges and changes in everyone’s lives during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bianca chats with charity sector expert Margaret Scott, with advice for small non-profits navigating this unprecedented time.
Episode 11 Short Stuff: Saying thank you to donors
In this episode of Short Stuff, Small Non-Profits Alliance Founder Bianca Crocker explains why ‘thank you’ is possibly the most important thing you’ll ever say to your donors. And why, during the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more vital to than ever to engage with your donors. You can find the template resources referenced in this episode in our Knowledge Hub here.
Small But Mighty’s Short Stuff is advice for small non-profit success, in under five minutes.
Episode 12: Holy Fools Founder Neal Taylor
Bianca chats to Neal Taylor, Founder of Holy Fools, a grassroots small non-profit working to support the homeless and disadvantaged in the Yarra Ranges region in Victoria.
Neal explains the unique challenges for the homeless and outreach services during the COVID-19 pandemic, shares his incredible journey from a career in film and TV to founding his organisation, and shares tips for other independent charities.
Episode 13. Short Stuff: Talking Bequests
In this episode, Alliance Founder and certified fundraiser, Bianca, shares her quick and simple tips for talking to donors about a tricky subject – bequests.
Episode 14. Lively Founder Anna Donaldson
In this episode of Small But Mighty, Bianca chats to Anna Donaldson, Founder and CEO of Lively, a unique and innovative Melbourne-based small non-profit employing young people to help older people stay connected.
Anna shares advice on how small non-profits can work closely philanthropic funders for better outcomes, as well as how the organisation is tackling the challenges of the COVID-19 environment and aged care.
Episode 15. Short Stuff: Why Email Is Your BFF
In this episode of Short Stuff, Kirsty – Head of Marketing at the Alliance – explains why email is your small non-profit’s digital BFF (Best Friend Forever!).
Small But Mighty’s Short Stuff is advice for small non-profit success, in under five minutes.
Episode 16: Sean Gordon, Founder of SchoolAid
In this uplifting episode, Bianca chats with Sean Gordon, OAM, the Founder of SchoolAid, an organisation empowering young philanthropists in schools to raise money for charitable causes.
Episode 17: Mid-year health check for small non-profits
It’s time to get a check-up! In this light-hearted episode, Bianca and Kirsty recommend their top tips for doing your own small non-profit ‘half-year health check’. The continuing COVID-19 pandemic has thrown all the usual plans for 2020 into chaos, so now is the perfect time to take your small non-profit’s pulse. Bianca and Kirsty answer questions like – ‘Should I just throw away my 2020 fundraising plan?’, ‘How do I know if my social media posts are working any more?’ and ‘Isn’t the digital space too crowded now?’
Episode 18. Short Stuff: 7 Secrets of Grant Success
In this episode of Short Stuff, Bianca (a certified fundraiser) shares her ‘seven secrets’ to improving your grant writing.
Episode 19. Digital fundraising basics
Tidy up your small non-profit’s digital fundraising with this episode!Bianca chats to Tania Burstin from mycause.com.au – an Australian-based digital fundraising platform.
In this episode you’ll learn – Why you need your website in order to make the most of digital fundraising – Why you need the digital fundraising ‘plumbing’ first – Why you need to get your donors fundraising for you to save time & resources.
Episode 20. Facebook Fundraising for Australian non-profits
Did you know Facebook could already be collecting donations for your small non-profit, even if you’re not registered yet?
In this episode, Bianca and Kirsty talk about latest on the state of play for Facebook Fundraising in Australia.
Want to be featured on Small But Mighty?
If you’re part of a small charity with a story to share, get in contact with us here to apply to be featured in an upcoming episode of Small But Mighty.
*Small but Mighty has ranked at #1 and is regularly ranked in the Top 5 non-profit podcasts in the Apple Non-Profit Podcast Charts – Australia.
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