Why $5 Donors Matter More Than You Think in Nonprofit Growth

Описание: In this episode of the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, Cherry Chan talks with Nicole Thibeault, former National Executive Director of Canadian Parents for French, about the strategies that helped her achieve nonprofit revenue growth and long-term sustainability.

Over 10 years, Nicole successfully doubled organizational revenue by diversifying funding streams, charging modest fees for programs, and turning small donations into a culture of philanthropy. From $5 monthly donors to securing major grants, her approach shows that every dollar counts. She also ensured a 100% giving rate from her board of directors, proving that leadership in fundraising starts at the top.

Nicole shares how she rallied her 5–7 staff team and a national network across provinces to align with strategic goals. Her staff training sessions grew from just 5 participants to more than 30, demonstrating how culture change is built step by step.

She also provides a roadmap for succession planning, describing her two-year retirement transition that included 18 months of transparency and a 3-week overlap with her successor — ensuring stability and confidence across the organization.

If you’re an Executive Director, CEO, board member, or nonprofit professional, this episode is packed with real-world strategies to strengthen your nonprofit’s fundraising, leadership, and sustainability.


0:00 – Welcome to the Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast
1:12 – How Nicole doubled revenue at Canadian Parents for French
4:43 – Rallying staff, board, and volunteers around fundraising
7:00 – Building a culture of philanthropy and small-donor momentum
13:30 – Engaging your board in fundraising without the awkwardness
20:00 – Creating a culture shift with staff through lunch & learns
21:00 – Nicole’s two-year succession planning process
34:00 – Handling difficult conversations with staff and .


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If you want to learn more about how we can support your nonprofit’s financial journey, visit our website or book a no-obligation 20-minute consultation with us today. Let’s make your accounting easier and help you reach your goals.


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Nonprofit, nonprofit canada,volunteering,socialimpact,financial literacy,charities,fundraising,budgeting,nonprofitleadership,leadership,Governance,Financial Management,Financial Planning