I’ve spent decades working in, around, and now leading a small nonprofit called Small & Gutsy. And if there’s one thing I’ve consistently seen across the nonprofit sector, it’s this: a profound need for resources.

Sure, financial resources are always a challenge — that doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out. But what often surprises people is how limited the resource toolbox is for many organizations — not just the small ones.

In smaller nonprofits, staff are laser-focused on their mission and the direct work of serving clients. They’re stretched thin, wearing multiple hats, which leaves little time for long-term sustainability planning. But even larger nonprofits, segmented into departments, can lose sight of the bigger picture — missing opportunities to collaborate, streamline, or grow.

That’s why accessible, centralized, and free resources are so critical.

Enter: The Nonprofit Cooperative.

A nonprofit in its own right, The Nonprofit Cooperative operates with a powerful business model — one that gives back to the nonprofit community every single day, completely free of charge.

Their website is a true one-stop shop, offering:

• Human resources guidance

• Fundraising tools

• Insurance insights

• Grant and proposal writing support

• Webinars and workshops

• Networking opportunities

• Business-community vetted partnerships

• And… our very own Small & Gutsy podcast page!

Any nonprofit can sign up and record their own interview, adding their voice to our growing family and sharing their impact stories with the world.

In this way, Small & Gutsy isn’t just telling nonprofit stories — we’re partnering with The Nonprofit Cooperative to support those very organizations with the tools and visibility they deserve.

And I couldn’t be more excited to introduce today’s guest:
Danette O’Connell, Founder and Executive Director of The Nonprofit Cooperative.

Danette is a seasoned professional whose career has focused on helping nonprofits not just survive, but transform. She brings deep experience from the business world and a passion for equipping mission-driven organizations with practical, scalable solutions.

So, let’s get started.

Danette, welcome to Small & Gutsy. You have a significant business background — what inspired you to pivot and pour your energy into the nonprofit sector?

For more information, check out their website: www.thenonprofitcooperative.org

For more podcasts: www.smallandgutsy.org