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Grow Your Non-Profit B​log

Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group

Grow Your Non-Profit Client Spotlight 


By Tamika Seaton, MSM, CEO

June 1, 2023

In 2017, Tonja founded Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group after having a challenging time finding a local support group in the state of Florida. She was diagnosed with Vitiligo in 2014 and today is 85% covered with white patches but has learned to embrace the skin she is in. Tonja's passion and drive are inspired by her own experiences dealing with Vitiligo and learning to embrace the physical changes she faces daily.

 

Tonja is currently working diligently to advocate for individuals living with Vitiligo and promote vitiligo awareness to the entire state of Florida, while educating communities and legislative about vitiligo. Tonja is married to Jesse Johnson and is the mother of her adult daughter, Chelsea. She and her husband reside in Lakeland, Florida.

 

Click here to learn more about Beautifully Unblemished Vitiligo Support Group or to donate.

Mental Health Month 

By Carlotta J., Administrative Coordinator

May 15, 2023

It was in 1893 when Isaac Ray, founder of American Psychiatric Association, defined the term mental hygiene. Since then researchers have been trying to pinpoint its triggers. In 1908, consumers of psychiatric services and professionals have improved the quality of treatment of people with Mental Disorders. The new term is now called mental health which includes our emotional, psychiatric and social wellbeing. Good mental health can go a long way with an individual. To cope with the stress of a normal life, work and relationships can be balanced to fairly contribute in one’s community. Non-Profit organizations can help with Mental Health in a variety of affordable ways such as providing therapy, raising awareness and advocating.


The first way nonprofits can assist with Mental Health is by providing therapy. Therapy can play a vital role in healing mental health by talking about one’s worry and detecting any triggers. It can be a safe outlet to discuss what one’s heart may carry. The therapist then gives exercises to strive to good mental health levels.


The second way nonprofits can assist with Mental Health is by raising awareness. By educating the public, this reduces the stigma behind Mental Health. To help the people in the community understand the warning signs nonprofit organizations educate and provide materials to those that seek help.


The third way nonprofits can assist with Mental Health is to get the attention of lawmakers on a global platform. Nonprofits can work with lawmakers to create policies and programs that support mental health. It is important to put your mental health first and get the help you need to recover. If untreated, it can have detrimental consequences for individuals and society as a whole. If you or someone you love show signs of anxiety, mood and psychiatric disorders. seek help today. There are many nonprofit organizations waiting with open hands to assist those in need of getting back to a good state.


How can we help you, “Grow Your Non-Profit” today? Email us at info@growyournon-profit.com or call 239-293-2009 to schedule your free 30 minute consultation. Let us get your non-profit on the road to success!

Current Trends Affecting Your Grant Seeking 

By Kelly Apfel, MA, Grow Your Non-Profit Senior Dir of Marketing & Development

April 15, 2023

The basics of good grant writing remain the same, including the use of SMART goals, a

compelling case for support, accurate budgeting, and a well-crafted narrative. However, the

pandemic has obviously had a profound impact on philanthropy in general, and on corporate and

foundation giving. Foundations, especially, changed up some of their former stringent

requirements.


1. Funders Got More Flexible

Some funders also modified their internal processes to allow disbursement of funding to

happen more quickly.


2. More Funders are Making Unrestricted Grants

60% of foundations have changed their focus away from program-specific funding to

unrestricted gifts.


3. More and More Funders are Moving to Online Application Portals

Funders are scrapping paper applications and instead using online portals for grant

applications or even for submitting a letter of inquiry.


4. Corporate Giving is Way Up … For Now

There is a 23.8% increase from 2020, whether that continues in 2023 remains to be seen.


5. More Funders are Requiring Grantees

To Commit to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)


Additional trends influencing the grant world:

1. Climate Change Will Continue to Be a Funding Concern

2. There Is Potential for Less Giving is on the Horizon

3. Good Data is More Important Than Ever

4. Collaborative Giving

5. Refocus on Capacity Building

6. Less Government Aid

7. Emphasis On Sustainability

8. The Need For In Depth Planning


“Each nonprofit, foundation, donor, community, or network is affected differently by the national

and global zeitgeist. But as each player adapts to changes in that context, the sum of those many

reactions can become a force of its own.” (Spicer, Johnsoncenter, 2023)

Honoring Women Making A Difference by Carlotta J., Administrative Coordinator

March 15, 2023

March deserves more credit than we give to the month. If it weren’t for the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women, we would not be here as far as we are. In this month, we shed light on the activism, highlight gender inequalities and the struggles us women uniquely face. Women strive for greatness and that greatness empowers other women to act. International Women Day may only come once a year, but we honor it all the time with your local non-profit organizations. For well over a century, women have been celebrating this day with dignity. International Women’s Day is not specific to any country, group or organization. Rather, it is a global day to acknowledge the contributions to society and highlight the need for gender equality.

Click here to read the full article and other articles.

Need help, "Growing Your Nonprofit? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation: Tamika Seaton, CEO, (239) 293-2009 or email Tamika at Tamika@growyournon-profit.com. 

Artificial Intelligence and Grant Writing

By Kelly Apfel, MA, Grow Your Non-Profit Senior Dir of Marketing & Development

February 15, 2023

Have you heard of artificial intelligence writing tools like ChatGPT, and Jasper? These advanced tools allow you to enter a phrase, question, or subject and the AI robot returns a written result. But what does this technology mean for grant writers?

Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to:


●Automate many of the tasks associated with grant writing, such as research, data analysis, and writing.

●Search through vast amounts of data and identify potential funding opportunities that align with an organization's mission and goals.

●Analyze data on the organization's past grant applications and identify patterns and areas for improvement, which could inform the development of new grant proposals.

●Generate grant proposals, by providing a summary of the organization's work, the needs they are addressing and the impact of the grant on the community, the specific objectives, the budget, and the evaluation plan.


However, it's important to note that grant writing is a complex process that involves a deep understanding of the organization's mission and goals, as well as the specific needs of the community they serve. In addition, the grant proposal should also align with the funder's guidelines and priorities.

Therefore, AI would likely be used as a tool to assist grant writers, rather than replace them entirely. The expertise and insight provided by human grant writers would still be necessary to ensure that the proposal effectively communicates the organization's work and aligns with the funder's priorities. So not to fear, the ‘bots are not going to replace fundraisers any time soon. All areas of fundraising are about building relationships, making human connections, undertaking thorough research and understanding donor/funder behavior and motivation, and importantly, the fine-tuning of language, messaging and emotion. It requires persistence, persuasiveness, passion and a socially progressive mindset. And, of course, an all-important solid and up to date strategy.

Need Help With Your Grant Development?

Contact us today for your free consultation: Kelly Apfel, 551-206-5400, kelly@growyournon-profit.com;

Source citation: How will ChatGPT and AI Change The Grant Writing Industry?

https://jtchapel.com/f/how-chatgpt-and-ai-will-change-the-grant-writing-industry

Different Types of Grants​

January 15, 2023

Let’s be completely honest, Non-Profit Organizations embody what America stands for. It opens the door for people to work together towards common good, transforming beliefs that are shared and hopes to take action. They mold our boldest ideas, highest dreams and courageous causes. Nonprofit organizations provide skills, experience, and partnership opportunities to expand their journey. These are some ways you can share the love of non-profit organization and grow from it:

  • Using nonprofits to support product launches
  • Going to market through a company’s nonprofit arm
  • Use nonprofits to help form coalitions with other companies.

Non- Profits in the United States alone feed, heal, provide shelter and give tender love and care to all humans from coast to coast. It is the home of civic engagement and leadership. It is also the strength of all communities. Of course, it’s easy to see the goals unfold for nonprofits when put into action- a family in need of food or shelter, someone in a fatal accident, or relief to survivors of a natural disaster. The fundamental role of nonprofit organizations is as following:


•To help a corporation become more equitable.

•Produce a thriving community.

•Indispensable role in the United States goals


They share the love by making this world a healthier environment both economic and inspirational. 


Written by Carlotta J., Grow Your Non-Profit, Administrative Coordinator.


Need help connecting your company with a nonprofit? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation: Tamika Seaton, CEO, (239) 293-2009 or email Tamika at Tamika@growyournon-profit.com. 

Different Types of Grants​

December 15, 2022

As you consider the different types of grants available, it’s important that you have a comprehensive understanding of the institutions that award them and how exactly the funds should be used. Knowing the type of nonprofit grant you want to apply for can increase your chances of receiving one significantly. Nonprofit grants can come from various sources. Below are a few examples of revenue opportunities for your nonprofit:


●Corporate Grants - Funded by Corporate companies that want to use some of their revenue towards philanthropic causes. They allocate a certain percentage of their profits every year to deserving nonprofits.


●Government Grants - Funded by the Government or tax payer money. Government grants can be allocated at the Federal, State or Local level. Federal grants: Grants given to any nonprofit across the country and State grants: Grants that are only for nonprofits belonging to a particular state. Local grants: Grants that are limited to a specific community or a district.


●Foundation Grants - Funded by organizations dedicated to providing money to nonprofits, often started by an individual. These Foundations make money either by recurring bequests or by strategically investing their assets. Family: Source of funding comes from one family. Private: Funded from a single source. The difference is that the money can come from a single person (and not necessarily a family.). Public: From the Government, numerous individuals, or even multiple families. They ensure that the funds are given to the right nonprofits.


Community: Raises money from a specific community, from various donors, for the improvement of people in a particular geographic area.

●Federated Funds -Those that are raised from businesses and local company workers and then distributed to nonprofits, e.g United Way.


Written by Kelly Apfel, Grow Your Non-Profit, Senior Director of Marketing & Development.


Not sure what grant classification best fits your nonprofit? Contact us today for your free consultation: Kelly Apfel, 551-206-5400, kelly@growyournon-profit.com.


Source citation: CallHub.com, 2022 https://callhub.io/types-nonprofit-grants/

Top Ways Your Board Contributes to Grant Funding Success​

November 15, 2022

Written by Kelly Apfel, Grow Your Non-Profit, Senior Director of Marketing & Development.A grant writer is simply a tool many nonprofits utilize to achieve fundraising goals. However, grant writers cannot function independently. They cannot invent data or get creative with the proposal process. A Grant Writer can’t seek funding for programs/projects that have not been approved, or even authorize the submission of a proposal without authorization from the organization’s key executives. At the end of the day, the grant writer and grant winning process will only be as successful as your organization’s leadership. Make sure your board of directors understand how their engagement directly impacts the organization’s ability to submit and secure grants successfully.


Top 5 Ways Your Board Contributes to the Grant Process:


1.Adopt a Strategic Plan

Donors view their grant dollars as an investment. Many donors will even request a copy of your organization’s strategic plan to confirm that the program/project you are proposing truly does contribute to your mission and long-term impact goals. As such, the board is responsible for spearheading and approving a strategic plan. Lack of a board-approved strategic plan can kill even the highest quality proposal’s chance of getting awarded.


2.Approve a Development Plan

The best development plans are based on realistic budgets and include a variety of funding streams. If grants are included in that plan, the board needs to ensure that all the systems are in place to ensure successful grant processes and that there are dollars in the budget to pay for services if needed.


3.Ensure Grant-Writing Systems are in Place

One of the board’s key functions is to actively support fundraising efforts which include prospecting and soliciting support. As the board secures potential and confirmed donors, it is important to share those with staff and the grant writer so proposals are more competitive. In addition to providing the approved operating budget, your board might need to help the grant writer gain access to other key documents such as income and expense reports, financial audits, and 990s, to name a few. 


4.Maintain an Active and Diverse Board

Almost EVERY single grant application requires the applicant to provide detailed information about the board of directors. It is not uncommon for donors to deny grants to worthy projects simply because the applicant’s board of directors was extremely small,  composed only of the founder’s family members, was inexperienced, or lacked diversity.


5.Contribute Financially

Every single board member should be supporting the organization financially at the leadership level. Donors often require applicants to provide detailed responses to questions such as:

“What percentage of your board contributes to the organization annually?”

At the end of the day, “donors want to fund your IMPACT, not your EXISTENCE. Donors now more than ever are looking beyond that perfect proposal to determine if the applicant organization has the leadership and capacity to fulfill all listed goals and objectives.


Written by Kelly Apfel, Grow Your Non-Profit, Senior Director of Marketing & Development.


Need Help With Your Board & Grant Development? Contact us today for your free consultation: Kelly Apfel, 551-206-5400, kelly@growyournon-profit.com.


Source citation: Funding For Good

https://fundingforgood.org/how-your-board-contributes-to-the-grant-winning-process/

Preparing Your Nonprofit for Giving Tuesday​

October 15, 2022

This year, Giving Tuesday will fall on November 29, 2022. This global giving day takes place each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in. Below are three (3) strategies to start your own campaign for Giving Tuesday:

  • Form a Fundraising Committee
  • Set a Minimum Goal of $2,000 or more
  • Set Start and End Dates

Strategy without tactics is the longest road to success. Tactics without strategy is the quickest road to failure. – Attributed to Sun Tzu, ancient Chinese military strategist. As researchers Bryson (2018) have explained, that if this is your first time participating in giving Tuesday embrace the fact that learning anything new is a major underlying for successful implementation efforts.” It is not possible or desirable to plan everything in advance. As for your team remember that “People must be given the opportunity to learn new procedures and adapt them to actual situations (Patton, 2008, 2011; Sandford & Moulton, 2015).

More effective implementation is likely to result, and the next round of strategizing is likely to be better informed.


Need help developing your Giving Tuesday Campaign? Contact us today at 239.293.2009 to setup your free 30 minute consultation.

Beyond the Fundraising to Earning Revenue​

September 11, 2022

Here at Grow Your Non-Profit our potential clients who wish to start a non-profit are always asking. How does a 'non-profit' 'make a profit.' We listen to you on our feeds and the direct messages and want to answer these questions packed with a few tips as well:

  • Corporate Sponsorships​
  • Cause-Related Marketing
  • Entrepreneurial Ventures
  • Membership Program

A report in The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance (2010) explains that nonprofit organizations aspirations of “on a mission,” often keeps them from earning revenue. Boards should ensure that reliable and diverse revenue sources services operations that generate income, if such activity is compatible with the organizations mission, of course.

For example, revenue streams may include membership dues, publications income, client fees, conference registrations, tuition for educational seminars, and merchandise or product sales (p. 185).


Your organizations biggest percentage of revenues cannot be tied to an individual or signature events or activities.

It is important to diversify initiatives when generating income – such as establishing a for-profit subsidiary, creating corporate sponsorship opportunities, forming a limited liability corporation (LLC), or licensing the organizations intellectual property. These activities could lead to forming alliances or formal partnerships with corporations, government agencies, or even other nonprofit organizations and sharing the financial risks and rewards of the joint venture.


Corporate Sponsorships typically involve specific products or a signature event although sometimes as well applies to general activities. IRS keeps a close watch on recognition of sponsorships and accepts most, provided it does not constitute advertising by granting substantial benefits to the company in return.

Cause-Related Marketing this is when a corporation makes a designated contribution to the nonprofit organization every time a customer makes a particular purchase.


Entrepreneurial Ventures an organization may have the expertise to launch its own business or commercial enterprise that addresses unmet needs within the community or sector.

Membership Program is when you have a program or compilation of programs which offer value to other non-profits and community resources. This program can be a digital platform which also provides a series of coaching, counseling and consulting or other services such as advertising to its members.

Reference:

The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance (2010), Developing Board Members’ Fundraising Skills: Jossey-Bass A Wiley Print, by BoardSource.

How to Prepare Your Non-Profit for Giving Tuesday

August 12, 2022

This year, Giving Tuesday will fall on November 29, 2022. This global giving day takes place each year on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving. Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 as a simple idea: a day that encourages people to do good. Since then, it has grown into a year-round global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate, and celebrate generosity.

Join the movement and give – each Tuesday and every day – whether it’s some of your time, a donation, or the power of your voice in your local community. It’s a simple idea: whether it’s making someone smile, helping a neighbor or stranger out, showing up for an issue or people we care about, or giving some of what we have to those who need our help, every act of generosity counts and everyone has something to contribute toward building the better world we all want to live in. Below are three (3) strategies to start your own campaign for Giving Tuesday:

  • Form a Fundraising Committee
  • Set a Minimum Goal of $2,000 or more
  • Set Start and End Dates

Strategy without tactics is the longest road to success. Tactics without strategy is the quickest road to failure. – Attributed to Sun Tzu, ancient Chinese military strategist

As researchers Bryson (2018) have explained, that if this is your first time participating in giving Tuesday embrace the fact that learning anything new is a major underlying for successful implementation efforts.” It is not possible or desirable to plan everything in advance. As for your team remember that “People must be given the opportunity to learn new procedures and adapt them to actual situations (Patton, 2008, 2011; Sandford & Moulton, 2015).


More effective implementation is likely to result, and the next round of strategizing is likely to be better informed.

Need helping developing your Giving Tuesday Campaign? Contact us today at 239.293.2009 to setup your free 30 minute consultation.


Training Your Board to Fundraise

July 15, 2022

It is normal for your board members to feel anxious or reluctant in fundraising. However, it is a necessary task that will increase board member fundraising comfort level and skills if practiced. Here are three powerful things your board can begin doing to overcome these challenges:

1. Role Play

2. Observe

3. Try a general request

As researchers Jossey-Bass (2010) have explained, practicing scenarios during role-play with other board members who are sympathetic to their questions, approach, and techniques. This practice opens the door to mastering their speech for the real scenarios. “Feedback from colleagues helps refine their approaches and techniques.” Role-playing is also an effective way to practice dealing with difficult situations such as in brining a conversation to a close after a potential donor declines a partnership (p. 182).

The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance recommends (2010) Shadowing other more experienced members during their solicitation with potential donors.

Be sure to get them in front of your longtime supporters first. “Positive experiences will give them confidence and ease their anxiety. Showing them that it is possible to have a pleasant, collegial conversation that includes a request for money (Jossey-Bass, 2010. p. 183).”

Here at Grow Your Non-Profit, we are excited about your growth and want to make sure you have the tools to succeed. So, remember developing your board members by role playing, allowing them to observe, and trying a general request could make all the difference in growing your non-profit.

Reference:

The Handbook of Nonprofit Governance (2010), Developing Board Members’ Fundraising Skills: Jossey-Bass A Wiley Print, by BoardSource (p. 182).


Grow Your Non-Profit Opens Podcast Lounge 

 June 9, 2022

Grow Your Non-Profit has opened a podcast lounge equipped to offer clients an opportunity to host their own podcast. "This is a great opportunity for nonprofits and for profits businesses to interview donors, potential clients and VIPs to build their business," says Tamika Seaton, GYN, President and CEO. Many people kept advising us to start a podcast so we agreed that it would be a great idea, but only if we could make it available to other businesses who did not want to invest in the equipment to do so. 


The podcast lounge is unique because we offer snacks, beverages and other surprises for guests to enjoy. This is a membership based opportunity and we have packages to fit everyone's budget. Now through September 1, 2022, receive 10% off your membership when you subscribe for six months.


For more information and to record your free 15 minute session, email info@growyournon-profit.com.  

             

Meet Grow Your Non-Profit's Diversity Equity and Inclusion Director

Dr. Kimberly R. Hudson, Ed.D. 

 May 11, 2022

Born in Florida, lived in New York, Myrtle has more than 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She earned a master's degree in public administration and a certificate in non-profit management from Barry University. Myrtle also holds a management certificate and a bachelor's degree in human resources from the University of Phoenix. As a licensed insurance broker, she is appointed American Income Life Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL), an S&P 500 Company.


American Income Life Insurance Company is an international company protecting working families in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and through our wholly owned subsidiary, National Income Life Insurance Company in New York.


As the business development director, Myrtle identifies opportunities to expand the profile and reach of GYN and its brands. She leads sales, develops and strengthens external relationships that will lead to increased lead generation and market share, and fosters an entrepreneurial growth culture.


To contact Myrtle, email her at Myrtle@growyournon-profit.com.

                                     

                           Meet Grow Your Non-Profit's Business Development Director

Myrtle October, MPA

 April 7, 2022

Born in Florida, lived in New York, Myrtle has more than 12 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. She earned a master's degree in public administration and a certificate in non-profit management from Barry University. Myrtle also holds a management certificate and a bachelor's degree in human resources from the University of Phoenix. As a licensed insurance broker, she is appointed American Income Life Insurance is a wholly owned subsidiary of Globe Life Inc. (NYSE: GL), an S&P 500 Company.


American Income Life Insurance Company is an international company protecting working families in the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and through our wholly owned subsidiary, National Income Life Insurance Company in New York.


As the business development director, Myrtle identifies opportunities to expand the profile and reach of GYN and its brands. She leads sales, develops and strengthens external relationships that will lead to increased lead generation and market share, and fosters an entrepreneurial growth culture.


To contact Myrtle, email her at Myrtle@growyournon-profit.com.


SWFL Welcomes New Nonprofit EHAS

 March 15, 2022

Everyone Has a Story (EHAS)’s mission is to touch, improve, and change lives each day through a message of hope; to teach our youths how to overcome and find purpose irrespective of the adversities they may face. They are making the world a better place through mental stimulation and intervention to affect a mindset shift.

EHAS' Founder & CEO Cornell Bunting is an author and motivational speaker. He had a very challenging journey, and it turned into an inspiring story to tell. Today, using his books, the author is inspiring children and young adults, sharing with them hard-earned lessons and narratives filled with faith.


To learn more about EHAS and to get involved, click here.


7 Ways to Show Your Donors Some Love

 February 14, 2022

With the integration of technology into every area of our lives, reaching out to say thank you can be easier than ever before. If you’re using an online donation platform, anyone making a donation online receives an automated receipt. But confirming that a credit card has been processed and informing the donor that their gift was received is just a transactional thank-you.



If a donor sends in a check, transfers funds electronically, or drops off a gift in kind, the first letter they receive acknowledging that gift (and offering the IRS-required tax receipt) is also a transactional thank-you – and is the very least we can do. This sort of acknowledgement, if received within 48 hours, has been shown to increase the likelihood of another gift from that donor by four times.

But a transactional thank-you is never enough. To truly appreciate donors and show them some love, we need to move beyond the transactional thank-you to relational gratitude. Creating a culture of gratitude means that we move beyond what is expected to thanking donors and showing appreciation when – and in ways – they least expect it.

To learn more, click here.


Meet Grow Your Non-Profit's Administrative Coordinator

Sydney Lenora

 January 15, 2022

Sydney is a quick study skilled in social media, marketing, events and organization. She is a graduate of South Fort Myers High School and is currently studying fire inspection. Sydney is responsible for supporting our administrative team to help them stay organized and complete tasks that allow them to focus on growing our clients' nonprofits. She is instrumental in organizing meetings, greeting office visitors, and composing documents on behalf of the team.


To contact Sydney, email her at Sydney@growyournon-profit.com

Grow Your Non-Profit Office Grand Opening

 December 15, 2021

We are Here For You!

Grow Your Non-profit headquarters is located in Fort Myers, Florida, but we are equipped to serve clients globally with our virtual consulting services.

Our clients span from Naples to Miami, California, Ohio and beyond. GYN consultants are standing by to help you grow your nonprofit. Contact us today for your free 30-minute consultation by texting 239.293.2009 or email info@growyournon-profit.com.


What Role Should Consultants Play in the Nonprofit World?

 November 15, 2021

For the most part, consultants working in both contexts (and everything in between) are thoughtful professionals doing their best to support and elevate their nonprofit clients. Every year, consultants help thousands of nonprofit and foundation leaders navigate and take action in complex and changing environments. In all cases, it's vital that we understand the assumptions that we and those we hire bring to the work. To do so, foundations and nonprofits considering hiring consulting support must think carefully about what kind of advice they -- or their grantees -- truly need. Setting aside personal connections to consultants and popular brands, what sources and types of data do they find compelling? What will it take to convince decision makers to take action? What kinds of organizations do they aspire to emulate? How do these needs match up with available resources and consultants?


These questions will be especially critical as we navigate the reality and aftermath of the Covid-19 crisis, when nonprofits and grant makers turn to consultants to help them set priorities, pivot, or reinforce their work in the context of widespread and shifting need. Ultimately, my research suggests that many nonprofits' dissatisfaction with their consultants is related to inadequate communication in both directions -- from consultants regarding their process and what they do and don't deliver, and from nonprofits regarding their assumptions and expectations. It's important, of course, to acknowledge that legitimate criticism exists regarding the penchant that major for-profit consulting companies often demonstrate to apply one-size-fits-all solutions for their clients, corporate and nonprofit alike. Regardless, the devil is in the details, with the potential for real benefits -- or wasted time and missed opportunities -- for nonprofits.

John Butcher, & David Gilchrist. (2020). Collaboration for Impact : Lessons From the Field. ANU Press.

 

GYN Client Spotlight VaxTruths Learn about Covid-19 Vaccines Reliable information from trusted sources

 October 15, 2021

VaxTruths is a nonprofit organization founded by the Ministry of Emmanuel Communities, Inc., A Community Wellness organization designed to provide trusted information regarding Covid-19 vaccines. The organization recognizes that receiving vaccines is a personal choice, and choices are best made after evaluating truthful, trusted quality information.


VaxTruths is funded by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Foundation to promote vaccine equity and access. To learn more about VaxTruths, request a virtual or live presentation or to become a partner, contact Tamika Seaton at 239.293.2009.


Click here to visit their website to find resources from trusted voices.


Meet Grow Your Non-Profit's President & CEO Tamika Seaton, MSM

 September 15, 2021

A Los Angeles native, Tamika has more than 14 years of experience in the non-profit and for-profit sectors. She has held positions as executive director, planner, and public relations officer.


Tamika holds a master's degree in management from Hodges University, graduating Cum Laude, received a fundraising certificate from the University of Indiana Lilly School of Philanthropy, is a graduate of Leadership Collier, and currently serves as a board member with the Association of Fundraising Professionals Collier-Lee Chapter and is a Hodges University Board of Trustee.


Tamika is pursuing a certification to be designated as a Certified Fund Raising Executive. When she is not working, Tamika enjoys resourcing furniture and interior decorating.


To contact Tamika, email her at Tamika@growyournon-profit.com.

GYN President & CEO Tamika Seaton Goes from HU Alumna to Trustee

 August 15, 2021

Tamika says, "My motto in life is to walk with optimism, drive with abundance and fly with peace." As a former student of Hodges University (HU), now trustee, she encourages students to continue on their educational trek and get involved with HU. 

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