Building a successful nonprofit takes more than passion, it takes grit. In this episode, we meet Aimee Robinson, the inspiring force behind Blown Away Adventures. Aimee's story goes far beyond balloons and streamers. We'll delve into the unwavering tenacity that's been the driving force behind her mission for years. This episode explores why a strong board of directors is the backbone of many successful non-profits and the struggles that new nonprofits face recruiting dedicated people.

Tune in to hear: 

• What inspired Aimee to start
• How she has consistently provided services
• Tips on what makes a successful nonprofit

You can learn more about Blown Away Adventures at: https://baadventures.org/making-a-difference 

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 Imagine being a grant funder, then taking a leap of faith and becoming a powerhouse founder yourself! That's the incredible journey of Carmen James Randoph of Women's Foundation of the South, who raised over $7 million in the past 3 years to empower 95 nonprofits serving women and girls of color in the South.

Join us as we delve into her unique perspective on the funding landscape, what ignited her passion for supporting women of color in the South, and the powerful strategies she used to secure millions for her cause. Plus, get a sneak peek into her ambitious plans to reach $100 million in funding and the transformative impact it will create.

This episode is packed with insights for aspiring founders, funders who want to make a difference, and anyone passionate about supporting marginalized communities.

Tune in to discover:

• Why she transitioned from grant funder to founder
• The challenges and opportunities of funding nonprofits serving women of color
• The secrets behind raising $7 million and her vision for reaching $100 million
• How your support can empower positive change in the South

To support the Women's Foundation of the South, visit their website here: https://womensfoundationsouth.org/

After an autism diagnosis, many parents struggle with finding services not only for their children, but for themselves and their families. Meet Jamila Tucker-Rulero, a Mom from Philadelphia who didn't know where to turn after her son was diagnosed with autism. When she couldn't find the supports she needed, her determination led her to start Autism R.E.C., an organization that provides family supports, assessment, and skills development for children with autism. Tune into this episode to be inspired by Jamila's determination as a mother who wouldn't stop until her son and other children like him got the services they needed.

Support Autism R.E.C.'s social skills groups here: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=BBXMQ3UKLT4R6
Autism R.E.C.'s website: https://www.autismrec.org/
Autism R.E.C.'s  Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AutismREC1

What happens when young Black males are given the space and freedom to be their authentic selves? Barry Cooper, affectionately known as Coach Coop, shares the importance of promoting wellness for young Black men in New York City. Coach Coop has unlocked the secret to reaching young Black males and he shares how staying true to his mission has helped him on his nonprofit journey so far. He gives great insight about the sacrifices required to run a nonprofit organization, and the personal healing that comes from serving. You don’t want to miss this episode!

To find out more information on The Bro Experience, go to their website: https://www.thebroexperience.org/

To donate to the organization, visit their donate page: https://secure.causevox.com/pay?url=the-bro-experience.causevox.com

Follow them on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebroexperience_/

Did you know that over 19,000 young people age out of foster care every year? Too many times, they transition out of foster care with little to no support and have to navigate independence alone. Learn how Leah Angel Daniel of Fostering Greatness, is filling the gap for foster care alumni in Western New York. Fueled by her own story of aging out of foster care and being a caretaker of her siblings, she is helping foster youth by providing housing, workforce development, and basic needs so that they don’t have to transition to adulthood alone. Be inspired by Leah’s story and listen to learn how you can help youth aging out of foster care.

To donate to Leah's campaign, go to: https://givebox.com/fosteringgreatnessinc
To learn more about Fostering Greatness, go to https://fosteringgreatnessinc.org/ 

Have you ever considered your life as an aging adult? What do you think will happen during the end years of your life? Some of us dream about the joy of being retired, enjoying family and living a care-free life. However, that's not everyone’s story. Unfortunately many older adults don’t have many supports to help them navigate the second part of life, which may include chronic illnesses, loss, and limited financial resources.

Lynn Walls, founded the nonprofit Heaven Sent Day Care in Little Rock, Arkansas, for aging adults who need a place to go during the day, and to give comfort to their caretakers who cannot care for them full-time. This is not an ordinary adult day care center! Lynn has a heart for seniors and is passionate about helping them maintain their autonomy and their dignity. On any given day at Heaven Sent you may encounter live music, a beauty contest, photo shoots and more. Listen more to hear how Lynn Walls pursued her life’s passion to launch her nonprofit and how she has turned into an advocate to fight for benefits and resources for our elders.

In this episode you'll hear:
How Lynn designed her services to uphold the dignity of her clients
The barriers that older adults run into when trying to access medical services
The differences in generations and how we can learn from each other

You can donate to Lynn by texting, AGINGGRACEFULLY to 44321 or going to this link: https://gvly.org/s/imZsGA.x57l4g

Visit Heaven Sent Adult Day Care at the following places: 
Website: https://www.heavensentadultcare.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heavensentadultdaycarecenter
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heaven_sent_adc/

Learn how a cancer diagnosis sparked a nationwide movement to support children fighting cancer. In this episode of the Nonprofit Activator Episode, meet Micheal (Mike) Shaw of Team Jenny Bean, a small nonprofit that provides gifts and financial support to children diagnosed with cancer. 

Hear Mike's story of how his wife discovered a cancerous tumor on their 6-year old daughter's back which catapulted them into a world of tests, surgeries and more. As she was dealing with stage 4 cancer, his daughter Jenny decided to support OTHER children fighting their cancer diagnosis by purchasing toys so that they wouldn't feel alone.  Their family rallied around this idea and instead of focusing on the devastation of cancer, they found a reason to celebrate other children.

The wisdom and pure intentions of a six year old helped launch the nonprofit, Team Jenny Bean, and they are now supporting children all across the country.

This episode will leave you with so much perspective - once you listen, your faith in humanity will be restored, and you will be inspired to find joy in any situation. 

Tune into this interview to hear: 

• How Jenny's idea landed them on national TV
• What it's like as a Dad to watch your daughter fight through cancer
• What it's like as a Black male nonprofit founder in the cancer space
• What new and small nonprofit founders need to succeed
• Mike's advice for new nonprofit founders 

To support a young child fighting cancer, donate to Team Jenny Bean here: https://gofund.me/f4dcefbc

Learn more about Team Jenny Bean at https://www.teamjennybean.com/

**this episode is from a live LinkedIn recording from June 17, 2023

Learn how one man is on a mission to impact 100,000 Boys. In the first episode of the Nonprofit Activator Episode, I'm highlighting Gerald A. Moore Sr. of Mission Fulfilled 2030 a small nonprofit that is teaching black boys about tech, STEM, and entrepreneurship.

Hear Gerald's story of how he went from an underachieving student who was expelled from school at age 14 to a career in IT and now a nonprofit founder, helping young black boys develop a path to tech and STEM careers.

You will leave this episode feeling inspired by the impact he's making and you'll learn that this is SO MUCH BIGGER than a program. 

Tune into this interview to hear: 

• Gerald's origin story and how he overcame adversity in his hometown of Rochester, NY
• How major funders and donors underestimate new nonprofit founders
• How he relates to the boys in his program
• His 3 pieces of advice for new nonprofit founders 

To become a changemaker for Mission Fulfilled 2030, go here: https://bit.ly/changemaker1000

Learn more about Mission Fulfilled 2030 at https://missionfulfilled2030.org/

**this episode is from a live LinkedIn recording from May 18, 2023, 

In this episode of The Nonprofit Activator, we talk about what to do when funding opportunities seem out of reach. I’ll share quick tips about how to make 1 million feel much more attainable, even if you're a very new nonprofit.

You may not have $1 million now, but with the right mindset and actions, you can build the future your nonprofit deserves. Tune in for encouragement, actionable tips, and a reminder that I’m always rooting for you—you’ve got this!

Are you feeling stuck, disheartened, or ready to call it quits with your nonprofit or business? In this episode of The Nonprofit Activator, we’re tackling the hard truths about perseverance and purpose. If you’ve been questioning whether to keep going or pivot, this is your reminder to take a step back, breathe, and stay the course.

Listen in for encouragement, fresh perspectives, and a message you need to hear before making any big decisions. Your journey isn’t over—let’s activate your purpose together.