Amber Wynn, Philanthrepreneur
Providing Executive Directors solutions for the challenging and complex issues of governance, operat
๐ Itโs time! California, the 5th largest economy in the world, has benefited greatly from the
courageous work of Black-led organizations across the entire state. This is a reality you see and experience every day, and we are so grateful for your support in ensuring this story is told to those who need to hear it: funders, legislators, our communities, and beyond.
is conducting a survey of Black-led organizations in California, live now!
Until August 16th, your input is essential to capturing an expansive view of the wealth and well-being Black-led organizations deliver to CA.
Click the link to learn more: https://buff.ly/3VWTE6z
because
๐ Shining the Spotlight on Project Joy! ๐
Hey fam! ๐๐พ
I'm thrilled to highlight the incredible work of Project Joy.
Project Joyโs mission is to build joyful and resilient communities through innovative programs and partnerships.
In our interview, founder and Executive Director Kim Watson shared her journey of 10 years, building her organization from doing it all on her own for 3 years to a team of 14 ๐ฅ. She talked about her fears and doubts as she questioned her ability to expand and be financially sustainable. Kim also detailed the struggles she faced when her nonprofit almost closed down in 2020 and how she pivoted to continue serving her community ๐ช๐ฝโค๏ธ.
Now, they serve their community with a wide variety of programs, such as:
โ๏ธYouth Development Programs: After-school programs, Sports Program, and an AI learning Programs
โ๏ธFamily Resilience: Effective Black Parenting, Employment Support, Financial Wellness, Black Maternal Health, and more
โ๏ธCommunity Joy: Nonpartisan Voter, LA Countyโs AAIMM (African American Infant and Maternal Mortality) Prevention Initiative, Various family-friendly events
Let Kimโs story inspire you. Check the links in the comments to watch the full interview, and learn more about Project Joy and the work they do. ๐
๐ Nonprofit leaders, I've got something special for you! ๐
Tired of staring at a blank page when it's time to ask for donations? I've got you covered!
Introducing my ebook: "Donation Request Letters" ๐๐
Inside, you'll find a treasure trove of ready-to-use templates that will:
โจ Save you time and energy
โจ Help you craft compelling appeals
โจ Boost your chances of securing vital financial support
No more starting from scratch every time you need to reach out to potential donors. With these templates, you'll transform your outreach strategy and elevate your fundraising game!
Download now and make every request count. Because your cause deserves the best support possible: https://buff.ly/3LxTFt1
Happy GORGEOUS Grandma Day to all grandmothers!
๐
Who needs filters when you've got decades of wisdom? Rock your natural glow this National Gorgeous Grandma Day!
๐ข Hey nonprofit fam!
Having a 501(c)(3) is not enough to qualify for grants. Funders need to know that their money is going to a reputable organization. Hereโs what youโll need at a minimum:
โ๏ธ IRS-approved 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status
โ๏ธ An active board of directors ๐ฅ
โ๏ธ A board-approved annual budget ๐
โ๏ธ Form 990 ๐
โ๏ธ A clear scope of service ๐
โ๏ธ Detailed demographic information ๐
โ๏ธ Qualified and experienced staff ๐ฉ๐พโโ๏ธ๐จ๐ฝโ๐ซ
Quite a list, right? And thatโs just the basics!
Want to learn more about each requirement? Follow me here or check out my website. Links in comments. ๐
Among the challenges nonprofits face, having adequate funding is at the top of the list. According to a 2023 study, 76% of nonprofits have experienced stagnant or decreased funding over the last year! So, despite constantly running around finding ways to bring in moneyโincluding looking for donors and submitting grantsโthere is a need for nonprofit organizations to identify new streams of revenue.
Here is one stream you don't want to miss: DonorโAdvised Funds.
Read the entire article to learn more about them and how to use them. ๐๐ฟ
What are Donor-Advised Funds (And How to Make Them a Nonprofit Funding Stream) โ Amber Wynn Learn about donor-advised funds and how nonprofits can add them to their streams of funding.
๐ Starting A Nonprofit Is The Same As Milking A Cow!๐
Hey fam!๐
Today, Iโm putting on my silly hat โbut only with the titleโbecause what I have to say is crucial for anyone interested in starting a nonprofit or already on that journey but struggling. ๐ฉ
People often mistake milking a cow to be an easy thing, but nothing's further from the truth. Itโs way more complex than it looks!
Starting a nonprofit is pretty much the same. Thereโs a lot of misinformation out there that leads people to jump in blindly, only to regret it later. I recently shared my experiences on my blog, comparing the process to milking a cow. Because it is far from straightforward, it takes learning the ins and outs of running your non profit like a business and, of course, requires much dedication and hard work. ๐ผ ๐ช๐พ
My journey of 30 years in the nonprofit world has equipped me to navigate everything from legal hurdles to tackling financial challenges. I have come up with a system for nonprofit leaders giving you a roadmap that will help you become a profitable nonprofit in 90 days.
My method will teach you things like:
๐ฐ Effective fundraising strategies
๐ Legal compliance tips
๐ก Financial management advice
๐ฑ Building a sustainable organization
๐ To learn more about my journey check the link in the comments for the full blog post.
Hey fam! ๐
Thinking about starting a nonprofit? ๐ฑ Let's break it down! ๐
"A nonprofit is a public charity, governed by the IRS. If you're making rules up as you go, you're digging your organization into a hole that's going to keep you buried and in the dark." ๐ณ๏ธ
In the nonprofit world, understanding the why behind IRS requirements and funder expectations is crucial. In my course, "90 Days to a Profitable Nonprofit," we explore nonprofit knowledge building, like understanding why the IRS and funders ask for specific information. It's about building a solid foundation to avoid pitfalls and ensure your nonprofit thrives! ๐ผ๐ก
๐ฌ Have you ever encountered a big IRS or tax-related challenge? Share your story or ask questions in the comments below! Don't forget to click the link for more details on the course!
Hey everyone! ๐๐ฟ
Letโs start the week right with !
Today, Iโm excited to give away a valuable resource to help those passionate about making a difference. ๐
If youโre here, then youโre probably one of those thinking of going all in and starting a nonprofit. But the truth is that starting a nonprofit is not for everyone. Starting a nonprofit can be overwhelming and requires much time, effort, and business skills. So Iโm giving away my eBook titled "Alternatives to Starting a Nonprofit" because there are many impactful ways to support your cause without the complexities of forming a nonprofit. From social enterprises to fiscal sponsorships, the alternatives can be just as powerful.๐๐
Whether you're exploring other ways to contribute or looking for innovative approaches, this guide is packed with insights and practical advice.
Ready to dive in? Check the comments for the link to your free resource and letโs create positive change together! ๐
๐ก Overcoming the Drop in Giving through Donor Cultivation
Hey everyone, have you heard the bad news? Less than half of American households now give to charities, down from two-thirds in the early 2000s. Economic challenges like the pandemic, inflation, and political instability are driving this change. ๐
So, what can nonprofits do? ๐คท๐ฟโโ๏ธ
If you've followed me for a while, you know I always say every nonprofit should have at least 10 funding streams. Relying on grants alone and just a few corporate sponsors makes you vulnerable to economic shifts, as we saw when the pandemic halted galas and in-person fundraisers. This means that you need to cultivate your relationships with each donor. Now is the time to focus on strengthening your individual donor relationships. ๐ผ๐ซฑ๐พโ๐ซฒ๐ฟ
People give when they feel a connection. If all your donors receive from you are โasksโ at the end of the fiscal year, then they wonโt have a problem tightening the purse strings during economically challenging times. Donor cultivation is a huge part of generating consistent revenue from individual and major donors, ensuring diversity in your revenue.
Here are some tips to build strong relationships with individual donors:
๐ Pick Up the Phone: Call your supporters, ask how they are, and really listen. Strengthening personal connections can lead to surprising opportunities.
โ Meet for Coffee: Create a human connection with donors. Share stories, photos, and videos of how their support changes lives.
๐ซ Invite to Site Visits: Show donors your programs in action. This fosters a deeper connection to your work.
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง Introduce to Staff and Volunteers: Let donors hear firsthand from those who benefit from their support.
โ๏ธ Send Personal Notes: Acknowledge donations with handwritten notes to show appreciation.
๐ผ๏ธ Gift a Framed Photo: Have participants sign a group photo expressing their gratitude and gift it to your donor.
๐ Create Honors: Name awards, scholarships, or rooms after donors to publicly acknowledge their contributions.
Learn more about Donor Cultivation and strengthen your donor relationships to ensure continued support. Link in the comments.๐
Hey founders!๐
Need some inspiration today?
โถ๏ธ In a short clip of , Chrystani Heinrich, Founder and Executive Director of Compton G.IRLS Club, shares her inspiring journey to becoming a confident nonprofit leader. She talks about how she gained the know-how and confidence to get the funding she needs to grow the organization at a rate she did not know was possible with the help of my self-paced course, "90 Days to a Profitable Nonprofit." ๐ช๐พ
If you aspire to be an empowered Founder like Chrystani, the course will help you learn how to:
โ
Stop self-funding your nonprofit
โ
Transition to running your nonprofit full-time with a market-rate salary
โ
Generate consistent external revenue
You can find the links to Chrystaniโs testimonial, Compton G.IRLS Club, and my โ90 Days to a Profitable Nonprofitโ course in the comments. ๐
Today is ๐ฅ๐ฅ
It is celebrated annually on 11 July to focus attention on the urgency and importance of population issues.
In the spirit of this holiday, I'm honored to highlight the nonprofit Population Connection. Founded in 1968, Population Connection (formerly Zero Population Growth or ZPG) is the largest grassroots population organization in the United States! With more than 40,000 members and hundreds of thousands more supporters and participating educators working together to build a more sustainable future for the planet and all its inhabitants, Population Connection works at the intersection of demography, health and human rights, and sustainable development.
Visit their profile to learn more and lend your support:
There are more grant applications than there is money, so the competition for nonprofit funding is tough.
Funders use tangible/measurable data to help them make funding determinations.
โฐ What do they look for?
โฐ How do you provide it?
Use this workbook to learn how to demonstrate measurable impact that highlights and positively showcases your nonprofit organization.
๐ Check out the comments to learn more and get your copy.
Hi fam!
First impressions matter. So when funders GOOGLE YOUR NONPROFIT, make sure your website tells your story. ๐๐
Highlight your MISSION clearly on the homepage, explaining what drives your organization. Showcase your IMPACT with concrete information, like serving 250 youth annually, to demonstrate the difference you're making in the community. ๐ Provide a detailed PROGRAM DESCRIPTION, including what you do, when you do it, how often, and where, so visitors understand your activities. ๐ Lastly, list your BOARD ROSTER with their titles, business affiliations, and relevant board experience to establish credibility and trust. ๐๐ซฑ๐พโ๐ซฒ๐ฟ
Choosing the right donation platform for your nonprofit? Here are the key points to consider:
โ
Cost: Some platforms charge more than others. Find one that fits your budget. ๐ต
โ
Ease of Use: Make sure it's user-friendly and not a hassle to set up. ๐ฅ๏ธ๐๐พ
โ
Payment Options & Security: Look for platforms that accept multiple payment methods and are secure. ๐ณ๐
โ
Integration: It should play nice with other tools you use. ๐ ๏ธ
โ
Customization: Can you make it match your nonprofit's unique look and feel? ๐๏ธโจ
โ
Reporting & Support: Good analytics and customer support are a must. ๐๐
To learn more about specific donation platforms for nonprofits, ๐ฌ check the comment section for the link to my blog post: "What Is the Best Online Donation Platform for Nonprofits?"
๐ก"Dedicate yourself to a core set of values. Without them, you will never be able to find personal fulfillment, and you will never be able to lead effectively." - Kenneth Chenault
Hey nonprofit leaders!
In our world, sticking to your values isn't just about feeling goodโit's key to effective leadership. ๐๐ Your values shape your mission and unite your team for real change. When you stay true to what matters, you build trust, teamwork, and lasting success. Embrace those values and lead with purpose! ๐๐ช๐พ
"You pay for what you get." That's how Funders view unpaid nonprofit Executive Directors.๐ก
Paying your leadership team shows funders you're serious about making a real impact. When executive directors get fair pay, theyโre more likely to stick around, stay motivated, and push the organizationโs mission forward. ๐๐ช๐พ
Youโve got to look the part to land grants. But what does that mean for nonprofits in this digital age? ๐ก
โLooking the partโ means investing in branded contact information. You need to have:
๐ง A business email - Donโt use Gmail, Yahoo, etc. Make sure your email ends with a .org.
๐ A .org website URL - Do not use .com.
๐ A business telephone line.
๐ A physical address - Do not use a PO box. A public charity needs to be accessible to the community. A PO Box screams red flag.
Nail these and you'll be on your way to securing that funding! ๐
Good morning, fam. ๐
New laws will be implemented in LA County starting July 1, 2024, so if you operate in the area, you should be aware of this.
Most importantโthe minimum wage will be $17.27 per hour. Employees in the unincorporated areas of L.A. County must be paid the increased minimum wage, with few exceptions. ๐
Other new laws include:
โ
Senate Bill 478: No More Hidden Fees
โ
Assembly Bill 537: Clear Advertising
โ
Senate Bill 644: Flexible Cancellation
โ
Senate Bill 244: Right to Repair
While some of these may not apply to you, it's still good to have the information for when/if you need it. Check out https://buff.ly/4cGDxRe and https://buff.ly/4eJcgQc for more details.
๐ Free Ebook Alert: "7 Stages of the Nonprofit Success Roadmap" โผ๏ธ
Is your nonprofit struggling to find direction? Wondering what steps to take next?
Discover where your organization stands on the Nonprofit Success Roadmap! Whether you're:
โข In the concept phase
โข Searching for grants
โข Aiming to hire permanent staff
โข Trying to pay yourself a consistent salary
This ebook will help you:
โ
Focus on stage-appropriate steps
โ
Eliminate confusion
โ
Reduce unnecessary work
โ
Create a clear path to building a solid infrastructure
Download now to start your journey towards nonprofit successโthe right way!
Get it here >>https://buff.ly/4ciuGWg
Today is ๐๏ธ
Let's shine a light on the invisible battles many face, especially our brave veterans and service members ๐บ๐ธ
In line with this, let's shine the spotlight on . This amazing nonprofit provides FREE, accessible, and effective trauma-informed mental health care to America's heroes ๐ฆธ๐พ๐ฆธ๐ฟโโ๏ธ๐ฆธ๐ฝโโ๏ธ
Their impact:
โ
Easy access to care
โ
Tailored treatment plans
โ
No wait times
โ
Confidential support
Let's reach out, lend our support, and help our vets start healing. ๐ค๐พ
Hey, fam! If you're in the space, I'd like to invite you to join the Office of Cannabis Management's Summer Workshop Series. ๐ฑ
Join them on Saturday, June 29, at Quartz Hill Library for the workshop series "Candid Conversations about Cannabis." Discover all you need to know about cannabis laws, quality standards, safety, and why a regulated market matters.
To sign up for this workshop and see a full list of upcoming events, visit https://buff.ly/3W0J1kv.
Hey fam!
A reminder to keep your eyes on the prize. ๐ฏ
Stay so focused on becoming the best version of yourself that you don't even have time to worry about what others are doing. Keep leveling up! ๐โจ
Hey founders! ๐ซ
In this episode of , Maria asked, โHow do I set the financial levels for my corporate sponsorship packages?โ ๐ค๐ผ
Anyone whoโs done fundraising can relateโpicking numbers out of thin air just doesnโt work! So, whatโs the answer? Base it off your budget! ๐ฐ Fundraising is all about covering your budget, so make sure your levels make sense.
๐ฅ Watch the clip to see the simple formula I use for setting financial levels for sponsorship packages!
Hi fam!
๐ฃ Here's an important reminder: an organization cannot survive on grants alone! If you want your nonprofit to be sustainable and grow, grants should just be one of your funding sources. Aim for at least 10 diverse funding streams, with grants comprising only about 35% of your overall revenue.๐ฑ๐ผ
๐ง๐พโโ๏ธ Happy International Yoga Day! ๐ง๐พโโ๏ธ
My hardworking founders and EDs, this one's for you. ๐ซต๐พ
I know you're passionate about your cause, and that you give, give, and give some more All.The.Time.โbut remember: You can't pour from an empty cup. ๐
๐ฟโโ๏ธ
So, in the spirit of International Yoga Day, let's talk about self-care (and how yoga can help). Just ๐ minutes of yoga can:
๐ซถ๐ฟ Reduce stress
๐ซถ๐ฟ Improve focus
๐ซถ๐ฟ Boost energy levels
๐ซถ๐ฟ Enhance overall well-being
Your mission matters, but so do You. Make time for yourselfโyour organization will thank you.
Hey, fam! It's my pleasure to once again feature one of my clients and share with you how they moved forward. ๐
David Brown, founder of Grow Ur Potential, a healing justice counseling center, talks about how they had a mindset shift to become more organized and business-oriented from a holistic perspective.
I love how he says, "We had great ideas, we had the right intention, but our energy was not focused. And what Amber helped us to do was to focus our energy and to help us to be reflective."
Thank you, David; it was my honor to work with you. ๐๐ฟ
Show David and his team some love. Visit their profile GROWURPOTENTIAL ๐ซถ๐ฟ
Today, I'd like to celebrate Freedom and honor Our struggle...๐๐ฟ
On June 19, 1865, the news of emancipation finally reached the enslaved people of Galveston, Texasโover 2 years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. This date, now commemorated as , marked the end of slavery in America.
But the journey was long and brutal. For centuries, enslaved Africans endured oppression, dehumanization, and an unrelenting struggle for liberty. From forced migration to the horrors of plantations, injustice was deeply woven into American society.
Yet, the spirit of resistance never died. Heroes like Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, uprisings like Nat Turner's Rebellionโall fueled by an unwavering desire for freedom.
The Emancipation Proclamation in 1863 was a huge step, but it took over 2 more years for its promise to reach Texas. Finally, on June 19, 1865, Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, declaring all enslaved people free.
Juneteenth reminds us that while physical bo***ge ended, the fight for true equality continues. Systemic racism and oppression still exist. As we celebrate progress, we must also rededicate ourselves to creating a just society for all.
Today, let's honor the resilience and sacrifices of those who fought for freedom. And let us keep that spirit alive and work towards liberty and justice for all. โ๏ธ
Running a nonprofit can be challenging, but you can totally rock it! ๐ช๐พ Most founders start with nothing but good intentions, which is greatโbut you also need GOOD INFORMATION. ๐
In my blog, I share โ6 Things You Need To Know If You Want To Rock At Running A Nonprofitโ. Here are 3 of them:
1๏ธโฃ Even as the founder and executive director, the nonprofit is NOT your company.
2๏ธโฃ The most powerful position in a nonprofit is the Board President.
3๏ธโฃ Running a nonprofit requires business skills.
To dive deeper into these points and discover the other 3 tips, check out the full post. ๐ Link in the comments!
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