Many small nonprofits often forget that a nonprofit is a corporation, therefore it should aspire to be a well known brand. I get that it sounds so cold when stated, but think of some long standing nonprofits that have become a well-known brand in our communities and nationally. For example, Goodwill. You may kinda turn your nose up just hearing the name. That’s because you have become hyper aware of the gaps of service to the community. But today is Saturday and I guarantee their stores are busy on this Mother’s Day weekend. And on Monday, some type of workforce training continues. Awareness is not about being everywhere. It is about being remembered. One clear message repeated consistentlywill outperform scattered communication every time. Share what your organization is doing for Mother’s Day.

To all the mothers in this community… I hope you are taking some time for YOU! Time to recharge!✨😍

I wanted to share this one in case there is a nonprofit in our community with an annual budget of at least $500,000. If not, this will be a goal. Please note this is "project-specific", similar to most grants. Eligibility requirements: - Internal Revenue Service-recognized 501(c)(3) public charities or organizations with a 501(c)(3) public charity fiscal sponsor based in the United States - 501(c)(3) organizations (including fiscal sponsors) must have a sustained annual budget of at least $500,000 - Grants are project-specific; this is not for general operating support - Grant amounts range from $50,000 to $250,000, aligned with project budgets - Funding is one-time; multiyear requests will not be considered - Projects must take place in the United States - We do not fund political, lobbying, or advocacy-based activities  https://unlikely.org/home#er Remember, in-kind donations can justify your budget. All of the other bullet points are what I have spoken about and continue to discuss. Again, I hope this will serve as motivation.

Even if you don't get the grant, at least you will have experience in filling out your own grant application. It's too simple to let it go by. You can fill out multiple applications for different Walmart locations, especially if you live in a larger city. https://www.walmart.org/how-we-give/program-guidelines/spark-good-local-grants-guidelines Program Guidelines - Grants are awarded through an open application process to eligible organizations serving the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves. - Organizations must have a Spark Good account on Walmart.com/nonprofits and be verified by Walmart’s third-party verification partner, Deed. Only authorized users of the organization’s Spark Good account may apply. - Grant amounts range from $250 to $5,000. - Applications are accepted and reviewed through three application cycles in FY27:Cycle 1: Feb. 1 – April 15Cycle 2: May 1– July 15Cycle 3: Aug. 1 – Nov. 30 - A maximum of 25 applications (pending or approved status), is allowed per organization at any time.  - Once funded, reapplication to the same facility is not allowed within the same fiscal year.  - Final decisions are made prior to the next application cycle’s opening. - Affirming alignment with Spark Good program guidelines is mandatory for all grant recipients. - Agreeing to logo usage and recognition guidelines is required. - If recommended for a grant, funds are distributed through electronic payment via JP Morgan, requiring the organization to provide correct banking within 21 days of the organization’s primary owner being notified that the grant was recommended for approval. Organization Eligibility - Organizations must have a Spark Good account and be verified by Deed, Walmart’s third-party verification service provider. - Organizations must serve the same service area that the facility they are requesting funding from serves. Eligible entities must be a:501(c)(3) public charity: An organization holding a current tax-exempt status and recognized as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, listed on the IRS Master File and conducting activities within the United States; classified as a public charity under Section 509(a)(1), (2) or (3) (Types I or II); and Deed verified.Government entity (non-501(c)(3)): U.S. federal agencies territories and commonwealths, state agencies and departments and political subdivisions (including cities, counties, municipal agencies); and Deed verified. School: All K-12 public or nonprofit private schools, charter schools, community/junior colleges, state/private colleges, or universities. Institutions must have a NCES (National Center for Education Statistics) number or 501c3 tax status and be verified with Deed. Church or other faith-based organization with a proposed project that benefits the community at large, such as food pantries, soup kitchens and clothing closets and Deed verified.

Most of us started a nonprofit because something in us cared deeply. A story. A calling. A community need. A moment that changed us. But somewhere after the vision boards and the excitement… we realized running a nonprofit takes more than heart. It takes structure, strategy, systems, and staying power. And that’s usually where the real weight shows up. So now that you’re on the journey, what’s weighing on you most right now? No pressure to explain, but you can in the comments. Just choose what feels true. You’re not alone in this. And you’re in the right room.