Funders don’t just write checks because nonprofits ask for support. They need to be inspired and believe their money will make a difference. The Statement of Need is an essential tool for demonstrating need. Without the justification, Funders will not support your cause. Find out how to validate the need in your community; what goes into a Statement of Need.

Did you start your nonprofit organization because you thought it would be easy? Or, you thought you'd get grants to help you serve your community? People start nonprofits without understanding that there are rules that must be followed, infrastructures that must be in place, and systems that can produce information, in order to qualify for funding.

In this episode, Amber explains why "Nonprofit" doesn't mean "No Profit." A nonprofit is a business (it's just a business with a philanthropic purpose), and every business has expenses. That's why nonprofits MUST generate revenue to cover those expenses. *It is the organization's responsibility to cover business costs, not the funders.

Are you self-funding your nonprofit organization? Learn what it takes to get consistent, outside funding that leads to a sustainable nonprofit.

How do you get grants as a start-up? You’re competing against organizations with long track records. Learn what you have to do and how to get them before applying and getting rejected for grants.

How to qualify for grants? Funders request financial statements to help determine eligibility. How do you produce the financial statements? You need systems in place that track, monitor, and produce reports both the IRS and Funders need. Learn what they are and how to create them.

How to get a salary? How to hire a paid staff? There’s a formula and it’s based on your leadership team. Learn the formula and how to go from volunteer to receiving a check every month.

Funders don't fund events, camps, workshops. One-time engagements don’t create change. Events are for visibility and are best aligned with marketing dollars. They sponsor them. Grants are for projects/programs that are administered over time. Funders want to see a change. If long term sustainability is your goal, you have to understand how Funders think so that you powerfully position your organization for opportunities.

How to recruit board members (you don’t pay), funders, and clients. It starts with a clear purpose. Learn what it entails.

How to start a nonprofit in terms of building out the most important foundational elements of the organization - the infrastructure. Step 2 is the key to getting grants, recruiting board members, and becoming funder-ready. This is the part of starting a nonprofit that most Founders skip.

“How to start a nonprofit?” means more than just getting a 501(c)(3) tax exemption. It’s a 2-step process. Step 1 is forming the Legal Entity. Learn what this means and why it’s an important part of the nonprofit success roadmap.

Not sure if you should start a nonprofit or for-profit? Learn the difference between the two, and which one you should start.

Thinking about starting a nonprofit? Struggling to fund your nonprofit? Overwhelmed? Before starting a nonprofit, learn the 7 Stages of a Successful nonprofit and get clarity on what should be done to start, fund, and run a profitable nonprofit organization before spending a dime.

Nonprofits are required to adhere funder, IRS, and authorized agency's rules and regulations. Failure to follow pre-established rules and remain in compliance could land your organization on the suspended or disbarred list. Learn what to do to avoid being placed on those lists.

A nonprofit is a business, accountable to authorized agencies who help ensure the organization is operating as a viable tax-exempt organization. Learn what these agencies are and what type of compliance expectations you should be investigation to prevent losing your tax-exempt status or incurring fines for failure to file required paperwork.

What is an engaged board? Board members are ambassadors for the organization. But if they don't attend activities or programs then they won't be able to describe the organization's impact from first-hand experience. If they're too busy to even attend board meetings, then they don't have a grasp of organization's inner workings. Learn how to reinvigorate your board and establish accountability.

The board is responsible for governing the organization. If the members are disengaged, so goes the nonprofit. Culture is intentional. Learn how to create a culture of active, engaged board members who support the organization.

Are you an Executive Director whose board doesn't do anything? Boards go through phases. Growth comes from adding seasoned board members who understand their responsibilities. Learn why having a seasoned board is important to the growth and consistent funding of your nonprofit (especially if You don't have much board experience).

Are you both President and Executive Director (President/CEO)? If so, you could be costing your organization funding. Combined is a corporate title. Many Executive Directors use the combination not knowing the President is authorized to hire and fire the Executive Director and is a red flag for funders. Learn more about tiltes and why they matter in the nonprofit sector.

Do you have your mom, friends, roommate, and lady at the church on your board? Are you having trouble getting them to fundraise and pay board dues? Learn why not having a high caliber board of directors could be costing you and how to recruit high powered members to your nonprofit board.