Understand Your Mission. Articulate Your Vision.

“I may be old, but I know that I’ve left some footprints in the sand!” (words from my Aunt Lela). Even now, for me as a new septuagenarian, I still yearn to share my nonprofit management knowledge, the many lessons, and wisdom gained through my life

and career. It is also my mission of sorts and as one woman described it, as my “ministry.” Never did I know as that little girl in this picture, sitting on that white cement pillar, that I would be here. I’m grateful to be able to share knowledge, wisdom, truths, and challenges of lived experiences that started out from the grass roots West Oakland, CA housing projects. My quest is to strengthen the nonprofit sector’s capacity, and our collective responsibility, to teach and learn from one another, intergenerationally.

And in August, as part of my “ministry” I’m passing on more knowledge by offering a

three-part course for novice grant seekers & writers, those new to the nonprofit sector like board members, want or need to learn some grant writing basics: what are some keys to

writing a successful grant that go beyond the writing part. More information is below!

I started Lead Like Big Mama because of my passion for this nonprofit and philanthropic

work. Now I’m learning how to engage in this virtual space - to teach, share, and inform

others. I no longer have the desire or stamina to be in a classroom. Yet I still have a desire to

educate others about leadership and the nonprofit sector. I want to explore ways that this can be a resource and a guide, especially for new grant seekers or grant writers, as well as for those looking to enhance their learning in the field. Don’t forget, I am still learning as I go and grow to build this website and its offerings; just like for many of you, who may be embarking on this complex but fulfilling work of grant writing and fund development. Think about this:

Have you ever been asked, or do you currently serve of a nonprofit board? Chances are

you will somewhere along your journey. In 2022, According to USA Facts there 1.48 million

nonprofit organizations that are 501(c)3 registered organizations in the United States. There

are causes for every social injustice or any target population. Nonprofits are a business. You

will play a role. We need knowledgeable, good and common-sense stewards of money, to

enterprise and articulate a clear vision to thrive in this work, no matter their role.

Starting out in the world of nonprofit fundraising and grant writing can be daunting. There

are thousands of small nonprofits in various stages of development. But with the right

guidance and approach, it can also be incredibly rewarding. While asking for money may

seem intimidating at first, following some simple tips can help newcomers to the sector

navigate the process with confidence and success.

Tip 1: Understand Your Mission. Articulate Your Vision. Stand for Something.

Before you start crafting proposals or reaching out to potential donors, ensure that you,

your staff, board and supporters have a deep understanding of your organization's mission and goals. Knowing your mission helps you articulate your vision more effectively. Align your fundraising efforts with your organization's overarching objectives – what are you working towards? Even as a grant writer, I strongly believe that what you are passionate about comes out in your writing. I write for causes that touch the lives of children and families living in underserved communities negatively impacted by health and educational disparities.

Your mission is a statement of the purpose of the organization – why do you exist. Mission

statements include what an organization does and for whom.  Mission statements may also

include why or how an organization does its work.  For example, for Lead Like Big Mama:

A mission that includes what and for whom:

“The mission of Lead Like Big Mama is to provide an intergenerational space for information, resources and grant related tools to strengthen the capacity for the nonprofit sector.”

A mission that includes why:

“…serves as a nonprofit learning repository of resources & tools: grant and professional

development opportunities, interactive specialized courses to promote intergenerational

leadership and increase capacity within the nonprofit sector.”

A mission that includes how could like this:

“To enrich the nonprofit sector, Lead Like Big Mama provides nonprofit practitioners,

philanthropic corporate leaders, and sectoral policymakers, a place for crucial dialogue,

technical support, understanding and collective learning about the sector, built on

generational progress.”

By understanding your organization’s mission, and your role in articulating that mission,

you can effectively and strategically raise the resources needed to support your work. Another tip coming next week! Finally, I hope you’re interested or please share this training

opportunity – my virtual course for novice grant seekers and grant writers. Limited class size.

Registration opens next week!

course dates: Saturdays, August 10, 17, and 24

time: 1:00 – 2:30 ET

Cost: $175 for entire course. (a package valued at $450). You will:

• Learn how to take your idea through a proposal planning process.

• Create your own personalized proposal planning template.

• Get a 30-minute individualized coaching time to begin/enhance your proposal writing.

Weekly wisdom, in their own words:

“The balance of nature is not a status quo; it is fluid, ever shifting, in a constant state of

adjustment. Man, too, is part of this balance.”

— Rachel Carson (1907 - 1964)