Crafting an effective fundraising strategy is challenging enough without the right organizational tools. That’s why a detailed program budget spreadsheet is essential for any nonprofit. Breaking down program expenses in a spreadsheet clarifies your funding needs for each initiative. With the right budget figures in hand, you can craft a focused campaign to keep your…
In your pursuit of change, you have a lot of to-dos. Among them may be to apply for a grant (or several). Maybe you’ve never done this before and don’t know where to start. Or you need a refresher and some new ideas to make an impact. No matter where you are in your grant-seeking…
Jerilyn Johnson is the Chief of Staff of Greenpeace USA, a nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness of global environmental problems and creating transformational change. Promoting social good was a core value for Jerilyn from a young age. Growing up in rural Texas, Jerilyn spent a lot of time playing outside. “I was raised in nature,”…
Deidre Johnson is the CEO and Executive Director of the Center for African American Health, a community-based nonprofit in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions. “I have learned so much and I’ve really grown and enjoyed being in this role,” Deidre shares. Since taking over the role 8 years ago,…
Paula Brown is the director of operations at the Center for African American Health, a nonprofit based in Denver that empowers the Black community to make informed health decisions and achieve whole-person wellness. Paula’s extensive portfolio includes human resources, facilities and property management, development and implementation of strategic plans, vendor relations, and driving improved performance…
Winter Holidays Spark Point knows the value of rest, so every year we give our staff the last week of the year off to spend with their loved ones. Check out some of the ways we spent our break! Below you can see a beautiful gingerbread house made by Hannah’s (Senior Grant Writer) child Jaime,…
Position Title: Fundraising Strategy Apprentice – Paid Time Commitment: 20 hours/week; Part-time or contracted Reports To: Director of Fundraising Strategy Core Work Hours: Spark Point’s core working hours are Monday through Friday from 10 AM to 6 PM ET, with client-facing meetings occurring, primarily, Tuesdays through Thursdays. This position is part-time and a work schedule…
Whether direct mail or DMs, it’s important to know how to communicate with donors of different generations. The individual giving market is the largest and most flexible segment of philanthropy available to nonprofits, with the Silent Generation (born 1925-1945) and Baby Boomers (1946-1964) making up 70% of giving. That means there are multitudes of ways…
Position Title: Grant Writer Time Commitment: 35 hour work week at minimum Reports To: Senior Grant Writer, Director of Foundation Strategy Spark Point Fundraising is seeking a Grant Writer to support clients with grant writing, reporting, cultivation of new funders, and stewardship of current funders. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced…
A Theory of Change (ToC) isn’t just a statement about the approach you will take to achieve your organization’s ultimate goals; it’s a vehicle for driving systemic change as it describes how you’re going to get it done. It’s the fuel for focusing your organization’s programming and an accelerator for an enduring fundraising strategy. As…
Trinice McNally is a nationally-recognized activist, creative and educator who wears many hats. She is a founding director of the Center for Diversity, Inclusion & Multicultural Affairs at the University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and founding director of the Envisioning Safety On Our Campuses Now Project (ESOC NOW). She is also an Ifá…
There are two constants on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving: Leftover turkey sandwiches and Giving Tuesday. Do you know which one is hurting your nonprofit’s fundraising efforts? At first glance, Giving Tuesday, seems like a powerful engagement tool for nonprofits to activate online donors at a time when consumers already have their wallets out, right? Unfortunately,…
Navigating uncertain times in the nonprofit sector, especially during transitions and evolving economic or political shifts, can be daunting. The pandemic’s impact on funding availability has placed strain on nonprofit development teams, hindering their ability to achieve programmatic goals, expand staff, address community needs, and serve clients. It’s akin to navigating a storm, but it…
Jamese Carey Beauford is the 1st Vice-President of Programs, and former President, of the Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter of The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., a nonprofit organization advocating for Black women and girls in the areas of health, education and economic empowerment. “When I was younger I didn’t know that this is the…
Karina Nelson is the Volunteer Manager at the Invest in Girls program of CEE, a nonprofit working to build financial literacy and confidence in high school girls. This program offers online and in-person workshops to help girls become financially confident and even pursue a career in finance. “I love what I do because I know…
As a development director, chances are high that you have a prospect research spreadsheet that’s beautifully color-coded, categorized, and diligently updated. You’ve put in the time to find foundations likely to support your mission, but despite the intense labor of love, you’re no closer to detangling the web of prospect research — or securing meaningful…
Tiara Nicole Riley is a life coach, motivational speaker, author and HR manager. She also serves as a board member for Stillborn And Infant Loss Support (SAILS), a nonprofit dedicated to helping people who have been affected by the loss of a baby. She began working as a life coach, motivational speaker, and published author…
A donor has a range of motivations for giving to a particular cause. If you can identify what type of donor aligns with your mission, you can make your fundraising strategy much more efficient because you know exactly who to target. Enter: The Appeal Spectrum, a concept from author Tom Ralser’s book, ROI for Nonprofits:…
Dr. Monique Darrisaw-Akil is the Superintendent of Schools at the Uniondale Union Free School District in Long Island, NY. Dr. Akil was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY and realized early on that she wanted to dedicate her life to fighting for equity in education. “My life, in some ways, was shaped by de facto…
Are you falling for these common grant writing myths? Learn 3 myths to avoid, and how to approach grant writing to get the funding your nonprofit deserves.
Securing funding has never been more challenging. In the aftermath of the pandemic, donor funds have dwindled, expenses continue to rise, and demands on your organization are relentless. It’s more important than ever to diversify your funding streams and maximize your potential revenue sources. The question is how? Rethink your restricted funding strategy. It’s more…
Destany Story is the Program Director of Women Empowering Nations, a nonprofit organization that supports girls of color across the globe as they follow their paths to executive leadership. “The passion of my work is to connect women,” Destany shares. Growing up in Memphis, Destany attended a charter high school that was staffed by Teach…
Tatiana Washington is the Senior Director of Secondary Partnerships at OneGoal in Chicago, an organization dedicated to creating equitable opportunities so all young people can realize their postsecondary dreams. “You know, when you’re meant to do something, you feel it!” Tatiana says. “Growing up, that was me. I’ve always gravitated towards service.” From a young…
AI tools like ChatGPT for grant writing may seem like a smart solution for your nonprofit, but human expertise still wins out. Learn the key reasons why.
Krystal Ramseur is the Chief Operating Officer of The National Council of Negro Women, a nonprofit organization founded in 1935 that aims to empower Black women and families, especially in the areas of health, education, social justice, and economic development. This role is a dream job for Krystal, who has always valued community-building. “My dad…
Keyla Marte is the founder of Keyla Consulting where she works as a business strategist and project manager for nonprofits focused on helping underserved communities. Keyla was raised by a single mother in an underserved neighborhood and has always been an advocate for communities that tend to be forgotten. “I went to a public school…
Sharon Washington is the founder and CEO of Sharon Washington Consulting, which provides sustainable strategies for institutions to promote equity, inclusion and belonging by cultivating racial literacy and anti-racism. The pathway to this work started when Sharon was just four years old and her family moved from Oakland, California to rural Oregon where Sharon’s family…
Position Title: Operations Associate Time Commitment: 35 hours/week; Full Time Reports To: Managing Director The Operations Associate will be a part of the Operations team. They will help the company complete internal projects that support strategic growth and operations. Additionally, the Operations Associate will be a key member of client-facing teams, have the opportunity to…
For sustainable funding your fundraising strategy has to align with your nonprofit’s mission. Learn the signs of mission creep & how to find the right donors.
Eshé Collins is the Senior Director of Programs at Jumpstart, a national early education organization dedicated to providing high-quality education access for all children. She also serves as Chair of the Atlanta Board of Education. From a young age, Eshé noticed the economic and educational disparities in her hometown. “You often hear about a tale…
Mia Dunlap a leadership and development director and coach at a remote nonprofit organization. She also works as a workshop facilitator and keynote speaker with her own company, Adversity Yields Audacity (AYA), an organization she founded in 2012 to empower young adults to use their adversity as a bridge to design the life of their…
Strengthen your nonprofit fundraising strategy & the impact of your mission. Learn why diversified funding is key to increasing your organization’s revenue.
Christina Carter-Grant is the Associate Director of the National Land Bank Network at the Center for Community Progress, the only national organization dedicated to the revitalization of vacant properties. “I grew up in a neighborhood that suffered from heavy disinvestment and deterioration,” Christina says. “I never knew what it was like to really feel safe…
Audrey Williamson is the Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition for KIPP Foundation, a nonprofit organization that recruits and trains outstanding educators for the network of free college-prep KIPP schools across the country. She also serves on the founding board of directors for Atlanta Unbound Academy, a K-8 public charter school dedicated to providing empowering, rigorous…
It’s our birthday! Since 2014, we have been growing, serving our clients and communities, and staying true to our values. During this special time we want to look back to meaningfully reflect on how we got here, celebrate our successes, assess our challenges, and discuss our visions for the future. To learn more about this,…
Jerri Taylor is the Director of Diversity in Career Pathways for Sustainable Forestry Initiative and Project Learning Tree. She leads a variety of mentorship programs to help diversify conservation and forestry careers and develops curricula that encourage BIPOC youth to gain a different perspective on the outdoors. “No matter what your background is or the…
2022 was a banner year for us here at Spark Point Fundraising! In addition to serving our clients, Spark Point doubled down on our commitment to our company values last year. Serving our NONPROFIT SECTOR Clients with INGENUITY We understand and value the nonprofit sector for its ability to change the world in meaningful and…
Our highest priority is delivering value, expanding capacity, and securing funding for our clients every single day. An important way we accomplish this is by staying up-to-date on fundraising trends, accessing landscape trends across our client base, and adapting to the ever-changing challenges. After evaluating the results of the Annual Report and gathering feedback from…
In October 2022, the Spark Point team gathered in Washington DC for our annual company retreat! For a remote company like us, retreats are essential to team bonding, enhancing collaboration, maintaining the relationships that help us do good work, and planning for the future. We started planning on August 10 – everything from the venue…
Stacia N. Frederick is the newly promoted Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement at Calvary Women’s Services, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness for women in DC. She is also an author and small-business owner of My Roll Dog Designs. “As a kid, I wanted to do good and save the world,” Stacia says….
Lanre Williams-Ayedun is the Senior Vice President of International Programs for World Relief, a global Christian nonprofit organization that has supported refugee resettlement, humanitarian assistance and development programming in more than 100 countries. Working in social services was always Lanre’s plan. “My father is a development practitioner as well, so I grew up in this…
Jordyn White is the Senior Director of Leadership Development and Research at the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, the largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization in the United States. She also co-founded and serves as General Manager of the Washington Prodigy women’s tackle football team. Being connected with community and helping others has always been important to…
Ramona Plummer is a program coordinator with Our Minds Matter, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending teen suicide by supporting student-led clubs in the DC metropolitan area and across the country. Our Minds Matter was founded in 2012 and originally called the Josh Anderson Foundation to honor the legacy of the executive director’s brother who…
Angela Doyinsola Aina is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Black Mamas Matter Alliance (BMMA), a national nonprofit organization advocating for Black maternal health, rights and justice. BMMA’s goals are to change policy, shift the culture, cultivate research and advance care for Black mamas. Angela has more than 15 years of public health experience, including…
Serena Saunders works as the Communications and Programs Coordinator for Running Start, a nonpartisan nonprofit that trains young women to run for office. She recently earned her Masters of Public Policy from the University of Maryland and she’s invested in helping underrepresented groups become civically engaged. Growing up in the DC area, politics was always…
Malcom X famously said, “When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘We’, even the illness becomes wellness”. For those of us in the nonprofit sector, this sentiment resonates across both our daily and professional lives. Nonprofit organizations, especially smaller nonprofits, invest so much time, effort, and heart into giving to their communities and fulfilling their missions. Sometimes,…
This fall update deserves a round of a-paws! Hello Again! Here at Spark Point, we are settling into fall with new furry friends, plenty of cinnamon coffee, and the launch of ACCELERATE! Read on if you are prepared for extreme cuteness and the latest Spark Point news. Introducing: Bark Point Our Slack channels abound with…
Sharon K. Dailey is a domestic violence survivor and advocate. She is currently working to open the doors of her nonprofit, My Auntie’s House, which will be one of the only safe houses in Maryland for women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking. “My purpose is to create that space,”…
Kia Croom is a nonprofit leader and fund development professional who is passionate about social justice and education initiatives. She works with the Children’s Defense Fund and founded the Croom Institute for Fund Development and Social Change. To date, she has raised almost $400 million for nonprofits across the country that support communities of color…
April Walker is a nonprofit consultant and founder of Philanthropy for the People, an organization dedicated to centering racial equity and justice in fundraising and grantmaking. In this role, April works with nonprofits, donors, and foundations to challenge biases and bring people with lived experiences to the forefront of the philanthropic conversation. After spending years…
Position Title: Senior Grant Writer Time Commitment: 35 hour work week at minimum Reports To: Director of Foundation Strategy Spark Point Fundraising is seeking a Senior Grant Writer to support our work with progressive nonprofit clients fighting to end poverty, healthcare inequity, systemic racism, and more. Senior grant writers lead client projects;…
This summer, Spark Point Fundraising welcomed Emily Baker, a University of Washington student based in Seattle, as our Marketing and Operations intern. We were extra excited to work with Emily both because of her interest in the nonprofit sector and because of her initiative; after seeing full-time job postings on Idealist, Emily reached out to…
Melody Webb is the Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Mother’s Outreach Network, a non-profit that supports the economic empowerment of disadvantaged Black mothers in the DC area. The organization uses legal programming, policy and advocacy and community outreach to help these women. From an early age, Melody knew she was drawn to community…
Position Title: Director of Fundraising StrategyTime Commitment: 35 hour work weekReports To: CEO Spark Point Fundraising is seeking a Director of Fundraising Strategy to lead the company’s growing strategy consulting practice in partnership with the CEO, shaping it over time into its own vertical. To ensure measured and successful growth, the Director of Fundraising Strategy…
Veronica E. Jones is the Chief Operating Officer for the National Abortion Federation (NAF), the professional association for abortion providers. NAF also runs the NAF Hotline Fund, a free hotline for patients in the US and Canada seeking abortion care and financial assistance. When Veronica joined NAF in 2019, she made it her priority to…
Here’s a glimpse of Spark Point’s July! Spark Point News Our team at Spark Point keeps on growing! We’re thrilled to announce that on July 18th we welcomed a new Operations Associate to our team. Please give a warm welcome to our newest staff member – Gagandeep Kaur! Introducing ACCELERATE! We’re thrilled to announce our…
Lul Mohamud is the Executive Director of The Person Center (TPC), a DC-based non-profit that supports African Immigrant and Refugee survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. TPC was founded in 2013 by the late Amelia Missieledies and the organization continues to honor her vision by prioritizing linguistic inclusivity and intersectional justice in its trauma-informed…
Crystal Clark-Chatman is the founder and CEO of Beautiful Spirited Women (BSW), a nonprofit mentorship program that works to empower and uplift young girls. Crystal started BSW in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, to help advocate for girls in her community who experience domestic violence, depression, low self-esteem, bullying, and so much more. Since the…
Yterenickia (YT) Bell is the Senior Advisor of Voting for The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, an organization that works to expand voting rights to vulnerable populations. She also teaches social work and social welfare courses at Georgia State University. YT was also just re-elected to her second term as a Clarkston City…
Throughout the course of her life, Dr. Ayoka Wiles has followed her heart. She currently works in arts and culture, global unit, at Open Society Foundations, the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. Attaining a PhD in Public Policy and Administration with a concentration in nonprofit…
Leigh Player is the Chief Development Officer of Horton Kids, a wraparound out-of-school-time service provider for under resourced DC neighborhoods. Horton Kids offers a range of programming, from tutoring to field trips to basic needs support. Students who participate in Horton Kids are twice as likely to graduate from high school. While Leigh loves building…
From an early age, Ashley Munson felt called to represent those who don’t have a voice. Mentors, friends, and even strangers have repeatedly told her she was created for this work. She currently works as Senior Manager of Advocacy with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, an organization that helps provide food to more than 700…
Saran Fossett is the founder and executive director of AZIZA PE&CE (AP), a nonprofit program that uses music, fashion, art, fitness, and entertainment to help girls of color and LGBTQ+ youth build self-esteem and confidence. AP offers in-school, after-school and summer mentorship programming that includes everything from workshops on toxic relationships to museum field trips….
Nile Fossett is the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Outreach Specialist with Girls Who Code, an international nonprofit working to close the gender gap in tech. Nile is also studying ICT and Data for Development (the intersection of data science and public policy) as an MPA-DP candidate at the Columbia University School of International and Public…
Saran and Nile Fossett are the mother-daughter team behind AZIZA PE&CE (AP), a nonprofit program that uses art, fitness, music and fashion to support girls of color and LGBTQ+ youth on their journeys of self-actualization. Saran is the founder and executive director of AP while Nile serves as the director of operations. Love is at…
Adwoa Rey is the Chief Advancement Officer at Sojourners, a Christian faith-based social justice advocacy organization and award-winning magazine. She is also the President and CEO of Women of Praize, a non-profit dedicated to providing spiritual support for women of color in politics. Adwoa recently founded a second non-profit called You Read You Lead, a…
Reverend Kazimir Brown serves as the National Director of Religious Affairs for Repairers of the Breach. This nonpartisan nonprofit was founded in 2015 by Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, II (Bishop Barber) to organize and support activists as they pursue moral analysis and moral public policy agendas. “I actually first heard about Bishop Barber when…
Ruby Powell-Dennis is the founder and executive director of the Elect Black Women PAC and it’s nonprofit sister organization, The Black Woman Institute. Both organizations engage Black women seeking political leadership. These organizations connect candidates with a network of other Black women leaders across the country in addition to providing outreach and training. “As we…
Position Title: Operations Associate Time Commitment: 35 hours/week; Full Time Reports To: Managing Director Core Work Hours: Spark Point’s core working hours are Monday through Friday from 10AM to 6PM EST, with client-facing meetings occurring, primarily, Tuesdays through Thursdays. Staff are permitted to work remotely at their discretion as long as they consult with their…
Dr. Elesia Glover is the founder and president of Posh Pack, a nonprofit organization that provides feminine hygiene essentials to students. The organization also works to educate elected officials and the general public on the importance of alleviating period poverty. The organization donated 3,000 pads in 2018. Now, Posh Pack donates 22,000 pads annually and…
Camille Berry is the founder and principal of Camille Berry Consulting, where she helps both nonprofit leaders and for-profit directors learn how to manage relationships and secure funds. She was also recently elected as a Chapel Hill Town Council Member. Years into her nonprofit career, she started thinking about what she wanted next in her…
Lauren Lattany is the Director Of Government Relations at the American Medical Group Association (AMGA). This organization brings important issues from medical professionals to the attention of policymakers. AMGA also encourages advocates to use their voices to push for change. Although Lauren loves her work, she never thought she’d be a lobbyist. “I wanted to…
Tenille Hunter is the Chief Operating Officer for Central Arkansas Disability Services, a nonprofit that uses a people-centric approach to empower and support individuals with disabilities in every aspect of their lives. For more than 20 years, this organization has connected individuals with employment supports and community-based programs that support their highest level of independence. …
Spark Point Fundraising is seeking a Grant Writer to support clients with grant writing, reporting, cultivation of new funders, and stewardship of current funders. The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in a fast-paced working environment and who embodies the values of kindness, compassion, and equity. Strong candidates will also have 1-2 years of experience…
Jami Floyd is an attorney, the Senior Editor for the Race and Justice Unit at New York Public Radio and the Legal Editor in the WNYC Newsroom. She helped create the Race and Justice Unit in September 2020 as a resource to ensure that all New York Public Radio stories are considered through the lens…
Aisha Nyandoro always knew she wanted to run a nonprofit organization. Pursuing her doctorate degree was a natural step in learning the right language and insider knowledge needed to be an effective leader in the nonprofit space. But when Aisha found herself working as a research analyst post graduation, not running a nonprofit, she knew…
Carol Torres is the director of the Human Service and Education Worker Training Fund, a nonprofit whose mission is to create high value professional development to benefit all bargaining unit members. “It’s a dream job that I didn’t have a dream for,” Carol explains. “The dream is the feeling that I get when I do…
Chantal Stevens is the Executive Director for the ACLU of North Carolina. This nonprofit affiliate focuses on racial justice, transforming the criminal-legal system, reproductive justice, LGBTQIA rights, immigrant rights and voting rights. Chantal has been in this role since February 2020 but it wasn’t a position she initially saw on her career path. Chantal left…
Megan Stewart is the founder of the PCOS Awareness Association, a nonprofit that advocates for people with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). For the past 9 years, this organization has helped millions of people with PCOS find the resources they need to understand and manage their diagnosis. Megan didn’t initially set out to create the nonprofit,…
Position Title: Operations Associate Time Commitment: 35 hours/week; Full Time Reports To: Managing Director Core Work Hours: Spark Point’s core working hours are Monday through Friday from 10AM to 6PM EST, with client-facing meetings occurring, primarily, Tuesdays through Thursdays. Staff are permitted to work remotely at their discretion as long as they consult with their…
After being together for almost a decade, Chattanoogan, Azuráe Johnson Redmond lost her husband, Matthew Holt Redmond, to lung cancer in 2017. Azurae was 27 years old at the time and five months pregnant with the couple’s second son, little Matthew. Their first son, Holt, was just 10 months old. It was a heartbreaking, yet…
An awesome shot from our retreat! If you are planning your company’s next in-person retreat, you are probably facing a mountain of questions about how to prepare and what you should aim to accomplish. Trust me, I’ve been there! There is so much to do both before and after that this post is part one…
Joy Nelson Thomas is the founder and executive director of LEAD Girls of NC, a nonprofit dedicated to helping at-risk preteen girls build self-confidence and gain the skills they need to be strong leaders in their community.Since its founding in 2015, LEAD Girls has helped more than 500 girls through evidence-based school and community programs. …
Inspired by the racial justice uprisings of 2020, the inequity laid bare by the pandemic, and our commitment to anti-racism, we started the #BlackWomenSparkChange campaign in August of 2020. Our goal has always been to celebrate the stories, voices, and leadership of Black women in the nonprofit sector. Not only did the social climate of…
When Andrea Copeland studied social work in college, she knew her future would be in macro-level work, navigating through complex systems that affect large communities. “I’m a policy nerd,” she says. “I want to make sure the policies we create and implement positively impact populations that we’re trying to target. My biggest goal as a…
When Angela Patton’s parents moved recently, her mother found a yearbook of Angela’s from high school. Fellow students had written, “You’re going to lead something one day” and “You’re going to change the world.” Angela had written that her goal was to make a difference in people’s lives. “I don’t remember feeling that way as…
As a New Year’s resolution in January 2021, Shemika Whiteside posted an idea on Facebook she’d been thinking about for years: a maternity program to help women in Louisville, Kentucky with housing, medical and mental health needs, birthing support, and social services. The response was incredible. Shemika heard from numerous people saying, “I’ve been waiting…
Chandra Clark is a self-described “late bloomer” who traveled a winding path into a career in nonprofits. Growing up, Chandra faced a lot of adversity and took on much of the responsibility for caring for her three younger siblings. Without a lot of guidance and support from adults in her life, she struggled to understand…
While studying at Swarthmore College, Dr. Danielle Moss had her sights set on a career in academia — but upon graduating and in need of a job, her cousin helped secure a role for her in financial services. Early on, Dr. Moss realized that the financial services world was not for her. Thankfully, she was…
After growing up in Alaska, founding two businesses there, and then living briefly in Hawaii and Los Angeles, Charity Blanchett had an awakening in New Orleans: “To move to a city where it’s predominantly African-American, I felt like, for the first time in my life, I looked like everybody. When I walked out the front…
Tige Charity is the Founder and Executive Director of Kids in the Spotlight (KITS), a Los Angeles-based non-profit that provides a platform for young people in foster care to write, cast and star in their own short films, telling their stories their way. Since its founding in 2009, the organization has worked with more than…
After studying film production in college, then working for a time in corporate communications, Mikisha Morris-Tucker was recruited by a mentor to build programs in the Philadelphia school system to serve students of color in predominantly African-American and Latino neighborhoods. Mikisha took students to New York and Washington DC for cultural activities, and had speakers…
On Aisha Arrington’s first day at the LTC Ombudsman Program, an organization that advocates for people who live in long term care, she wrote on a piece of paper that her dream was to become the Executive Director and “lead from the front.” She folded the note up and placed it in her desk. Within…
After a successful 20-year career in commercial banking, Renee Ligon moved from Florida back to her native Ohio and pivoted to community-centered work. In a perfect melding of her banking experience and her desire to make a difference, she served as the Regional Director of the Urban League of Greater Cleveland’s Minority Business Assistance Center….
In many ways, Muriel Smith always knew she’d find her way to a career in nonprofit — in her ideal world, even leading one. Now, as Executive Director at the St. Louis Area Diaper Bank, she’s not only realizing her dream, but working with an incredible team and community to ensure local families’ basic needs…
For Janece Kleban, fundraising and working in development for non-profits was in her blood. Her mother is a consultant and does strategic planning for both local and national organizations, so Janece was able to see firsthand how this type of work impacts everyone in the community. During college, she led her collegiate chapter for Habitat…
By 2010, Kimberly Bryant had built a successful career working as an electrical engineer in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry. Around that time she began exploring other options and started to look at opportunities through the lens of an entrepreneur. The more networking and circulating among new spaces she did, the more she noticed the…
As a lifelong competitive swimmer, Anna Barber started her undergraduate degree at Howard University knowing that she wanted to pursue a career as an athletic director. After graduating, she headed to Arizona State University where she continued to lay the groundwork for a future in athletics — and earned her law degree. “I worked as…
Representation is key to improving tomorrow’s physician landscape Dr. Crystal James started her undergraduate career with her sights set on medical school and both researching and practicing medicine — and she’s never veered from the course. Being accepted to Boston University’s Early Medical School Selection Program (EMSSP) as a college sophomore, she says, only deepened…
As a lifelong teacher, Dr. Michelle Edwards knows the importance of writing, reading, and math as a foundation for learning. But the real transformation, she says, happens outside the classroom. “Yes, you can learn within the four walls of your school, but that’s just the beginning,” she says.“If we want children, especially black and brown…
Now more than ever, creative play is key — and Tamela is setting the stage “I like the power of storytelling. I like the power of being able to imagine something different,” says Tamela Aldridge. “Because if you can imagine it, you can make it happen.” Tamela is the Executive Director of Only Make Believe…
For Natalie Grandison, personal success is certainly something to celebrate, but positively impacting the lives of others in your work is where the real magic lies. “Always advocate for yourself and advocate for others,” says Natalie, Director of Engineering Initiatives at the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation, which provides members of the DC…
From getting out the vote to helping women build communities abroad, Adrianne does it all “A lot of Americans living abroad don’t realize they can still vote in U.S. elections,” explains Adrianne Lind, founder of AG Communications Group. “They can vote in the majority of state elections and all federal elections. A lot of my…
As the CEO of Byte Back, she’s helping countless adult learners reimagine their career paths — and achieve long-term professional success “I was the first in my family to go to college,” says Elizabeth Lindsey, Chief Executive Officer at Byte Back. “When I graduated I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do next — but…
For this change-maker, home is where the heart is — even long after you leave. “If you would have told me when I moved out over 33 years ago, that I would be back working in the place I grew up in, I would have never imagined this is where I’d be for the next…
As part of the Academy of Hope’s advancement team, Mirvlyne is changing the community one learner at a time “I moved for love,” says Mirvlyne Brice. “I was in New York City, working in civil services and, six years ago, I got married and moved to Northern Virginia. Suddenly, I had to decide what I…
With an eye on diverse, sustainable grantmaking, Ryan is redefining how funding — and change — happens “I have certainly had a zigzag of a career,” says Ryan Palmer, Director, Washington, D.C. Community Initiatives at the A. James & Alice B. Clark Foundation. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, Ryan worked in early childhood…
An educator and development leader, Sia is leveling the playing field for California learners “I always say that I am a proud first-generation American. My parents came to the DC area from Sierra Leone in West Africa,” says Sia Magadan, Development Manager for the Oakland Literacy Coalition. “My mother finished high school but my father…
A lifelong development and fundraising pro, Bathsheba is ensuring nonprofits get the funding and support they deserve A third-generation Washingtonian, Bathsheba Philpott has long worked to support her community. In 1992,, she joined the Alliance for Healthy Homes, an organization focused on environmental health — specifically lead poisoning in low-income housing. “I started in an…
With an eye on politics and policy, Indira took a major detour — and never looked back Indira Henard has spent the last 20 years in Washington, D.C. — and, for most of those years, she was focused on a career in politics. “My first love is policy and politics,” she says. “I worked for…
As founder and president of the Center for Urban and Racial Equity (CURE), Dr. Lubin is transforming how organizations think about equity “I’ve always felt called towards racial equity and antiracism work,” says Judy Lubin, PhD, MPH, a sociologist, policy analyst, racial justice advocate and founder and president of the Center for Urban and Racial…
From her own pain came an incredible purpose—and, now, she’s helping countless women every single day Growing up, Onari Jackson was used to conflict. “I used to tell people, ‘I don’t like girls’ or ‘I don’t get along with other girls,’” she says. “It was always, ‘I don’t get along with so-and-so.’ I had such…
Nkechi Feaster loves D.C. Born in the city, she, her brother and mother moved to South Carolina—but Nkechi always knew she’d return. When she did, though, life in her beloved city wasn’t what she envisioned. “When I came back to D.C. I found myself in a shelter,” Nkechi says. “Between college, having my son, leaving…
Since moving the the U.S. in 1993, Vera has been committed to telling her story, and supporting countless families in the process
Shannon Hodge’s Passion for Education Reform Impacts Thousands of Students When she was in first grade, Shannon moved into a new neighborhood and her interest in education was sparked. Shannon’s parents chose the house because it fed into a stronger high school than another house they had considered. With that choice, they knew Shannon would…
For 24 years, Mary has led the charge at Life Pieces To Masterpieces, an organization for African American boys in Wards 7 and 8 For many, career paths are linear — they follow a seemingly set course starting from college and moving into a career. That, though, wasn’t the case for Mary Brown. After graduating…
She’s helping thousands find their voices, as a business leader and nonprofit board member Karen Alson never envisioned working in the nonprofit arena. A graduate of Howard University, Karen dove into the business world post-graduation, working at global enterprises such as JP Morgan, MBNA Bank and AOL. But, years into her corporate rise, Karen took…
Through her church- and community-based work, Marilyn has helped countless women and girls impacted by sexual abuse Trauma was a central theme to Marilyn Lacy’s early years. Sexually abused by her stepfather, Marilyn found herself in “a world of bad choices and wrong decisions,” including a long-term relationship with another abuser while in her teens. …
Malauna Steele is the Principal of Oversight Management, a company that helps nonprofits with financial management, accounting, and operations. This organization builds and sustains successful nonprofits that support Black and Brown communities. “I think all of this was really born out of a desire to help people. My parents were helpers in our community and…
Chelsea Brown is the Founder and Principal Strategist at The Black Mill, a Black woman-owned firm that supports grassroots organizations and minority-led nonprofits, businesses, and individuals in need of strategic nonprofit management. “This is the brainchild of being a little frustrated with philanthropy and the ways that minority-led organizations and grassroots organizations were or were…
As we celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Black Women Spark Change series, we reflect on an incredible journey that is shining a spotlight on the transformative work of dozens of Black women leaders from across the country. These remarkable women are making waves in multiple sectors, from education and health care to environmental justice…
Hi friend! As busy grant submission months approach, it’s the perfect time to set yourself up for success. Researching funders who share your mission, organizing deadlines in a grants calendar, and setting phased goals can make a big difference in streamlining the application process When budgeting, ensure every program expense aligns with grant requirements, including indirect…
Désirée Nzamba is a sustainable development advisor at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vallée-du-Richelieu – Rouville in Quebec, Canada. Désirée has always loved nature. Growing up in Gabon, she fondly remembers visiting natural sights and wildlife parks with her family. She would admire the breathtaking views as they took the train to places like…
Sierra Morris is the Manager of Programming at Live It Learn It, a DC-based nonprofit dedicated to creating experiential learning opportunities for students. “We work with Title I schools, which means that about 90% of the students are having free or reduced lunch,” Sierra says. “We take them to different historical sites, museums, and nature…
Precious Freeman is the Vice President of National Engagement at Measures for Justice, a nonprofit organization leading the movement to reimagine the criminal justice system by developing data tools that help communities reform the system. “I am obsessed with making things better for the next generation,” Precious shares. Precious was always drawn to community engagement…