This mid-month update is a big one…

With a full heart, I have some news to share. After 6 years of running Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting LLC., I believe it is time for my next chapter.

I have truly loved the priviledge to serve so many nonprofits from remote villages in Uganda to local neighborhoods in the USA. I have met SO many of you virtually and am incredibly proud of everything I have built and everything YOU have accomplished in the last six years!

I have grown so much as a person and have grown with many of you as well. For some of you, you’re new to my Substack (I only started in January this year!), but I began my practice in 2020.

At first, I thought I would do nonprofit consulting as a final leg on my career journey. God had different plans. I started supporting several nonprofits from setting up a strategic plan, to filing their articles of incorporation and constructing bylaws. I walked brave and courageous individuals as they forged new paths in their communities as they set up and started running their own nonprofits, filling the needs they saw in their own neighborhoods.

Last year, I held a 5-year anniversary party over Zoom! For nostalgia’s sake, here is the graphic from the event. I wish I had captured a photo/screenshot!

I have cried, rejoiced, ebbed, and flowed as a businessowner. To say that the last 6 years has been a gift is an understatement. It has changed my DNA.

Well, what now you might ask?

Here’s what I’ve got for you.

1. Substack - My existing content will stay up on Substack. There’s a lot of helpful articles and inspiration for you and hey, it doesn’t hurt to leave it up for a year (I’ll re-evaluate after that).

2. The Nonprofit Curious Podcast - Like Substack, it’s not going to disappear, but I don’t plan on producing more episodes at this time. I have one more guest episode and my grand finale to finsih editing and uploading! Feel free to check out the other 15 episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube (or right here on Substack)!

3. Online Courses - My Gum Road will be up until October! Then it’s closed for good. I have the following courses up for purchase:
   Grant Writing, $0-199

   Nonprofit Launchpad, $149
   Board Agreement Form, $19
   Snag what you can for now! I hope you’ll find these helpful.

4. Consulting Packages- I am accepting last minute calls through the end of August. Email me at Melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com with inquiries and pricing. Existing clients will have gotten a personal message and details for me, so this timeline doesn’t apply to them!

So thank you all for joining the journey! I am ready to move onto my next chapter, but change is always bittersweet.

Thank you for the work you all are doing in the nonprofit sector! Know I am always rooting for each of you, no matter where in the world or what in the world I am working on!

Stay tuned for one final newsletter next month if you’d like to know more about the next steps in my personal career!

All the best,

Melissa

This portion of my series, Part 3: Becoming Jaded is a vulnerable one. It’s about what I genuinely feel frustrated and yes, jaded about within the nonprofit sector.

Before I begin, I want to level with you on my intention. It’s not to bash the sector. There’s a lot I love and believe in here! What you’re all doing… it’s important and necessary work.

What I do want is to expose the faulty beams in the house of nonprofit work. What to look for before you take the job at a new nonprofit organization. What to fix if you’re building your own organization. What might make your workers jaded… and how to adjust your path so that you can keep morale high for you, your volunteers, workers and board members! It’s a lot to tackle, so please comment any additions you might have!!

As you read in the earlier parts of this series, nonprofit work changed my life and my family’s life! Early foundations were laid that became a huge blessing in my life and I am so grateful for the people who paved the way before me in the nonprofit field.

Let’s start with my first job out of university.

JOB 1

I started working at a nonprofit in Denver, Colorado about a month after graduation. I had heard of this nonprofit (naming it will be excluded at this point and time) through a pastor friend of mine who had connected to the founder/pastor of this para church organization.

The organization fell into a lot of nonprofit pitfalls.

Mission drift.

Too many programs, not enough staff.

Expanding their footprint before securing adequate funding.

Not paying their staff a livable wage.

Relying excessively on volunteers without training their volunteers.

These were just a few.

I started working for them in July and left by early November of the same year. Which is another problem with dysfunctional orgs. High turnover rates.

I remember joining the organization bright-eyed and bushy tailed- just so excited to put my nonprofit business degree at work! But the more I looked at the organizational structure and worked day in and day out… I saw early signs of burnout and noncompliance at this organization.

I ended up working close to 18-hour days 6-7 days a week. And not getting paid minimum wage. It turned out, they grouped me with a set of “interns” who they had sign documents that opened a legal loophole for paying them. They were then instructed to “fundraise for their roles” as missionaries within the denomination that the parachurch nonprofit was filed under. I had to fight tooth and nail just to get my basic expenses paid for and a paycheck that left me feeling jaded.

For me, I put up with way more than I would today. I was coming out of bible college, and felt called to the good work this nonprofit claimed they were doing. They used a spiritual angle to validate their actions, which looking back feels manipulative and cringy. The beginning of me feeling jaded for sure.

Before I left the organizaiton, I noticed that they weren’t measuring their programs. They were writing and winning grants- large, multi-million dollar grants- and not being kosher with their reporting. So on top of skirting HR compliance, they were using their personal relations with people in charge of the grants to get the funding they needed to operate. Once the veil was lifted, I wrote out a few pages of my suggestions on what they should fix if they wanted to be a more compliant nonprofit. I was writing it as 1. a prayer that they would change their ways, because they were well-meaning people, and 2. as a test to see if they would change.

When I presented my version of Martin Luther’s 95 theses to leadership, I had mixed reviews. While it took a lot of boldness and courage to share my points, the founder of the organization wouldn’t look at me at all. They were dismissive. Their right hand person took the printed out pages, thanked me for sharing, and said they’d consider my points.

I gave my 2 week’s notice. I knew if the person on top couldn’t look me in the eye and wouldn’t change, I could not tie my name, career, or reputation on a brand I couldn’t stand behind. I wanted them to operate with integrity so badly. For them. For the people they served. For their stakeholders and for all of the other nonprofits that would have done a good job but didn’t get the millions of funding that this nonprofit got because of their inside connections. It didn’t feel fair and I was outraged (still am).

(Deep breath.)

All that being said, they did take one suggestion- that their people needed at least ONE day off. The following day after my 2-week’s notice the interns were all called into the boss’s office, one by one. They came back like they just won the lottery. “I get Wednesday’s off now!” The next person got Thursday’s off. And so on.

I can look back at that time and remember the interns eating crackers and peanut butter for breakfast and lunch because they didn’t have the money for actual groceries. This is seriously rage-bait material, but I assure you this was real life.

I did learn a lot from that job though.

I gained a passion for the legal field, specifically legal compliance.

As you know from the last article, I went to law school and pursued a Masters in Legal Studies so that I could better understand things like bylaws and nonprofit human resource laws. This would later be a catalyst for my nonprofit consulting business and passion for nonprofit compliance in helping early stage nonprofits who care to do things right from the get-go!

So for that, I am grateful.

I could go on, but I want to touch on one other nonprofit job that I had years later.

JOB 2

While I had several nonprofit jobs, one of the last ones I had before going full-time with my nonprofit consulting business was one that almost broke me.

I became a manager of the East Coast region for my organization and lasted 9 months. I know, not very long! But here’s why….

I had a new manager. While they were a sweet and very passionate person, they were your classic nonprofit workaholic. I am talking working an extra 5+ hours a day, texting on the weekends and blurring boundary lines.

Since this was their first management job, it was a big learning curve for this worker who had a doer mentality. For them, letting go and trusting the team was really, really difficult and ended up micromanaging the team.

Three of us quit within 2 months, losing more than half of the team. High turnover!!

I remember becoming so stressed, having to redo all of my work multiple times, and having this boss constantly saying that they needed something completely different each time we met. When my other two colleagues also left, I knew it wasn’t just me feeling this way.

Eventually, this working dynamic was too high stress for me and started impacting my health. Burnout was coming in hot! I did let it go on far longer than I should have, but quitting and turning to my own consulting practice ended up being the best decision I could have made in that season.

TAKEAWAYS

As I mentioned in the beginning, a lot of this article can cause frustration.

My goal is to now take the stories of my career and share the pro tips I would give you (and that I have given my clients) over the last 6 years of running Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting.

1. Train your staff.
   Invest in upskilling your team as you grow. THAT INCLUDES YOU. Founders and team leaders- take a management course! There are so many free and affordable resources online these days.

2. Take time for compliance.
   Legal-eze can be challenging at first. Especially if you don’t have a legal background. Find a board member or pro bono lawyer who can walk you through it, or a qualified consultant. Google University can only get you so far and this is an area expert advice really does pay off in time and preventing headaches down the road.

3. Have high standards.

   Don’t fall prey to mission drift or overworking yourselves “for the good of the cause.” It will lead to burnout, and the goal is to do the good work for as long as you can/until the problem you are solving no longer needs you! Also, don’t take just any job. Stand up for yourselves and become your best advocate for the work you do. Trust your gut and choose a career path that is sustainable for you and your goals, not just for the good of the organization. (Hopefully, your goals and the good of the organizaiton align! And if not, know it’s okay to find something that is.)

To close, I have a little message for you:

To those working for and starting a nonprofit, I see you, and acknowledge that you do some of the most important work on the planet. May any frustrations we face as a sector, catalyze us to change together and for the better. We must be strong and courageous to face challenges head on- for our fellow teammates and those we serve! I believe in you, that you can do great work sustainably and compliantly and with full and joyful hearts that will keep you going for the long haul. Together, we make the world a better, brighter place.

Rooting for you all,

Melissa

Time for college!

Some people love high school, I loved my time at college.

To me, going to school with the strongest “why” I could imagine was a huge driver to become a high performer in every class I took. I loved all of my classes (well, most of them).

Undergraduate Years

Evangel University was a small, 2,000-student university where the professors truly took time to know your name and story.

The new head of the business department was the same woman who established the nonprofit program, and she become a mentor to me. AND we’re friends now! She gets a Christmas card and call or two every year. Shoutout to Dr. Evelyn Lewis! I woud not be where I am now, nor would I be the person I am now. Talk about impact.

During undergrad, I learned the ins and outs of nonprofit business. How it is similar and different from for-profit business. What grant writing was, and how to conduct research, outreach, craft LOI’s, writing the actual grants and what follow up and reporting should look like.

I took nonprofit law, nonprofit accounting 1 & 2, fundraising classes, and read SO MANY books on nonprofits and management. I was obsessed.

I had the opportunity to attend 1Million Cups Springfield in my freshman year because of an entreprenuership class I enrolled in (foreshadowing). It was an elective entreprenuership class mostly reserved for upperclassmen (and women), but somehow I was able to slide in. Every Wednesday for a semester, we would all carpool downtown to hear 3 businesses/organizations pitch for 7 minutes. Who they were, what they do, how they got there, and finally the host would ask, “How can we, as a community, support you?” To which the speaker would say something like, “I am looking for help with marketing” or “I am opening a brick and mortar on Sunday and would love you to share with your community” or even more specific, intricate scenarios to which the audience would stand up and give their insight, suggestions or business services. It was my favorite hour of the week.

By the way, 1Million Cups is a nationwide organizaiton. I’ll share their link: https://www.1millioncups.com/s/

Through my 4 year program, I shadowed several nonprofits, tour facilities, got aquainted with a local micro-business incubator and heard countless speakers from local and global nonprofits. It was a whirlwind but I cannot say how much inspriation I got from my classmates, mentors and professors.

After I graduated, I worked for a couple of nonprofits. I’ll share more in Part 3: Becoming Jaded, but for now, know that I left Evangel University with an interest in law, justice and what my part would play in that system.

I have always been a very by-the-book person, so compliance and best practices for nonprofits was a theme that stuck out to me in my last years at university. This time, I would listen to that inner voice, and decided to take the LSAT just in case I wanted to go to law school. (FORESHADOWING!!!)

Fast forward a couple of years, I had worked in the nonprofit field and became very motivated to try to fix noncompliance and fear of legal constraints that I had seen at some of the places I worked. I noticed that where there was confusion, there people would ignore really important red flags because they 1. didn’t understand the legal consequences and/or 2. they just weren’t informed that there was an issue in the first place. This DEEPLY concerned me.

Graduate Years

So, I enrolled in an online program through Pepperdine University for their Masters in Legal Studies right before COVID-19 hit. I would graduate with a Masters in Legal Studies with a concentration in Alternative Dispute Resolution. (Think arbitration, mediation and negotiations.) This served as an in-depth understanding of the legal system and I took really interesting courses in areas such as education law, but also those courses that L1-L2 students would need to complete. I debated going for a full juris doctorate degree, but ultimately decided I got the information I wanted out of the Masters program!

AND during my first year of law school… I started a nonprofit consulting business called Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting! My boyfriend (now husband!) at the time knew I wanted to do nonprofit consulting and when a friend asked if they could pay me to help them start their nonprofit, I had the pushes I needed to give it a go!

Becoming a Business Owner, New Offerings!

Running my own business since 2020 has been so aligned for me. I have been able to pursue my own higher education and pass on my passion for education by creating and teaching online grant writing and nonprofit 101 courses for years now! You can check out some on my GumRoad product page here.

More courses are coming! Including a pay-what-you-can grant writing course. Comment below any resources or topics you’d like to see.

I have loved coming alongside early-stage nonprofits through providing templates, group and individual coaching and by providing support on building fundraising and grant writing campaigns over the years. And of course, by starting this Nonprofit Curious Substack and Podcast!

I think baby college Melissa would be so proud of the good that she’s been able to help leverage in the world. All of the nonprofits that would still be stuck in people’s minds and dreams, that are actually helping kids in Kenya, disadvantaged youth in Oakland, seniors in Birmingham, and single moms becoming entreprenuers in Malawi. I never imagined my “being a missionary” dream would be from a place of empowerment towards other individuals, but it’s been perfect. I have a very full heart and am so grateful for God’s guidance and for the support I have from my fellow entreprenuers!

I am also so grateful for the scholarships and aid I received over the years to be able to achieve my higher education. I know it is a huge privilege to be able to dedicate the time, money and resources to pursue so much education, but that’s why I am driven in my efforts to distill some of what I’ve learned to those just starting out with their nonprofits who often have kids, a job, and a whole life to juggle on top of running a new organization.

Thank you all for reading! Part 3: Becoming Jaded will be my juicy, semi-gossipy article on everything I saw wrong with nonprofits that drove me to DEFINITELY go to law school. I will be sharing from a place of gratitude for the darkness I saw, but also to commisurate with some of you who’ve been in the burnout and toxicity of some nonprofits. Know that there’s hope for you as you start your nonprofit to set the tone for a compliant, human-centered and energizing (not draining) organizaiton for you, your Board, and your workers.

Rooting for you,

Melissa

I am actually so excited to write this story. It’s been a while since I shared how I got to where I am now.

The Origin Story

Growing up, deep values of helping others was instilled into me from my parents, mentors and church community. I grew up hearing stories from missionaries who moved their lives and families to foreign lands in order to build wells for drinkable water, build schools and teach kids, train farmers sustainable practices and aleviate oppressed women by teaching them marketable trades such as sewing or starting a business.

These missionaries inspired me. I wanted to be one!

Over the years, I found ways to volunteer. At first, it was to “look good” for college applications. But I soon found that it was truly exciting for me to do something beyond myself.

One summer, during a recession, I was part of my church’s youth group leadership team. We were trying to figure out how to get more students signed up for our Snow Camp in the winter. I started asking around if people were coming, and learned that most of our students had parents who had lost a job, and they weren’t able to afford the camp fee.

This both saddened me and ingnited a flame to solve the problem. I immediately talked to my friends and pastor, and came up with an idea for a post-church baked potato feed. It would be a fundraiser (my first one)!

I don’t know the last time you fed 150-200 people, but you’d think it would be costly! Not if you’re feeding them potatoes! We had fun toppings and some people volunteered to bring some extras like desserts. We raised enough to send anyone who wanted to come to Snow Camp and had our biggest camp to date!

It might surprise you, but while I dreamed of being a missionary, I actually envisioned being a medical missionary. I wanted to be a nurse, like my grandmother. Just in cool places, somewhere abroad.

If you’ve listened to old podcast episodes of the Nonprofit Curious podcast, you’ll know what derailed (or should I say, redirected) that plan.

Subscribe now

Where my path turned…

My senior year of high school, I had committed to going to a small school far from my home in California. I was going to a small Christian school, called Evangel University, located in Springfield, Missouri.

In spring of my senior year, something tragic happened.

I was working at home alone in my backyard on my AP Economics final paper when I went inside for a drink of water. I had missed nearly 10 phone calls from my cousin and aunt. My dad was in the hospital, after having a brain aneurysm and stroke. He was in Los Angeles visiting my grandma, and I was all the way at home in the SF Bay area.

My mom and brother were at his volleyball tournament all day. I tried calling and texting them both- with no answer.

Finally I booked a plane ticket for a flight that evening and called a neighbor to ask for a ride. As I was finishing packing my bag, my mom and brother pulled up. I told them to pack a bag immediately, that dad was not okay and I’d book their flights to get on the same plane I was going to get on.

That night we were in LA, and my dad was in a coma.

I’ll spare the details, but the next 2.5 months were brutal. He was in a coma for several weeks. Had brain surgery. Was on a respirator.

But that’s when my life changed.

My perspective of nursing as this glamorous way to help others had a hard and fast reality check. I knew then that it wasn’t for me. But I had committed to this university to be in their pre-med/nursing program. What else was I going to do? This wasn’t the plan.

I prayed about it. For weeks I talked myself into thinking: I should just still go be a nurse. Then finally I decided to listen to the voice inside that was nudging me away from it.

Once I finally accepted that could be another path for me, I already felt lighter. I felt open to the idea of a change.

I went to my university website and clicked on the majors. Scrolled down. Finally. Nonprofit Business Management. I felt like my eyes and soul opened at the same time. It was like I had tunnel vision in the best way possible. My passion for volunteering, helping people, the baked potato feed. They all energized me. Now it was time to pursue this with all I had.

Thanks for reading so far! I’ll dive into my education and that part of my journey in PART 2!

Sorry for the cliff hanger!!!

See you in the next article,

Melissa

P.S. My dad is 100% better! He has a badass scar on the back of his head from the two brain surgeries. He had less than a 10% chance of survival, was clinically dead, and somehow made it through. He’s one of my biggest inspirations in life. Some of my other heroes/heroines were the people from our church who kept us fed and prayed over, my dad’s company who stepped in and used its foundation to pay for us to be 2 blocks from my dad’s hotel while he was in his coma for several weeks, and all of the generous people who showed up for us through that tough time. I felt so held by my community and I think that power has kept me believing in humanity through the COVID pandemic, crazy life and crazy world events since enduring my dad’s health recovery. I am so grateful.

Hello Nonprofit Curious readers,

We’re in JULY already! Can you believe it?! Here’s my snappy 3-part newsletter for you to enjoy as we round out month 7/12.

1. I have a fun solo podcast on my nonprofit journey. SO many of you are new, so I wanted to recap and maybe even commiserate with you since we have a vast array of nonprofit curious people reading out of our OVER 300 SUBSCRIBERS!

2. Hopefully you have seen that I am offering a free version of my Nonprofit Launchpad for any new annual subscribers this month only!

   The Nonprofit Launchpad is a $149 value and comes with the option of adding on 1:1 consultations for me to tailor your experience/for me to give expert advice on what you accomplished before, during or after going through the 8 Nonprofit Templates (this is for you if you are starting or already running a nonprofit in the USA!)

   Here’s a link to purchase it for the full price: https://pursuit24.gumroad.com/l/nonprofitcurious_launchpad

   OR you can subscribe with the button below to get the free version included in your annual membership.

   This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

   Subscribe to the annual plan for a deal!

3. Lastly, I loved reading and reflecting on my friend ’s article on 10 Questions to Ask Yourself in the Second Half of 2026. As nonprofit workers, it’s so easy to drive ourselves into the ground (hello, burnout?) and forget to look up and see how far we’ve come. Consider checking out her thoughtful list of questions (after reading this newsletter!). Take some time to celebrate your progress as an organization and know that YOU are amazing!

I am so grateful for each of you being here. Seriously, hitting 300 subscribers last month blew my mind and I hope I can do you all justice with my podcast, content and products!

If you ever need anything, please feel free to message me or email me at: Melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com

Rooting HARD for you and your mission,

Melissa

I talk to and support passionate people who have incredible visions for social change such as launching community programs, advocacy platforms, or youth initiatives. Somewhere between the initial spark of inspiration and the reality of state incorporation, they feel paralyzed by the mountain of legal-ese of starting a nonprofit here in the United States.

Navigating the maze of corporate bylaws, conflict-of-interest policies, and the daunting federal tax exemption process usually leaves founders facing two scary choices:

1. Spend $3,000 to $5,000+ hiring a private consultant or attorney to handle the paperwork (capital that an early-stage project desperately needs for programming).

2. Go it alone, spend months guessing, and risk costly IRS delays or compliance rejections because the structural paperwork wasn’t framed correctly.

Building a vehicle for social good shouldn’t be gate kept behind thousands of dollars in legal fees! I don’t feel like we are doing the world favors by creating barriers to mobilize more good in our communities.

To help you maximize this summer planning window, I am launching our Summer Paid Promotion with a simple bundle designed to get your organization built with compliance and ease.

The Summer Offer: Upgrade Your Subscription, Unlock the Launchpad

In the monoth of JULY, when you upgrade to an Annual Paid Subscription to Nonprofit Curious, you will get instant, full access to our premium Nonprofit Launchpad master toolkit (regularly $149 on Gumroad) entirely for FREE.

The Nonprofit Launchpad is the exact chronological blueprint, template vault, and roadmap I use with my private consulting clients to ensure total legal and structural compliance from day one. It covers IRS begginer-friendly knowledge and templates to get you on your way to running a successful and compliant nonprofit in the United States!

The subscription + launchpad offer is perfect if you want more of my content but are on the fence about actually starting your nonprofit today. It’s the best way to be Nonprofit Curious, if you will!

Subscribe now

What You Unlock Below the Paywall:

By upgrading to a paid annual membership today, you instantly bypass the bulk of the consulting fees many people fork over, and by doing so, you’ll unlock the complete, plug-and-play structural bundle right inside this post:

In this series of documents and slide shows, you’ll get the templates you need to get started on your journey of starting a nonprofit.

• Check out the 6 nonprofit templates for:

  1. Starting a Nonprofit From Ideation to Becoming a 501(c)3

  2. Naming your nonprofit

  3. Mission/Vision Statement

  4. Articles of Incorporation Template

  5. Bylaws Template

  6. Sample Board Meeting Agenda

  7. Nonprofit Board Governance Checklist

  8. Organization Structure Pro/Con List

  I’ve included some slides on nonprofit basics as well that cover some of the templated documents like naming your nonprofit. Totally optional but there for you to explore!

Need Expert Eyes on Your Paperwork? (Exclusive Upgrade)

If you want more peace of mind before you submit your completed files to the state or the IRS, my consulting practice, Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting, is offering a high-touch add-on for our subscribers.

Once you upgrade your subscription, you will find a link to book an al-a-carte 1-Hour 1:1 Advisory Strategy Session with me for a heavily discounted rate of $75 (normally $100/hr). Together, we will review your drafted bylaws and ensure you are completely set up for success, and I’ll answer questions you have about the process and suggestions if you’d like my expert opinion.

You might be asking, “What makes you qualified?” Well, I have a Master’s in Legal Studies (so I am very comfortable translating and simplifying legal-ese), a Bachelor’s degree in Nonprofit Business, and have been consulting on nonprofit startups since 2020. I’ve had a huge priviledge of connecting with and walking with people all over the USA and around the globe set up beautiful, sustainable nonprofits!

Ready to build your legacy?

Click the button below to secure your annual summer discount, support our digital media platform, and instantly claim your included, $149 Launchpad toolkit.

Get Annual Paid & The Launchpad

Thank you for your dedication to creating real, lasting impact in our communities. If you have questions about the templates or navigating your specific state’s filing systems this summer, drop a comment below or reply directly to this email!

Rooting for you,

Melissa, Nonprofit Curious

In this episode, I interview a seasoned fundraising local, Roger Devine. I hope you’ll enjoy our discussion on what brought him to the nonprofit space. He and I have so much overlap in our passion for the angels that walk the earth (you!! the early-stage, driven nonprofit leaders doing the GOOD WORK!).

He covers actionable strategies for making event-based fundraising equitable and accessible to supporters outside of the traditional top-tier donors, focusing on how organizations can build a broader base and ensure financial stability through challenging times like the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic.

About Roger: Roger currently lives in Portland, Oregon, and loves all dogs on the planet. (Green flag in my book!) Roger is a co-founder of Northworld, the developer and distributor of the award-winning SchoolAuction.net auction management software. Roger has 30+ years of experience working in software, website development, and publishing. He has chaired at least 30 auctions over the past 20 years and has served on the boards of several area nonprofits, including K9 Kavalry and the Golden Leaf Education Foundation.

In our chat, we uncover bits of his software background and his viewpoints on inclusive fundraising. I enjoyed reflecting together on how nonprofit fundraising has both changed and what’s stayed the same over the years. Around minute 17, he walks you through what using School Auction software and support looks like (feel free to jump there and listen if you want to get straight to it). If you haven’t run an auction for a fundraising event, even if you aren’t ready to run one yet, it’s a helpful listen to learn some of the key pieces and ideas that go into a successful fundraising event.

I hope you enjoy this episode. I loved recording it and will likely reinvite Roger to come back to the podcast! (So leave questions below or send me a message at melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com)

Lastly, don’t wait to analyze and plan for your fall/winter fundraising strategy now! Summer can be a time for potent reflection and strategic realignment. Listen and let me know what you think!

To support this podcast please like, share, subscribe!

#InclusiveFundraising #CommunityFirst #NonprofitGrowth #FundraisingTips #NonprofitSuccess

Connect with School Auction (not just for schools!!) to see what they’re all about!:

• www.schoolauction.net

• @SchoolAuction.net | Facebook

• @schoolauction | Instagram

• @schoolauction | X

• @SchoolAuction.net | LinkedIn

• @schoolauction.bsky.social | Bluesky

• @schoolauction | Threads

We have a LOT going on in June!

For those of you who have somehow missed me shouting from the rooftops, I got married at the end of May, and while that was perfect and wonderful, I was busy!!! Now that it’s over, it means I can focus so much more on my nonprofit curious community!

You know I like to keep these emails snappy, so here’s what you should know.

Upcoming! :

1. Live stream Q&A’s. Come with questions, watch the replay, or email questions ahead of time to Melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com so I can answer them! I’ll bring a backup lesson plan if we have time! Click the events below.

   1. June 19th - linked here!

   2. June 26th - linked here!

   3. July 3rd - linked here!

2. Solo Podcast Month! I’ll be sharing some hot takes on AI, grant writing, and my personal stories and experiences when I worked full time for nonprofits. It’ll be juicy…

3. Articles! I have a space to write more again and am SO grateful. I love bringing in other creators, highlighting YOUR organizations, and sharing my hopes, dreams and aspirations for our nonprofit curious community.

That’s it! Stay tuned for more and if you want a deeper connection, subscribe to the Nonprofit Curious Substack for direct access to me and other nonprofit passionate people. I am so excited to build with you all!

Rooting for you,

Melissa

I was recently in an interview process and they asked what I think and how I personally use AI. Then in the second round, a prompt was given with the explicit verbiage to please complete the project proposal WITHOUT the use of AI.

But how does AI impact the nonprofit sector? Specifically, I am going to share some of my viewpoint on how it integrates with grant writing and prospecting.

1. Where AI is good:

My credentials is that I am a contracted grant writer for a client right now, and have lead grant writing cohorts over the last few years. I studied nonprofit business managment and created an online grant writing course (retired now, but should I bring it back?).

I’ve helped clients win over $2.2 million in grant funding from state and city grants, to family foundations and individual giving campaigns.

AI has been VERY helpful as I compile documents, update grant writing blueprints, and fine-tuning my initially scattered ideas and concepts to begin the grant writing process. This is where AI has been good for me.

For my clients, we have explored the AI interfaces within grant writing and fundraising software, and it has helped us with prospecting (Kindora.AI) and there have been many informative masterclasses on utilizing AI in the actual writing process (GrantStation).

However, I don’t think AI is wise to use for the entire application process.

Grantors, or at least my favorite ones that care to actually have a relationship with you as a nonprofit, care for a human touch that comes outside of the realm of what AI can generate for you. Segway into part two..

2. Where AI lacks

AI isn’t the human touch that grantors crave.

Sure, grantors want data. Donors care about consice communications- but they still want to feel something when they hear from you!

AI lacks the YOU factor.

So what do I recommend? If you need an extra hand- who doesn’t when organizations are often stretched thin- use AI! But don’t let it do all of the heavy lifting. PLEASE do not just hit the generate button and send! ALWAYS review what you produce. Check for accuracy, add your tone and personal touch, and you can train your AI models, sure, but where can you make yourself stand out in a synthetic world?

TIP:

I have a friend who works in SEO (search engine optimization) and she recommended this tool: quillbot.com

If you’re writing with AI and wondering how “AI-sounding” your drafts are, plug it in to this tool and see how much you can get away from being too artificial.

My Conclusion

Let AI be your building buddy, not your standalone employee. Work on the bones of your documents with its support, but edit, edit, edit!

Bring it your original thoughts, notes, and exisiting documents to help you organize yourself and your projects, and treat it as a thought partner, particularly if you have a smaller organization or are a solo entreprenuer!

Lastly, join my paid substack to have a tight-knit group of others who can chime in on your projects if you’re looking for a thought partner you can dialogue with that’s not AI. You can always book a free, 15-minute chat with me as well! Linked here.

That’s all for now folks! Rooting hard for you!

Let’s do some good in the world this summer,

Melissa

Hi everyone!

It is so wonderful to see our community growing every day! It seriously makes my morning when I see new subscribers- because I can just FEEL the way we are gaining momentum as a community. I feel so hopeful.

Each one of you is a do-gooder. A purpose-chaser. You’re Nonprofit Curious!!!

That’s why I am pumped to offer the return of Summer Friday’s!

Summer Friday FAQ’s:

Q: What are Nonprofit Curious Summer Friday’s?

A: Weekly Live Q&A Calls (& recorded sessions to catch the replay!)

Q: When are they?

A: We start at 10-10:30 AM PST, nearly every Friday this summer! (You should have gotten emails for June/July of 2026!)

I may continue the calls if it becomes another fan favorite, so be sure to share, comment and show up to let me know if these Q&A’s are helpful!!!

Q: Where can I participate?

A: You will get an email for each Summer Friday Event, hosted right here on a Substack Live.

Q: Can anyone come?

A: Anyone can come! You can invite friends, even.

Q: How much are does it cost?

A: Cost- Summer Friday’s are FREE for all of June, and will be included in any of the Nonprofit Curious paid substack subscriptions going forward. I will keep one free session a month, so if you’re not quite ready for a paid membership, you can still get some questions answered in real time!

Discount Code!!! - Use discount link for 30% off your membership forever HERE.

Q: How do they work?

A: I’ll come prepared to teach a short lesson or share hot takes in the nonprofit world. BUT if you come live or email me at Melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com, I’ll prioritize your questions and help you discover your next right step for your tailored situation. That’s what I love most!

As we dip into summer, you can expect more podcast episodes, articles, mid month updates and of course, the addition of my test to bring Summer Friday’s back!

Please send in questions, share, comment and invite friends into this space! I look forward to crafting a collaborative, supportive community for YOU to grow as a Nonprofit Curious human.

Rooting for you,

Melissa

I am so thrilled to bring you this solo episode. I reflect on the lessons learned, ways I am inspired and the actions I am taking after hosting the last 4 guest episodes!

First, I talk about the Hoop Academy led by my friend Kingston. His passion and gusto for what he’s doing really ignited a fire in me to feel inspired about using my past and personal story to support more good in this world.

Second, Layton from 4 A Purpose Financial shared his story and how he got into a for-profit financial role that his dream is to support individuals who want to do more good with their finances. His goal is to support nonprofit leaders to get their dollars to be supportive of the futures they envision for their lives and their families. If you’ve ever taken a pay cut for the sake of your organization’s purpose, please listen to episode #11! It is an unfortuate reality in the nonprofit space, and something I want to see changed, but until then, let’s be so wise in navigating the dollar to be leveraged with utmost integrity and strategy.

Third, I interviewed Ari from Circle of Hope. Ari is such a powerhouse! Go listen to episode #12. Seriously. One of my very favorites! Ari shares how her unconventional path of getting to her executive director role at the nonprofit, Circle of Hope. She shares her passion for aiding people experiencing homelessness to hopefully come out of homelessness and that there are ways for everyday people to get involved with your nonprofit community.

Fourth, I interviewed my friends from Resilience Consulting on SROI. Social Return on Investment. It’s how you measure what matters even when the “what” you are doing might feel hard to measure. We discuss and dive into how measuring impact can increase your donor relationships and dollar amounts from individuals and foundations. Listen to episode #13 if you need tactical steps to improve your metrics and learn to measure what matters.

Finally, I wanted to say that if you listen to the Nonprofit Curious podcast, please rate and leave a review! Share it with your friends and colleagues. It helps me support great organizations like yours.

If you’re interested in being in the inner circle with me, subscribe! Paid substack memebers get a discount this summer with the code SummerSpecial26.

Thanks so much for listening to the podcast. I truly value each and every one of you. You’re not just numbers on my dashboard, but I love to see where you are and what your organizations are up to!

Rooting for you,

Melissa Rivera

Host of the Nonprofit Curious Podcast

Join me in a very nerdy, deep dive chat with Evelyn and John from Resilience Consultants reveal an innovative approach grounded in the methodology of Social Return on Investment (SROI). We dive right in and then wrap up with their stories which inspire me so much.

This episode is for anyone seeking to prove, improve, and communicate the true impact of their programs—whether you’re a small startup or a large organization aiming for more sustainable growth. John and Evelyn break down a complex metric and give you SIMPLE tips to take action.

Imagine turning your impact stories into solid, quantifiable data that funders trust—unlocking funding increases of up to 168% and revealing unexpected benefits along the way. Evelyn and John break down how SROI works, speaking directly to nonprofit leaders, fundraisers, and social entrepreneurs eager to translate empathy and anecdotal evidence into compelling financial and social metrics. You’ll discover how this approach can refine your program design, expand partnerships, and create powerful feedback loops that continuously inform your strategy.In this conversation, you’ll explore:

• How SROI quantifies social impact beyond traditional metrics, capturing community-wide benefits like lower crime rates and increased civic engagement

• Practical steps to integrate impact measurement into grant writing, annual reports, and strategic planning

• The importance of being conservative yet transparent—and how negative or break-even SROI isn’t a failure but a vital insight

• Ways to adapt this analysis for organizations of any size and across diverse focus areas, from homelessness to education and beyond

Why does this matter?

Failing to measure your impact leaves funding and strategy blind spots, risking sustainability and growth. Conversely, mastering impact assessment with SROI offers a competitive edge—empowering your organization with data that drives better decisions, stronger fundraising, and greater community trust.

Ready to transform your nonprofit’s story into a compelling, data-backed narrative? This episode equips you with a proven framework to elevate your organization’s effectiveness today. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to scale, Evelyn and John provide the essential tools to prove that your work truly makes a difference—and ensure it continues to do so.

Visit resilienceconsultants.co to connect with John and Evelyn, or reach out via email at john.mcgah.consultant@gmail.com and evlyn.bagley.consultant@gmail.com.

Embrace the power of impact measurement—listen now and start turning your social impact into measurable, actionable results.

To support this podcast please like, share, subscribe!

And a big thank you to LivBody for the opportunity to be a brand ambassador. We are excited to share and shop your clean products to keep up the good work!

Use this link and use discount code Melissa when you shop to support the show!

Hi everyone,

One of the best parts of building this community is the wealth of collective experiences we bring to the table. In efforts to build more of an understanding on who and what those experiences are, I am opening a discussion!

What’s your #1 nonprofit roadblock right now?

Whether you are navigating the early stages of a 501(c)(3) or scaling an established organization, we all hit walls that feel impossible to climb alone.

I want to dedicate some upcoming content to solving your most pressing, real-world challenges.

How it works:

• The Spotlight: I will select the most common or complex “Top Problem” and address it in an upcoming deep-dive blog post for the entire community.

• The Deep Dive: All other questions and roadblocks will be moved over to our Paid Subscriber Chat, where we’ll workshop solutions, share resources, and provide direct feedback.

Please take 60 seconds to answer the two questions below! You should be able to comment, or for more anonymity you can email responses to Melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com.

Survey

1. What is the #1 problem or “roadblock” your nonprofit is facing right now?

(Be as specific as possible. Is it a board governance issue? A specific grant requirement? A struggle with operational workflows or state-level compliance?)

2. If this problem were solved by next month, what would that allow your organization to achieve?

(Help me understand the impact so I can tailor the advice to your mission.)

3. (Optional) Would you like your question to remain anonymous if it is selected for the blog post? Y/N.

What happens next?

Keep an eye on your inbox. I’ll be reviewing every entry to identify the trends and specific hurdles you’re facing. If you want to make sure you don’t miss the brainstorming session for the “runners-up,” consider upgrading to a paid subscription to join the Subscriber Chat.

Use this link for a subscriber discount!

I am excited to see what comes up!

Always rooting for you,

Melissa Rivera

“I am big on small can be big, and starting local and making change around you… so that it’s the nucleus for something to grow.” -Ari Barbanell, Circle of Hope

To start, I have to ask: Have you ever wondered how a small or even mid-sized nonprofit can make a big impact?

Comment a “❤️” if you're inspired by stories of real change, and get ready for a treat!

In this episode, I sat down with Ari from Circle of Hope, an organization that meets folks facing homelessness, to hear how they serve diverse needs. They cover everyone from newborns to seniors… without spreading too thin. Their strategic focus on partnerships, community and a powerful volunteer network ensures they make a sustainable difference in an ecosystem that can be overwhelming and traumatic.

It’s a delicate dance to constantly be balancing capacity and compassion, partnering with organizations, and constantly aiming to serve with dignity. Ari's journey from theater arts to homelessness advocacy shows that sometimes, the most unexpected paths lead to profound impact.

Remember, even small acts such as donating, volunteering, spreading awareness, all make the world a better, brighter place!

What’s one way you can support local efforts like this? What stands out to you about Ari’s story and/or work? I would love to read your comments below!

#HomelessnessSupport #CommunityImpact #NeedhamMA #NonprofitLove #GiveBack #circleofhope #nonprofitcurious

Connect with Ari & Circle of Hope:

1. Circle of Hope’s Website: circleofhopeonline.org

2. Donate: https://www.circleofhopeonline.org/donateonline

3. Volunteer Info: https://www.circleofhopeonline.org/volunteer

4. Social Media

FB: https://www.facebook.com/CircleOfHopeNeedham/

INSTA: https://www.instagram.com/circleofhopeneedham

Work With Melissa

Ready to launch your own Nonprofit? Book a discovery call here: https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/15-minute-meeting

Join the Community: Sign up for our newsletter for more insights + podcast announcements: https://substack.com/@nonprofitcurious

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!

There are SO many new faces here, and I am thrilled to have our newbies join the chat!

I send out a mid month update to share what’s the happening around these parts- so WELCOME to those who are NEW HERE.

If you’re wanting the 411, keep an eye out for these Mid Month Update emails!

Here’s what is coming:

1. MORE guest podcasts. Someone recently asked which are my top recommendations, and my favorites are episodes from 2026 so far are episodes 6, 9 and 10! Give those a listen and leave a review, if you’d like!

2. Episode 12 of Nonprofit Curious is about to drop! It is a fun, energetic, and inspiring chat with Ari Barnabell of the Massachussetts nonprofit, Circle of Hope. They tackle the homeless epidemic and have absolutely nailed what strategic partnerships can look like. They’ve niched to their part of the grander solution and grown sustainably as an organization and with an incredible team of volunteers. An excellent episode, and I cannot wait to air it! Thank you Ari & Circle of Hope for being such an incredible guest!

3. Episode 13 will be on SROI. Think of your normal business lingo - ROI (return on investment) - BUT a social goodness lense. Can you actually measure the social impact of your organization? If you’re even a little bit nerdy (like me), you’ll love Resillience Consultants John and Evelyn as they walk us through SROI in their work, their journies in the nonprofit world, and their formula to apply SROI to position yourself for better funding and growth in partnerships.

That’s it!

I’ll continue to try to keep these mid month updates short and sweet- we’re all busy and cracking away so I want to produce content that is helpful, snappy and to-the-point.

Rooting for you,

Melissa Rivera

Go follow my girl founder of Tomato Kind! She will be hosting these coffee chats going forward; it was an honor to be part of the inagural discussion!

Get more from Nonprofit Curious in the Substack app

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Get the app

Tune into Layton Harris’ story and learn how he helps nonprofits thrive financially.

Drop a 🔥 if you’ve ever hesitated to dive into your financial future!

A quote from our guest, Layton of For A Purpose Financial:

"I used to think I needed the perfect plan before I even began. Then I saw my dad’s story, how lack of planning almost cost us everything. It taught me that the foundation is often unsexy but vital — just like a house’s concrete slab. Without it, storms ruin everything. Waiting for the ‘right time’ is a myth—your future depends on what you do today. Starting early isn’t just smart; it’s lifesaving."

In our chat, we lay down how finance, financial planning, and your organization's purpose all intersect and I bring it home with a nonprofit lens!

Caring for your organization’s staff includes helping set up the nonprofit organization’s workers for financial success. I really believe that each person’s role should be compensated and supported- not just sacrificed in the name of purpose.

Layton Harris’ bio:

“I run a financial planning firm called 4 A Purpose Financial, we help clients with various aspects of their money management: from investments, to retirement, insurance, taxes, estate planning, various tax strategies, charitable giving strategies, and certainly more than just what we listed here! Ultimately, I find myself specifically working with highly driven Christian professionals! Most of my clients tend to be business owners, medical professionals, or high-level sales professionals. However, I don’t turn away people outside of these occupations if they have a Kingdom mindset, and a strong desire to be the best financial version of themselves in a way that gives God glory!

Our mission at 4 A Purpose Financial is to create abundance for others, so they can pursue their dreams fearlessly, and give God all the glory through the entire process.”

#FinancialFreedom #PurposeDriven #StartNow #NonprofitFoundation #PlanForTomorrow

Connect with Layton: layton.harris@nm.com

Connect with Melissa: melissa.pursuitofpurpose@gmail.com

Book an intro call with Melissa: https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/15-minute-meeting

In this episode, Kingston Handley shares his inspiring journey from growing up at the Boys and Girls Club to founding Hoop Academy, a youth organization dedicated to leadership development through basketball. Discover how community, faith, perseverance, and strategic partnerships fuel his mission to create lasting impact.This episode highlights the transformative power of youth programs, leadership development, and authentic community impact. Whether you’re building a nonprofit, social enterprise, or simply seeking inspiration to pursue your purpose, Kingston’s story encourages persistence, faith, and a heart for service.

Connect with Kingston Handley & The Hoop Academy:

Email: thehoopacademyllc@outlook.com

Social: The Hoop Academy

INSTA https://www.instagram.com/thehoopacademy_/

FB https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61577368660947

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingston-handley-6ab92518a/

Work With Pursuit of Purpose Nonprofit Consulting

Ready to launch your own Nonprofit? Book a discovery call here: https://tidycal.com/melissapursuitofpurpose/15-minute-meeting

Join the Community: Sign up for our newsletter for more insights +_ podcast announcements: https://substack.com/@nonprofitcurious

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners like you!