Starting a nonprofit in Arizona is no small feat. With nearly a third of nonprofits failing within their first few years, the odds can feel overwhelming. However, my experience with Mother’s Grace has shown me that, while the journey is challenging, it is also deeply rewarding.
For the past 16 years, we have been able to support mothers and children facing life's toughest obstacles, from rent and mortgage relief to funeral expenses, counseling, and medical care. We’ve been able to expand our reach both locally and globally, and it’s been a testament to the importance of passion, strategy, and a strong community network.
Start Small, Dream Big
One of the first things I learned is that you don’t need a huge budget to begin. When we started Mother’s Grace, we had just $5,000 in gift cards to distribute. What I’ve come to realize is that it’s not about the money—it’s about identifying the needs of your community and finding creative solutions. A nonprofit can start with limited resources, but if the vision is clear and the connections are strong, you can make a significant impact. This is something I’ve seen firsthand, and it’s been incredible to watch how small steps can lead to big changes.
The Power of a Strong Board
As Mother’s Grace grew, I quickly recognized how vital it is to have a dedicated board. It’s not enough to just have a list of names. A board needs to be made up of individuals who are not only passionate about the mission but also bring expertise and can contribute to fundraising. Choosing the right people for these roles is essential to steering an organization toward long-term success. With the right team in place, your nonprofit can grow sustainably and expand its impact.
Get Your 501(c)(3) Status Early
One of the first hurdles any nonprofit must clear is securing its 501(c)(3) status. I can’t stress enough how important this step is. While it may be a long and sometimes complicated process, achieving this status enhances the legitimacy of your organization. It opens doors to grants, donations, and other resources that would otherwise be unavailable. More than just a tax designation, it signals to the community that your organization is committed to transparency and making a meaningful impact.
Stick to Your Mission
The mission is the heart of any nonprofit, and for Mother’s Grace, every decision we make revolves around our core purpose. From the very beginning, I knew that staying focused on our mission would be key to our success. Consistency and discipline are essential. Staying true to the original vision helps build trust within the community, ensures long-term donor relationships, and keeps the nonprofit on track in times of uncertainty.
Minimize Overhead, Maximize Impact
One of the best decisions we made was to keep our operational costs low. We don’t need a big office or fancy perks to do our work. Instead, we focus on putting as much of our resources as possible into the programs that make a real difference for those we serve. By keeping overhead low, more of the funds we raise go directly to people in need. This approach has reassured our donors that their contributions are being used wisely and effectively.
Form Strategic Partnerships
Strategic partnerships have been crucial for Mother’s Grace. By collaborating with organizations like Toyota and Steak 44, we’ve been able to expand our financial resources and gain visibility. The right partnerships can elevate a nonprofit, helping to raise more funds and expand services. These collaborations offer more opportunities for growth and strengthen the nonprofit’s reach within the community.
Mentorship and Paying It Forward
I believe in paying it forward and helping other nonprofit leaders. By mentoring and providing guidance to others, I’ve seen how the sector can grow stronger through collaboration. This spirit of sharing resources and knowledge strengthens the entire nonprofit community, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting other organizations with advice, connections, and even seed funding.
Show Your Impact
Lastly, transparency is key. Donors want to know their contributions are making a difference, so it’s vital to show them the impact of their support. We make it a point to regularly share success stories, track important metrics, and be transparent about how funds are spent. By demonstrating the tangible results of our work, we strengthen relationships with donors and build long-term support.
Starting a nonprofit isn’t easy, but with a clear vision, a committed team, and a deep connection to your community, it’s possible to create a lasting impact.
Michelle Moore is the founder of Mother’s Grace, a Scottsdale-based nonprofit organization. If you’d like to learn more about Mother’s Grace, visit mothers-grace.org.
