We've helped our clients raise $21 million, now let us help you!
My Credentials - Master of Business Administration - Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development - Master of Entrepreneurship - 29 years nonprofit experience - $21 million raised Mission Statement Our intention is to not only increase your nonprofit IQ, but to help you along on your path to success. My advice is grounded in 30+ years of field experience, which is advice you can trust.
Creating opportunity, building community one idea, one person, one nonprofit at a time.
My Story
I started in the nonprofit field my senior year in high school as an intern and I've been in the field ever since. When I graduated from undergrad I took a job for about a year on the for-profit side and found myself, towards the end, crying at my desk, dying inside for a lack of connection to and creativity in my work. Needless to say, back to nonprofit I went. Vision Shortly thereafter, I was offered the opportunity to run a start-up nonprofit. My experience to that point was mostly administrative and I had no idea of the ride I was in for.
We had no programs, very little money, no business plan, and an inexperienced board of directors. This turned out to be a recipe for disaster (for me)!!!
After winning a few small grants and delivering a few programs for about a year there was still not enough money or traction to keep the business afloat. In the end, my board of directors forced me to resign and I was much worse off than when I started. I accumulated so much debt not earning a salary that I had to file bankruptcy. I ended up homeless, jobless and defeated. I was certain this was my life path. Yet, I had failed so miserably.
In most cases and in my case, hindsight is 20/20 and I now realize that those experiences laid the foundation for what would be my consulting business today. I learned what to do and what not to do in building a successful nonprofit. I learned the importance of having a strong business model, earning revenues, and delivering strong programs with measurable outcomes.
After that I would go on to work for about a dozen other nonprofits, large and small. I would work in various departments and with many different types. The pay would be ok, the term would be short-lived but the work would be fulfilling and gratifying.
In 2007, I decided to start Grant Source. Going into business turned out to be the best decision for me. It's been 17 years and I have created an awesome life for myself. I get to do the work I love, get paid what I'm worth, and help others to do the same. It's my nirvana; my heaven on earth.
I'm Chataun R. Denis. Thank you for visiting.
