[PODCAST] What is your motive for going nonprofit?

Motivation Combined with Right Expectations = Nonprofit Success

So, you think you want to do good, huh? People are entering the nonprofit sector at a faster clip than ever before. It seems we all long to improve the world, or at least our corner of it. But, entering the nonprofit sector with your eyes open to all it entails and leaves out is essential to the success of your cause. Don Gatewood is no stranger to community-based cause work, and he shares his wisdom on how aligning your desire for impact with the right expectations can be a winning combination.

Man, I just wanted to help the people! 

Don openly shares the struggles that come with building or joining a cause. The many hats, the lack of initial support, and even the battle to make headlines can be discouraging. You’re doing good work, so the support will naturally follow, right? Wrong. The notion that the media, public, and funders will feel as passionately about our cause as we do is one of the great deceptions of cause work. Don’s advice is to approach coursework like you’re starting a business and even going so far as mapping out a business plan. He also recommends investigating who you can partner to learn the ropes or join the team. 

Listen to the full interview about how Don built The Initiative: Baltimore from the ground up>>

Get a free guide to starting a nonprofit here, or take your cause further by joining the Nonprofit Hub Start a Nonprofit Course!

Meet Don Gatewood

Various topics have given me perspective on my career, decision-making, and future goals and aspirations. As a nonprofit leader, I appreciate your show and the content you provide. I have learned a lot. For over 20 years, I have worked in the nonprofit space in Detroit and Washington, DC. Currently, I am a co-founder and CEO of The Initiative Baltimore. Our goal is to help create the next generation of leaders. We work with young men who are in middle and high school age young men.

Shout out to our friends at BryteBridge Nonprofit Solutions for making today’s episode possible!

 
Don Gatewood Nonprofit Motive
Eric-Burger

Katie Appold

Katie’s nonprofit career includes a variety of leadership roles for human service, foundation, and publishing-related nonprofits as well as many volunteer roles. Under Katie’s leadership, nonprofit organizations have developed new programs related to free healthcare, affordable and accessible housing and literacy programs for K-12 students. In her first Executive Director role, Katie increased the annual revenue of the organization she led by 300% and received the top grant prize in the nation for affordable housing through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. Today, she leads Nonprofit Hub and Cause Camp, which collectively serve more than 50,000 nonprofits throughout North America. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in business administration and a masters degree in nonprofit leadership. Katie serves as the board president of Gracious Grounds, a housing organization serving individuals with disabilities. She is an active member of the Grand Rapids Young Nonprofit Professionals, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce, Cause Network, and the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

October 21, 2022

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