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Published: May, 2009

ELIZABETH KILPATRICK • HUNTINGTON BEACH
Mother of a 12-year-old son

Business: Impact Philanthropy Group

Product or service:
The Impact Philanthropy Group’s (IPG) mission is to help nonprofits create an impact on the people they serve by providing coaching, consulting services and reasonably priced, customized tools for fundraising expansion and solid nonprofit management.

How did you come up with the idea?
Many nonprofits, particularly those just starting out or with very limited budgets, are not able to hire experienced staff to launch successful fundraising programs. Impact Quick Start Kits are all less than $2,500 and are tailored specifically to the individual nonprofit. Impact Quick Start Kits are available for grant writing, growing your donor base, corporate/nonprofit partnerships, marketing your nonprofit and special events.

What did it take to get your business launched?
I lined up several consulting clients on a retainer basis before I launched my own business, so very little capital was required up front. Initially, I spent about $2,500 on new technology and some printing needs, but that was about it.

Tell us about your first sale or contract.
My first consulting contract came about through networking and relationships I had developed during my career working with nonprofits.  Having been a single mother working 60-plus hours per week, commuting to Los Angeles and traveling around the country for my job, the excitement of realizing I had enough clients committed to begin my own business and have more time with my son was so incredibly exhilarating and freeing. 

What is the size of your business?
Last year it was about $112K. 

What are your plans for the business?
I just recently launched my Web site and plan to focus this year on marketing the Quick Start Impact Kits and developing toolkits for nonprofits. 

Are you able to work around your children’s schedules?
For the most part, I am able to work around my son's schedule.  I usually get up an hour or two before he does and work until it is time to wake him up and then will do most of my work while he is at school.  I so love being able to drive him to and from school. Most of my work has focused on autism-related nonprofits, so they were a very family friendly group.