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.