The Key to Building a Lasting Nonprofit
Haley Cooper
I work with nonprofits to get buy in and belonging to do the right fundraising strategies and raise more revenue.
Creating a nonprofit may be straightforward, but building one that remains unwavering in its purpose over time is where the real challenge lies. The key is creating a mission that is more than just words - a mission that is deeply felt and grounded in conviction.?
With a mission like this, a nonprofit can stay focused, navigate challenges, and create lasting impact.
CJ Stewart shared that with us in episode 65 of the Lead with Heart podcast.
CJ is a former Chicago Cubs outfielder and the visionary co-founder of the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth in Atlanta. Through the transformative power of baseball and tennis, the L.E.A.D. Center for Youth is empowering at-risk youth, addressing trauma, and creating lasting change.
If you want to check that out, I’ll add the episode player below so you can tune into the full episode where we discuss using sports as a tool to address trauma in children and the unique challenges that at-risk children face.
During our conversation, CJ shared how you can make a difference in your own community. So, in this article, we’re going to learn more about:
1. How to Build a Purpose-Driven Nonprofit
CJ explained that the first thing to do is to start from a place of conviction.?
“If you are not convicted, do not start a nonprofit.” - CJ Stewart
When CJ talks about conviction he is referring to starting from your why - understanding why you’re doing what you’re doing.
“The Latin word for passion is suffering. So whatever we are passionate about is rooted in what we have suffered from and/or what we are suffering from currently.” - CJ Stewart
You may be passionate about something that you’ve suffered in the past, but it may also be something that you are suffering with now in the present.
“So passion has to lead the way, but you’ve got to first get convicted.” - CJ Stewart
CJ explained that several years ago, he challenged himself to ask four questions every day for 40 days to help him get convicted and understand his connection to his purpose.
“Some days the answer was the same, some days I didn't have an answer at all, but I was committed to going 40 days.” - CJ Stewart
After the 40 days, CJ shared that the answers helped him to understand that he has been very blessed to live an amazing life as a major league citizen and he is really concerned about the oppression of Black people.?
“It makes me cry. And specifically Black people that are living in poverty in my city, the city of Atlanta.” - CJ Stewart
2. How to Build a Mission That Lasts
This leads to the L.E.A.D. Center’s mission.
“Our mission is to empower an at-risk generation to lead and transform their city of Atlanta by using the sports of baseball and tennis to teach Black youth how to overcome three curveballs that threaten their success: crime, poverty, and racism.” - CJ Stewart
CJ explained that if you don’t have a mission that you can internalize rather than just memorize, you're going to be like one of the several nonprofits that only last three years.?
“We've been fortunate to last 17 years as of March of 2024. And as long as we don't [...] start trying to recreate our mission and just stay focused on that, then we're going to be fine.” - CJ Stewart
CJ explained that it’s not his responsibility nor his calling to help children in Wyoming directly. It is not his responsibility to help children in South Africa directly.?
“What I can do is share our methodology and mental models with those people that are willing to die for the children in the community, the way that I'm willing to die for mine here in Atlanta.” - CJ Stewart
That will give them the tools that they need to have the impact that the L.E.A.D. Center has in their own communities.
“If you're not convicted, you may have a real nice nonprofit name and you might have really nice core values and a website, but when the going gets tough, you're not going to last if you're not convicted and if it's not led by passion.” - CJ Stewart
3. How to Create a Team That Shares Your Values
CJ explained that his team at the L.E.A.D. Center all have individual goals, objectives, and mission statements and they have decided to come together for the overall good of the community.
“If you do not believe that Black youth are worth empowering, and when we say empowered, that means to give responsibility and authority. And if you don't believe that sports is a powerful tool to help them, hopefully, you won't even make it to the interview process.” - CJ Stewart
Both CJ and his wife Kelly (the CEO of the L.E.A.D. Centre) have strong personalities and believe in their mission so fiercely, that if you do make it to the interview with them, and you do not have the same goals as them, you will be scared off pretty quickly.
“There are things we have suffered from and suffer from, which is why we do what we do.” - CJ Stewart
CJ explains that they can’t let people who do not have the same values and beliefs work with them.
“If individuals have goals, preferably a mission that aligns with ours, then we're going to be a great team.” - CJ Stewart
In conclusion, lasting impact in any community begins with conviction, a clear mission, and a team grounded in shared values. CJ’s insights provide a powerful roadmap for any individual aiming to make a difference in their community.
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Nonprofit teams often work in silos, which can lead to staff burnout and donor attrition, ultimately, hurts the people we serve. I help nonprofits raise more money through fundraising training, “done for you” fund development strategy, and campaign implementation.?
?? If you want to learn more about ways we can collaborate and work together, please visit my website, https://thesavvyfundraiser.com/ .
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Nonprofit Executive | Social Impact Consultant | Changemaker
1 周Great message!