Super Bowl Wins for Nonprofits

Not once but twice in the last three years I have had the privilege of being part of the Super Bowl experience in my respective C-suite position. Many professionals inquire about the secrets and strategies I employ to establish national partnerships at the iconic event. It's a valid question, and contrary to popular belief, being a changemaker comes down to consistent hard work and an unapologetic vision for advancement of the mission.

The Super Bowl Experience.

During my first Super Bowl experience, I was working with Meals on Wheels Southwest Ohio & Northern Kentucky . My home team, the Cincinnati Bengals , played the LA Raiders at SoFi Stadium in 2022. Game Day Communications hosted the on-site Cincinnati Media and Press Center and provided us with the chance to participate. With the support of Kroger 's Zero Hunger Zero Waste Foundation, Meals on Wheels addressed food insecurity on one of the biggest food consumption days of the year, Super Bowl Sunday, while highlighting innovation programming.

The second time around, YWCA Greater Cincinnati received an invitation to attend and speak at the She-Rise Retreat organized by NFL Moms + Smoooth Inc. during Super Bowl Weekend 2024 in Las Vegas. A connection grew after the agency hosted a Baby Care Community Volunteer Day for Fortune 500 宝洁 employees, coordinated by United Way of Greater Cincinnati . Joanne, our dedicated contact at the United Way, was invited to project manage the She-Rise retreat. She recognized the impact of YWCA’s mission and encouraged us to participate. President & CEO Rickell Howard Smith served as the subject matter expert and empowered women by amplifying resources and the lift as you climb worldview.

The secret is the mission.

The mission is greater than the institution, agency, or brand. The mission is to impact lives, regardless of the agency. With every leadership role my primary focus is lifting up the mission not necessarily the brand. Ask yourself if the mission is at the core when opportunities arise and consider what barriers you can eliminate so you are not contributing to the nonprofit industrial complex.

It's truly remarkable how groundbreaking work can have a ripple effect, touching the lives of individuals and communities in profound ways. When innovative ideas are put into action and make a tangible difference, the gratitude from those impacted becomes palpable. This gratitude is the testament to the transformative power of collaboration and the dedication of those who bring these ideas to life. It reinforces the interconnectedness of our world and the potential for positive change when we work together to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Building a strong sense of community is vital.

You must become a visible and trustworthy partner to foster meaningful connections. Collaboration is the key to progress. Effective partnerships do not exist in isolation; they grow stronger as individuals navigate through shared experiences. It is important to view next steps as an ongoing conversation rather than a one-time occurrence. A good partner prioritizes what is morally right rather than solely focusing on immediate returns on investment. Adopting a growth mindset is crucial in seizing opportunities and being open to saying "yes" more often than "no."

Authenticity cannot be faked.

My Super Bowl experiences are a result of cultivating genuine and positive relationships. Invitations are extended when there is a proven track record of collaborative work and a dedication to philanthropy. By consistently nurturing and maintaining relationships, you can accelerate the advancement of your mission due to your sincere enthusiasm for the cause. How effectively are you conveying your agency's story and making it personal?

Being nimble is essential.

Approach situations with an entrepreneurial mindset. In both of my Super Bowl experiences, we were given less than 10 days notice. Hustle, flexibility, and creativity are a winning combination. While it is essential to come prepared with a plan, it is equally important to be adaptable and willing to problem-solve for mutually beneficial outcomes. I encourage you to take calculated risks in order to foster collaborative partnerships.

Grounding relationships in power-sharing, mutual accountability, and trust is pivotal for transforming missions and making a meaningful impact on communities.

It is an honor to contribute to an agency that focuses on addressing basic needs, and collaborating with national partners such as NFL Moms, Smoooth Inc., and Kroger brings me great joy. As mentioned earlier, successful partnerships are unique and prioritizing community engagement, maintaining authentic communication, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset will propel your mission onto the national stage.

And when unsure, remember the words of Archie Griffin, a two-time Heisman Trophy winner and former Cincinnati Bengal: "It's not the size of the dog in the fight; it's the fight inside the dog."

?Photo Credit: k.smith Photography