The Ugly Parts of Starting a Nonprofit

We have been so busy. I mean like nonstop serving the community. This is exactly what we signed up for and what we love to do. It’s our why, it’s our entire reason for getting up. However, to do this it takes money, talent, marketing, leadership skills, networking and support. That’s just a few. After realizing we were not bringing in enough financially to get us where we need to go for the demand of our clients in-need, I realized we had to do something.

So I started with networking, getting out into the Buisness scene. I love it, but then quickly realized I can talk to my clients with ease all day. I relate to them. I relate to trauma, heartache and struggle, but not to building a Buisness. So networking in the Buisness world is a different language. So now what? Well now I need more training, training on how to talk, how to become confident in myself and who I am. I mean… I am a bad ass. Haha I am an overcomer with much to give, and offer However, I am also a co-founder of a nonprofit who needs financial support.

I realized now I need to learn how to ask for support in a way that makes sense to people. It makes sense to me, of course. So I went to a marketing workshop. Within 1 hour, I realized I (we) have been doing it ”all” wrong for 18 months. For a Buisness that offers a service, easy Peasy. For a nonprofit, you have to really dial it down in order for donors to understand your mission and what you do behind the scenes. In other words, where does there money go?! As a non-profit that serves many programs, its difficult for me to dial it in. We do so much. Which is a blessing and a curse.

I was immediately overwhelmed. I thought, oh my gosh “how am I going to do this and still take care of regular business” “I’m a failure” “I have to start over” “I cant give up my programs”

I left the group multiple times and just cried. I prayed. I know Im doing Gods work, so I prayed for Him to guide me.

By the end of the workshop, I felt much better. The instructors were extremely kind, helpful and supportive. One of the fellow classmates even handed me a random card with a Bible verse on it. And with that, I knew I was in the right place. Sometimes it just takes time to grow, tears and reaffirmation. Maybe we do need to re-brand, narrow it down, set boundaries... Either way, I trust I will be guided.

The card: “God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.” 2 Cor 1:3-4

It might be ugly at times, but its worth the beautiful journey, tears and smiles.

-Kira Reid, RFTS Co-Founder, COO, Veteran, Women, Worthy, Recovering Alcoholic, Mother, Spouse, Warrior, Overcomer, Lover & Giver