DIY Founder: Funding Your Vision (Where The Money Comes From)
I’ve been a DIY founder for almost seven years, and if I’m honest, the financial piece is the part that still humbles me. When I first started NotJustYou, I was full of passion, vision, and big dreams—but not a single clue about how I was going to pay for it all. And that’s exactly why I’m so passionate about talking openly about nonprofit finances.
Because the truth is, I’m still learning. I don’t have it all figured out, and I’ve made a ton of mistakes along the way. But one thing I know for sure? The earlier you understand the financial side of nonprofit work, the easier it becomes to actually sustain the mission you care so deeply about.
This blog isn’t just advice—it’s my lived experience. I’m walking you through the four main ways I’ve funded NotJustYou: personal investment, fundraising, sponsorships, and grants. Hopefully, it helps you avoid some of the bumps I hit on the road.
Where does the money come from?
Let’s talk about the different ways I’ve raised money for NotJustYou over the years, and what I’ve learned along the way:
1. Your own pocket
Your first and most immediate source of funding? You. You need some financial skin in the game. Not only because money has to come from somewhere, but because investing your own resources keeps you committed.
Looking back, the amount of personal money I’ve poured into NotJustYou is wild. Sometimes I ask myself, “Why don’t I have this or that at my age?” The truth is, the money went into the mission.
I’ve sacrificed new clothes, trips, even basic experiences—because nearly every extra dollar I had went into this nonprofit. And honestly? That commitment bonded me to the vision in a way nothing else could. I saw it as an investment. Like stocks, the returns didn’t show up right away—but now, almost seven years later, they absolutely have. From credibility, to funding, to community impact, the payoff is real.
2. Fundraising
Early on, I leaned heavily into fundraising—everything from ticketed concerts to merch sales. My very first initiative was a gospel concert. I paid for the bulk of the costs myself and leaned on friends, family, and partners to help with the rest. We sold tickets and t-shirts, and thankfully, made more than we spent.
But let me be clear: events don’t always generate profit. In fact, they rarely do—unless you secure outside support. Most people don’t realize that by the time you’ve paid for the venue, food, media, and promotion, the margins can be razor-thin. That’s why fundraising events typically become more sustainable when paired with sponsorships.
3. Sponsorships
If I could go back in time, I’d prioritize learning how to pitch and secure sponsorships. Sponsorships are essentially marketing partnerships—businesses give you money to market them through your platforms, programs and/or services.
Here’s what makes them so valuable:
They usually provide unrestricted funding, meaning you get to decide how to use the money.
There’s less red tape than grants. Most sponsors don’t require formal financial reporting—they just want visibility and brand alignment.
That flexibility is golden. With good budgeting, it allows you to stay true to your vision, cover operational costs, and avoid the pitfall of bending your mission to fit someone else’s agenda.
4. Grants
Grants are often where the big money is. Governments and funders offer tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars for social initiatives—but they come with conditions.
They’re usually project-based. You have to outline goals, timelines, and how every dollar will be spent.
They’re restrictive. Many grants won’t cover salaries, rent, or admin expenses—yet these are the costs that keep your nonprofit running.
They may not align with your community. A big issue I faced: many funders didn’t look like or understand the community I serve. Their priorities didn’t match ours, and I often had to stretch our programs to “fit” their requirements.
This misalignment can compromise your vision. That’s why it’s critical to only apply for grants that genuinely support your goals—or learn how to write your goals into the grant’s language without losing your core purpose.
5. Individual Donations
One area I didn’t tap into early enough—but absolutely should have—is individual donations. It’s one of the most powerful and consistent revenue streams for nonprofits, especially when paired with charitable status and a strong story. Many of the largest organizations you see today rely heavily on individuals and major gifts to stay afloat.
I’ll be diving deeper into this in an upcoming blog, but just know: if you can build trust, communicate your impact well, and eventually offer tax receipts, individual giving has the potential to carry your mission further than you think. It’s not just about asking for money—it’s about building community around your cause.
To conclude:
Starting a nonprofit is one thing. Keeping it financially alive is another. I’ve had moments where I questioned if the sacrifices were worth it—but then I look back and realize how far faith, strategy, and resilience have brought me.
No matter where you’re starting from, the money part can be figured out. Whether it’s investing your own funds, rallying community support, learning to pitch to sponsors, or navigating the grant world, there’s a path forward.
If nothing else, I hope this part of the series helps you feel a little less alone and a lot more empowered. Because if I can figure this out one step at a time, so can you.
Succeed With Me
I believe most people are only three steps away from establishing a personal and professional brand that they love. Book a success session with me to get started with 1:1 consulting that helps you achieve your craziest dreams.
