Esstaaz Company

17/03/2025

As a nonprofit leader, it’s totally normal to feel the weight of uncertainty, especially when funding feels tight or unpredictable.

It can feel like the future of your mission is hanging by a thread, but remember—“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” (Nelson Mandela)

Challenges, while tough, are also opportunities in disguise.

Uncertainty often sparks creativity and new ideas.

It may be the nudge you need to explore new fundraising strategies, connect more deeply with your community, or diversify your funding sources in ways you might not have considered before.

As you navigate through this, stay anchored in your mission.

Keep your eyes on the bigger picture and remind yourself why you started this journey in the first place—“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” (Winston Churchill)

Your passion and commitment are what will draw the right supporters to your cause.

Now is the time to lean into your relationships with your existing supporters.

Be open and transparent about your needs, and show them how their contributions can make a real difference.

Share your story—people want to connect with a cause that’s driven by heart and vision.

Nonprofit work isn’t just about the money—it’s about the lives you touch, the communities you uplift, and the futures you help create.

The heart of your mission is what matters most, and that will never change. “It always seems impossible until it's done.” (Nelson Mandela)

So, take a deep breath and trust in your strength.

You’ve faced challenges before and emerged stronger, and you’ll do it again.

Lean on your network, keep pushing forward, and remember—“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” (Abraham Lincoln)

The world needs your work now more than ever.

Stay hopeful and keep moving forward. Your impact is bigger than you think.

14/03/2025

Grateful to receive this feedback about my session at Elevate conference…it was an honor to be a speaker.

14/03/2025

Happy International Grant Professionals Day!

25/02/2025

🎉 4 years ago, I published my second children’s storybook! 🎉This time, it was a fiction story✍️

I wanted to open kids’ eyes to the beauty of different countries and cultures, with the goal of reducing prejudice and subconscious bias. 🌍💫

Every time I visited a school for an author event, I’d chant “story…story…come” in Swahili - just the way we did in elementary school while growing up in Africa, and the kids would be hooked! It was magical seeing Makenna, the World Traveler come to life just as I had imagined it. The feedback from parents and teachers was overwhelming, and it reminded me how powerful stories can be. 📚✨

We all know our brains are wired to remember stories way better than data points or stats. We remember how a story made us feel, and that's what makes it stick! 🧠💡

So, here's a fun thought: What if we could harness the power of storytelling to amplify the work we do as nonprofit leaders and fundraisers? 🤔

Tomorrow at hosted by Nonprofit Leadership Alliance I’m bringing my experience as a published author AND my nonprofit know-how to show you how to craft stories that really make an impact. It's going to be engaging, practical, and... did I mention fun? 😄

Come join me, and let's elevate our storytelling skills together! 🚀

18/02/2025

🚨 4 Things You Need to Know Before Writing a Grant! 🚨

Okay, confession time: I think I went into hibernation this winter 🥶. But... it's time to wake up and dive back into grant writing and monthly classes!

Grant writing can totally transform your organization, but it's not something you can rush. A little planning goes a long way! Here are four key things to keep in mind before you start drafting your proposal:

1️⃣ Know the Funder’s Priorities
Each funder has its own goals and interests. So, make sure your proposal aligns with what they're passionate about, and show them how your project fits into their mission.

2️⃣ Check Eligibility Requirements
Before you even think about writing, double-check if your organization is eligible for the grant. No one wants to spend time on a proposal that doesn't meet the funder's criteria!

3️⃣ Define Your Outcomes Clearly
Funders want to see the impact of their investment. Be specific about what you'll achieve and how you’ll track your success. Make sure they know their support is going toward something meaningful.

4️⃣ Budget with Care
Your budget is a big deal—it can make or break your proposal! Be realistic, transparent, and make sure your financial plan aligns with your project goals.

Ready to get started? Do your research, stay focused on your mission, and take your grant writing to the next level! 🌟

Send me a message if you need someone to guide your grant writing process.

05/02/2025

I’ll admit, sometimes my mind drifts, and I must give it a little “nudge” to stay focused – can you relate? 😊

It’s so easy to get sidetracked, especially when resources are tight, and there’s a lot to juggle.

But this is when staying connected to your mission is more important than ever.

Mission drift can sneak up on any organization, big or small, nonprofit or social enterprise.
It happens when your activities or resources start to veer off course from your core mission and values.

This can be unintentional, but it can have a huge impact on your work.

Here are some real-world examples of mission drift:

😑A health organization that gets so focused on fundraising and administration that it forgets its primary purpose – providing healthcare.
😑A social enterprise that shifts from its social mission to prioritizing commercial interests.
😑A faith-based group changing its message just to avoid criticism.

What causes mission drift?
⛓️‍💥Changing societal values
⛓️‍💥Pressure from donors to shift focus
⛓️‍💥Fear of criticism
⛓️‍💥A need to be more conservative or militant
⛓️‍💥Convenience (it's easier to go with the flow than to stay true to the mission)

🤩But here’s the good news: YOU have the power to steer your organization clear of mission drift!

Here’s how you can keep your mission front and center:

✔️Craft a strong mission statement that clearly outlines your purpose, values, and goals. Let this guide every decision!

✔️Regularly check in with your team to spot any signs of drift.

✔️Keep measuring your work against your mission – if something doesn’t align, don’t be afraid to pivot!

And, if you do find yourself off course? Don’t panic – just take action:
✔️Reorient your organization, but stay true to your core values.
✔️Communicate with your donors and grant-makers to keep them in the loop about any shifts.
✔️Ask your donors if they’d be willing to redirect their support to new areas that align with your updated focus.

It’s all about staying connected to your purpose, and when you do, you’ll keep making a meaningful impact no matter the challenges that arise!

💪 Keep pushing forward, you’re doing amazing work.

Have a focused week😉

P.S. I will be speaking at this years . Please join me and other fantastic speakers for this amazing virtual conference Feb 25-27.

03/02/2025

is just around the corner! Elevate is a virtual conference for social sector leaders hosted by The Nonprofit Alliance.

I hope you can join me for my session “Storytelling as a Tool for Innovation in Nonprofits: Engaging Stakeholders Effectively” at Elevate 2025 as we delve into conversations about harnessing the power of storytelling to drive social change and inspire action!

I can’t wait to see you there!

Learn more about
Elevate 2025 and register here: https://bit.ly/NLAElevate2025

03/02/2025

🚨 When your nonprofit’s funding stops suddenly, it can feel like a crisis. But don’t panic! You can adjust, survive, and even come out stronger. Here’s what to do:

1️⃣ Assess & Communicate: Step back and figure out why the funding stopped. Be transparent with your team and supporters—it might open new doors for help.

2️⃣ Cut Non-Essential Costs: Review your expenses. What can be paused or scaled back? Focus on your core mission and trim the excess.

3️⃣ Diversify Funding: Relying on one funding source? It’s time to explore new revenue streams—grants, crowdfunding, donations, and more. The more options, the better.

4️⃣ Engage Your Community: Let your supporters know what's going on. They care about your mission and may help out in ways you didn’t expect.

5️⃣ Explore Short-Term Solutions: Look for emergency grants or loans to bridge the gap while you build a long-term strategy.

6️⃣ Reevaluate Programs: Use this time to reassess your programs. Are they still serving the highest needs? Can you achieve the same impact with fewer resources?

7️⃣ Stay Resilient: Tough times call for resilience. Stay hopeful and adaptable. Many nonprofits come out of funding crises even stronger.

You’ve got this. Keep pushing forward! 💪

31/01/2025

I’ve been fortunate to have a board that fully supported my leadership role in a nonprofit, and I’ve also served on a board of a grassroots organization that helped drive the mission forward.

Some of our board members were everyday people, but they made a huge impact.

One standout was Sister Mary, a Catholic nun, who had amazing networks and played a key role in helping us build and nurture donor relationships.
Her influence was invaluable.

💎One question I always ask nonprofits is, “Who’s on your board and what role do they play?”

💎Your nonprofit can’t thrive without a high-functioning board.

When your board is dedicated and engaged, it makes all the difference in achieving your mission and hitting your goals.

Here are a few tips to get your board excited to perform even better this year:

💡Set Clear Expectations: Be upfront about roles and responsibilities.

💡Foster Open Communication: Keep communication flowing and encourage honest feedback.

💡Align on Vision: Make sure everyone is on the same page with your mission and goals.

💡Celebrate Wins: Acknowledge and celebrate successes, big or small, to keep the energy up.

With the right focus and energy, your board can be the driving force behind your nonprofit’s success!

**Check out my new 8-part online nonprofit & fundraising course launching in 2025

27/01/2025

𝐍𝐨𝐧𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐃𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞: 𝐈𝐬 𝐈𝐭 𝐎𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥? 𝐃𝐨 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐢𝐟 𝐘𝐨𝐮 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐲 𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐨𝐧 𝐆𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬?

When running a nonprofit, it’s easy to get comfortable with one reliable funding source, like grants.

After all, they offer some stability and are a great way to support your mission.

𝘽𝙪𝙩 𝙬𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙥𝙚𝙣𝙨 𝙬𝙝𝙚𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙩 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚 𝙙𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙥 𝙤𝙧 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙖𝙨 𝙧𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙨 𝙞𝙩 𝙤𝙣𝙘𝙚 𝙬𝙖𝙨?

The truth is, that relying solely on one income stream—especially grants—can put your nonprofit in a vulnerable position.

You’re at the mercy of funders, and their priorities or budgets can change at any time.

This means your nonprofit might face serious financial challenges, even if your mission is as strong as ever.

Diversifying your income sources isn’t just a “nice-to-have” – it’s a necessity. Here’s why:

1𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚𝙨 – 𝑊ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚 𝑡𝑎𝑘𝑒𝑠 𝑎 ℎ𝑖𝑡, 𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑐𝑘 𝑢𝑝 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘. 𝐼𝑓 𝑦𝑜𝑢 ℎ𝑎𝑣𝑒 𝑎 𝑚𝑖𝑥 𝑜𝑓 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠, 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠, 𝑒𝑎𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 (𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡 𝑠𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑠), 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠, 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑙𝑙 𝑏𝑒 𝑏𝑒𝑡𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑒𝑞𝑢𝑖𝑝𝑝𝑒𝑑 𝑡𝑜 𝑤𝑒𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟 𝑎𝑛𝑦 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑚𝑠.

2𝙂𝙧𝙤𝙬𝙩𝙝 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡 – 𝐷𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑐𝑎𝑛 𝑜𝑝𝑒𝑛 𝑑𝑜𝑜𝑟𝑠 𝑡𝑜 𝑛𝑒𝑤 𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑢𝑛𝑖𝑡𝑖𝑒𝑠. 𝐼𝑡 𝑚𝑎𝑦 ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑎𝑡𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑑𝑜𝑛𝑜𝑟 𝑡𝑦𝑝𝑒𝑠 𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑 𝑎 𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑎𝑑𝑦, 𝑙𝑜𝑛𝑔-𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚 𝑟𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛𝑢𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑚, ℎ𝑒𝑙𝑝𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑔𝑟𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑡.

3𝙎𝙪𝙨𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙗𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙩𝙮 – 𝐴 𝑛𝑜𝑛𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑓𝑖𝑡 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 𝑑𝑖𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑓𝑖𝑒𝑑 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑒 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒𝑙𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑚𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑖𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑖𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑜𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑡𝑖𝑚𝑒. 𝐵𝑦 𝑛𝑜𝑡 𝑝𝑢𝑡𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑒𝑔𝑔𝑠 𝑖𝑛 𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑏𝑎𝑠𝑘𝑒𝑡, 𝑦𝑜𝑢’𝑟𝑒 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑡𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑦𝑜𝑢𝑟 𝑜𝑟𝑔𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑧𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑎𝑔𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑠𝑡 𝑓𝑢𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑢𝑛𝑐𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑦.

❓So, is it optional?

‼️The short answer: No.

Relying only on grants alone can be really risky.

𝘿𝙞𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙞𝙛𝙮𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙞𝙣𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙚𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙖 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙨𝙩𝙧𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙜𝙮 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙣𝙤𝙣𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙛𝙞𝙩’𝙨 𝙡𝙤𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙪𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙩.

Keep your organization flexible, and ready to seize new opportunities when they come along!

What income streams has your nonprofit explored beyond grants? Would love to hear your thoughts!

24/01/2025

Wait!!! Has it already been one year?

I came across this flyer from last year, and it honestly made me smile 😍.

It reminded me of the incredible journey I started when I launched my nonprofit management and fundraising online classes every third Saturday of the month.

It was such a fulfilling experience pouring into nonprofit leaders, aspiring founders, and board members.
The energy,
the passion, and
the feedback I received were beyond anything I could’ve imagined.

BUT what meant the most were the connections I made—the friendships that blossomed and the meaningful bonds we formed along the way.

With a degree in education and coming from a family of educators, it feels like training and sharing knowledge is in my blood. While I didn’t quite fit into the traditional classroom teaching high schoolers, my heart has always been in helping others learn and grow.

And honestly, my favorite moments are when I see those “AHA” moments—the spark when things click.

Now, I’m excited to announce that I’m scheduling my 2025 classes, and I’d love for you to join me in February for our foundational class. I can’t wait to share more details and the sign-up link with you soon!

If you’ve been thinking about diving deeper into nonprofit management and fundraising, I’d be honored to have you with me on this journey.

Let’s make this year even more impactful!

22/01/2025

21/01/2025

My current read ….”Building a StoryBrand" by Donald Miller

Here are 5 Key Branding Takeaways for Nonprofit Leaders

As nonprofit leaders, we are constantly trying to cut through the noise and connect with those who will help us make a lasting impact.

Donald Miller’s StoryBrand offers game-changing insights for how we can clarify our messaging and engage supporters more effectively.

Here are 5 takeaways that have reshaped my thinking:

1️⃣Clarify the Message – know who is thd hero of your story.

2️⃣Use Simple Language – Avoid jargon. Speak directly to your audience in a way that connects to their needs and desires. Keep it clear, concise, and compelling.

3️⃣Define the Problem – People donate or get involved because they want to solve a problem. Make sure you’re crystal clear on the problem you're solving, and how your mission is the solution.

4️⃣Create a Clear Call to Action – Don't leave people guessing what to do next. Guide them to take action—whether it’s donating, volunteering, or spreading the word.

5️⃣Tell a Story that Inspires – People don’t connect with data—they connect with stories. Show how your nonprofit is making a difference and invite others to join the journey.

Every nonprofit has a story to tell.

The key is to tell it in a way that invites others to take action.

🎦 I will be speaking about Storytelling as a tool for innovation for nonprofits at Elevate 2025- a virtual national conference for nonprofit leaders organized by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Hope to see you there.

16/01/2025

🌟 Seeking Training Opportunities for Nonprofit Boards 🌟

Hello FB Community!

As someone deeply passionate about empowering nonprofits, I’m looking for opportunities to collaborate with organizations that would benefit from board training and development.

Over the years, I’ve gained significant experience in consulting and facilitating workshops that help nonprofit boards enhance their governance, strategic planning, and overall effectiveness.

If your organization or network is seeking a consultant or trainer to:

☀️Strengthen board engagement and alignment
☀️Develop effective fundraising strategies and a winning fundraising plan
☀️Develop strategic initiatives
☀️Foster a culture of transparency and accountability

I’d love to connect and explore how I can support your mission.

Please feel free to reach out directly, or tag anyone in your network who may be interested!

14/01/2025

Excited to be a speaker at ELEVATE 2025, a national virtual conference hosted by the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance.

God’s dream is much bigger than any other dream I can have for myself.

So Grateful for this opportunity to speak to so many students and nonprofit leaders across the nation.

11/01/2025

Enjoyed leading a board education session this morning with a fantastic nonprofit!

💡Did you know that the majority of board members lack basic fundraising and nonprofit management skills, yet they play a crucial role in raising funds and supporting the organization’s mission?

💡Effective boards are key to organizational success, and that starts with the right training.

If you’re a nonprofit leader or board member looking to strengthen your team’s impact, my board training programs can help.

🔑Let’s equip your board with the skills they need to truly make a difference!

Reach out to learn more!

31/12/2024

Journaling and reflection prompts I gathered from Mel Robbins podcast