MW&A is working with innovative leaders to change the way we all look at fundraising and partnerships!
Take a new idea, a savvy founder and some high profile partnerships and the result is an inspired nonprofit minus the baggage of "that's not the way it's been done in the past." Two prime examples of this model:
MW&A clients
Shine On Sierra Leone (SOSL) and
Lipstick Angels. With guidance from MW&A, groundbreaking founders
Tiffany Persons and Renata Helfman (respectively) are devising innovative funding practices intuitive to their personal values and honoring their vision while still conforming to the requirements of nonprofit status. This combination of MW&A's knowledge of the non-profit sector matched with business innovators makes for a dynamic partnership.
In her first foray into the non-profit world, Tiffany Persons, (pictured right) the owner of a successful commercial casting agency, discovered that traditional fund development methods diverted her attention from implementing SOSL's programs. MW&A helped Tiffany adapt her entrepreneurial style to the nonprofit world, capitalizing on her unique skills and expertise. The approach works. SOSL will soon open their second school in a country torn by civil war, poverty and a devastating Ebola crisis, providing a safe haven for the children and promise for their future.
"Michelle has always highlighted the importance of diversifying funding. Nonprofits can raise and secure their economic funding without relying solely on donors and grants. We are now finding more sustainable, more creative, more reliable and more inspiring funding sources."
A perfect example of this - SOSL is one of three African-based beneficiaries of
Cash and Rocket, a UK based charity founded in 2011 by Julie Brangstrup. Annually, Cash and Rocket invites 70 of the world's most fascinating and influential women to embark on a luxury car rally from London to Cannes, raising millions. Cash and Rocket funds are primarily allocated to building a new school and running the existing school - proving a free and innovative education in the Kono region. But most prized is the fact that it allowed SOSL to divert funds directly to a comprehensive and robust Ebola response effort that left the community virus-free--even while in the center of the Ebola infected hot zone.
"Because we are a smaller grassroots organization, Julie and her team are able to see the direct results of their investment. "
SOSL also has a growing source of revenue through a micro-enterprise model of on-line sales featuring products from Sierra Leone artisans. Funds are raised and the artisans receive support as they work to stabilize their own economy, furthering the SOSL mission.
Like Tiffany, Lipstick Angels founder
Renata Helfman (
pictured below) came to the nonprofit world from the business sector. After 15 years as a celebrity makeup artist, she opened a business bringing natural cosmetic products to the general public. Her passion for chemical free products and the benefits they bring to both mind and body led Renata to volunteer at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles offering beauty therapy to cancer patients. It was due to this experience that Lipstick Angels was conceived!
She initially turned to MW&A to help guide her young organization through the grant development process.With several successful funding efforts underway, expansion is on the horizon as MW&A continues to consult with Renata on entering the Orange County hospital space. For Renata, whose professional trailblazing tendencies are proving effective in the nonprofit sector, using her industry connections and developing contractual support from the hospitals was part of the strategic plan from day one.
"We provide valuable services to patients' well-being. With skin in the game, our hospitals share responsibility and ownership," said Renata. "Funding is just one part of the partnership, making it more than a simple donation."
Renata and her Angels anticipate stellar results from another new partnership resulting from a long-standing relationship. "I'm a firm believer that things happen for a reason. When Shashi Batra, one of the founding members of Sephora (the mega cosmetic store chain), created
Credo Beauty (think organic Sephora!) they had heard about Lipstick Angels. We now we have a mutually beneficial partnership. Lipstick Angels receives one percent of Credo sales. In turn they are supporting a cause they believe in."
MW&A takes pride in working alongside these two trendsetting founders, combining our nonprofit expertise with their business acumen.
"Nonprofits are businesses that happen to do the most wonderful things with the money we make," said Renata. "Why shouldn't we get paid and be smart about the way we make money. To make it work you need to find good partners, be courageous and creative!"