Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.

The mental health crisis is a dangerous epidemic spreading across schools in America. Unfortunately, mental health is still considered a taboo subject that most people avoid. Did you know that one in five youth live with a mental health condition, but less than half of these children receive needed services? Undiagnosed, untreated or inadequately treated mental health conditions can affect a student’s ability to learn, grow and develop. Schools provide a unique opportunity to

Most Americans have been either misled or misinformed about grants, all stemming from limited knowledge involving the operations of a 501c3 nonprofit organization. When the concept of applying for grants is mentioned, the first thought that comes to mind is ”awesome! free money, let’s do it.” As clear-cut as many perceive applying for grants is, it is 110% not that simple. There are expectations and requirements that must be met prior to any grant funder investing in your org

I recently had the privilege of being a grant reviewer for a large, private foundation. This grant program has awarded over $3 million to 536 organizations across the country, so it was an honor to be a part of the process. This foundation has a five-step grant review process: 1.) The Director of Grants reviews all proposals to ensure they meet the criteria for the program. 2.) Online Review of all applications. Proposals will be randomly assigned to reviewers across the co

Money, Money, Money, Mooooney! MOOOONNNEEEY! Sing with me!!! We need money and can not do our work without it. Most of the time in the nonprofit world, it feels like money is really hard to find, and rarely do you find a funder with a money tree. It doesn’t have to feel like you are walking through the Sahara Desert penniless while trying to work for your cause; in 2017, foundation giving raised by 6% to 66.9 billion dollars! Needless to say, money is out there, we just ha

Classroom teachers!!!  Do you have a million creative ideas for your classroom, but just don’t have the money to implement them? Are you frustrated with the $200 your school gives you every year to buy supplies? Do you want to incorporate technology into your lessons, but struggle to do so with the two desktop computers in your classroom? I totally understand, I’ve been there. Teaching is one of the most unappreciated jobs in America and teachers need help more than ever!  As

My favorite quote has always been “Be the change you wish to see in the world” by Ghandi. It’s basically my motto- in life, teaching, traveling, volunteering, and relationships. On many summer breaks from teaching, I traveled to different countries to volunteer teach- China, Thailand, and Uganda. While volunteering in Uganda, I was offered a teaching job. I accepted the position, and gave up my very comfortable life as a special education teacher in America to move to Uganda