Shortly thereafter, I was offered the opportunity to run a start-up nonprofit. My experience to that point was mostly administrative and I had no idea of the ride I was in for.
We had no programs, very little money, no business plan, and an inexperienced board of directors. This turned out to be a recipe for disaster (for me)!!!
After winning a few small grants and delivering a few programs for about a year there was still not enough money or traction to keep the business afloat. In the end, my board of directors forced me to resign and I was much worse off than when I started. I accumulated so much debt not earning a salary that I had to file bankruptcy. I ended up homeless, jobless and defeated. I was certain this was my life path. Yet, I had failed so miserably.
In most cases and in my case, hindsight is 20/20 and I now realize that those experiences laid the foundation for what would be my consulting business today. I learned what to do and what not to do in building a successful nonprofit. I learned the importance of having a strong business model, earning revenues, and delivering strong programs with measurable outcomes.
After that I would go on to work for about a dozen other nonprofits, large and small. I would work in various departments and with many different types. The pay would be ok, the term would be short-lived but the work would be fulfilling and gratifying.
This phase of my life lasted a calm and steady five years. Then several layoffs, a wrongful termination and two years of a stressful commute later, I found myself angry and frustrated, feeling under appreciated, underpaid and overworked. I then decided I would start my own business. I figured I could start part-time, working in the evenings and on the weekends (while I kept my day job). I set a goal to work the business full time after two years. Well two years turned into just three months.
Three months later I was wrongfully terminated from my job and found myself thrust into my new business working 10-12 hour days to earn a living for myself. Although the work and responsibility was laborious and time consuming, I was proud and honored that I was committing to my dreams and not someone else's.
Going into business turned out to be the best thing for me. It's been 15 years and I have created an awesome life for myself. I get to do the work I love, get paid what I'm worth, and help others to do the same. It's my nirvana; my heaven on earth.
I'm Chataun R. Denis. Thank you for visiting.
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about us
Our intention is to not only increase your nonprofit IQ, but to help you along on your path to success. My advice is grounded in 30 years of field experience, which is advice you can trust.
Creating opportunity, building community one idea, one person, one nonprofit at a time.
My Credentials
- Master of Business Administration
- Master of Urban Planning, Design, and Development
- Master of Entrepreneurship
- 29 years nonprofit experience
- nearly $18 million raised
Mission Statement
Vision
my story
My Story
I started in the nonprofit field my senior year in high school as an intern and I've been in the field ever since. When I graduated from undergrad I took a job for about a year on the for-profit side and found myself, towards the end, crying at my desk, dying inside for a lack of connection to and creativity in my work. Needless to say, back to nonprofit I went.
We've helped our clients raise $19.5 million, now let us help you!
