Starting a nonprofit in Arizona is no small feat. Nearly a third of nonprofits across the United States fail within the first few years. However, Michelle Moore, the founder of Mother’s Grace, has turned her nonprofit into a thriving organization over the past 16 years.
Mother’s Grace supports mothers and children facing life’s toughest challenges, focusing on providing rent and mortgage relief, funeral expenses, counseling and medical care. The nonprofit has impacted hundreds of families globally.
Moore’s experience has shown her that passion alone isn’t enough to create a sustainable nonprofit. It takes strategy, the right partnerships, and clear goals.
Mother’s Grace has grown through these principles, forming partnerships with over 33 organizations worldwide. Despite its international reach, Moore ensures 85% of funding remains local. Her success with the organization and her book, “A Mother’s Grace: Healing the World, One Woman at a Time,” offers insights for anyone looking to start a nonprofit.
Start small, dream big
Moore said that a large budget is not necessary for starting a nonprofit. “I didn’t start with a large sum — I started with a strong commitment to the community and a clear mission,” she explained. In the beginning, Mother’s Grace began with just $5,000 in gift cards. The key isn’t about money, but identifying the needs of the community and finding creative, resourceful ways to address them. Moore's story shows that big dreams can begin with small, calculated steps. With a clear vision and strong community ties, it’s possible to start making a real difference immediately.
the power of a strong bond
As Moore’s nonprofit expanded, so did the necessity of establishing a dedicated and engaged board. A nonprofit's board should be more than just a group of names on a document — it should include individuals who offer expertise, connections, and assistance with fundraising. “Selecting the right board members can make all the difference,” Moore advised.
An effective board can provide valuable guidance, raise funds, and broaden the nonprofit’s impact. Moore emphasizes that board members must be actively involved and committed to the organization’s mission.
Having the right individuals in these roles is essential to the nonprofit's success, as they can help guide the organization toward sustainable growth and avoid potential pitfalls.
Get your 501(c)(3) status early
Securing 501(c)(3) nonprofit status is one of the most crucial steps in establishing a nonprofit.
“It’s a long process, but worth it,” she said.
“That 501(c)(3) status is vital for establishing trust and securing funding.” Achieving this designation not only bolsters the nonprofit’s credibility but also opens the door to grant applications and receiving donations. It serves as evidence to the community and potential partners that the organization is legitimate, transparent, and dedicated to creating a lasting impact. Obtaining 501(c)(3) status enables nonprofits to build trust and nurture lasting relationships with donors and partners.
Stick to your mission
Maintaining a sharp focus on the mission is essential for nonprofit success. “You must remain disciplined,” Moore suggests. “Everything you do should revolve around the mission you’ve set out to achieve.”
Mother’s Grace has flourished by aligning its operations with its core mission, ensuring that every decision reflects its goals. This unwavering focus directs decision-making and amplifies the organization’s impact. It also nurtures trust and reliability among donors and the community, fostering long-term relationships that maintain consistent support and growth.
By remaining dedicated to the mission, Mother’s Grace has secured the loyalty of its supporters, allowing it to continue providing services.
Minimize overhead, maximize impact
One key factor in Mother’s Grace's success is its commitment to keeping overhead costs low. “We don’t need a big office or fancy perks,” Moore said.
“What we need is to invest as much money as possible into the programs that make a difference.”
Controlling operational costs enables the nonprofit to allocate the maximum possible funding to its programs and services, directly supporting those in need. By minimizing overhead, Moore ensured that Mother’s Grace can enhance its impact and reach more people with a reduced administrative burden. This strategy also reassures donors that their contributions are effectively utilized to make a difference in the community.
Form strategic partnerships
Strategic partnerships have been essential to the growth of Mother’s Grace. Collaborations with notable companies like Toyota and Steak 44 have offered financial backing and increased visibility.
“The right partnerships can truly elevate a nonprofit to new heights,” Moore stated.
Collaborating with corporations, local businesses, and other organizations can help nonprofits expand their reach and secure additional resources. For Mother’s Grace, these partnerships have enabled the nonprofit to provide more services, raise more funds, and create a broader impact. By seeking like-minded partners who are dedicated to the community, nonprofits can tap into new opportunities for growth and sustainability.
Mentorship and paying it forward
For Moore, helping other nonprofit leaders succeed is as key as running her own. She believes the nonprofit sector flourishes when people collaborate and share resources.
“I’ve always believed in paying it forward,” Moore said. “I support other nonprofits as it’s the right thing to do, strengthening the community.”
Through her mentorship, Moore has supported multiple organizations by offering guidance and seed funding for their development.
“Mother’s Grace mentored me from a legacy dream to funding my 501(c)(3) filing and being my fiduciary sponsor until my Charity was established,” said Amanda Hope, founder of Comfycozys for Chemo.
“Twelve years later, we’ve been able to help thousands of children around the world.”
Diversify your funding sources
Relying on a single income source can be risky for any nonprofit. Moore advises organizations to diversify their funding streams with grants, donations, and fundraisers. “It’s important to diversify so you aren’t overly dependent on any one income source," Moore explained.
Diversification enables nonprofits to endure economic downturns, shifts in donor behavior, and variations in funding availability. By creating a combination of revenue sources, a nonprofit can stay financially secure and continue to pursue its mission even in uncertain times.
Show an impact
Finally, Moore stressed the importance of showing donors and the community the impact of their contributions.
“People want to know their money is being used wisely,” she said.
At Mother’s Grace, this involves regularly sharing success stories, tracking key metrics, and being open about how funds are utilized. Showcasing tangible results builds trust and secures ongoing support from donors. When nonprofits illustrate how their efforts positively impact lives, they forge a deep connection with their supporters and inspire continued generosity.
