Motivation Combined with Right Expectations = Nonprofit Success

So, you think you want to do good, huh? People are entering the nonprofit sector at a faster clip than ever before. It seems we all long to improve the world, or at least our corner of it. But, entering the nonprofit sector with your eyes open to all it entails and leaves out is essential to the success of your cause. Don Gatewood is no stranger to community-based cause work, and he shares his wisdom on how aligning your desire for impact with the right expectations can be a winning combination.

Man, I just wanted to help the people! 

Don openly shares the struggles that come with building or joining a cause. The many hats, the lack of initial support, and even the battle to make headlines can be discouraging. You’re doing good work, so the support will naturally follow, right? Wrong. The notion that the media, public, and funders will feel as passionately about our cause as we do is one of the great deceptions of cause work. Don’s advice is to approach coursework like you’re starting a business and even going so far as mapping out a business plan. He also recommends investigating who you can partner to learn the ropes or join the team. 

Listen to the full interview about how Don built The Initiative: Baltimore from the ground up>>

Get a free guide to starting a nonprofit here, or take your cause further by joining the Nonprofit Hub Start a Nonprofit Course!

Meet Don Gatewood

Various topics have given me perspective on my career, decision-making, and future goals and aspirations. As a nonprofit leader, I appreciate your show and the content you provide. I have learned a lot. For over 20 years, I have worked in the nonprofit space in Detroit and Washington, DC. Currently, I am a co-founder and CEO of The Initiative Baltimore. Our goal is to help create the next generation of leaders. We work with young men who are in middle and high school age young men.