06/10/2026
“$250 million in fraud. A 25+ year sentence. 😳
This is why I’m always telling nonprofit leaders: passion is not enough. Structure matters.
One of the biggest mistakes new nonprofits make is chasing funding before having the right systems, policies, and financial controls in place. Even if your organization is new, it is still your responsibility as a leader to put proper checks and balances in place from the beginning.
And honestly? Don’t focus on funding alone or right away. Focus on building the infrastructure FIRST.
When I founded my nonprofit, I spent TWO YEARS getting our infrastructure, systems, policies, and structure together before we ever held our first fundraiser.
Now 16 years later, we’ve collectively raised over $2.5 million, secured over $500,000 in grants last year alone, and helped over 493 single parents and children.
I practice what I preach. I live this every single day.
That’s the difference between someone who simply teaches fundraising and someone who has actually built, led, sustained, and grown a nonprofit organization over time.
Funders want to SEE accountability. Major donors will ask questions. They will request policies, financials, organizational charts, audits, board information, internal controls, and documentation. And they won’t simply take your word for it…they research.
Healthy nonprofits protect the mission through transparency, accountability, and strong operational structure.
A few things every nonprofit should have early on:
• Financial controls & approval processes
• Multiple eyes on money movement
• Active board oversight
• Written policies & procedures
• Proper documentation & reporting
• Clear organizational structure & delegated responsibilities
Good systems don’t mean you don’t trust people.
They mean you’re building something sustainable, ethical, and protected.
Build it right first…then scale it. 👏🏽
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