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What Inspired Me to be a Fearless Nonprofit Pro

The image of the Fearless Girl statue has always inspired me. I can’t think of another image that has more accurately portrayed what it has felt like (for me) to try and lead in the nonprofit sector. Powerful and sizeable egos, personalities, and problems are charging at me. I am too young and far too small to take these things on, but I do with my hands on my hips and my ponytail swinging. At least on my good days. On my best days, I know that pursuing what is right, true, and honorable is worth a tangle with a bull, a board, or even my doubts. 

The more I’ve worked in the sector, the more I’ve realized I’m not alone in feeling this way. Nonprofit professionals are asked to do so much and are under scrutiny from peers, board members, donors, auditors, and more. And yet, they persevere. They face the giants and fight for those who can’t fight for themselves. They are fearless for good. 

I do not have all the answers, but I  understand the nonprofit sector and cause marketing space. Candidly, my intention with this blog is two-fold. I have always wanted to start my blog, so this is a “bucket list” item. But, I also want to help anyone who reads this through insight or simply knowing that you’re not alone. We have some significant issues to figure out in the cause-space, from the board governance disconnect to funding for capacity…Whether here, there, or anywhere, talking about it can only help. 

This blog is for my peers in the nonprofit space and those leading businesses backed by noble purposes. I hope it will bring encouragement, ideas, and comfort to those facing things that seem impossible. 

Persevere without fear, my friends. 

 

Katie Appold, MPA

Katie’s nonprofit career includes a variety of leadership roles for human service, foundation, and publishing-related nonprofits, as well as many volunteer roles. Under Katie’s leadership, nonprofit organizations have developed new programs related to free healthcare, affordable and accessible housing, and literacy programs for K-12 students. In her first Executive Director role, Katie increased the annual revenue of the organization she led by 300% and received the top grant prize in the nation for affordable housing through the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis. She went on to help establish Do More Good, a nonprofit educational platform that eventually merged with Nonprofit Hub, one of the largest free content sites for nonprofits in North America. Today, Katie serves as the contracted leader of Inform USA in addition to her work with Nonprofit Nav and as an adjunct professor of nonprofit leadership and fundraising for Cornerstone University. Her educational background includes an undergraduate degree in business administration and a master’s degree in nonprofit leadership. Katie serves on the boards of Gracious Grounds, the Grand Haven Children’s Museum, and the National 211 Steering Committee.