Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT

Nonprofit Compliance 101: What You Need to Stay Legal and Fundable

Published on: 22/08/2025

Starting a nonprofit is a powerful way to make an impact—but if you’re not compliant, you won’t last long. That’s the hard truth. I’ve seen passionate founders with game-changing ideas get shut down because they missed a filing, mishandled donations, or failed to keep their records straight. That’s not going to be you.

Nonprofit SuccessNonprofit Management and LeadershipNonprofit Compliance

6 Smart Ways to Fund Your Nonprofit Before the Grants Come In

Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT

Published on: 15/08/2025

You’ve got your nonprofit structured, your 501(c)(3) status is approved, and your programs are ready to go. But now you’re looking at your bank account, and it’s clear: You need funding, and you need it fast. A lot of founders make the mistake of thinking that grants are the only way to get money flowing. But here’s the reality: grants are powerful, but they take time. Applications, reviews, site visits, approvals—it can be months, sometimes even a year before you see a dollar

Nonprofit SuccessFundraising StrategiesNonprofit Management and Leadership

How to Get 501(c)(3) Status Without Getting Lost in Paperwork

Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT

Published on: 08/08/2025

You’ve got the vision. You’ve defined your mission. You even have a few people ready to serve on your board. But now it’s time to make it official. If you want your nonprofit to unlock grants, receive tax-deductible donations, and build credibility in your community, you need 501(c)(3) status.

Nonprofit SuccessNonprofit Management and Leadership

What Your Nonprofit Board Should Actually Be Doing

Willie Finklin, CFRE, The Grant GOAT

Published on: 01/08/2025

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “What exactly should my board be doing?”—you’re not alone. Too many nonprofit founders assemble a board because it’s legally required… and then leave them with nothing meaningful to do. But let me be real with you: Your board should be your backbone—not just a formality. When you activate your board the right way, they become multipliers of your mission. When you don’t, they become dead weight.

Nonprofit SuccessNonprofit Management and Leadership