Managing operations, fundraising, information technology, and more, at an LGBTQ+ center in Akron, Ohio

In December 2021, I took on Akron AIDS Collaborative (AAC) as a client, functioning as Director of Operations from the moment they signed the lease on their space, the Bayard Rustin LGBTQ+ Resource Center, until August 2022.

During my contract with them, which is still ongoing, I’ve brought in more than $175,000 in revenue, most of which ($110,000) was secured in fiscal 2021, constituting one fourth of revenue for that year. To call this an increase in revenue, compared to its prior 23 years of operation, is an understatement, since the organization earned an average of $1,000, for each of those years.

Like with Infinite Health Solutions, I achieved this dramatic achievement through a combination of aggressive fundraising, as well as implementing a suite of sustainable infrastructure that guaranteed success.

In terms of fundraising, I secured grants from organizations such as the City of Akron, Akron Community Foundation’s Gay Endowment Fund, and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, and conceptualized and helped execute their 25th-anniversary gala.

In terms of infrastructure, I sourced much of their physical inventory — from furniture, to dinnerware, to a gaming console for clients, and everything in between. I also oversaw their information technology systems, setting up their internet, phone system, email suite, servers, and more. Lastly, I secured 501(c)(3) status for the organization.

On top of what I outlined above, I supervised all employees, besides the Executive Director, and implemented growth plans for each employee, tracking progress for objectives that they defined, based on personal interest and passion.

In large part because of my tireless efforts, Akron AIDS Collaborative moved to a new space for its LGBTQ+ center in 2023, with much more square footage, and continues to grow as an organization.

Fundraising, managing logistics, and creating infrastructure, for a breast cancer nonprofit located in Akron, Ohio and Atlanta, Georgia

In May 2023, I took on Not Just October (NJO) as a client. By the time my contract ended, one year later, I had brought in more than $31,000 in revenue, most of which ($25,000) was in fiscal 2023, constituting half of total revenue for that year.

Like with the case studies outlined above, for Infinite Health Solutions and Akron AIDS Collaborative, I achieved this through a combination of aggressive fundraising, and the implementation of free or reduced-cost information technology infrastructure.

In terms of fundraising, I secured grants from Kateswell and the Akron Community Foundation’s Women’s Endowment Fund, as well as event sponsorships from Cleveland Clinic, Fastenal Company, and Coca Cola Consolidated, Inc., and numerous individual donations.

In terms of infrastructure, I secured and setup NJO’s free email and document workspace; created the website for its annual fundraiser, the Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Walk; secured free Canva Pro, which I used to design invoice and donation receipt templates; and more.

In the end, all of these efforts helped NJO expand from its principal location at the Kim Jacobs Breast Cancer Resource Center in Akron, to an additional location in Atlanta.