Peace Love and Bring a Bat

In this powerful and purpose-driven episode of Peace, Love, and Bring a Bat, Uncle Dave sits down with nonprofit powerhouse Vanessa Lindsey to talk about what it really takes to start, build, and sustain a nonprofit organization. Vanessa brings nearly four decades of lived experience as a nonprofit founder—sharing the unseen struggles, sacrifices, and triumphs that come with answering a calling bigger than yourself. From teen motherhood to building a long-standing behavioral health organization, Vanessa’s story is one of resilience, faith, and unwavering service. This episode shines a light on the unsung heroes of our communities: nonprofit founders. Key Themes & Takeaways 🌱 From Purpose to Nonprofit Vanessa founded her first nonprofit at just 21 years old after becoming a teen mother and seeing firsthand the lack of resources available. What began as a program for teen mothers evolved into a long-standing behavioral health organization offering drug and alcohol counseling and youth support. Her work was never about recognition—it was about answering a promise and fulfilling a purpose. 💔 The Hidden Cost of Nonprofit Leadership Nonprofit founders often operate behind the scenes, carrying emotional, financial, and spiritual burdens with little recognition. Sleepless nights, personal financial sacrifice, and constant stress are common—but rarely discussed. Vanessa emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces for founders to be supported, not just supporters. 🤝 Collaboration Over Competition Vanessa speaks candidly about the territorial nature of the nonprofit world—and why it must change. No single organization can serve everyone; collaboration multiplies impact. Partnering with other nonprofits allows for shared resources, stronger grants, and better outcomes for communities. 💰 Fearless Fundraising & Grant Writing Vanessa demystifies grant writing and fundraising, sharing her early journey from not knowing what a grant was to ranking #2 in the state on a major application. Fundraising isn’t about begging—it’s about alignment, storytelling, and meeting real community needs. Diversifying funding and leveraging partnerships is essential for sustainability. 🧠 Trauma, Self-Care, and Founder Burnout Many nonprofits are born from personal trauma—but founders often accumulate secondary trauma along the way. Vanessa stresses that founders must learn to care for themselves as much as they care for their mission. Healing, rest, and joy are not luxuries—they are necessities. ✨ Faith, Love, and Perspective Vanessa shares a deeply personal insight: seeing herself as a vessel for love and purpose each day. When founders lead with love—rather than fear or ego—their work becomes sustainable and transformational. Loving yourself first allows you to truly serve others. About the Fearless Fundraising Summit 📅 July 12–14 🎟 FREE Virtual Summit The Fearless Fundraising Summit brings together 10–12 experienced speakers to help nonprofit founders: Raise money with confidence Learn creative fundraising strategies Build strong foundations with limited resources Avoid burnout while growing impact Designed specifically for nonprofits with limited time, funding, and staff. The Magic Garden Seed 🌱 Nonprofit founders are not selfish for needing support. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Collaboration creates abundance. Love is the strategy. Connect with Vanessa Lindsey 🌐 Nonprofit Organization: Another Choice, Another Chance 👉 www.anotherchoiceanotherchance.org 🌐 Founder Support & Membership: Nonprofit Founders Club 👉 www.nonprofitfoundersclub.com Vanessa offers mentorship, education, and community for nonprofit founders who want to build legacy-driven organizations without burning out. Final Words from Uncle Dave This episode is a reminder that real change starts at the community level—with people willing to show up, sacrifice, and serve without applause. Bring peace. Lead with love. And when you bring a bat—swing for impact, not ego. 🟢💙