347. Starting + Growing a Global Nonprofit: One Relationship at a Time - Afam Onyema

Meet Afam. This nonprofit founder turned down multiple law firm offers to serve Nigerians. He’s built GEANCO Foundation from the ground up by cultivating authentic relationships - one person at a time. In addition to surgical missions and other medical care, GEANCO provides tuition and support to young female victims of terrorism and gender inequality. With no previous fundraising experience, Afam garnered support from many celebrities including Oprah Winfrey, Benedict Cumberbatch, Charlize Theron and many more. Tune in for this heart-wired conversation about the power of relationships to save and change lives.Today’s GuestAfam Onyema, Co-Founder and CEO, The GEANCO FoundationEpisode HighlightsAfam’s story and journey to where he is today (4:10)Early stages of building the organization (9:40)Challenges in the early days (15:00)Lessons about the power of philanthropy (21:00)How GEANCO successfully partners with celebrities (27:00)A powerful moment of philanthropy in Afam’s life (40:40)Afam’s One Good Thing: Be kind and serve. (46:00)Connect with Afam and Geanco (48:10)For more information and episode details visit: weareforgood.com/episode/347About our Sponsor Neon OneTechnology alone can’t solve the challenges nonprofits face. That’s why Neon One provides software that empowers you to manage constituents all while giving you the resources and support you need to connect to what matters most - your people and their passions. Learn more about how Neon One is helping nonprofits create stronger connections by visiting neonone.com/weareforgood.About our Sponsor VirtuousYou know we believe Everyone Matters - and we’ve witnessed the greatest philanthropic movements happen when you both SEE and activate donors at every level, and Virtuous is the platform to help you do just that. Virtuous helps charities reimagine generosity through responsive fundraising, volunteer management, and online giving,  and we love it because this approach builds trust and loyalty through personalized engagement. Learn more today at virtuous.org.About our Sponsor Evolve Giving GroupEvolve is a women-owned and women-led full-service nonprofit consulting firm where nonprofits come to thriveJoin us at ImpactUp: Story! Join us online from 12-1:30 CST for a free virtual session including a keynote with storytelling phenom, Afdhel Aziz, and a roundtable convo with 4 amazing nonprofit leaders. Then that evening, in nearly 50 cities around the world are hosting local meetups to keep the conversation going in person.Find a meetup near you or join us virtually! //Join the We Are For Good Community—completely free.Join fellow changemakers, share takeaways from this working session, and keep collaborating in a space built for connection, inspiration, and real impact: www.weareforgoodcommunity.comSay hi 👋LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / Twitter