Why Grants are Start-Up Funding and How Services Can Sustain Programs

In this episode, we dive into how to build sustainable funding for LGBTQ+ nonprofits—and the real challenges and opportunities that come with it. Jack shares his journey of finding support through LGBTQ+ organizations and how that experience ultimately led him to found TurnOut, a platform designed to connect volunteers with grassroots LGBTQ+ nonprofits.We explore what it takes to fund and grow mission-driven organizations in this space, including the role of grants as startup or expansion funding (not a long-term sole strategy), and how nonprofits can create more sustainable revenue streams through services and strategic pricing.Jack also discusses TurnOut’s first government grant, the importance of building a diversified funding program, and why nonprofits should regularly evaluate and increase their pricing when offering services.This conversation is packed with insights on how to think differently about funding, community support, and long-term sustainability—especially for organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities.ABOUT OUR GUESTJack is the founder of TurnOut, an organization dedicated to connecting volunteers with LGBTQ+ nonprofits to strengthen community impact. He began his career working with community-based HIV organizations and has spent over 15 years supporting grassroots queer groups around the world.Recognizing a gap between those who wanted to help and organizations that needed support, Jack launched TurnOut in 2015. Today, TurnOut mobilizes more than 5,000 volunteers across 150+ LGBTQ+ nonprofits in California, supporting initiatives focused on youth homelessness, mental health, the arts, and more.CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTWebsite: www.turnout.orgOTHER RESOURCES:Weekly Newsletter: “Write Grants. Get Paid” - Get thought leadership on grant and freelance grant writing strategies every week in your inbox. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/Freelance Grant Writer Academy: Replace your Full-Time Income Writing Grants Part-Time from Home. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/freelance-grant-writer-academy/Grant Professional Mentorship: Double your Monthly Revenue with an Income Stream Outside of Grant Writing. https://grantwritingandfunding.com/mentorshipRATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW THE PODCASTFavor, please? If you love this podcast, would you please do me a favor and leave a review on iTunes or your podcast listener?This helps others find the podcast and I read each and every review!“Every time I listen to Holly’s show, I learn something” <– If that sounds like you, please consider rating and reviewing my show!Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the Grant Writing & Funding podcast to get grant and freelance grant writing proven strategies and conversations in your podcast player every single week.Thanks for listening!Warmly,Holly RustickLeading the $1 Billion for Good Movement: By 2030, aspiring and seasoned grant writers inside the Freelance Grant Writer Academy & Grant Professional Mentorship will 1) WIN $1 Billion in Grants, and 2) MAKE $30 Million in their Grant Writing Businesses. We are on our way already.