Episode 23 - Building NonprofitsHQ: A Journey of Innovation, Impact, and Ethical Growth

The Boost

Introduction:
In this episode of The Boost, host Leon welcomes back Zac, founder of NonprofitsHQ, for a candid discussion about the nonprofit tech landscape, the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, and the innovative solutions changing the way nonprofits operate. Eight months post-launch, Zac shares insights into how NonprofitsHQ is helping nonprofits amplify their impact through AI-driven grant sourcing, compliance tools, and an all-inclusive platform designed specifically for their unique needs.
Hosts:

Leon Hitchens: Linkedin & X

Guest:

Zac Brown: LinkedIn

Find Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website:https://theboost.fm
Key Topics Covered:

1. The Journey of NonprofitsHQ
   • Launching in May 2024 and navigating the first eight months.
   • Addressing nonprofit-specific challenges like dwindling public donations and compliance needs.
2. AI and Grant Management:
   • How NonprofitsHQ leverages AI to automate grant sourcing and proposal drafting.
   • The importance of blending human expertise with AI to enhance productivity without sacrificing accuracy.
3. The Ethics of Nonprofit Tech:
   • The need for transparent pricing in nonprofit software.
   • Why NonprofitsHQ avoids the “nickel-and-dime” approach.
4. Community and Collaboration:
   • Building a community platform to connect nonprofit leaders and share resources.
   • How community feedback shapes product development and addresses real-world nonprofit challenges.
5. Advice for Founders and Builders in 2025:
   • The importance of talking to customers early and often.
   • Why starting simple—like launching a landing page—is better than waiting for perfection.
   • The value of building self-sustaining businesses rather than chasing venture capital.

What’s Next for NonprofitsHQ in 2025:

1. Expansion of AI-driven tools like virtual volunteers.
2. Launch of a dedicated community platform for nonprofit leaders.
3. A large-scale product announcement to unveil new features and partnerships.

Conclusion:
As 2025 begins, Zac’s story serves as a powerful reminder that creating meaningful impact requires innovation, hard work, and a deep understanding of your audience. NonprofitsHQ is setting a new standard in nonprofit tech by focusing on sustainability, ethical practices, and customer-driven solutions.