How a First Time Executive Director is Scaling Services and Securing Funding

How a First Time Executive Director is Scaling Services and Securing Funding

Author: Cherry Chan April 24, 2025 Duration: 32:12

What happens when the demand for your services grows faster than your funding? In this episode of The Unfiltered Nonprofit Podcast, I sit down with Michelle Crogie, Executive Director of PLEO (Parents' Lifeline of Eastern Ontario), to talk about the real challenges of leading a high-impact nonprofit through growth, heartbreak, and hustle. From securing grants to launching events, we explore real-world nonprofit revenue growth strategies that go beyond the theory.

Michelle shares how PLEO's services—like their helpline and support groups—are at full capacity, even though core funding only covers about 25% of their budget. The rest? It's a constant effort: grant writing, donor campaigns, and creative fundraising like their first-ever gala, which raised $12,000. Ever tried to expand a mental health program with year-to-year money? That's the juggling act—and Michelle's approach offers important lessons for nonprofit revenue growth strategies in action.

One of the most compelling parts of our conversation is PLEO's Youth-Nominated Support Team program. Early results show a sharp drop in suicidal ideation after just six weeks—a powerful reminder of why sustainable funding matters. With 26 partner agencies backing their Health Canada grant application, Michelle is building momentum for scale. If you've ever had to chase dollars while trying to make a difference, this episode gives you a raw, honest look at nonprofit revenue growth strategies that are rooted in purpose—not just spreadsheets.




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Hosted by Cherry Chan, The Unfiltered Non-Profit: Leaders Share It All pulls back the curtain on what it truly takes to run a mission-driven organization. This isn't a series of polished success stories; instead, each conversation goes deep into the operational realities that leaders grapple with daily. You'll hear about budget crises that threatened to shut doors, the complexities of team dynamics under pressure, and the strategic pivots that saved programs. Chan guides these discussions with a focus on practical management and the less-glamorous, behind-the-scenes work that sustains impact. The result is a candid resource for anyone involved in the business of change, from seasoned executives to board members and aspiring founders. Tuning into this podcast feels like gaining access to a private roundtable where honesty is the only policy, offering lessons that are immediately applicable. It captures the full, unfiltered journey of non-profit leadership-the setbacks, the hard-won victories, and the relentless pursuit of making a difference.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 39

The Unfiltered Non-Profit: Leaders Share It All
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