When I left my full-time job in the nonprofit sector in 2020, I didn’t set out to build a full-service consultancy for nonprofit organizations. Maneval Consulting sprouted roots from a mere seed of an idea. My initial vision was simple: Write grants from the comfort of my basement, serving a handful of clients.
Fate had plans more grand.
Unexpected Growth
I began as a humble team of one. I love working in teams, though, and being a solo-preneur quickly felt stale. So I grew. In the past year alone, Maneval has more than doubled our team, from four to eight contractors. One of those contractors, Joe Kirkenir, is now joining me as a business partner and Vice President.
Beyond writing grants for nonprofits, we’ve expanded our services to include strategic planning, fundraising counseling ― including feasibility studies ― and fractional consulting, and now with our Professional Solicitor’s license we can directly solicit funds on a nonprofit’s behalf.
My seed of a consultancy has become a full-branched tree.
With that growth, the time has come for Maneval Consulting to take on a new name: Spur and Sprout LLC, a name that embodies our desire to spur nonprofits on to the next level, my strength, while helping them sprout through fundraising, Joe’s strength.
The Art of Listening and Connection
My dad owned and operated a company as I was growing up. He never shied away from tough conversations and had a way of creating a team culture through camaraderie that I’ve always admired. When I launched my consultancy, I knew that was a leadership style I wanted to incorporate into my teams, whether they consisted of contractors, employees, or partners.
While I didn’t start this consultancy with a vision to grow, I knew that, as with my dad, however the organization evolved, one thing would remain my top priority: building rapport with anyone who might join my team.
So much of what I did in my previous jobs revolved around listening. As a nonprofit fundraiser, I made time for donors or program directors to share with me their interests and needs. I employ that same skill set today, whether engaging with a client or a contractor. Listening is what makes it possible to know if a project or a person is a good fit. I also have a knack for matching someone’s strengths to the right role.
It’s less of a science, more of an art.
With this open, observant mindset, the skill set of my team quickly grew. What started as a one-woman show quickly blossomed into a diverse team of talented professionals, each bringing specific skills and perspectives to the table. And as opportunities presented themselves, this team of passionate individuals was eager to make a difference.
Grow with the Flow
As we prepare for a rebranding and the next stage of growth, it’s become evident that Maneval Consulting is more than just a name. It’s a client-focused collective effort with a shared vision. Our decision to expand our team was driven not solely by a desire for growth but a commitment to providing unparalleled service to our clients. By surrounding ourselves with talented individuals with diverse skill sets, we’ve been able to offer comprehensive strategic planning and fundraising solutions tailored to the unique needs of each nonprofit we serve.
By outsourcing essential functions to experts such as us, nonprofits can streamline their operations, reduce overhead costs, and focus on their core mission. At Maneval Consulting, we’re not just service providers; we’re partners in our clients’ success stories. Whether it’s crafting compelling grant proposals, developing strategic plans, or soliciting funds, our team is dedicated to helping nonprofits thrive in an ever-evolving landscape.
Our vision extends beyond our consultancy. We aspire to create a community of professionals united by a shared passion for social impact. Through our rebranding, we’re paving the way for a brighter, more sustainable future for nonprofits everywhere. Together, we can achieve remarkable things and create lasting change in the world.
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