We were lucky to catch up with Chelsea Brown recently and have shared our conversation below.

Chelsea, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today How did you come up with the idea for your business?

As I navigated the nonprofit and fundraising sector, I noticed the disparity in funding for Black-led nonprofits and the lack of diversity in the nonprofit leadership roles. In 2016, I created “The Chelsea Brown Scholarship,” a scholarship designed to support individuals of color pursuing my alma mater, Winthrop University. With my philanthropy experience, I knew the information and resources needed to easily to participate in philanthropy as a donor or philanthropist –and quickly realized that many people of color may not be privy to the same information. Systemic racism, exclusion, and economic barriers have typically kept individuals of color out of the inner circle of philanthropy. Studies have shown that Black-led nonprofits receive less funding and relationships with funding sources. Philanthropic grantmaking can be exclusionary–and can seep into the leadership–therefore lessening the chances of diverse board members and donors of an organization. I knew that issues such as these can intimidate Black millennials to be empowered to start a nonprofit/business, serve as board members, provide charitable donations or create their philanthropic journey.
The Black Mill serves as a strategic start for those interested in designing their philanthropic legacy. It also provides support for minority-led nonprofits and businesses to maximize their funding and gain access to funding vehicles in various circles. Black Mill provides support for clients from inception to implementation of nonprofits, philanthropy, and businesses.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

The Black Mill, LLC challenges the status quo of what philanthropy looks like. Black Mill (shortened as an ode to “Black millennials”) empowers Black millennials to be change agents for their communities. Complete with philanthropic advising and consulting for nonprofits impacting underserved communities, Black Mill provides unique strategies for maximum funding and partnerships. Black Mill’s individualized philanthropic advising helps Black millennials design their charitable journey based on their passions and interests. At any stage of their professional career and salary, Black millennials are provided support to find a nonprofit or initiative to fund. Clients are also supported to build their legacy through scholarship creation, nonprofit advising, grantmaking, and more. Black Mill works closely with organizations focused on aligning themselves with resources for communities in need. We provide strategy sessions, grant writing, grantmaking review, and fundraising support for minority-led nonprofits and businesses. Through accessible pricing and support, Black Mill strengthens the philanthropic footprint of diverse millennials, nonprofit leaders, and business owners. The Black Mill, LLC challenges the status quo of what philanthropy looks like. Black Mill empowers Black nonprofit, business, and community leaders to be change agents for their communities. Complete with philanthropic advising and consulting for nonprofits impacting underserved communities, Black Mill provides unique strategies for maximum funding and partnerships. Black Mill’s individualized philanthropic advising helps individuals design their charitable journey based on their passions and interests. We offer strategy sessions, nonprofit advising, grant writing, grantmaking review, and fundraising support for minority-led nonprofits and businesses. Black Mill works closely with organizations focused on aligning themselves with resources for communities in need. Through accessible pricing and support, Black Mill strengthens the philanthropic footprint of diverse organizations, nonprofit leaders, and business owners.

Any thoughts, advice, or strategies you can share for fostering brand loyalty?

I try my best (with the help of an excellent Executive Assistant) to manage client emails and inquiries within 24 hours of a meeting or initial contact. I also utilize Honeybook, our CRM system, to any connections or projects through the system to maintain consistent contact.

Brand loyalty (to me) is based in doing what you said you’ll do. I make sure that I keep clients abreast on any updates, changes or anything regarding their project and make them feel engaged in the process.

Any advice for managing a team?

Honesty is key. I have moments where I’m not my most vital, and I ask my team to help fill in the gaps and vice versa.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.theblackmill.co
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theblackmillconsulting