We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Alicia Mathieu a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alicia, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump right into the heart of things. Outsiders often think businesses or industries have much larger profit margins than they actually do – the reason is that outsiders are often unaware of the biggest challenges to profitability in various industries – what’s the biggest challenge to profitability in your industry?

One of the biggest challenges to profitability in the nonprofit sector, particularly in organizations like Down to Defend, is securing sustainable funding sources. As a 501(c)(3) entity relying on donations, grants, and fundraising efforts, fluctuations in financial support and donor priorities can impact the organization’s ability to maintain programs and services for individuals living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Developing diversified revenue streams, cultivating long-term partnerships, and effectively communicating the impact of the organization’s mission are crucial strategies to address this challenge and ensure financial sustainability.

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.

Hello, I’m Alicia Mathieu, and you may have read my prior story with Canvas Rebel, but if not, let me introduce myself as the founder and president of Down to Defend, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) through safety education and resources. My journey into this field began when I received my son Levi’s prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21, also known as Down syndrome. As I delved into learning more about his condition, I was shocked by the outdated and scary information available. But one statistic that stuck with me was the alarming rate of sexual assault among individuals with IDD – a staggering 7 times higher than those without disabilities.

That moment changed my life forever. I couldn’t just sit back and wait for my son to be a part of this statistic. I had to take action. I began creating classes and resources specifically designed to help individuals with IDD protect themselves and stay safe in any situation.

As the founder of Down to Defend, I’ve dedicated my career to providing a platform that addresses the unique needs of individuals with IDD. At Down to Defend we customize safety classes, workshops, and deliver different community resources that cater to the specific needs of this population. We believe that everyone deserves access to safety education, regardless of their abilities.

I’m most proud of the impact our organization has had on the lives of our members. We’ve seen significant improvements in their confidence, independence, and overall well-being. One of our members’ parents shared with us how our program helped their child learn to recognize and respond to warning signs, giving them a newfound sense of security.

I’m also thrilled to share that we were recently recognized for our efforts when we were awarded “Organization of the Year” by the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) in February. This prestigious award is a testament to our dedication to making a difference in the lives of individuals with IDD.

I want potential members, followers, and supporters to know that Down to Defend is more than just a nonprofit organization – it’s a community committed to creating a safer world for individuals with IDD. We’re dedicated to providing exceptional services, building meaningful relationships, and advocating for the rights and needs of this often-overlooked population. If you’re passionate about making a difference and want to join us in our mission, I invite you to explore our website and learn more about how you can get involved.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Starting a nonprofit organization has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding journeys of my life. It’s a constant grind of hard work and dedication, often without a clear path or guide to follow. Unlike a traditional job where you might have mentors or a clear progression plan, founding a nonprofit requires an immense amount of self-direction and resilience.

When I first set out to create my nonprofit, I quickly realized that I was stepping into uncharted territory. There was no one to tell me what the next step was; I had to figure it out on my own. Everyday brought new challenges, from securing funding and managing resources to developing programs and engaging with the community. There were countless late nights and moments of doubt, but I knew that what I was doing was important and necessary.

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is that running a nonprofit, especially one that addresses a unique need, means you’re paving the way for others. It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that my efforts are creating opportunities and making a difference in areas where no one else has ventured. However, this also means there’s no roadmap to follow. I often find myself navigating obstacles without prior examples to guide me.

For instance, our first annual gala, there were no templates or prior models to replicate. We had to innovate and adapt, learning from each small victory and setback. Each success felt monumental because it wasn’t just about achieving a goal but about proving that it could be done. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability.

Through this journey, I’ve come to appreciate the profound impact of resilience. It’s not just about enduring hardship but about growing and thriving despite it. Every challenge has strengthened me and clarified my vision for the future of our nonprofit. I’m constantly inspired by the positive changes we bring to the community, which fuels my dedication to continue forging this path.

Being a nonprofit founder means embracing uncertainty and stepping up as a leader when no one else has. It’s about believing in the mission so deeply that you’re willing to face the unknown and create something that didn’t exist before. The hard work and dedication it requires are immense, but the rewards are beyond measure. I am grateful for the opportunity to pave the way for others and to build a legacy that will hopefully inspire and support future nonprofit leaders.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One crucial lesson I had to unlearn on my journey as a nonprofit founder was the notion that you can trust anyone who appears supportive. In the early stages, I believed that anyone who expressed interest and offered help had the best intentions. However, I learned the hard way that people’s true colors reveal themselves over time. It’s easy to take people at their word, but actions speak louder. This experience taught me the importance of surrounding myself with individuals who truly share my mission, vision, and values. These are the people who will not only stand by you but also share your passion and dedication, contributing meaningfully to the success of the nonprofit. Aligning with such individuals has been pivotal in building a resilient and effective team committed to our cause.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.downtodefend.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/down2defend/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Down2Defend
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alicia-mathieu-15076a262/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KrWpR5wX1jw&t=10s