We were lucky to catch up with Michael Dozier recently and have shared our conversation below.
Michael , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s the backstory behind how you came up with the idea for your business?
The idea for my business emerged gradually through a series of formative professional experiences that shaped both my perspective and my sense of purpose. Rather than a single defining moment, it was the cumulative effect of working within mission-driven organizations that revealed a clear and compelling direction for me.
While in graduate school, I completed an internship with the Mississippi Urban League, then known as the Jackson Urban League. That experience was pivotal. For the first time, I saw how strategic nonprofit work could directly address systemic challenges and produce meaningful change within communities. Being immersed in that environment sparked what I often describe as my “nonprofit bug”—a deep, lasting commitment to service-oriented work that aligns values with impact. I found the work both intellectually engaging and emotionally fulfilling, and I knew I wanted my career to center on that intersection.
That conviction was reinforced through my subsequent role with the Mississippi Department of Education, where I collaborated with local school districts and community-based nonprofit organizations. This role expanded my understanding of how public institutions and nonprofits can work together to improve outcomes for students and families. It also exposed recurring gaps in capacity, coordination, and access—challenges that limited the effectiveness of otherwise well-intentioned initiatives. Seeing these patterns repeatedly clarified for me that there was room for more strategic, responsive, and scalable approaches within the nonprofit space.
My work with DREAM, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, further solidified this perspective. Operating at a national level allowed me to partner with nonprofits across multiple states and witness both the shared challenges they faced and the innovative solutions that were possible with the right support and structure. The scale of the impact and the diversity of contexts confirmed that these issues were not isolated or local, but systemic—and therefore addressable through a well-designed model.
I knew this was a worthwhile endeavor because the need was evident, the problem was persistent, and my experiences had uniquely positioned me to respond. What excited me most was the opportunity to bring together my firsthand knowledge of nonprofit operations, cross-sector collaboration, and national program implementation into a focused venture that could strengthen organizations and amplify their impact. The idea was not simply to replicate existing efforts, but to apply a more integrated, experience-informed approach to solving challenges I had encountered repeatedly throughout my career. In that clarity of purpose and alignment of experience, the business idea became both logical and inevitable.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
My professional journey has been rooted in nonprofit leadership and community impact, and it was through serving as a nonprofit CEO that I was inspired to create my consulting business. Over the years, I consistently observed a significant and unmet need among nonprofit leaders, founders, and social entrepreneurs: while many were driven by powerful ideas and a deep commitment to service, they often lacked the professional infrastructure, technical expertise, and strategic guidance required to build sustainable and effective organizations.
In my role as a nonprofit executive, I frequently served as an informal advisor to individuals seeking guidance on starting a 501(c)(3) organization, securing grant funding, or strengthening their organizational operations. People would regularly come to my office with a vision for making a meaningful difference in their communities, but with limited understanding of nonprofit compliance, governance, capacity building, or fund development. The consistency of these conversations made it clear that there was a strong demand for accessible, expert-level support tailored specifically to the nonprofit sector.
That realization led me to establish my consulting practice, where I now provide professional services designed to strengthen nonprofit and mission-driven organizations at every stage of development. My work includes nonprofit formation and compliance, organizational infrastructure development, capacity building, fund development strategy, and grant writing. I also work with business and community leaders who seek to align their initiatives with measurable impact and long-term sustainability.
What sets my work apart is my firsthand experience leading nonprofits from the inside. I understand the realities, constraints, and pressures nonprofit leaders face because I have lived them. This allows me to offer practical, results-oriented guidance rather than theoretical solutions. My approach is rooted in helping clients build strong foundations that position them for growth, credibility, and lasting community impact.
I am most proud of the tangible outcomes my work has produced. To date, I have helped hundreds of clients across the country successfully establish 501(c)(3) organizations and develop the capacity needed to serve their communities effectively. Beyond the numbers, the most rewarding aspect of my work is guiding clients as they address pressing social issues and watching their ideas evolve into functioning, impactful organizations.
For potential clients and partners, I want them to know that my brand is built on experience, integrity, and a genuine commitment to service. I am deeply invested in helping mission-driven leaders turn vision into action, and I approach every engagement with the goal of creating sustainable solutions that empower organizations to thrive and make a meaningful difference in the communities they serve.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
One of the most significant factors in building my reputation within the market was authoring my first book in April 2024, Aha Moments: Unlocking the Secrets of Effective Nonprofit Leadership—Practical Strategies to Lead and Inspire Your Nonprofit Team. Writing this book allowed me to clearly articulate my expertise, experiences, and practical insights gained from years of nonprofit leadership.
Publishing a book in my field immediately enhanced my professional credibility and visibility. It positioned me as a subject-matter expert and served as a powerful entry point for prospective clients to understand both my philosophy and my approach to nonprofit leadership. In many cases, individuals initially engage with my work through the book, and that exposure naturally leads to deeper conversations about how my services can support their organizations.
Beyond generating interest in the book itself, authorship has proven to be an effective marketing and business development tool. It provides a tangible demonstration of my knowledge and capabilities, reinforces trust, and distinguishes my brand in a crowded marketplace. Writing a book makes your expertise concrete and accessible, and for potential clients seeking guidance, it creates confidence that they are working with someone who has both the experience and the ability to translate that experience into actionable strategies.
Ultimately, the book helped solidify my professional identity, expanded my reach, and strengthened my reputation as a credible and trusted leader within the nonprofit sector.
What’s been the best source of new clients for you?
The most consistent and effective source of new clients for me has been delivering webinars, workshops, and professional development trainings, both online and in person. These settings create a natural opportunity for prospective clients to engage with my work in a meaningful and direct way.
Workshops and webinars allow potential clients to experience my expertise firsthand. Rather than relying solely on marketing materials or referrals, participants can observe my facilitation style, depth of knowledge, and practical approach to solving real-world nonprofit challenges. This “up-close” exposure builds trust and credibility in a way that few other outreach methods can replicate.
Another key factor is the value-driven nature of these sessions. By providing actionable strategies, clear guidance, and relevant examples during trainings, participants often leave with immediate takeaways they can apply to their organizations. That experience frequently leads them to seek more personalized support, whether through consulting, capacity-building services, or long-term engagement.
Historically, this approach has worked extremely well for me. Many of my most successful client relationships began with a single workshop or webinar, which then evolved into ongoing partnerships. These events not only generate new business but also attract clients who are already aligned with my philosophy, expectations, and way of working. As a result, workshops and webinars continue to be a cornerstone of my client acquisition strategy and an integral part of how I grow and sustain my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www..chlnonprofit.com
- Instagram: MichaelDozier1
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.dozier.121
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldozier
- Other: https://www.amazon.com/Aha-Moments-Unlocking-Effective-Leadership/dp/B0D1XK1RL4
Image Credits
Not applicable