We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shantell Chambliss. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shantell below.
Shantell, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?
At Nonprofitability, our mission is deeply rooted in my belief that empowering individuals and organizations dedicated to their communities can drive profound social change. My journey began with a recognition of the challenges nonprofits face—challenges that often prevent them from achieving their full potential. I saw that with the right tools, resources, and guidance, these organizations could not only survive but thrive and make a significant impact on society’s most pressing issues.
For me, this mission is both personal and transformative. My passion for community empowerment began early in my career when I observed the struggles of grassroots organizations striving to make a difference with limited resources. With over 20 years of experience in organizational development, I have dedicated my life to helping nonprofits succeed. I founded Nonprofitability with the vision of providing the support and expertise that I saw lacking in the sector.
Every consulting engagement at Nonprofitability is more than just a project; it’s an opportunity to unlock and maximize the inherent value within an organization. My team and I are passionate about this work because we have witnessed firsthand the ripple effects of a well-supported nonprofit—how it can enrich communities, uplift individuals, and tackle intractable social problems.
Our dedication goes beyond traditional consulting. Through our pro bono consulting opportunities, community-based training, and grant-making initiatives, we aim to create both social and economic value. We invest in the potential of nonprofits, knowing that their success translates into stronger, more vibrant communities. This mission drives us every day, as we work to enhance the capacity of organizations that are making a difference in the world.
Ultimately, the meaningfulness of our mission lies in the impact we see in the communities we serve. When nonprofits succeed, communities thrive, and that is the powerful, motivating force behind everything we do at Nonprofitability. For me, this work is a culmination of my lifelong commitment to fostering social change and empowering those who dedicate their lives to making the world a better place.
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.
I’m Dr. Shantell Chambliss, and I am incredibly passionate about community empowerment and organizational development. My journey into this field began over 20 years ago when I observed firsthand the challenges that grassroots organizations face in making a significant impact with limited resources. Seeing these struggles ignited a fire in me to help these organizations unlock their full potential.
I founded Nonprofitability to address the gaps I saw in the nonprofit sector. We provide a range of services designed to strengthen nonprofits and faith-based organizations, including consulting, training, and customized coaching. Our core offerings include grant writing, program design, strategic planning, and training and facilitation. What sets us apart is our holistic approach—we believe that every consulting engagement is an opportunity to unlock and maximize value within an organization.
One of the things I am most proud of is helping our clients design impactful programs that truly move the needle in our most under-resourced communities. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our clients secure adequate funding to implement, continue, and expand their programs, knowing that their success translates into stronger, more vibrant communities.
What I want potential clients and followers to know about Nonprofitability is that we are deeply committed to your success. We understand the unique challenges nonprofits face, and we are here to provide the support and expertise you need to overcome them. Our mission is not just about providing services; it’s about partnering with you to create lasting, positive change in your community. We believe in the power of nonprofits to make a difference, and we are here to help you every step of the way.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
My journey has been filled with pivotal moments, but one of the most significant was transitioning from a career in corporate human resources to starting Dress for Success Central Virginia and eventually founding Nonprofitability.
I spent a considerable part of my career as a human resources executive, where I was deeply involved in helping small businesses get started, running a successful mental health practice, and leading the HR department at one of the nation’s oldest Historically Black Colleges & Universities. While I enjoyed my work, I felt a longing for something more, something that could fuel my passion for community service and make a broader impact.
One day, after a particularly grueling series of meetings, I found myself Googling “organizations that help women find jobs.” That’s when I discovered Dress for Success. The organization’s mission of providing professional clothing, learning opportunities, and emotional support to women reentering the workforce resonated deeply with me. I knew I had to be a part of it. Despite having no prior nonprofit experience beyond volunteering, I took a leap of faith and started the Dress for Success Central Virginia affiliate.
Starting an affiliate from scratch was challenging—legal documents, tax exemption, governing boards, and more. However, the experience was incredibly rewarding and reinforced my belief in the power of nonprofits to change lives. This journey taught me that many organizations, like mine, needed more support to navigate these complexities and achieve their missions effectively.
This realization led me to pivot once again, this time towards founding Nonprofitability. I wanted to provide the support, tools, and expertise that nonprofits and faith-based organizations needed to thrive.
Conversations about M&A are often focused on multibillion dollar transactions – but M&A can be an important part of a small or medium business owner’s journey. We’d love to hear about your experience with selling businesses.
In 2016, I sold my mental health practice, Commonwealth Family Services. This was a significant milestone in my entrepreneurial journey and came with valuable lessons that I believe are relevant for any entrepreneur hoping to sell their business one day.
When I started Commonwealth Family Services, I was deeply committed to providing high-quality mental health services to our community. Over time, the practice grew and flourished, serving countless individuals and families. However, as the practice continued to expand, I realized that I wanted to shift my focus towards my passion for nonprofit work and community empowerment.
The decision to sell Commonwealth Family Services was not taken lightly. It required meticulous planning and a clear understanding of the business’s value. One of the key lessons I learned through this process is the importance of building your business with the end in mind. From the very beginning, it’s crucial to think about your long-term goals and how you envision the future of your business.
For entrepreneurs, this means creating a solid foundation that can thrive independently of your daily involvement. Ensure your business has strong operational systems, a dedicated and capable team, and a clear, scalable business model. This not only makes your business more attractive to potential buyers but also ensures its longevity and success beyond your tenure.
Another important lesson is the value of transparency and integrity in all your business dealings. Building and maintaining trust with your team, clients, and potential buyers is paramount. When it came time to sell, the strong relationships and reputation I had cultivated over the years played a crucial role in facilitating a smooth transition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nonprofitability.co
- Instagram: @nonprofitability
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nonprofitability
Image Credits
N/A