Testimonials
From Side Hustle to Thriving Oregon Business: How Be Blac Foundation Transformed My Dreams into Reality
When I received grant funding from the Be Blac Foundation to support my consulting firm, Not Just Fundraising, I never imagined the profound transformation that would follow. What began as a side hustle in Dallas, Texas, has blossomed into a firm with deepening roots throughout the Oregon community. Moving to Monmouth, Oregon, I carried dreams but uncertainty about whether my vision would find fertile ground in a new state. The Be Blac Foundation’s investment in my business became the catalyst that not only sustained those dreams but helped them flourish beyond my wildest expectations.Finding My Ideal Community
Oregon has proven to be the perfect home for Not Just Fundraising. Here, I’ve discovered my ideal clients—organizations that share my commitment to slowing down, breathing deeply, and celebrating their missions while building sustainable foundations for community impact. The supportive nonprofit ecosystem in Oregon has embraced my holistic approach to organizational development and fundraising.Expanding Impact Through Innovation
Because of Be Blac Foundation’s support, I’ve been able to:- Design specialized offerings specifically tailored to Oregon nonprofits, addressing the unique challenges and opportunities within our state’s diverse communities
- Invest strategically in my business, including the development of a leadership journal that embodies my core philosophy of helping leaders “slow down, breathe, and celebrate their missions”
- Build confidence to put myself and my expertise out there, reconnecting with the ambitious dreams I held when I first started the firm
A Tangible Symbol of Growth
Holding my newly published leadership journal in my hands represents more than just a business product—it’s a tangible symbol of the dreams that Be Blac Foundation helped nurture into reality. This journal will serve nonprofit leaders across Oregon and beyond, providing them with tools to maintain their well-being while driving meaningful community change.Primed for Continued Expansion
With this solid foundation established, I am now primed to continue dreaming and expanding Not Just Fundraising throughout Oregon. The state has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of my work, and I’m excited to deepen my impact across diverse communities from rural areas to urban centers.Gratitude and Forward Vision
The Be Blac Foundation didn’t just provide funding—you invested in a vision, supported a dream, and believed in the potential for transformative impact. Your support has enabled me to serve organizations like the Black Cultural Initiative in Eugene, helping them build sustainable operational and development foundations while honoring their vital community missions. As I look toward the future, I carry forward not only the practical benefits of your grant but also the confidence that comes from knowing that foundations like Be Blac believe in Black entrepreneurs and the unique value we bring to our communities. Thank you for seeing the potential in Not Just Fundraising and for helping me remember that my dreams are not only valid but essential. With deep gratitude, Lenita Riley Dunlap, PhD Candidate, MPA, MA Founder & CEO, Not Just Fundraising Monmouth, Oregon