Episode 794 | Tuesday, February 24th, 2026 @ 6:00pm | The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show
Ouch. Yes, we said it.
In this eye-opening episode of The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show, Sharvette sits down with nationally recognized nonprofit strategist Dr. Sharon R. Elefant, Founder & CEO of The Nonprofit Plug LLC and The Nonprofit Plug Foundation Inc.
If you believe your nonprofit’s biggest issue is “we just need more funding,” this conversation may shift your entire perspective.
Because according to Dr. Sharon, funding isn’t the real issue.
Readiness is.
🎧 In This Episode, We Discuss:
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The #1 sign your nonprofit is NOT ready for funding
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Why many founders miss out on major gifts (even million-dollar opportunities)
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What funders are really looking for before they invest
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The difference between grants, sponsorships, major donors & earned income
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Why nonprofits are NOT supposed to be broke
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How nonprofit founders can legally pay themselves
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Practical steps to raise unrestricted revenue immediately
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The business systems every nonprofit must have in place
Powerful Takeaway
If someone handed you $50,000 today and asked, “What would you do with it?” — could you clearly articulate your answer?
If not, you may not have a funding problem.
You may have a readiness gap.
What “Readiness” Really Means
Dr. Sharon breaks down nonprofit capacity beyond just staffing:
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Financial systems & accounting
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Clear budgets & program cost breakdowns
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Defined impact metrics
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Professional infrastructure (website, business email, phone)
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Revenue strategy beyond just grants
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Leadership sustainability
Because a nonprofit is not a hobby.
It’s a business with a cause.
Revenue Streams Explained
Dr. Sharon clarifies the distinctions between:
Grants – Competitive, restricted, reporting-heavy
Major Donors – Relationship-based, flexible, powerful
Sponsorships – Marketing-aligned partnerships
Earned Income – Charging for services to sustain impact
And yes — nonprofits can (and should) generate revenue.
🎯 Practical Challenge from Dr. Sharon
This month:
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Make a list of 50–100 people you know.
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Call them.
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Share your mission.
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Ask for support.
Revenue grows when courage grows.
About Dr. Sharon R. Elefant
Dr. Sharon R. Elefant is a nationally recognized nonprofit strategist, educator, and community advocate, serving as the Founder and CEO of The Nonprofit Plug LLC and The Nonprofit Plug Foundation Inc. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, compliance, financial management, grant writing, and capacity building, she has supported the formation and sustainability of hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the country. Dr. Sharon has helped nonprofits collectively secure over $15 million in funding, manage millions in assets, and transition founders into paid executive leadership roles. Her work centers on demystifying the nonprofit ecosystem, grant readiness, fiscal sponsorship, donor cultivation, and compliance, so mission-driven leaders can focus on impact without burnout. In addition to consulting, Dr. Sharon is a professor of business administration, a frequent speaker, and a trusted advisor to grassroots and scaling organizations alike. Her approach blends strategy, transparency, and real-world application, making her a sought-after guest for podcasts focused on social impact, leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit growth.
To connect with Dr. Sharon R. Elefant:
https://www.facebook.com/thenonprofitplug/
https://www.instagram.com/thenonprofitplug/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsharonelefant
Sponsor Mention
This episode is sponsored by Mitchell Productions and the 90-Day Marketing Plan. Marketing isn’t just for for-profits — it applies to nonprofits, ministries, and mission-driven organizations too. Go to https://mitchellproductions.my.canva.site/90-days
The Sharvette Mitchell Radio Show | Sharvette.com
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