Building a nonprofit is challenging. Sustaining and growing one is even more so. There are real gaps in services that communities face every day, and nonprofits often step in to help bridge those gaps. Education, health, recovery, emotional support, and more. With so many worthy causes and organizations doing important work, it can be difficult for people to decide where to place their trust and support. That is a reality every organization has to navigate, especially those still finding their footing. The question becomes less about standing out, and more about building something that genuinely serves, collaborates, and follows through.

Grounded Boots Relief was recently represented at the North Carolina Center for Nonprofits’ Building Resilient Futures event, connecting with Executive Directors, CEOs, and Development Leads from across Western North Carolina. Some of those relationships have been growing over time, while others are just beginning. What continues to become clear is that collaboration is not optional in this space. It is essential. Working alongside other organizations allows us to extend our reach, avoid duplication, and contribute where we are most effective.

We are encouraged by the partnerships forming and the support from those who understand the mission and the role we play. Effective growth does not happen in isolation; It happens through trust, shared effort, and a collective commitment to serve the communities that need it most.

One of the consistent needs within Grounded Boots Relief has been grant writing. Until recently, that responsibility sat entirely with our President, John Badger. That is beginning to shift. Our Treasurer, Cayce Johnson, has stepped into the role of grant writer. While her background is in finance rather than grant writing, she brings a strong understanding of budgeting, compliance, and fiscal responsibility, along with a willingness to learn. Through our SAV Program, we are investing in her training so she can develop the skills needed to pursue funding on behalf of the organization.

The SAV Program exists to strengthen the organization by strengthening our people. It provides support for volunteers who want to grow within Grounded Boots Relief by attending classes and gaining practical certifications. That includes CPR, off-road driving, chainsaw operation, grant writing, and more. These are skills that make us more capable in the field while also benefiting our volunteers in their own personal and professional development.

We include ways to support Grounded Boots Relief in most places, but we are intentional about not leading every message with a donation ask. Our goal is to provide value first and keep you informed about the work. That said, this is one of those moments where support directly impacts what we are able to build next.

Grounded Boots Relief operates lean. Every dollar is used with purpose, whether for equipment, fuel, training, or the basic overhead required to sustain operations. We are not collecting funds for the sake of it. We are building capacity so we can respond more effectively and continue the work long term.

If you have the ability to contribute and believe in what we are building, we would be grateful for your support. Visit groundedbootsrelief.org/donate to learn how you can help, whether through financial contributions, in-kind support, or other means.

  There are over 1.3 million nonprofits in the United States, serving communities in every corner of the country. From disaster relief to education to healthcare, nonprofits are one of the primary ways Americans solve problems together.  Source: nonprofitimpactmatters.org

Adopt-a-Highway and more: May 9
CPR / Stop the Bleed: June 7

Off-Road: June 20? (TBD)

GBR Gala: Autumn TBD

I recently stepped out of the Board Chair role as I transition fully into Executive Director, and it did not take long to see why that matters. At last week’s board meeting, now chaired by John Finley, the difference was immediate. John brings decades of executive experience, and it showed. He walked the board through a structured business plan for Grounded Boots Relief with clarity and confidence. I was impressed, and more importantly, so was the board. It reinforced something we have been working toward for a while: the right people in the right roles changes everything.

We also formalized a few important leadership moves. Cayce Johnson has officially joined the board as Treasurer after already serving in that capacity on an interim basis and doing it exceptionally well. Sherry Strutz has joined the Advisory Panel as Board Secretary and Volunteer Coordinator, a role I have been advocating for for some time. Her background in education makes her a natural fit for organizing, communicating, and helping volunteers succeed. Piece by piece, the organization is becoming stronger, not because of any one person, but because more capable people are stepping in and taking ownership.

Looking ahead, we are beginning to plan for long-term fundraising events, including a dinner and a golf tournament. This is the first time I am sharing that publicly. The goal is to build discretionary funding that allows us to cover operational needs that do not always fit neatly into previously awarded grant categories. If event planning is in your wheelhouse, or if you have ever wanted to learn, this is a great opportunity to get involved. Reach out to Sherry at volunteers@groundedbootsrelief.org. I enjoy event planning, but my focus will be on the funding strategy behind it, which means we will continue to rely on volunteers to bring these events to life.