From Never Asking to Asking for Everything: My Nonprofit Journey

Oh, the irony of life!

Having been raised to NEVER ask for anything ("You don't work, you don't eat) philosophy, and starting a nonprofit, charity organization has been anything but easy for someone like me! A definite irony! I have to ask people for stuff...and money??? 

I quickly learned that nonprofits literally would not exist without "asking" for everything and without volunteers! Got land 🏕, got a building 🕋got a warehouse 🏭, got a truck 🛻 clothing 🧥, got time 🕧, shoes🩴, got volunteers 👨‍👩‍👦‍👦, money 💵, etc.???? What you got???

Growing up, I was taught that asking for help was a last resort—something you did only when you had no other options. Self-sufficiency was the goal, and the idea of relying on others felt like weakness. So, when I started running a nonprofit, I found myself in an uncomfortable position: I had to ask for everything!

At first, it felt unnatural; Writing grant proposals, reaching out to businesses for sponsorships, and even asking for volunteers made me uneasy! I worried about being a burden or hearing “no.” I second-guessed every request, wondering if I was overstepping or asking for too much. For most of my life, I’ve been the one people turn to when they need help. As a mother, a grandmother, and now as the founder of a nonprofit, my instinct is to give, support, and lift others up. But when it comes to asking for help—EVEN for the nonprofit—I hesitate.

It’s not that I don’t believe in what we do. In fact, I believe in it so much that I’ve poured my heart, my time, and my energy into making sure we provide for those in need. But asking for help? That’s a different challenge. It feels uncomfortable, vulnerable, and sometimes even like I’m imposing.

I’ve learned, though, that running a nonprofit isn’t about what I’m comfortable with—it’s about what’s necessary. Every dollar raised, every meal donated, every volunteer who shows up isn’t for me; it's for the people we serve. That shift in mindset hasn’t erased the discomfort overnight, but it has given me the courage to push through it. Our outreach, our ability to serve those transitioning into housing, and even the meals we provide every week all depend on support from others. This mission is bigger than me, and I can’t do it alone.

I remind myself that asking for help isn’t about me—it’s about the people who rely on us. Whether it’s seeking grants, asking local businesses for partnerships, or simply encouraging volunteers to join us, every ask is an opportunity for someone else to make a difference. And the truth is, people want to help. They just need to be invited in.

So, if you’re like me—someone who finds it easier to give than to receive—know this: asking for help doesn’t mean you’re weak. It means you believe in something greater than yourself. And that’s a strength worth leaning into.

If you’re looking for a way to help, we’d love to have you as part of our mission. Whether it’s donating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support makes an impact. Let’s do this together.

With gratitude,

Brandy Chard

Founder & Executive Director

P.S. Have you ever struggled with asking for help? What helped you move past it?