On the Record: Casco-based entrepreneur launches nonprofit-focused consultancy
Photo / Jim Neuger
Kelly Enberg is the founder of LunaPro Nonprofit Consulting, a business she runs from her home in Casco.
With more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, grassroots organizations and intercultural communication, Kelly Enberg founded LunaPro Nonprofit Consulting to help clients getting started or seeking to expand in the sector. Mainebiz caught up with the entrepreneur to find out more about the business she runs from her home in Casco.
Mainebiz: What prompted your path into nonprofits?
Kelly Enberg: I’ve always been passionate about social justice causes, starting in seventh grade when I launched the first civil rights team in my school district. After college, I found myself working for the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce and fell in love with mission-driven work.
Since then, I’ve worked for international, local and regional nonprofits on everything from international exchanges to startup business services for underrepresented founders.
MB: What services are you offering at LunaPro Nonprofit Consulting?
KE: I am offering a broad range of services from 501(c)(3) formation to developing training programs for new board members. I specialize in strategic planning and events, but I have a network of other professionals — legal, accounting, etc. — whom I can refer out to as necessary.
MB: You mentioned working with pre-launch or early-stage nonprofits. Why that niche?
KE: Pre-launch and early-stage nonprofits have the highest need for support. The National Center for Charitable Statistics reports that 40% of nonprofits cease operations within the first 10 years. By putting structure and strategic planning in place early on, nonprofits have a much higher chance of success past the 10-year mark.
MB: How will you keep your services affordable?
KE: I am actively applying for funding, which I can use to help subsidize costs for the organizations I’m working with. I also offer an innovative hourly rate option. Clients can set a limit on how many hours per week I dedicate to them (for a minimum of five) to fit within a fluctuating budget. I also offer a 10% discount for all nonprofits based in Maine.
MB: To anyone wanting to start a nonprofit, what’s your first piece of advice?
KE: Think of funding as a stock portfolio. The more diverse it is, the less risk you are taking and the more successful you will be. A diversified fundraising strategy includes all possible sources — grants, private philanthropy, events, crowdfunding, corporate donors, etc.
MB: What inspired the name LunaPro?
KE: My daughter’s name is Luna. I have always wanted to start my own business, but as a full-time single mom, that has been a massive challenge. I want her to see through me that she can have exactly the life she sets out to have and it is never too late to start.
I am in awe of her bravery, strength and resilience — qualities that gave me the courage to set out on my own.
MB: As a place to launch a nonprofit, how does Maine compare to other states?
KE: From a regulatory and technical perspective, it is relatively simple to form a nonprofit in Maine versus other states. But I think the real difference is the same thing that has kept me in Maine my whole life — the people and the community.
MB: What are some of the biggest hurdles to starting a nonprofit?
KE: Funding and mentorship — while these are mostly the same with for-profit businesses, the needs are even greater for nonprofits.
MB: Who are your clients so far?
KE: I work with clients nationwide, from California to Maine. My clients serve a range of causes. For example, some of my current clients are an established autism direct support organization, a pre-launch youth sports league and a film festival fighting for equity in Hollywood.
MB: Where do you see your business in five or 10 years from now?
KE: My goal is to add workshops, seminars and a podcast in the next two years. Between years five and 10, my plan is to launch a six-week course for pre-launch or early-stage nonprofits. Maine has a robust business accelerator ecosystem, but those programs are not designed specifically with nonprofits in mind.
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