Episode 9 - The Startup That's Boosting Nonprofits: A Conversation with Nonprofits HQ

The Boost

Host Leon welcomes Zach and Alberto from Nonprofits HQ to discuss their journey in the nonprofit sector, the challenges they faced starting up, their move to San Antonio, and their mission to improve nonprofit operations through technology.

Introductions:

• Zach and Alberto: Co-founders of Nonprofits HQ

Hosts:

• Pablo Calvo: Linkedin
• Leon Hitchens: Linkedin & X

Find Us:

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel
• Website: https://theboost.fm

Nonprofits HQ Origins and Mission:

• Zach founded the Bites Foundation and faced challenges with nonprofit operations.
• Nonprofits HQ was born out of the need for a unified platform for nonprofits to manage operations efficiently.
• Mission to provide a comprehensive, easy-to-use platform for nonprofits to enhance their impact without being overwhelmed by technology or costs.

Moving to San Antonio:

• Zach and Alberto decided to move to San Antonio from Phasix due to lower costs and to extend their runway as a bootstrapped startup.
• They were attracted to San Antonio’s growing tech ecosystem, particularly Geekdom, a hub for resources and networking in the city.

Community and Resources:

• Nonprofits HQ is tapping into local resources for nonprofits, such as Bridging the Gap.
• San Antonio’s unique position as a cybersecurity hub also provides a vibrant community and support for nonprofits.

Dynamic Roles and Responsibilities:

• Both Zach and Alberto wear multiple hats in the business, handling all aspects of technology and operations due to their bootstrap nature.

Product-Driven Approach:

• Customer feedback drives the development of Nonprofits HQ’s platform.
• The goal is to create an "everything you need" platform for nonprofits, eliminating reliance on spreadsheets and disorganized data management.

Impact and Success Stories:

• Although still early stage, Nonprofits HQ is working towards making compliance and operational efficiency attainable for all nonprofits.
• They have developed tools to assist with governance, compliance, and operational efficiency to better demonstrate impact and secure funding.

Platform Features and Launch Plans:

• Nonprofits HQ’s platform is built with artificial intelligence to make setup and operations intuitive and affordable.
• The platform is designed to be interconnected, ensuring that all aspects of a nonprofit's operations are streamlined and efficient.

Vision and Goals:

• Nonprofits HQ aims to be a leading platform that meets the diverse needs of nonprofit organizations.
• The company is exploring new features, such as grant management and possibly payroll services, based on partner feedback.

Advice for Aspiring Social Entrepreneurs:

• Nonprofits HQ provides a free formation portal for those looking to start a nonprofit, guiding them through the legal and regulatory steps.
• Zach and Alberto emphasize the importance of compliance and sound operations from the outset to avoid future hurdles in growth and funding.

Closing Remarks:

• Nonprofits HQ is set to officially launch on May 1st.
• The platform aims to be a go-to resource for existing nonprofits and individuals seeking to start their own nonprofit organizations.