$30K
Phases 2–3 · per month
The Founder Ceiling
Breaking founder-dependency (~$360K/yr)
What it feels like
Full and busy - the classic small-nonprofit wall. At about $360K a year the founder is maxed at the relationships and tasks one person can hold.
Why nonprofits stall here
The founder is the bottleneck for fundraising, program, and operations all at once. Doing more, harder, won't break it.
The breakthrough move
Shift from doing the work to building the institution: a board that gives and raises, documented systems, and staff who own outcomes - so the organization stops depending on you personally.
Your focus at this milestone
Move the board to 100% giving and raising
Document key relationships and processes
Delegate outcomes, not just tasks
Diversify beyond founder-driven gifts