From the challenges of scaling and fundraising to the critical need for financial sustainability, business principles drive nonprofit success.
Raj Merchant serves as chair of Feeding Charlotte, a nonprofit that provides nutritious food for those in need. He also serves on the boards of Helping Education and the Kenan-Flagler Business School.
In his day job, he’s the director in data and analytics at Perficient, a leading global technology consulting firm serving Fortune 1000 customers.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Merchant discusses:
Similarities between early-stage nonprofits and startups.
Challenges faced by early-stage nonprofits, such as scaling, hiring and raising money.
The concept of trust-based philanthropy for unrestricted funding.
Merchant’s experience and learning curve as board chair of Feeding Charlotte.
How individual donors play a pivotal role in nonprofit sustainability.
Merchant received The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 Award in 2023.
This podcast episode is part of a series highlighting winners of The Ledger’s 40 Over 40 awards, which honor and celebrate often unheralded people over the age of 40 who are making important contributions to Charlotte. It’s hosted by Steve Dunn of Miles Mediation and Arbitration.
Find out more about the 40 Over 40 awards by going to Ledger40over40.com.
We hope you enjoy the conversation with Raj Merchant.
The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is produced by Lindsey Banks.
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Building and sustaining early-stage nonprofits, with Raj Merchant