Meet Kalyani Sapkal | Fund Development Consultant

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kalyani Sapkal and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kalyani, do you disagree with some advice that is more or less universally accepted?
One piece of conventional advice that I respectfully disagree with is the notion that one must accumulate extensive experience within larger nonprofits/companies to be considered a great consultant and to be taken seriously in the field. While this advice may have merit for some, it limited my own professional growth for a period of time.

I believe that the path to becoming a successful consultant is not a one-size-fits-all journey. Each individual’s career trajectory is unique, influenced by their skills, interests, and the opportunities they encounter. Instead of confining oneself to a single large nonprofit, I have found that working with multiple organizations can provide a more enriching and diverse learning experience.

One of the advantages of being on the outside, away from the internal dynamics of a single company, is the ability to gain a broader perspective. Consultants often have the privilege of viewing challenges and solutions from a neutral standpoint, free from company politics or biases. This external perspective can lead to innovative insights and creative problem-solving.

Plus, engaging with a variety of organizations exposes you to different work cultures, management styles, and industry niches. This exposure can expand your skill set, adaptability, and network, which are invaluable assets in the consulting world. By not being tethered to a single large nonprofit, you can also avoid becoming entrenched in one way of thinking or doing things, which can stifle personal and professional growth.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
I am infuriated by the current state of food and water-related issues that our generation faces. These issues include the suppression of generational agricultural wisdom and regenerative farming practices, the destruction of healthy food knowledge passed down through generations due to the predatory targeting of junk food towards economically disadvantaged populations and children, as well as the subversive limitation of access to healthy food. I am also deeply concerned about the contamination of our existing water resources and water access problems that impact not only developing nations but also the United States.

I truly believe that the nonprofit sector is capable of bringing about that change. However, the path before the nonprofit leaders is laden with guidelines not determined by those working at the grassroots level. Nonprofit leaders are natural problem solvers, and while they didn’t initially choose to become fundraisers, this role was thrust upon them. However, the undeniable reality is that financial resources drive impact. The constant struggle to conform to Grantmakers’ requirements and grasp industry standards to nurture a donor base can leave nonprofit leaders feeling depleted.

At Kalyani Consulting, we strive to enhance the capacity of Nonprofit leaders effectively.

To achieve this, we help them bring structure and refine processes related to grant writing and we help them articulate their bold aspirations to their donors. We are committed to those leaders who are ready to instill order in their grant writing processes, enhance their capacity, and prioritize long-term fundraising strategies through capital/endowment campaigns.

My own business was born out of necessity, a necessity that arose from a significant life transition when I left my lucrative career in finance to move to the United States from India.

I possessed an engineering background and an MBA in Finance; however, I had a strong desire to pursue a career in the social sector. So I completed my Masters in Nonprofit Administration and Leadership from Cleveland State University. However being an immigrant brought with it a unique set of challenges, one of which was the inability to receive compensation for my work for an extended period of time. A series of negative events tied to my working status weighed heavily on me and left me feeling somewhat depressed for quite sometime.
When finally I could work, I jumped on the first opportunity I got even though I was a new mom. I didn’t consider how much raising a child would take from me. So within a year, I decided to set off on my own.
Thus, the seed of entrepreneurship was sown. I embarked on a journey to establish my own business, a venture where I could dictate my working hours, exercise the power to choose my clients, and even have the freedom to decline projects that didn’t resonate with my goals. It wasn’t merely about escaping the constraints of a traditional job; it was about crafting a path that would allow me to fulfill my potential and align my work with my values.

In the early days of my entrepreneurial endeavor, the journey was marked by fluctuating income and a constant tug-of-war between the fascination of a steady salary and the uncertain income streams of entrepreneurship. However, as time went on and my business began to flourish, I started to see the results of all the hard work.

As my business continued to thrive, I gradually transitioned from a solopreneur to working with contractors, expanding both the scope of my services and my capacity to serve clients effectively. This evolution allowed me to scale my business while maintaining the essence of independence that had initially driven me to start this journey.

My business has taught me the significance of embracing uncertainty. While planning and strategy are crucial, being flexible and adaptable in the face of changing circumstances is equally vital.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Trails near the Rocky River Park Holden Arboretum
Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market
Restaurants like Zhugh, Amba, Salt, Sakana in Rocky River
Veteran’s Beach Park in Avon Lake

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mentor, Barb Greene,

All of Dr. Brene Brown’s books

My coach, Amy Kulischeck

Food Fix by Dr. Mark Hyman

Website: www.kalyani-consulting.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/kalyani-sapkal-fundraiser

Image Credits
Brand Story Strategist Michelle Loufman