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[Re-published here with permission of the author]
In the non-profit sector, collaboration is key to expanding reach and driving impact. As organizations dedicated to making a difference, it’s essential that we explore innovative collaborations to strengthen our brand, raise awareness for our mission, and secure funding to continue our work. At UF Health Haley Brain Wellness Program, we’ve seen firsthand the power of teaming up with small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans and their spouses.
In 2023, I had the opportunity to attend the Military Influencer Conference (MIC), a pivotal event where veterans, spouses, and military advocates come together to share ideas, build relationships, and explore collaborations. My goal was to connect with organizations that could help us spread awareness of our program’s mission—providing treatment and support for veterans and first responders who have experienced traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and associated mental health challenges—and to seek funding opportunities to help sustain our services. During the conference, I met Wendy Hively, owner of Charliemadison Originals, a well-known figure in the military spouse community and a veteran spouse herself. Wendy and her daughters create beautiful, handcrafted bracelets with purpose, supporting causes that resonate with their customers.
Fast forward to 2024, Wendy and I teamed up for our first fundraising collaboration. Charliemadison Originals decided to do something they had never done before: host a fundraiser where 15% of proceeds from their sales during a specific period would be donated to the UF Health Haley Brain Wellness Program. This unique collaboration allowed us to raise both awareness for our mission and funds to continue supporting veterans and first responders in need. Wendy’s small business is also deeply committed to giving back to the veteran community, making this collaboration a natural fit.
What I found most valuable was Wendy’s creative approach. Instead of creating just one bracelet for our cause, she expanded her support by offering a range of products for the fundraiser, which allowed for a broader reach and greater impact. We are now in the middle of our second fundraiser, which runs until October 20th, 2024. This ongoing collaboration continues to be a success, helping both our organizations grow and fulfill our missions.
Working with Wendy and Charliemadison Originals has reinforced my belief in the power of non-profits and small businesses collaborating. Collaborations like these aren’t just about raising funds—they’re about finding creative ways to amplify each other’s messages and engage new audiences.
Small businesses, especially those owned by veterans and their families, often want to support causes that are meaningful to them. By working together, we can help them engage their customer base in a way that resonates emotionally while also spreading the word about our mission.
This collaboration is a great example of how working together can elevate both brands. For non-profits, it’s an opportunity to not only raise funds but also to connect with new communities and resources. For small businesses, it’s a chance to align their brand with a meaningful cause and build goodwill. Together, we can create sustainable models of support that foster long-term relationships and generate meaningful impact.
As we continue our second fundraiser with Charliemadison Originals, I encourage other non-profits to think creatively about how to collaborate with small businesses. By working together, we can amplify each other’s impact and ensure the vital work we do continues to thrive.
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