THE STATE OF NONPROFITS
STATE OF NONPROFITS
On a day when we nationally celebrate the love we have for each other, we’re zooming in on the people changing the world and spreading love in our own backyard. After 11 years of coming alongside nonprofits to elevate their missions and visions, we believe North Carolina is a State of Nonprofits that continues to make a difference in our community. Having a Nonprofit State of Mind takes generosity, gratitude, grace and grit, and support from donors, agencies and partners alike. That’s why we’ve chosen to make it our theme for 2023!
We had a blast celebrating a decade of love + impact throughout 2022, and the heartbeat of our agency is still empowering nonprofits to inspire and activate their communities. Join us on our trek from the sea to the mountains to celebrate our great state (and the people who make it so)!
BACK TO OUR ROOTS
Historically, we’ve launched our new theme on Valentine’s Day because it’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate those dear to us. As we take a moment at the beginning of the year to reflect on where we’ve come and where we’re headed, we want to bring you back to the roots of our brand (literally).
Our company’s namesake is the Angel Oak Tree, a testament to the Lord’s protection of our company, our people and our clients withstanding the test of time and the storms of life. We’re starting our trek in the coast, and we’ll move west to amplify the missions of the nonprofits gritting it out every day to serve North Carolinians. Because we know it’s imperative that people invest in their own backyards.
IMPORTANCE OF INVESTING AT HOME
We’re better together, especially when we’re all working to build a strong, vibrant nonprofit sector in North Carolina. The State of Nonprofits in NC is strong, but there is much room for our community to invest the time, talent and treasure to make it the best in the country.
We wouldn’t be practicing what we preach if we weren’t investing in the missions in our own backyard. Not only do they make the Triangle a better place, but their reach is transcontinental. We’re in the business of equipping nonprofits to empower change in North Carolina and propelling that transformative change outward to the nations. After all, Caitlin’s moment of clarity to start this company came from Acts 1:8: and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. North Carolina is our home (Jerusalem), and their missions impact Judea and Samaria (regionally and nationally) and to the end of the earth (globally).
RE-MEET THE TEAM
Over the last year, our team has doubled (!!) so we want to reintroduce the angels and share what makes North Carolina so special to each of us:
“God saw all that He had made and it was very good.” – Genesis 1:31- Daphne Thompson and Caitlin Clinard
I love NC because while everything may be bigger in Texas, everything is better in North Carolina! – Logan Sheetz
“North Carolina is where I went to college and had my first taste of independence. As I’ve gotten older, the relationships I’ve built and the communities I’ve been a part of have helped shape the person I am. Plus – we have the best beaches in the country!” – Lauren Williams
“North Carolina has always been home, and its people have made me who I am today. ‘My people’ – from all over the world – chose to land in this great state and over the years have taught me grace, unfailing Love, the value of courage. It’s an immense honor to call this state my home. And go heels!” – Holly Sherburne
“What I enjoy most about North Carolina are the different landforms and landscapes you can see in one state. Having mountains, beaches, and rolling hills all in one state feels breathtaking at times.” – Christian Gibson
“I’ve moved out of Raleigh a couple of times but have always come back. This is where my closest friends and family are, which are two very important reasons to me. The important things: the best BBQ: Redneck BBQ Lab in Benson, and the best ice cream: Sunni Skies in Angier.” – Jordan Elmore
“If I’m honest, my true love is the Rocky Mountains — I constantly miss the crisp, clear air and 360 days of sunshine (I write this looking out the office window at the cold rain). With the exception of a few friends in the Raleigh and Charlotte area, Angel Oak Creative is the main reason I love NC. Their grit, graciousness, gratitude, and generosity are on full display every day accepting me into their loving family.” – Shane Wagoner
“I love the resiliency of the people. No matter the crises, challenges or obstacles, we come together to create a path forward, serving those in need and building a stronger NC. In my 50+ years in the state, I’ve seen it happen time and time again, regardless of the political party in office, the state of the economy or the personalities involved, we persevere.” – David Chatham
“I‘ve only called North Carolina home for a year, but it has been a year of revelation, delight, growth and gratitude. From the beaches to the mountains, North Carolina has already uncovered newfound joy, specifically through the people I’ve met and feel honored to know.” – Emily White
“We’ve got it all in NC! The beach, the mountains and the best college basketball team (go Heels)! 🙂 But besides the natural beauty of the state, it’s the people who keep me here. My family, of course, but also the friends who have become family. This is the state where I grew up, went to school, started my career, got married and now am raising a family. There’s nowhere else I’d rather call home.” – Hannah Jessen Conway
I was born and raised here in NC and I couldn’t picture a better state to call home. I love that we have the beach, the city, and the mountains all in one. But most importantly, I love that my family and close friends also live here! They’ve helped shape me into the person I am today. – Kimberly Currie
Stay tuned for our road trip, and let us know if you want us to make a pit stop this quarter as we move from the mountains to the sea highlighting the incredible missions YOU represent! And if you haven’t already, sign up for our newsletter below to stay in the know on the Nonprofit State of Mind (think blogs, case studies, tips and tricks, and pictures of the office doggos).
