Does this sound familiar?

You're not broken. Nonprofit workplaces often lack the structures that help unconventional minds thrive.

  • You feel busy all day but wonder what you actually accomplished

  • Every workday feels like a battle you're not sure you can win

  • You're passionate about your mission but exhausted by the chaos

  • You know you have valuable skills but struggle to show them consistently

  • You want to advance your career but don't know how to navigate the unwritten rules

What If Your Career Amplified Your Mission?

Nonprofit careers are different. Neurodivergent minds are different. Nonprofit career coaching and traditional professional development doesn’t work for your brain. Neurodivergence coaching doesn’t take into consideration the very real tensions of working in the nonprofit sector. You need different tools—not because something's wrong with you, but because nobody’s handing you a complete roadmap.

  • Build Your Capacity

    Turn daily chaos into manageable systems. Learn to work with your brain's patterns instead of fighting them every step of the way. But we’ll hand you tools that work in nonprofit spaces.

  • Amplify Your Impact

    Channel your neurodivergent strengths into mission impact. Your unique perspective isn't just valuable—it's essential for innovative nonprofit work.

  • Create Ripple Effects

    You're not just changing your career when you advocate for yourself—you're making nonprofits better workplaces for everyone.

Choose Your Level of Support

Hi, I'm Kelly!

Kelly McLaughlin

Founder & Primary Coach

I’m a nonprofit professional with 15+ years working in nonprofit management and fundraising. I was late-diagnosed with ADHD as an adult, and I’m actively discovering other diagnoses. After 10 years as a nonprofit professional, leading a succession of successful fundraising programs, I launched From Scratch Fundraising. In my work, I learned that my systems not only supported great fundraising, but the systems worked especially well for my clients who also identified as neurodivergent. Just like you, I’m passionate about changing the world—creating opportunity for everyone. But I often struggled to figure out why #NonprofitLife felt so much harder for me than my colleagues. I couldn’t handle the chaos. I needed to know the WHY of everything. I got overwhelmed with things my colleagues found simple. So I began figuring out how to make my passion for the nonprofit sector work with my brain. I learned firsthand how the right systems, tools and supports mean that I can embrace my unique brain and create substantial mission impact all at the same time. I've been where you are—feeling passionate about the mission but battling workplace structures that weren't designed for minds like ours. Now I help others build the careers they deserve without having to change who they are.

FAQ

Common Questions

  • Q: Is this therapy or medical treatment?

    A: No. I’m not a doctor. I’ve never played one on TV. This is professional career coaching and development focused specifically on workplace strategies. I am not a licensed mental health professional. If you need therapeutic support, I encourage you to work with a qualified therapist.

  • Q: Do you take insurance?

    A: No. Again, this is professional career coaching and development focused specifically on workplace strategies. I am not a licensed mental health professional.

  • Q: Do I need a formal diagnosis?

    A: I truly believe if you're struggling, you should join forces with a mental health professional who can help you seek a diagnosis if that's what you want. But we welcome everyone interested in learning about how to be neurodivergent in the nonprofit world. If you suspect you're neurodivergent and you're struggling with your nonprofit workplace, you're welcome here.

  • Q: What if I'm newly diagnosed and don't know what I need?

    A: Perfect! Part of our work together is helping you understand your unique needs and developing systems that work specifically for you.

  • Q: Can I cancel anytime?

    A: Yes, all paid memberships can be cancelled with 30 days notice. Your access continues through your billing period.

  • Q: What if I work at a small nonprofit without HR support?

    A: You are not alone! This is common in the nonprofit sector, and part of why it's a particular challenge to be neurodivergent in the nonprofit world. Most of our members are in exactly this situation. We focus heavily on self-advocacy strategies and creating your own support systems.

  • Q: What if I have another question?

    A: You wouldn't be neurodivergent if you didn't! We love people who ask questions! If you have a question you don't see answered here, email us at kelly [at] fromscratchfundraising [dot] com.