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

Hi Sarah, what principle do you value most?
Integrity drives me both personally and professionally. I’m in my element when I get to promote the good work that others are doing in our community and helping to remove barriers so others can thrive. When I think about the variety of ways that inequities exist today, I fight feelings of overwhelm by reminding myself that I am capable of making a tangible difference, and then get to work. I help small nonprofits and purpose-driven businesses share their inspiring missions and impact with the world while growing their fanbase through creative marketing and fundraising solutions built on trust and honesty. From data collection and reporting, to storytelling and launching fundraising campaigns, I aim to infuse every bit of my work with integrity and goodness. When I think about the most compelling organizations and movements, there is a common thread of realness and transparency throughout everything they do that draws givers in and incites meaningful action. Likewise, I am most energized when I’m implementing systems and strategies that lighten the load for impact-makers, make their work more accessible to others, and engage our whole community in creating change together.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
You bet! I started Project Big Impact with the mission to support small nonprofits and impact-driven businesses in their journeys to make a difference. One thing I know for certain is that leaders of nonprofits and small businesses always need more time to focus on the things they do best. I implement data-driven communications strategy, effective digital fundraising, and set up tech systems that are right-sized and budget-friendly. Like anyone trying to make a dent in the world, I’m honored to wear a lot of hats and support others in a variety of ways. Some days this looks like a website refresh, email automations, and tech-troubleshooting, while other days are filled with gathering meaningful stories of the good work being done and sharing those stories with the world. A project I’m excited to launch soon is taking my strategy sessions and coaching online in a series of courses that are accessible and will provide tangible outcomes & support. I started this business shortly after my daughter was born and can honestly say that being a parent and business owner has taught me how to hone in on what matters most and to (try!) to forget all the rest. Of course there are challenging moments, especially while trying to juggle it all during a pandemic and the ‘terrible-twos’, but the balance of freedom and connection this work provides me is better than I could have imagined. What drives me to do this work most is the privilege to facilitate lasting connections that move the needle.

Any great local spots you’d like to shoutout?
I always recommend starting with some good food. One of my family’s favorite restaurants is Dick’s Hideway in Central Phoenix- best enchiladas ever. If the weather’s right, the First Friday events in Downtown Phoenix are pretty fun and a good way to check out the local art & music scene. Nearby and not to be missed is the self-serve wine bar, GenuWine- they have an amazing selection of Arizona wine and craft beer! Outside of Phoenix, one of my favorite spots is the Mogollon Rim. The pine trees and lakes are a welcome change from low-desert life.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My husband has been my biggest champion in everything, but especially in making the leap from traditional employment to working as a consultant. His high tolerance for risk-taking and drive for making a dent in the world is contagious and encourages me to say “yes” to so much that I wouldn’t otherwise consider. Much of what I’ve learned about this work has been on the job and I have the leadership, coaching, and encouragement of my close colleagues in the nonprofit world to thank for that. Serving others can be draining and heartbreaking at times and with the added pressures of raising funds to support meaningful work, leaning on each other for inspiration and creative problem-solving makes all the difference.

Website: www.projectbigimpact.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectbigimpact/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgrone/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/projectbigimpact

Image Credits
Last photo (black outfit on a stool): Karianne Munstedt Portraits All other photos are mine.

Nominate someone: ShoutoutArizona is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.