Tell Us Your Story. What motivated you to start your business? Why are you passionate about what you do?

The idea for Do Gooders began to form after more than two decades of working in the not-for-profit sector. During this time, I had the privilege of helping organizations raise community awareness, manage volunteers, and fundraise, but I also witnessed something troubling: many of my colleagues, charity leaders, and nonprofit teams were stretched far too thin. They faced overwhelming workloads, leaving them little time to focus on running their organizations or the vital aspects of communications and fund development. This was especially true during the pandemic when many leaders felt the strain even more acutely. The pandemic revealed just how much our sector needed help. I knew firsthand from my work with the Kelowna Women’s Shelter and Habitat for Humanity Okanagan that successful resource development is not just about fundraising; it’s about building strong, sustainable systems. I had spent 13 years establishing resource development departments in these organizations, so I understood the unique challenges not-for-profits face. In witnessing these challenges, I realized that I could help. I could use my expertise to become part of the solution, especially in areas that often get neglected because of overwhelming workloads. In May 2021, I took the leap and launched Do Gooders. The timing couldn’t have been better. COVID-19 had normalized remote work, and with the shift to virtual meetings, it became easier to build a flexible, remote-first team. This not only allowed me to hire talented individuals from different areas but also created a working environment that was adaptable to the health and safety concerns of the pandemic. Today, we have a team of twelve, each contributing their expertise in digital marketing, grant writing, grant research, website maintenance, SEO, social media management, blogging, online gaming, and back-office support. Our goal at Do Gooders is simple: to ensure that every not-for-profit organization has access to the resources they need to raise awareness and generate the funds required to deliver essential services to Canadians. We believe in the power of strong communications, strategic fundraising, and well-researched grant applications to lift organizations up so they can focus on what they do best - serving their communities. What motivated me to start Do Gooders was my desire to ease the burden that so many nonprofit leaders face. The sheer passion and commitment of these individuals to

Describe and demonstrate, including metrics, your community support. How do you support and uplift your community, and how do they show that support in return? Minimum 25 words, maximum 2500 characters.

At Do Gooders, our commitment to uplifting communities is at the heart of everything we do. We’ve helped secure millions of dollars in grant funding for not-for-profit organizations, with a proven track record of success across diverse sectors. For example, we successfully obtained $1 million for daycare programs for an Indian Band, $1.9 million for a recovery house for men recovering from addictions, and millions more for women’s shelters, senior-serving organizations, and mental health initiatives. These funds have translated into direct and meaningful impact in communities across Canada, providing critical services to those who need them most. Beyond grant writing, we actively sponsor and support organizations whose work aligns with our values. In the past year, we have sponsored the LGBTQ organization ‘This Space Belongs to You,’ hosted a screening of the film Uncharitable to raise awareness about the need for systemic change in the not-for-profit sector, supported Kelowna Gospel Mission, sponsored Help Age Canada’s conference, and backed 'Reimagine,' the City of Kelowna’s annual conference for the not-for-profit sector. These contributions allow us to strengthen organizations that make a difference, and in turn, these organizations demonstrate their support by trusting us to help them grow. The success we’ve achieved together shows the power of collaboration, with funding turning into programs and services that directly uplift local communities.

Why do you deserve to win the Business Impact award?

Do Gooders deserves to win the Business Impact award because of the profound and measurable difference we have made in the nonprofit sector across Canada. Our work empowers organizations that provide essential services, from women's shelters and mental health organizations to recovery houses and Indigenous programs. We don't just write grants; we fuel the sustainability of the sector by securing millions of dollars in funding that turns into real community impact. This includes $1 million for daycare programs for an Indian Band, $1.9 million for a recovery house for men, and millions more for women’s shelters and senior-serving organizations. Our team doesn't just support nonprofit organizations,we actively participate in uplifting them through sponsorships and collaborations. In the past year, we’ve sponsored organizations like This Space Belongs to You (an LGBTQ+ organization), the screening of Uncharitable, and the Reimagine conference for the not-for-profit sector in Kelowna. This commitment to community shows that we’re invested in more than just providing services; we are part of the long-term growth and evolution of the sector. Equality, diversity, and inclusion are deeply embedded in our operations. At Do Gooders, we’re proud of our inclusive hiring process, which ensures that every team member aligns with our core values of Reliability, Integrity, and Impact. Our diverse team brings a range of perspectives and talents, from grant writing and digital marketing to website design and SEO. These skills are not only shared with clients but are also fostered within our team, creating an environment of continuous growth and mutual respect. Clients and team members alike consistently commend our dedication to quality work, strong ethics, and client care. One of our 5-star Google reviews reads: “I recently hired Do Gooders to submit a fairly last-minute application for the organization I work with. She was quick, an excellent writer, and flexible with our needs. She was also instrumental in providing guidance on our application and budget, which was more helpful than Ii even realized!” Another says: “All the staff at Do Gooders are amazing at what they do. Their grant writers are top notch, Kathleen and her team provide impeccable support and expertise. As Executive Director of North Shore Crisis Services Society, I highly recommend using Do Gooders to help with your agency's fundraising goals and strategies.’ We don’t just build sustainable workplaces

Tell Us About Your Culture. How are you creating a sustainable and healthy workplace where everyone feels welcome? Provide examples of leadership you show in interactions with clients, vendors, contractors, staff and others.

At Do Gooders, we prioritize creating a culture of equality, diversity, and inclusion. We believe a sustainable and welcoming workplace starts with ensuring that our team and clients are treated with respect and fairness. Our values—Reliability, Integrity, and Impact—are at the core of our operations, and we choose our team members based on these principles as much as their skill sets. Our onboarding process emphasizes these values, including a values questionnaire that helps us ensure alignment with Do Gooders’ mission. New hires are introduced to our approach, expectations, and problem-solving process. Every team member understands that when challenges arise, after trying to solve them independently, they can reach out for team support. This fosters an environment of collaboration where solutions are developed together. We maintain consistent communication with our team through weekly meetings to review progress and address any concerns. Clients are paired with team leads who possess the expertise needed for their specific requirements, whether it's grant writing, social media management, or digital marketing. We complement one another’s skills, which allows us to offer high-quality services across various sectors. Remote work is a core part of our culture. We offer flexibility to our team members, allowing them to set their own hours and work from home, which promotes balance and well-being. Our team members consistently express their appreciation for this flexibility and the open, supportive environment. One of our team members, shared: “You’re super understanding and accommodating of my needs (mental health). I also like that you’re willing to try new things and are open to new ideas; I never feel like my opinion is going to be ignored. I also appreciate that you trust me to get my work done.” Clients consistently praise our personalized approach and efficient service. One testimonial reads: "The fabulous team at Do Gooders has been the BEST addition to our work this year. They quickly gained our trust with their incredible work ethic and unique ability to see the needs of each client. Major fan!" Another client commented: "We can’t say enough good things about this amazing company! Having assistance from professionals to help us grow has been invaluable. We highly recommend them for all non-profits, especially dog rescues and shelters!" In terms of client interactions, our leadership is demonstrated through a values-driven approach. Our mission

Why do you think you should win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award?

Do Gooders would be honored to win the Premier’s People’s Choice Award because we are committed to making a tangible difference in communities across Canada. Our work directly impacts the nonprofit sector and creates a ripple effect that touches the lives of countless individuals who rely on essential services. From securing grants for women’s shelters to advocating for senior services, mental health programs, and recovery houses, our mission is to ensure these organizations have the funding and resources they need to continue their vital work.Since our launch in May 2021, Do Gooders has helped raise millions of dollars in grants for nonprofit organizations. These grants directly translate into programs and services that make a difference in people’s daily lives. Whether it’s $1 million for daycare programs for a First Nation Band or $1.9 million for a recovery house for men overcoming addiction, our efforts are measurable and far-reaching. These dollars represent new beginnings, stability, and hope for individuals and families in need.The impact we make is not only felt by our clients but also by the communities they serve. Every dollar we secure allows nonprofit organizations to focus on their missions rather than the burden of finding funding. This makes Do Gooders an essential part of the ecosystem that keeps critical services running.What sets us apart and makes us a contender for the People’s Choice Award is our holistic approach to helping nonprofits thrive. We don’t just write grants—we offer full-service support, including grant research, digital marketing, social media management, website design, and SEO. Our goal is to equip nonprofits with everything they need to succeed, from increasing visibility to raising awareness. Our dedication to these organizations is reflected in everything we do. As one of our clients noted in a 5-star Google review: “The fabulous team at Do Gooders has been the BEST addition to our work this year. They quickly gained our trust with their incredible work ethic and unique ability to see the needs of each client. Major fan!” Our success is driven by the values of Reliability, Integrity, and Impact. We cultivate a culture where every team member aligns with these principles through a values-based hiring process, ensuring more than just skills. As a diverse and inclusive workplace, we value equality and respect for all, believing that varied perspectives foster innovation and success.