Starting a nonprofit with nothing but 100 dollars in your pocket might sound impossible. And to be honest, some days, it truly felt that way. But that is how Acacia of Hope began — with faith, a heart full of vision, and a very small beginning. In 2012, I did not have a major donor, a business plan, or a fundraising strategy. I had 100 dollars of my own money, a deep burden to serve vulnerable children, and a belief that God could do a lot with a little. That was all I needed to take the first step.
What I did not know then was that just two years into founding Acacia of Hope, I would face one of the most unexpected and life-altering challenges of my life. I became a single mother. That season was one of the hardest. Balancing motherhood, ministry, and the responsibility of leading an organization without a safety net nearly broke me. But in those moments, I learned to lean harder into my faith, into the mission, and into the promise that purpose does not disappear when your personal life changes — it deepens.
Today, Acacia of Hope has accomplished the following and more:
We sponsor 125 children from the second largest slum in the world.
We have built six churches across Kenya.
We partner with 6 schools in teacher training, student resources, and libraries.
We have provided clean water to thousands of people.
And we continue to serve vulnerable communities with dignity, faith, and practical programs.
We even were able to provide clean water to an entire school in the slum with our partnership with Enhearten through their grants. So how did we get here—from 100 dollars and a prayer to a thriving international ministry? First and always, I give credit to God. But there were also a few core values and actions that I believe made all the difference.
1. Do Not Give Up (Seriously, Do Not)
This phrase is more than motivation—it is a mindset. There were days when I felt emotionally drained, financially stretched, and spiritually discouraged. But I kept showing up. You do not need to know everything. You simply need to keep going.
2. Create Multiple Streams of Giving
Relying on one donor or one fundraising event is risky. We developed a variety of giving streams, including monthly sponsors, one-time donors, business partnerships, and online campaigns. These multiple streams kept our mission moving forward even when one area slowed down.
3. Thank Every Donor
Every single donor matters, no matter large or small. Whether someone gives five dollars or five hundred, their gift is a seed of faith. I still write handwritten thank-you notes to donors. People remember when you take the time to express sincere appreciation. Gratitude builds lasting relationships.
4. Build a Strong Board
Your board of directors should not simply be a list of names. You need people who believe in your mission and bring wisdom, accountability, and strategic insight. A strong board helped me make better decisions and gave our organization credibility and direction.
5. Do Not Give Up (Yes, Again)
Yes, I am repeating it. If you are starting or trying to sustain a nonprofit, you will be tempted to quit. Possibly more than once. But the impact you are called to make is on the other side of that resistance. Hold on to the vision God gave you.
Acacia of Hope did not start with much, but just a step of obedience. But one step at a time, God opened doors, brought supporters, and turned that one hundred dollars into a growing movement that is now changing lives across nations. If you are reading this and you have a dream in your heart, I want to encourage you to begin with what you have. Do not despise small beginnings. You do not need a perfect plan. You need faith, persistence, and a willingness to grow along the way.
The journey has not been easy, but it has been worth every sacrifice and every challenge.
And the most beautiful part? We are only getting started.
Melissa Brown
Founder and Executive Director of Acacia of Hope
Author of Unwavering Peace and Unwavering Paths