Colorful Minds is a global 501c3 non-profit organization with a mission to uplift and empower individuals living with disabling conditions through art, partnerships, and community. We expand both employment and creative growth opportunities for these individuals by providing a platform for them to their handcrafted products. Each purchase of a curated gift set on our platform also enables the delivery of life-saving treatment for neglected tropical diseases that cause disability in sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, we also make small grants to NGOs/social enterprises in developing countries to support people living with disabilities. To date, we have supported over 300 people living with disabilities, 8 vocational training centers, and enabled treatment for 500 children.

We would like support to 1) develop a business plan to send to private foundations and donors to raise funds and 2) marketing strategy to increase sales.

This project is a very important priority for our organization at this stage because we are in need of funding to be able to expand employment and creative growth opportunities for individuals living with disabilities around the world. Due to COVID-19, many vocational training centers around the world have also been closed for months, leaving many individuals without job opportunities. Over the past several years, we have already developed strong partnerships with artisans and vocational training centers in India, Africa, and the United States.

Both the business plan and marketing strategy are essential to advancing our organization's mission and creating meaningful impact in 2021. By having a clear and concise business strategy, we will be able to gain funding to increase our investments in the poorest and most marginalized areas of the world. The marketing strategy is essential to be able to increase sales volume for our products, which both serve to increase workforce development and treat children in Africa with our model.

This is an excellent opportunity to help support a small organization grow and create measurable impact. You will have the opportunity to not only save hundreds of lives, but also help expand employment opportunities for this underserved population.

We have a strong board of advisors, web designer, developer, and fundraising associate that will leverage the business plan and marketing strategy once the project is complete. Once we have the business strategy, we will be able to use this and customize for our grant proposals. The marketing strategy will be used to inform our online shop and platform enhancements.