Turning Your Passion into a Fully Funded Business

As a former middle school language arts teacher turned seven-figure entrepreneur, I've learned that success comes when you align your passion with profit—and I've found someone who embodies this principle perfectly.

Let me tell you, when I connected with LaTonia Monroe Naylor, I knew I had to share her story with my community. This woman is a powerhouse in the nonprofit space who has helped secure over $5 million in grants throughout her career! And the best part? She's turned her expertise into a mission-rich, profit-powered business that creates true impact.

I'm passionate about helping you build a thought leadership brand and business that transforms lives—including your own! So many of us have these amazing God-given passions but struggle to monetize them in a way that feels authentic and sustainable. That's exactly what LaTonia has mastered, and I couldn't wait to extract these gems from her and share them with you.

Whether you're running a nonprofit, considering starting one, seeking grant funding, or simply want to turn your passion into a profitable business, this is definitely one you want to read all the way through. Trust me when I say the insights LaTonia shared are absolutely game-changing!

Finding Your Activatable Passion

One of the most important takeaways from our conversation was understanding the difference between fleeting interests and what LaTonia calls an "activatable passion." As she explained:

"An activatable passion is something that really drives you, that bothers you, that if you're not doing it, it disturbs you."

To determine if your passion can become profitable, ask yourself:

• Does this passion truly drive you?
• Can you monetize it through your natural gifts and talents?
• Can you tell a compelling story about why this matters?

Overcoming the Money Mindset Challenge

Many of us, especially in faith communities, struggle with charging appropriately for our services. LaTonia addressed this head-on by referencing the parable of the talents:

"God wants to see increase. He wants to be able to see that we are taking what He gave us and giving Him a return on His investment. That's affecting and impacting the people He called us to serve."

Remember that charging for your expertise doesn't contradict your faith—it allows you to sustain your mission and help more people.

Securing Grants: Strategy Over Random Applications

LaTonia's approach to grants is strategic and intentional. She doesn't waste time on funding she knows she can't get, and has refined her approach to achieve a 95-99% success rate. Now, funders actually reach out to her!

To improve your chances of securing grants, focus on these fundamentals:

1. Develop a compelling mission statement - Not a generic one from ChatGPT, but one people can feel, embrace, and visualize.
2. Craft a powerful foundational story - Share why you do what you do in a way that connects emotionally while also providing concrete data.
3. Tailor your communication - Understand your audience and speak their language, whether they respond to emotional appeals or statistical evidence.

From Idea to Published Author in Record Time

Many believe writing a quality book takes years, but LaTonia wrote her book "Mission Rich and Profit Powered" in just five days! The entire process from writing to publication took only 4-6 weeks.

Within the first month of launch, she sold over 300 books through a combination of virtual and in-person events. The book opened doors to:

• Higher-priced coaching programs and consultations
• Multiple speaking engagements, including out-of-state opportunities
• The confidence to embrace her expertise and raise her rates

Moving Forward with Purpose

LaTonia left us with two powerful mantras:

1. "Faith without works is dead." Don't just wait for opportunities—position yourself to receive them.
2. "Let your yes be yes and your nay be nay." It's okay to say no to things that don't align with your mission and purpose.

Taking Action Today

If you're looking to transform your passion into a fully funded business:

1. Identify your activatable passion and how it can serve others
2. Develop a compelling mission statement and foundational story
3. Create a strategic approach to funding based on your unique strengths
4. Consider writing a book to establish your expertise (it might take less time than you think!)
5. Connect with experts like LaTonia who can guide you through the process

Remember, you already have what it takes to succeed. As LaTonia wisely shared, "God has already equipped you with the people that can help you get the job done."