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

Hi Taylor, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Like many entrepreneurs who start nonprofit organizations, we wanted to give back to our community in a meaningful way. Our co-founder, Corey Johnsen, had recently sold a business and chose to devote 10% of his earnings to charitable causes. We discussed making donations through his family foundation but ultimately decided to start a public charity that could have more of an impact than periodic financial contributions to worthy causes. Hope 4 All was born through Corey’s financial capital and my nonprofit expertise. I have spent my entire adult professional life in nonprofit organizations ranging from small arts organizations to mid-sized education organizations to school districts. This breadth of experience gave me a well-rounded understanding of the back-office needs of nonprofits: more money and more people! With this in mind, Hope 4 All became a “doing” organization in addition to a “giving” organization. We deeply understand the importance of unrestricted funds, but we also believe in accessing boots-on-the-ground people power to help other organizations accomplish their goals. We chose four support areas based on our personal passions and expertise: equity, education, equine initiatives, and community development. We also chose four ways we could make an impact: collaborating, raising awareness, volunteering, and making financial contributions. We built a board of directors with a variety of experience levels and professional expertise to advise us as we move our work forward, then we identified potential collaborators and hit the ground running. Since August 2019, we have built a robust network of community collaborators who trust Hope 4 All to lean in on helping out, no matter how small, large, or Instagramable the task. 

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Hope 4 All cultivates equal access to hope and opportunity in our communities. Since starting Hope 4 All in 2019, we have contributed approximately $300,000 and 750 volunteer hours to more than 100 organizations. For me, what sets us apart as a nonprofit organization is the thing that gives me the most pride: We built our business by intentionally focusing on other nonprofits, collaborating instead of competing. We tell their stories, highlight their great works, celebrate their successes, and help them in times of need. Our monthly Awareness Wednesday video series highlights the work of other nonprofits so we can make sure our followers know about all the impactful organizations in our community, We also started a monthly coffee club to increase collaboration and celebration among local nonprofits. These monthly meetings have improved communication among our groups, but they have also been a consistent time for friendships and mentorships to flourish. Success for Hope 4 All ultimately means we are bringing people together and giving back in all the ways we can. As we continue to grow, we know we can call on these relationships for advice, help, and connections. In 2023, we are embarking on two big projects: building affordable homes for lower socioeconomic families and building an equine center for equine-assisted mental health services and retraining and re-homing thoroughbreds for lives after racing. These are exciting times for Hope 4 All! Growth does not come without challenges, but challenges provide learning opportunities that make us better as organizations and people.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I serve on the Historic Preservation Commission where I live in Grapevine, so many of my best friends have been subjected to my tour of the historic district! I love walking up and down Main Street, popping into the shops and treating ourselves to wine in one of the tasting rooms – my favorites are Messina Hof and Binghman. Esparza’s is the best spot for patio margaritas and Tex Mex on nice days, and Chez Fabien does a delicious brunch for French bistro fans. If you like dark chocolate, Dr. Sue’s is worth a visit, and Kilwin’s can satisfy any sweet tooth. Most of the buildings have historic markers to learn more about the township and its historic inhabitants, and you can even check out the old station house, tin shop, and blacksmith shop in the Cotton Belt Railroad district. There are some great local artists by the train depot. All the walking, shopping, wine tasting, and snacking will make you hungry for more, so I’d wrap up the day at Harvest Hall at Hotel Vin. It’s a fancy food court that can make any palate happy – arepas, falafel, dumplings, coffee, cocktails, you name it! Stay for music at Third Rail or outside on the plaza, or go catch the murder mystery across the street if you’re in the mood for theatre. I love the historic district because there’s so much to do in one small area and the residents take pride in maintaining the historic buildings.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people in my life who deserve a shoutout! Let me just start from the beginning: I would not be where I am today without the unconditional love and encouragement from my family, particularly my mom and brother. They gave me my confidence to take risks and the privilege of ambition. Hope 4 All has been a dream which would not be possible without Corey Johnsen. His faith in me is unending. I am grateful to our board of directors for extending this faith and providing guidance and support as we’ve grown. Finally, I would be remiss if I did not thank the brilliant minds and big hearts of the people who have trusted me, mentored me, and collaborated with me while building Hope 4 All: Dr. Hallie Sheade, Dr. Amber Townsend, Star Williams, Melinda Rodgers, Patti Brock, Esmeralda Rodriguez, Marcela Perez, and Prudence Mathis. Dr. Amy Britton has been a sounding board for all things fundraising and an ideal collaborator in launching our Leading Off the Page suite of resources for leaders. Finally, Dr. Lakia Scott has thoroughly mentored me as an emerging scholar, providing me opportunities as an editor, researcher, and presenter and encouraging me to start my YouTube channel 3-2-1 with Dr. Bunn.

Website: www.hope4all.us

Instagram: @hope4alltx

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taylorbunn/

Twitter: @hope4alltx

Facebook: @hope4alltexas

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsA44PCX5PBzMM-oJlxXwqQ

Other: 3-2-1 with Dr. Bunn: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwpucR0gLl8chAZHAxXp8oQ Leading Off the Page: Facebook @leadingoffthepage, instagram @leading_off_the_page, www.leadingoffthepage.com

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