She Turned Her Mom's Memory Into a Vegas Nonprofit : Wendi Schweigart

Most people never think about period poverty. Wendi Schweigart built a Las Vegas nonprofit around it. In this episode of Built In Vegas, she sits down with Trevon to talk about starting Project Marilyn, running a nonprofit like a real business, and the fight to give women dignity. Project Marilyn is named after Wendi's late mother, Marilyn Roth. What started as a way to do good with friends became an award-winning nonprofit serving thousands across Southern Nevada, with partners like MGM Resorts and libraries across the valley. This one is for anyone thinking about starting a nonprofit, or any founder who has to raise money, tell their story, and build something that lasts. What you'll learn: Why a nonprofit is still a business, and has to be run like one How to raise money when you are competing for the same donors Why staying in your lane is what sets an organization apart How to hire for mission, not just to fill a seat Dealing with criticism when you are trying to do good Why unrestricted donations matter more than people realize CHAPTERS 00:50 What is Project Marilyn 01:46 Starting the nonprofit in 2019 02:01 The story behind the name and the logo 03:23 The fears of starting a nonprofit 04:12 A nonprofit is really just a business 05:33 Where the money actually comes from 07:08 The hardest challenges beyond funding 08:14 How the mission grew over seven years 11:45 Handling criticism and self-doubt 14:13 Advice for anyone starting a nonprofit 17:02 How nonprofits compete for the same funding 20:21 Why telling your story the right way matters 21:33 Partnerships and collaboration for bigger impact 26:29 How Finding Marilyn works in local libraries 28:32 The real need in the community 31:25 How the community can support Project Marilyn 33:35 The nonprofit that could put itself out of business Built In Vegas spotlights the stories, strategies, and resources behind the businesses that make Las Vegas thrive. Brought to you by The Video Podcast Studio. 📍 The Video Podcast Studio in Henderson, NV 🎙️ Want your own podcast? thevideopodcaststudio.com Connect with Project Marilyn: Website: projectmarilyn.com End Period Poverty golf tournament: October 16