InnerShift 360 Institute Funding SOP

Step-by-step system to build a fundable initiative, launch proof-of-concept programs, secure sponsors, and pursue grants.

Primary Goal

Build InnerShift 360 Institute as the fundable community impact arm focused on entrepreneurship, workforce readiness, faith-driven leadership, veteran resilience, and family strengthening.

Core funding message: We are not asking people to fund a business. We are asking partners to fund measurable transformation in entrepreneurs, families, veterans, and communities.

Program Pillars

1. Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Charlotte

Entrepreneur cohorts, faith-based leadership, business systems, accountability, and community support.

2. Veteran & Family Resilience Initiative

Workshops and coaching for veterans, military families, purpose, transition, and family strength.

3. Human-Centered AI Workforce Training

AI, automation, process mapping, leadership, and small business productivity without losing the human touch.

Phase 1: Foundation Setup Checklist

Confirm program umbrella name: InnerShift 360 Institute
Decide whether to operate through existing InnerShift 360, fiscal sponsor, or new nonprofit
Create one-page mission statement
Create short founder bio for Dr. J.R. Andrews
Create simple budget template
Create program email address, example: institute@innershift360.com
Create website page: /innershift-institute/
Add logo, program description, intake form, and sponsor CTA

Phase 2: Build the First Pilot

Pilot Program: Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Charlotte

Format: 6-week cohort with 10–20 entrepreneurs.

Session length: 90 minutes weekly.

Best location: Church, community center, coworking space, or Zoom hybrid.

Weekly Session Outline

Week 1: Purpose, calling, and business identity
Week 2: Clarifying the offer and customer
Week 3: Lead generation and follow-up systems
Week 4: Human-centered AI and automation
Week 5: Money, pricing, and sustainability
Week 6: Showcase night, testimonials, and next steps

Pilot Checklist

Choose pilot dates
Create registration form in GHL
Create confirmation email
Create reminder texts/emails
Recruit 10–20 participants
Recruit 2–3 sponsors or partners
Collect testimonials after every session
Take photos and short video clips

Phase 3: GHL Setup Directions

Create the Registration Form

Open GoHighLevel.
Go to Sites → Forms → Builder.
Create new form titled: Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Interest Form.
Add fields:
- First Name
- Last Name
- Email
- Phone
- Business Name
- Business Stage
- Biggest Business Challenge
- Are you interested in sponsoring, attending, or partnering?
Set form action to redirect to a thank-you page.
Embed form on the website page.

Create GHL Tags

FDE - Interest
FDE - Participant
FDE - Sponsor Prospect
FDE - Partner Church
FDE - Grant Contact

Create Follow-Up Workflow

Trigger: Form Submitted.
Add tag: FDE - Interest.
Send confirmation email.
Send SMS: “Thanks for your interest in Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Charlotte. We’ll send next steps shortly.”
Notify owner/admin.
Create opportunity in pipeline: InnerShift Institute Funding / FDE.

Phase 4: Sponsorship Package

Purpose: Get money before grants. Sponsors create traction and proof.

Sponsor Levels

$1,500: Session Sponsor
$5,000: Cohort Sponsor
$10,000: Founding Sponsor
$25,000: Community Impact Partner

Sponsor Benefits

Logo on website
Recognition at events
Social media thank-you posts
Opportunity to speak briefly at cohort session
Impact report after program completion

Sponsor Outreach Checklist

Build list of 50 local sponsor prospects
Include banks, churches, law firms, CPAs, real estate firms, insurance agencies, chambers
Send first email
Follow up by phone within 48 hours
Send one-page sponsor sheet
Invite sponsor to attend launch event

Sponsor Email Script

Subject: Partnership Opportunity: Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Charlotte

Hello [Name],

I’m launching Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Charlotte, a community-based initiative under InnerShift 360 Institute designed to help local entrepreneurs build stronger businesses, stronger leadership, and healthier lives.

The first pilot cohort will serve 10–20 entrepreneurs through a 6-week program focused on purpose, business systems, leadership, AI readiness, money, and sustainability.

We are inviting select local partners to sponsor the pilot and help us make this accessible to entrepreneurs who need structure, support, and community.

Would you be open to a brief conversation about becoming a session sponsor or founding partner?

Respectfully,
Dr. J.R. Andrews
Founder, InnerShift 360

Phase 5: Grant Package Checklist

One-page program overview
Founder bio
Program budget
Logic model
Outcome tracker
Testimonials
Photos/video proof
Partner letters
Sponsor list
Fiscal sponsor letter, if applicable
IRS nonprofit determination letter, if applicable

First Grant Targets

NC IDEA

Best fit: Entrepreneurship ecosystem and small business support.

Use for: Faith Driven Entrepreneurs Charlotte.

Foundation For The Carolinas

Best fit: Local community impact and nonprofit partnership.

Use for: Cohorts, community leadership, economic mobility.

Truist Foundation

Best fit: Workforce readiness, small business strengthening, economic mobility.

Use for: Human-Centered AI Workforce Training.

Bob Woodruff Foundation

Best fit: Veterans, military families, wellness, transition, and resilience.

Use for: Veteran & Family Resilience Initiative.

90-Day Execution Timeline

Days 1–15: Build

Finalize program name and mission
Create landing page
Create GHL form and workflow
Create sponsor sheet
Build sponsor prospect list

Days 16–30: Recruit

Recruit participants
Contact churches and community partners
Send sponsor outreach
Schedule intro calls

Days 31–60: Launch Pilot

Run weekly cohort sessions
Collect testimonials
Capture photos and video
Track attendance and outcomes

Days 61–90: Package and Apply

Create impact report
Submit NC IDEA application
Prepare Foundation For The Carolinas inquiry
Draft Truist Foundation concept
Draft Veteran Resilience grant concept

Outcome Tracking

Track these numbers weekly:

Number of participants registered
Number of participants attending
Number of businesses represented
Number of systems created or improved
Number of sponsor conversations
Number of dollars pledged
Number of partner organizations
Participant confidence score before and after
Testimonials collected
Grant applications submitted

Team Assignment Checklist

Founder / Dr. Andrews

Record welcome video
Lead sponsor conversations
Teach core sessions
Approve grant narrative

VA / Admin Support

Build sponsor list
Send outreach emails
Update GHL contacts
Track responses
Organize testimonials

Creative Support

Create social graphics
Edit short clips
Create sponsor thank-you posts
Create recap video after cohort

Final Operating Rule

Do not wait for grants to validate the program. Launch the pilot, collect proof, secure sponsors, then use the evidence to pursue larger funding.

Build proof first. Ask for funding second. Scale third.