‘Whatever we do, and plan to do, it’s with transparency’
Delilah Gray on pivoting from journalism to founding a nonprofit for sexual abuse survivors
Nonprofit organizations can feel like far-away, complex things. Even if you want to do mission-driven work, running a nonprofit might feel out of reach. But nonprofits are just a type of business with a set of rules to follow, just like any other — and anybody can start one. As part of our Behind-the-Business series, I’m interviewing nonprofit founders to get a look behind the curtain at how and why they started their organizations, and how it’s going.
Today, I’m featuring Delilah Gray, a journalist and early contributor to Healthy Rich. Delilah is an editor with SHE Media who unexpectedly had to transition from her full-time job there to an independent contractor. The news prompted Delilah to think about what she really wanted to focus on, and it turned out, she wanted to help people. In December, she founded Survivor Sparks, a nonprofit that provides a safe space and artistic opportunities for sexual abuse survivors. Here’s how she did it!
Want to help amplify Delilah’s work? Consider joining me in donating to Survivor Sparks!
Name: Delilah Gray
Business: Survivor Sparks
About the business:
My nonprofit is called Survivor Sparks, which is all about helping sexual abuse survivors by providing a safe space and artistic opportunities. I created something that I wish I had early in my journey, something educational and safe.
Business details
Based in: Columbus, Ohio, but much of what we offer can help those across the U.S.!
Year started: 2025
Profit structure: Nonprofit
Legal structure: Corporation
Who works in this business? We’re still early in the process, but as of December 2025, we have my job as the Executive Director, as well as a 1099 part-time Associate Director. We also have multiple professionals willing to help on a volunteer basis as we get off the ground.
Income contribution: My full-time job
How much money does the business earn per year? $0–$6,000; Since the idea was created in September 2025 and I was working full-time at another job until recently, we haven’t generated much revenue. However, we recently received our tax-exempt status (yay!) and have an extensive plan to secure the funds we need for 2026.
Hours worked per week: In 2026, it’ll be full speed ahead with 40+-hour weeks! Right now, in the holiday season and with me transitioning away from journalism, it’s mostly been planning this month (around 20 hours).
Your experience doing this work
Have you run any other businesses in the past?
I always wanted to start a business but felt like I couldn’t do it on my own. It was when I found out I was losing my job as a journalist that I really thought about what I wanted to do, and decided it was time to help people. I’m proud to say this is my first business!
Why did you start this business?
I wanted to help people. As a survivor myself, I know what so many are missing: the facts, the resources, the community. Now more than ever, survivors need to be armed with knowledge and hope, and I wanted to be a part of something that could help others like me.
What surprised you most about starting a business?
How you can find different ways to get to a solution. Things take so much time (even more than you originally may think), and you gotta get creative while waiting between the gaps! Starting a business teaches you quickly how to be resourceful.
What are some of the challenges you faced starting your business (and how did you overcome them)?
I had to learn how to do everything from scratch. I can’t stress enough, I had to learn everything quickly, and it was daunting at times. “Do I have the right forms?” “What’s a fiscal sponsor?” There were many so questions, but I addressed them by researching thoroughly and developing a detailed plan for everything I needed. I tried to complete tasks I knew how to do, like building a website and filing certain forms, and used the internet to help me navigate what I didn’t know. We’re in the technological age; don’t forget to use it!
What’s the most rewarding thing about the work you do?
We’re still new, but many survivors have already come forward to thank me for creating this. It’s all for survivors, and if they’re happy and feel safe, then it’s all worth it.
In what ways do you take care of people in your business?
With whatever we do, and plan to do, it’s with transparency! Everyone is at a different point in their life, whether they’re a survivor, a friend of one or even a partner of one, and what we want is for everyone, in and out of our immediate community, to feel like they have a safe space.
As for our team, I also want everything to be open. I want people who are passionate about Survivor Sparks to feel comfortable to speak about ideas, and feel open to discuss anything they may need.
Learn more about this business
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Really meaningful work.
What stood out to me is how often people don’t just need resources — they need a structure that makes safety and expression possible. Creating something you wish existed earlier is powerful. Wishing Survivor Sparks continued growth.