Michael Centeno on Funding, Culture, and Community-Led Nonprofit Work

From volunteer to Executive Director, Michael Centeno’s journey with Tia Chucha’s is a testament to what happens when leadership is rooted in lived experience and a deep sense of community.

A Full Circle Journey in Community Arts

Michael Centeno’s relationship with Tia Chucha’s began long before he stepped into the Executive Director role. He started as a volunteer—back when the organization was still operating as a for-profit business. Years later, after navigating different chapters in his career, Michael returned to Tia Chucha’s in 2018—this time to lead the organization into its next era as a nonprofit.

Now a thriving bookstore and cultural arts center, Tia Chucha’s supports the growth, development, and creative expression of the community it calls home. And that evolution has been anything but static.

“We listen to the community. If there’s a need—like high-quality music instruction—we build toward it,” Michael explains.

Funding the Mission: Diversified, Not Dependent 

For Tia Chucha’s, pursuing financial sustainability has been key to their survival and an emphasis that drives leadership’s work every day. Michael has helped the organization expand its income mix through:

• Earned income
• Membership programs
• Annual giving campaigns
• Private and public grants

It’s a deliberate strategy: grassroots fundraising is slower but more stable over time. It also allows them to double down on what the community actually wants—rather than chasing every available dollar.

The Pitfalls of Traditional Funding Models

While diversification is a strength, Michael doesn’t shy away from naming the sector’s biggest challenge: inequitable government funding.

“Many grants operate on a reimbursement basis,” he explains. “That means we’re fronting costs—sometimes for months—while waiting to be paid back.” Add to that dense applications and rigid deliverables, and some funding opportunities become more of a burden than a benefit.

“The reporting is so meticulous it’s practically inaccessible,” Michael says. “And often, the organizations that need it most can’t afford the time it takes.” 

He’s not alone. Many nonprofit leaders share this frustration. This is why we emphasize the importance of streamlining systems for grant tracking and reporting—something Michael sees as both possible and urgent. There are some excellent CRM systems and technical experts available to help make it happen.

How Funding Gaps Affect Teams

Funding doesn’t just affect programs—it directly impacts the people behind the work. Michael points out a damaging misconception: that all nonprofit jobs pay poorly. It’s not always true—but the perception alone can scare off qualified candidates.

To shift that narrative, he emphasizes:

• Offering competitive compensation and benefits
• Promoting nonprofit roles as mission-driven careers
• Creating a workplace culture that values well-being, not just output

“We’re bleeding hearts trying to change the world,” Michael says. “But that doesn’t mean we can’t demand—and deliver—professionalism, structure, and sustainability.”

Without accountability, you have nothing. 

Investing in People, Not Just Programming

For Michael, staff development is non-negotiable. That includes training, clear career paths, and day-to-day wellness practices like:

• Intentional self-care during work hours
• Team-building activities
• Celebrating wins—even small ones

“Frontline nonprofit staff give so much of themselves. We have to give something back.”

Final Reflections: Community at the Core 

Michael has deep roots in the community Tia Chucha’s serves, including his neighbors, his own city, and his own life experiences. His leadership is uniquely grounded within and is the driving force behind his investment in making it run. 

What we can all learn from Michael and Tia Chucha’s:

• Diversify your funding—one source is never enough
• Challenge assumptions about nonprofit pay—and lead the change
• Build a culture of care—people stay where they feel seen and supported

A sustainable mission starts with sustainable people.

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