Funding that never feels steady
Financial instability and inadequate funding keep good work in survival mode.
Coming soon from Judith Jacques
Cautionary
Tale.
Build the work. Not just the idea.
Cautionary Tale is the playbook of the social impact entrepreneur — 20 years of real experiences, hard-won lessons and the structure behind work that lasts.
02A welcome from Judith
Why I created this book and program
“What if I had access to all of this information ten years ago?”
Successfully executing an initiative is not the same thing as building a sustainable organization. After twenty years of producing, partnering and fundraising — and the setbacks behind the scenes — Judith turned those lessons into a practical playbook.
03About the creator & author
Built on experience. Backed by results.
Judith Jacques · Founder & Principal Strategist, CCMG
For more than two decades, Judith Jacques has developed platforms, directed complex productions, cultivated strategic partnerships, and led fundraising and organizational growth initiatives.
Her work spans nonprofit development, corporate sponsorship, communications, major events, operational strategy, business development and community leadership. Cautionary Tale distills the lessons behind that work into practical guidance for founders and visionaries who want to build financially viable, operationally sound and sustainable organizations.
03Impact by the numbers
Two decades of building.
Measurable results. Lasting impact.
$1.3M+
Sponsorship partnerships secured
Cumulative sponsorship partnerships across multiple platforms and initiatives with corporate, media, business and community organizations.
$2.8M
Fundraising benefit revenue
Led fundraising strategy and execution for the Good Shepherd Services annual spring benefit, growing revenue from about $550,000 to $2.8 million.
4,700+
Community members
Grew Black Women of Long Island from a WhatsApp group of about 50 women into a professional and civic network reporting 4,700+ members in 2026.
$75K+
Inaugural fundraising gala
Developed and directed an inaugural fundraising initiative for Marie's Kitchen of Love that raised more than $75,000 against a $50,000 goal.
20+
Years of professional experience
Business development, communications, event production, nonprofit fundraising, strategic partnerships, operations and organizational leadership.
- Directed fundraising and cultivation events for roughly 50–800 attendees.
- Led cross-functional teams, including a 15-person fundraising, marketing, production and partnership team.
- Managed multimillion-dollar event budgets and complex vendor relationships.
- Cultivated relationships with corporate executives, media, public officials, philanthropic leaders and community decision-makers.
Sponsorship and fundraising figures are reported separately and represent organizational results, not personal income.
03The experience behind the lessons
Five platforms. Two decades of leadership.
One extraordinary education in building what lasts.
From media and cultural platforms to professional networks and economic opportunity, each initiative expanded Judith's experience in organizational leadership, strategic partnerships, revenue development and sustainable operations.
- 2012
BLACK STREET
What was built →
A platform amplifying Black excellence, entrepreneurship, cultural leadership and professional achievement.
What it accomplished →
Sold out its first black-tie awards ceremony, bringing 500+ guests together at a five-star Manhattan hotel.
Executive expertise
Platform development, brand positioning, audience cultivation, strategic partnerships, media visibility
- 2013
Black Culinary Expo
What was built →
An experiential platform connecting culinary professionals, businesses, audiences and partnership opportunities.
What it accomplished →
One of the first platforms of its kind to recognize Black culinarians in this way.
Executive expertise
Event commercialization, vendor ecosystems, sponsorship activation, audience engagement, experiential production
- 2014
Black Women in Media
What was built →
A platform honoring and amplifying Black women across media, entertainment, communications and related industries.
What it accomplished →
Sold out its first conference and awards, honored 100+ Black women, and secured $250,000+ in sponsorships and partnerships over its history.
Executive expertise
National platform development, corporate sponsorship, media partnerships, major-event production, stakeholder engagement, fundraising
- 2021
Black Women of Long Island
What was built →
A professional and civic community advancing visibility, leadership, business development and community engagement.
What it accomplished →
Grew from about 50 women into a network reporting 4,700+ members as of 2026.
Executive expertise
Membership ecosystems, institutional partnerships, organizational growth, programming, community leadership
- 2022
Long Island Haitian Chamber of Commerce
What was built →
A platform advancing Haitian entrepreneurship, business development, representation and economic opportunity.
What it accomplished →
Created a home for Haitian business, community connection and commerce on Long Island.
Executive expertise
Business ecosystem development, organizational leadership, strategic partnerships, community advocacy, economic development
More than events. Platforms that convene influence and create opportunity.
Judith's productions and platforms have brought together nationally recognized artists, broadcasters, civic leaders, philanthropists, executives, business owners and emerging professionals. Past honorees and participants have included Dr. Bernice King, Tamron Hall, Deborah Cox, MC Lyte and Yolanda Adams.
An idea is a beginning. Structure is what gives it somewhere to go.
04The real talk
What keeps promising initiatives from becoming sustainable
Hard to reach decision-makers
Difficulty getting in the room — and articulating the opportunity once you're there.
Everything runs through you
Founder bottlenecks and too many responsibilities on one set of shoulders.
No connected ecosystem
Programs, events and partnerships that never become a revenue-generating whole.
Passion without infrastructure
A deep mission, but not enough operating structure to carry it.
05What you'll gain
Five shifts. One stronger foundation.
- 01From LaunchA model built to last
Look beyond launch day toward resources, revenue and continuity.
- 02From IdeaA clear, compelling opportunity
Connect your purpose, audience and value in a story decision-makers can understand.
- 03From OverwhelmFocused, intentional execution
Turn competing priorities into roles, systems and next steps.
- 04From VisionA connected impact ecosystem
See how programs, partnerships and revenue can support one another.
- 05From PassionStructure that carries the mission
Give your work an operating foundation beyond your personal effort.
Every journey is different — the book gives you the tools, the work is yours.
06 — The experience
More than a book.
Cautionary Tale · Workbook
Give your idea a foundation.
Reflect. Connect. Take the next step.
Purpose
What change matters to you?
People
Who is this work for?
Structure
What needs to be in place?
Next step
What can you act on next?
One intentional step at a time.
Digital learning preview · Concept
VIP resource concept
The right introduction.
Sponsors · Partners
High-profile guests
The companion workbook
Reflect · Plan · Apply
Cover conceptThe companion workbook
Reflect · Plan · Apply
Cover conceptMobile preview concept
01 / Start here
Book Pre-order
$19.99
- Knowledge, lived experience, strategy and lessons
- Edition and delivery details to be confirmed
Wix pre-order: $19.99. Edition and fulfillment details to be confirmed; this is not a confirmed hardcover order.
02 / Put it into practice
The Workbook
Free
- Reflection, exercises and practical planning frameworks
$0 at release. Format and availability to come.
03 / Go deeper
VIP Templates
Price to come
- Sponsorship deck template
- Email templates
- Pitch deck template
- Strategies to find sponsors and partners
- Strategies and templates to secure celebrities and high-profile individuals
Separate optional tier. Price and availability to come.
04 / Print option
Hardcover Edition
Price to come
- Printed book option being considered
- Printing and shipping priced separately
- Price and release date to be confirmed
Additional printing and shipping costs are not yet set. Not available to order.
Each option is listed separately. The $19.99 pre-order does not promise a printed-and-shipped hardcover, VIP access, or coaching. No all-inclusive bundle is currently offered.
The Book
Lived experience, lessons, frameworks, business strategy and practical knowledge.
The Workbook
Actionable planning exercises, operational templates, reflection prompts and implementation tools.
The Program
A planned, structured learning experience to support deeper application. Details to come.
Keep building, together.
Join a community that meets monthly to stay connected around the work.
Schedule, membership details and availability to come.
Community UpdatesA more personal next step.
Individual one-on-one coaching is being explored as a future offering.
Not yet available. Scope and pricing will be announced if offered.
Your next chapter
Choose how you want to begin
Existing Wix book preorder · $19.99
The existing preorder is the only verified checkout. Edition and fulfillment remain to be confirmed; it does not promise a printed-and-shipped hardcover. The options below are proposed editions, not approved purchase offers.
Coming soon · Proposed option
Digital Edition
$14.99 proposed
Proposed ebook-only edition. Download format and delivery to be announced.
Join the Interest ListComing soon · Proposed option
Book Preorder
$19.99 proposed
Proposed introductory printed-book preorder. Production, printing and shipping are pending; this is not the existing Wix offer.
Join the Interest ListComing soon · Proposed option
Book + Workbook
$39.99 proposed
Proposed combined learning resource, not a finalized bundle. The separately announced workbook remains free at release. No program is included.
Join the Interest ListInstitutional & Organizational Orders
Request a Quote
For nonprofits, universities, accelerators, associations and professional-development organizations. Terms are discussed individually.
Request a QuoteAll amounts shown in USD. Taxes, shipping, international availability, delivery methods and preorder fulfillment will be confirmed for each approved edition. Printing and shipping cost extra; amounts are not yet set. No educational program is included in the proposed combined resource.
07Inside the book
What you'll explore
ValidationBusiness modelsBrandingResourcesPartnershipsOperationsExecutionSustainabilityImpact
Book pre-order · $19.99 · Edition to be confirmed
You can care deeply about the mission and still need a viable model.
08Inside the workbook
Where the lessons become a plan
The companion workbook turns each chapter into action — guided exercises, planning frameworks and space to map your own initiative, step by step.
- ✓ Guided reflection and exercises
- ✓ Practical planning frameworks
- ✓ Room to apply every lesson to your work
Cautionary Tale · Workbook
Give your idea a foundation.
Reflect. Connect. Take the next step.
Purpose
What change matters to you?
People
Who is this work for?
Structure
What needs to be in place?
Next step
What can you act on next?
One intentional step at a time.
Reflection → Application
Make room for the work.
A space to connect the lessons to your initiative.
01 What did I learn?
02 What needs to change?
03 What will I do next?
09The illustrated journey
From ideation to income™
From strategy to scaling™
- 1
Vision
- 2
Validation
- 3
Structure
- 4
Resources
- 5
Execution
- 6
Sustainability
- 7
Impact
The work does not end when you launch.
A few things worth knowing
Before you turn the page...
Bring Cautionary Tale to your organization.
Equip your teams, members, students or entrepreneurial communities with lessons from the work of building mission-driven initiatives.
- Nonprofits and foundations
- Universities and colleges
- Entrepreneurship centers and accelerators
- Business associations and chambers
- Corporate community engagement and leadership programs
- International professional-development organizations
Pricing, availability and terms are discussed individually. No fixed discounts or educational licenses are promised.
11Early access
Be first through the door.
Request launch news, purchase updates, the free workbook, VIP templates and monthly community details.