Executive Summary
Logia Nonprofit Logistics respectfully requests $500,000 in one-time capacity-building funding to strengthen its operational infrastructure and staffing, enabling the organization to significantly expand its nonprofit logistics services throughout Chattanooga, Tennessee, and prepare for regional growth.
Logia Nonprofit Logistics was created to address a persistent and often overlooked problem: while businesses discard billions of dollars’ worth of usable goods every year, nonprofit organizations struggle to afford the supplies they need to serve their communities. This disconnect results in unnecessary waste and missed opportunities for impact. Logia bridges this gap by creating a structured, efficient system that redirects surplus goods from businesses to nonprofit organizations in need.
With an established 8,000-square-foot inventory facility, integrated inventory management systems, and a growing network of nonprofit and business partners, Logia has already demonstrated both demand for and effectiveness of its model.
Grant funding will allow Logia to expand staffing, increase storage and handling capacity, and scale redistribution operations, laying the foundation for long-term sustainability and regional expansion.
Mission Statement
Logia Nonprofit Logistics exists to reduce waste while strengthening communities by redirecting usable goods from businesses to nonprofit organizations that need them most.
Organizational History and Capacity
Logia Nonprofit Logistics was founded to address a clear, systemic gap in the nonprofit ecosystem: the lack of accessible, efficient logistics systems that connect surplus goods from businesses to nonprofits in need. While many businesses are willing to donate excess inventory, and many nonprofits urgently need supplies, the absence of structured storage, tracking, and distribution systems often prevents these resources from reaching the communities they could benefit.
To solve this challenge, Logia developed a logistics-centered model that prioritizes efficiency, accountability, and scalability. The organization currently operates an 8,000-square-foot inventory facility, supported by an integrated inventory management system and an online ordering platform that allows nonprofit partners to access donated goods in a transparent and organized manner.
Despite being a relatively young organization, Logia has already demonstrated measurable impact. To date, the organization has diverted more than six tons of usable materials from landfills and redistributed over $10,000 worth of donated goods to local nonprofit partners. These early outcomes highlight both the urgent community need for Logia’s services and the effectiveness of its operational approach.
Leadership and Governance
Logia Nonprofit Logistics is guided by an engaged Board of Directors that provides strategic oversight, operational accountability, and community leadership.
Board of Directors
- Shawn Kelley, Pastor and community leader, Washington, DC
- David Watson, Active-duty U.S. Navy officer
- Xander Upham, CEO, Logia Nonprofit Logistics
Executive Leadership
- Xander Upham, Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, Mr. Upham oversees day-to-day logistics operations, business and nonprofit partnerships, inventory systems, and long-term strategic growth. He is responsible for business oversight, program implementation, and expansion planning. Logia’s governance structure ensures ethical operations, financial transparency, and alignment with organizational mission and goals.
Statement of Need
Across the United States, businesses discard billions of dollars’ worth of usable goods each year due to overstock, packaging changes, or operational inefficiencies. At the same time, nonprofit organizations, particularly those serving vulnerable populations, struggle to afford essential supplies needed to deliver services effectively.
In the Chattanooga region, many nonprofits operate with limited budgets and lack access to affordable logistics support. Without structured redistribution systems, surplus goods that could strengthen nonprofit programs instead end up in landfills, creating both environmental waste and missed community opportunity.
Logia Nonprofit Logistics addresses this inefficiency by providing a reliable, scalable logistics bridge between businesses and nonprofits. By managing collection, storage, tracking, and distribution, Logia ensures that usable goods are preserved, accounted for, and delivered to organizations that can put them to immediate and meaningful use.
Program Purpose and Objectives
Purpose
The purpose of this funding request is to strengthen and expand Logia’s operational capacity so the organization can efficiently serve more nonprofit partners and increase its regional impact.
Objectives
Grant funding will enable Logia to:
- Hire and retain essential logistics and operational staff
- Increase storage and handling capacity to manage higher donation volumes
- Expand the volume and fair-market value of redistributed goods
- Build the infrastructure necessary for regional expansion beyond Chattanooga
Program Design and Strategy
Logia’s operational model is designed for efficiency, transparency, and scalability.
- Collection: Surplus goods are recovered from partner businesses.
- Storage & Tracking: Items are cataloged using an inventory management system that tracks quantity, condition, and value.
- Distribution: Nonprofit partners access goods through an online ordering platform, ensuring equitable and organized distribution.
Operational priorities include waste reduction, data-driven reporting, efficient redistribution, and systems that can scale as demand increases.
Population and Communities Served
Logia primarily serves nonprofit organizations working across a wide range of community needs, including:
- Housing-insecure populations
- Food-insecure individuals and families
- Community-based and faith-based service programs
- Animal welfare organizations
Through these nonprofit partners, Logia indirectly benefits thousands of individuals and families throughout the Chattanooga region and beyond.
Funding Request and Use of Funds
Logia Nonprofit Logistics respectfully requests $500,000 in one-time operational and capacity-building funding.
Grant funds will support:
- Staffing and payroll
- Equipment and logistics tools
- Facility and storage capacity
- Operational readiness for regional expansion
This investment will allow Logia to scale its impact while reducing long-term reliance on grant funding.
Budget Overview
The proposed budget aligns with Logia’s IRS Form 990 filings and current operating structure. Primary cost categories include personnel, inventory and logistics systems, and facility operations. Detailed budget documentation and financial statements are available upon request.
Timeline
2026
- Fully staffed logistics operations
- Increased inventory throughout and nonprofit access
2027
- Expansion into the Nashville region
2028
- Expansion into the Knoxville region
Partnerships and Collaborations
Logia works collaboratively with both business and nonprofit partners to ensure efficient operations and meaningful community impact.
Business Partners
- Elder’s Ace Hardware
- Local pet supply retailers
Nonprofit and Community Partners
- Chattanooga Room in the Inn
- Local churches
- Chattanooga Nonprofit Alliance
These partnerships support donation flow, distribution efficiency, and community outreach.
Sustainability Plan
This grant will enable Logia to scale operations rather than create long-term dependency. By strengthening staffing, systems, and infrastructure, Logia is positioned to operate sustainably through improved operational efficiencies and future revenue or cost-offset strategies.
Evaluation and Outcomes
Logia measures impact using clear, data-driven metrics, including:
- Annual tonnage of waste diverted from landfills
- Fair-market value of goods redistributed
- Number of nonprofit partners served
Target outcomes include diverting up to 600 tons of waste annually and redistributing more than $1 million in in-kind donations per year. Evaluation is supported by inventory tracking systems, value reporting, and biannual internal impact reviews.
Reporting and Accountability
Logia is committed to transparency and accountability. The organization provides regular financial and programmatic reports aligned with IRS and funder requirements, along with data-supported impact summaries for grantors.
Supporting Documentation
Available upon request:
- IRS 501(c)(3) determination letter
- IRS Form 990 filings (2023 and 2024)
Operating budget and financial statements