61. Should I Start a Nonprofit?

I would guess that when Nonprofit Jenni Show listeners email me, about half of the emails are asking for my advice about how to start a new nonprofit organization supporting a cause they feel really passionate about. I love that passion--we need more of that spirit in the world! But is starting a nonprofit organization really the most effective way to create meaningful, lasting change in the areas that matter most? In this week's star-studded podcast episode, two of my favorite nonprofit thought leaders share their advice on what you should consider before you decide to form a new nonprofit organization.   First, Randy Hawthorne (CEO of Nonprofit Hub and podcast host of the Nonprofit Hubcast) shares his perspective on how aspiring philanthropists and do-gooders should decide whether starting a nonprofit is the right way to support their favorite cause. He shares some questions you can ask yourself to figure out whether you would be able to sustain a nonprofit organization in the long term. Then Molly MacCready (Founder/Executive Director of CROSO and podcast host of Nonprofit Optimist) shares the story of how she founded her nonprofit organization in her junior year of college, and what she would have done differently with the benefit of hindsight. She also offers some direction for people who think starting a nonprofit may not be the way to go, but aren't sure where to turn next. Our guests this episode are:--Randy Hawthorne from Nonprofit Hub and the Nonprofit Hubcast--Molly MacCready from CROSO and Nonprofit Optimist Our sponsors this episode are:--Little Green Light, Jenni's favorite donor management system. Check out their free resource library full of ebooks about fundraising at www.littlegreenlight.com/jenni and use the discount code JENNI to receive $150 off your first year of donor management services.--DipJar, Jenni's favorite alternative to cash donation boxes. Empower your donors to make credit card donations with DipJar's fun light-up donation gadget! Visit dipjar.com/jenni for a 5% discount on your first purchase.  Nonprofit Jenni provides consulting services and coaching calls for nonprofits and social impact organizations seeking guidance in the areas of Marketing, Fundraising, Growth, and Starting Up. Visit nonprofitjenni.com to learn more. All information in the Nonprofit Jenni Show is very general in nature, and may not apply to your specific nonprofit organization. Please direct clarifying questions to Nonprofit Jenni by visiting nonprofitjenni.com. Produced by Wayfare Recording Co. Music by Emily Summers. ©2020 Nonprofit Jenni. All Rights Reserved.