Kristi LaRose asks, “Should My Husband and I Start Our Own Nonprofit?”

Kristi LaRose asks, “Should My Husband and I Start Our Own Nonprofit” is a founder’s take on how to launch a charity from scratch. It was in December 2015, during a Washington D.C. Christmas Snow Storm, when Kristi LaRose walked into the D.C. Office of the Attorney General and incorporated NANOE. Here’s her take on how to grow a successful organization.

Starting a nonprofit is a deeply rewarding way to make a difference, but it’s also a commitment fraught with challenges. Before launching into this endeavor, you must ask yourself two critical questions: “Should I start my own nonprofit?” and “Do I love fundraising?” A key realization here is that starting a nonprofit doesn’t guarantee financial support from donors simply because your mission is compelling. Fundraising—especially through major gifts—will likely play a central role in your success. A common misconception is that donors will flock to your nonprofit because of its noble mission. Securing funding is one of the toughest challenges for new nonprofits. Without a solid plan to attract and retain donors, even the most exciting idea may falter.

MEET KRISTI IN PERSON AT A MAJOR GIFTS RAMP-UP EVENT

Let’s first explore the question of whether launching your nonprofit is the right choice. Here are some factors to consider:

1. Is Your Mission Clearly Defined?
To attract supporters, you must articulate your purpose with precision. Donors and volunteers are drawn to nonprofits with a clear and focused mission that solves a specific problem. If your cause is broad or overlaps with existing organizations, you may struggle to gain traction.

2. Have You Researched the Existing Landscape?
The nonprofit sector is crowded, with many organizations tackling similar issues. If there are already nonprofits addressing your cause effectively, it might be more impactful to collaborate with or support them rather than starting your own. Duplication of efforts can dilute resources and goodwill.

3. Are You Ready to Run a Nonprofit Like a Business?
Nonprofits require the same operational diligence as for-profit businesses. You’ll need to handle legal compliance, financial management, and stakeholder engagement while maintaining transparency and accountability. This level of responsibility can be overwhelming, especially if you’re not prepared for it.

4. Do You Have a Sustainable Plan for Funding?
Perhaps the most important consideration is whether you have a realistic funding strategy. A common misconception is that donors will flock to your nonprofit because of its noble mission. In reality, securing funding is one of the toughest challenges for new nonprofits. Without a solid plan to attract and retain donors, even the most impactful idea may falter.

MEET KRISTI IN PERSON AT A MAJOR GIFTS RAMP-UP EVENT

Kristi LaRose asks, “Should My Husband and I Start Our Own Nonprofit?”

If you decide to start a nonprofit, fundraising will be a cornerstone of your work. Major gifts fundraising, in particular, is vital to building a sustainable revenue base. This involves cultivating relationships with individuals, families, or entities capable of making significant contributions. Here are key aspects to consider:

1. Fundraising Is About Relationships, Not Transactions
Donors don’t give just because you need money; they give because they believe in your mission and trust you to deliver results. Building genuine, long-term relationships with potential donors is essential. If you enjoy connecting with people and aligning their passions with your cause, you may find major gifts fundraising fulfilling.

2. Are You Comfortable Asking for Money?
Soliciting major gifts requires confidence and empathy. You’ll need to clearly articulate your nonprofit’s goals, demonstrate impact, and inspire donors to invest in your vision. If the idea of asking for large donations makes you uncomfortable, it’s worth considering whether you can overcome this barrier or delegate the task to someone who excels at it.

3. Fundraising Requires Strategic Thinking
Identifying potential major donors, researching their philanthropic interests, and crafting personalized engagement strategies are all part of the process. If you enjoy combining creativity with data-driven decision-making, you’ll likely thrive in this role.

4. It Demands Patience and Resilience
Major gifts fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint. It can take months or even years to build trust with a major donor. You’ll encounter rejections and setbacks along the way. Loving the process of nurturing these relationships and seeing the eventual payoff is crucial.

The Hard Truth About Fundraising

One of the biggest mistakes aspiring nonprofit founders make is underestimating the effort required to secure funding. While passion and a good cause are essential, they’re not enough to guarantee success. You can’t assume that donors will give simply because you started a nonprofit or because your mission resonates with you personally. You must actively and persistently communicate your nonprofit’s value and impact.

Final Thoughts: Passion Meets Pragmatism

Starting a nonprofit is not just a calling—it’s a strategic choice. It requires a balance of passion for the cause and a pragmatic approach to operations and fundraising. If you love major gifts fundraising, or you’re willing to learn and embrace it, you’re better positioned to lead a thriving nonprofit. If fundraising feels like a burden or an insurmountable challenge, you might want to explore other ways to contribute to the causes you care about.

At the end of the day, starting your nonprofit means stepping into the role of a fundraiser, communicator, and advocate. Approach the decision with a clear-eyed understanding of what it takes, and you’ll be better equipped to turn your vision into reality.

MEET KRISTI IN PERSON AT A MAJOR GIFTS RAMP-UP EVENT

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kristi LaRose and her team of executives NANOE members take the same free-market enterprise principles we know work in the for-profit sector and apply them to nonprofits. Kristi makes her home in Lexington, SC.

Kristi LaRose asks, “Should My Husband and I Start Our Own Nonprofit” was first posted at INSIDE CHARITY

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Kristi LaRose
National Association of Nonprofit Organizations & Executives
712 H Street NE Suite 1149
Washington, DC 20002
800-257-6670
https://NANOE.org
[email protected]