61. Should I Start a Nonprofit?

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our guests this episode are:<br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">--Randy Hawthorne from Nonprofit Hub and the Nonprofit Hubcast<br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">--Molly MacCready from CROSO and Nonprofit Optimist</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Our sponsors this episode are:<br /></span><span style="font-weight: 400;">--Little Green Light, Jenni’s favorite donor management system. Check out their free resource library full of e