Overwhelmed to Organized: A New Nonprofit Founder’s Guide (also applicable to starting any new endeavor)

"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney

July 16, 2025

Part 1: Where Do I Even Start?

When people hear someone’s starting a nonprofit, they often imagine the excitement: 🎉 The launch party. ❤️ The passion. 🌍 The impact.

But when you’re the one actually starting a nonprofit, the experience feels a lot more like this:

“I have this great idea… but I don’t know where to begin.” “I want to make a difference, but I don’t want to waste money on the wrong things.” “I’m not even sure how to explain what I want to do.”

Sound familiar?

You’re not alone—and you’re not failing. You’re just at the beginning.

🧠 The Mental Load of Starting a Nonprofit

Founders often come to me with a notebook full of ideas and a heart full of purpose—but that’s where the clarity ends. Instead of excitement, they feel pressure. Instead of progress, they feel stuck.

Here are just a few of the early hurdles I hear again and again:

• “I want to put all my money into programs—not paperwork.” It’s noble—and I get it. But skipping foundational steps (or trying to DIY everything without guidance) often leads to delays, mistakes, or backtracking that ends up costing more later.

• “I don’t even know what the steps are.” Should you name your nonprofit first? Incorporate? Get a board? Apply to the IRS? The truth is, there is a right order—and knowing it can save you months of frustration.

• “I can’t explain it yet.” You have the vision in your head, but the words just won’t come. That’s not a sign to stop—it’s a sign to start shaping your message. A rough elevator pitch is a great first goal.

• “I don’t even have a name yet.” That’s okay! Naming is part art, part strategy—and it’s something you can (and should) take time with.

🧭 So... Where Should You Start?

Start small. Start smart. Start with these three steps:

1. Get your idea out of your head and onto paper. Don’t worry about it sounding perfect. Just write out what you hope to do, who you want to help, and why this matters. Clarity grows with every draft.

2. Begin your “What I Know / What I Don’t Know” list. This simple step creates a roadmap. What’s unclear? What’s confusing? What’s stopping you? These are now your next steps to solve (and where I can help).

3. Give yourself permission to get help. You don’t have to do this alone. In fact, you’re not supposed to. The nonprofit world is built on collaboration, and the most successful founders are the ones who reach out early.

📬 What’s Next?

In Part 2 of this series, I’ll walk you through the actual setup steps—and how to avoid the costly missteps I see too often.

We’ll cover: ✅ What your board really does (and why it’s not just a formality) ✅ Articles of Incorporation—what they are and how to write them ✅ Whether you qualify for the 1023-EZ ✅ Choosing your nonprofit type (yes, there are many!)

But for now...

🤔 A Question for You:

What’s the one thing keeping you from moving forward right now?

✨ (Reply or comment—I read every one.)

And if you’re already past this stage, feel free to forward this to someone you know who’s dreaming of starting something meaningful. ❤️

Email me with any questions: [email protected].