I’ve Got the Vision, Now What? How I Started My Nonprofit From Scratch

When God gave me the vision for Jacob Way, I was all in. I knew my purpose – to honor my son’s memory while helping families dealing with childhood cancer. But let me tell you, just because you have a vision doesn’t mean the road is clear. There’s a lot of fear and uncertainty that comes with starting something big like this.

So many questions kept popping up in my head: How do I actually get this thing off the ground? What’s the first step? What if nobody supports me? And the big one: How in the world am I supposed to raise money?

I had no experience in fundraising. I had never run an organization before. So, I did what any person would do – I asked for help.

The Struggle to Get Started

I reached out to a sister who was already running her own nonprofit. She gave me the “how-to” and her price tag was $1,200, not including the $300 IRS fee. My heart sank. I was thinking, I don’t have that kind of money to throw around, and I’m not even sure if I’m doing this right.

I felt discouraged. It’s like I had this huge dream in my heart, but the path to making it happen wasn’t clear. I was on the edge of giving up, but I couldn’t let go of the vision. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

Taking a Chance and Doing It Myself

I started researching. I spent hours reading blogs, watching videos, and talking to other nonprofit leaders. I realized I had to be willing to learn on my own, step by step. It wasn’t going to be easy, but if I wanted this to succeed, I had to take a chance on myself.

I applied for the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. And guess what? It got approved! But here’s the catch – they approved it as a private charity. I was crushed. After spending $300, I thought all that effort was wasted. I could have easily given up then and there, but something inside me said, Keep going.

The Power of Persistence

I didn’t quit. I joined a Facebook group for nonprofit founders and got some helpful advice. People shared their experiences, and I got clarity on what went wrong. I reapplied, this time asking for the right status – a public charity. And this time, it was approved!

I was beyond relieved. In the end, I only spent about $700, way less than that $1,200 quote. It felt like a win, even though it took me a minute to get there. But what mattered was that I pushed through and didn’t let the setback stop me.

Our First Step: Giving Back to Families

We kicked off our nonprofit by hosting a virtual open house. It was exciting to finally share the organization with the world. We raised about $5,000 – not a huge amount, but enough to make a real difference. We were able to send out care packages to families, and that was the moment I realized how much of an impact we could make. It wasn’t just about the money; it was about changing lives.

By the end of the year, we partnered with the Ronald McDonald House and provided care packages to about 15 families. It was a small act of kindness, but it meant so much to those families. That feeling of being able to help kept me going.

The Reality: Setbacks and Struggles

But let me tell you, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. After that initial momentum, the donations slowed down. People weren’t giving as much, and we were starting to feel discouraged. I began questioning, Is this really going to work? Why are people not showing up for us?

But then I remembered why I started this in the first place. It wasn’t just about the money. It was about the mission. And I wasn’t going to give up on that.

Finding a Way to Keep Going

So, we started thinking outside the box. We decided to plan our first childhood cancer walk in Memphis. It wasn’t just about raising funds – it was a chance to get the word out, connect with people, and build some real exposure for the organization.

The walk was a success! We didn’t meet our fundraising goal, but we still made a profit. More importantly, we got our name out there and created awareness about childhood cancer. It was a big step for us, and it reignited our energy.

The First Year Is the Hardest, But Keep Going

If you’re thinking about starting a nonprofit, know that the first year is tough. You’ll hit walls, feel discouraged, and wonder if it’s worth it. But trust me when I say this: if you stick with it, it gets easier.

One thing I learned is that investing in yourself is key. Professional development and nonprofit certifications are worth every penny. And don’t sleep on applying for nonprofit and business cohorts. These programs give you the support and resources you need to keep pushing forward.

Don’t Forget About Outreach and Networking

Another major lesson I’ve learned is that building your nonprofit isn’t just about paperwork and forms. It’s about getting out into the community and letting people know what you’re doing. Don’t be afraid to network, talk to people, and tell your story. Share your mission with others and show them why it matters.

Consistency is everything. Even when things feel like they’re going nowhere, keep going. Don’t let the setbacks stop you. Every challenge is a chance to learn and grow.

Small Steps, Big Impact

Starting a nonprofit isn’t something you do overnight. It takes time, patience, and a whole lot of effort. But if you’re focused, consistent, and committed, you’ll get there.

My advice? Write a plan. Make it plain. Break it down into small, actionable steps and keep moving forward. Every step counts, even if it’s small.

Final Thoughts: Keep Pushing Forward

It won’t be easy. There will be times when you want to throw in the towel, but don’t. Keep your vision alive and trust the process. Every successful nonprofit founder has faced challenges, but what sets them apart is that they didn’t give up.

So, get ready to put in the work. Your organization is needed, and you’ve got what it takes to make it happen.

Stay focused. Stay consistent. Don’t quit. And always remember: setbacks are just lessons in disguise.