One Person, One Mission: How to Keep Going When No One Shows Up
Starting a nonprofit is a beautiful and powerful thing, but let’s be real—it can also be lonely and discouraging. As a “helper,” someone who wants to make a difference, you may find yourself giving your all to your cause, but feeling alone on the journey. I know that feeling well, especially when it seems like no one is showing up to your events, no matter how hard you work to create them.
When I first started my nonprofit, Jacob Way Organization, I had this burning passion to help families dealing with childhood cancer. I was driven by my son’s memory and the desire to make a real difference. But what I didn’t expect was how much the journey would test my patience, my resilience, and sometimes, my sanity.
There were times when I would plan and host events, only for maybe one person to show up. And don’t even get me started on the times when no one showed up at all. It was discouraging. The people I thought would be there, my family, weren’t always the first to support me. I thought they’d be my biggest cheerleaders, but in reality, they were often the last to get involved. And that’s okay. It’s hard, but it’s part of the process.
The Reality of Being the “Helper” and Feeling Alone
As someone who is building something to give back to the community, you might find yourself in a place where you feel like you’re giving and giving, but not receiving much in return. It can feel isolating. You give your heart, time, and energy, yet it seems like people don’t understand the depth of your mission or the effort you’re putting into it.
You’re trying to raise funds, awareness, and support, and you’re getting nothing in return—at least nothing that feels tangible. But the truth is, as a nonprofit founder, you’re often going to be in a position where you feel like you’re walking this road alone. And that’s okay.
You cannot rely on family or close friends to be your supporters, especially in the beginning. Family may not always be the first to show up or get involved in your mission, but that doesn’t mean they won’t eventually. And honestly, you can’t wait around for them to come around. You need to focus on the people who are showing up—those who are eager to support your cause.
Stay Consistent, No Matter What
Even if only one person shows up at your event, remember that one is still better than none. That one person could be the start of something bigger. They could become your biggest supporter, your next donor, or someone who brings in others who believe in your mission.
Here’s the thing: Persistence is everything. Even when it feels like you’re not getting the support you need, stay consistent. Keep hosting events, sharing your story, and telling the world about your mission. It might feel like you’re speaking to an empty room, but trust me, people are watching. Your consistency will pay off over time.
Don’t let a small turnout or a quiet start stop you. It’s easy to get discouraged, but remember: the key to success is persistence. Keep going. Keep showing up. Even when you feel like no one else is. Sometimes, the universe just needs to see if you’ll keep pushing before it starts bringing in the right people.
Free vs. Ticketed Events for Fundraising
One of the hardest things for many nonprofit founders is figuring out how to raise money. Should you host a free event or a ticketed one? Let me break it down:
Free Events: Free events are great for awareness. They can bring in people who might be hesitant to pay for a ticket upfront. This is especially helpful if you’re just starting out and trying to build your reputation. Free events are about getting people in the door, getting them familiar with your mission, and allowing them to connect with your cause. The goal of free events is to grow your network and make a lasting impression.
Ticketed Events: As your organization grows, ticketed events become an essential part of your fundraising efforts. Ticketed events give you a chance to raise money while providing an experience. Think of them as your signature fundraising event—an opportunity to generate revenue while engaging your community. The important thing is to make the ticket price reflective of the experience you’re offering. Whether it’s a gala, a 5K, or a benefit concert, the key is to create something that’s memorable and meaningful for your supporters.
Tips for Planning Successful Events
No matter the size of your nonprofit, events are a powerful way to raise funds and awareness. Here are a few tips to help you plan successful events:
Start Small, Build Up: If you’re just starting out, don’t expect to pull off a huge event right away. Start small, with something manageable that won’t burn you out. Maybe it’s a local meet-and-greet, a community walk, or a fundraising dinner. Once you’ve done a few small events, you’ll have the experience and confidence to scale up and plan bigger events.
Create Signature Events: Make sure your nonprofit has at least one signature event each year that serves as a key fundraiser. This could be something like an annual gala, a 5K, or even a virtual auction. Having this signature event gives people something to look forward to every year. It helps build excitement around your nonprofit, and over time, it will become a highly anticipated occasion in your community.
Mission-Aligned Events: Don’t just focus on fundraising. Remember that awareness is just as important. Host events that are directly aligned with your mission. For example, if you support childhood cancer families, host events like a “Go Gold” campaign picnic, or a community event where you can educate people on childhood cancer awareness. These types of events aren’t just about raising funds—they’re about connecting with your community and spreading the word about what you do.
Be Creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your event ideas. You don’t have to follow the traditional route. Host a pop-up event, a virtual fundraiser, or a themed event that brings in a crowd. The more unique and engaging your events are, the more likely you are to get people excited and involved.
Network and Tell Your Story: Remember, you can’t do this alone. Networking is key. Meet new people, tell your story, and share why your cause matters. Building relationships with other community organizations, businesses, and influencers can open doors and help you gain the exposure you need. The more people who know about your mission, the more opportunities will come your way.
Conclusion: Keep Going, Keep Growing
Building a nonprofit isn’t easy. You’re going to face ups and downs, and it will feel like you’re doing it alone at times. But remember: persistence is the secret. Even when things don’t go as planned, stay focused and keep pushing forward. You never know when your next big opportunity is just around the corner.
So, what’s next for you? Start small, stay consistent, and remember to get creative with your events. Keep networking and telling your story. Whether one person or a hundred show up, the key is to keep going. You got this.