Nonprofit Business Ideas

A nonprofit can be started at a kitchen table.

People go into business for all sorts of reasons -- to challenge themselves, to make money, to secure the future for their children and, some, to save the world. If you are in the latter group, starting a nonprofit business or organization may be the way to go. Nonprofit organizations usually have a specific goal in mind, whether that is to feed the hungry, save the local arts scene or supply libraries with books.

Preparation

Be prepared for the paperwork involved.

Start by assessing your own talents and interests. Decide what attracts you and excites your interest. Because the rewards of a nonprofit business are often less than tangible, it is important to have a passion for what you are doing. Federal and state requirements are also different for nonprofit businesses and for-profit businesses. Make sure you study how to set up a nonprofit properly for whichever idea you settle on.

Locally

Even the best run communities often have needs.

One of the best ways to figure out nonprofit business ideas is to look around your own community. See what is there, and then look at what needs are not being filled. If any of these needs complement your own interests and passions, you may have your business answer. Some things to look into are after-school programs for kids, book donations to the library, community arts centers, food drives or urban vegetable gardens. These are just a few of the ideas you might find within your own community.

Nationwide

Getting food to those who need it is important.

Look for opportunities to operate nationwide, if your interests lie in that direction. Even if someone else had the same idea you have, don't let that discourage you. You may have a better solution to the problem, or perhaps a way of connecting scattered organizations doing the same thing. Consult with a nonprofit business adviser about the laws and whether your particular nonprofit needs to be registered in each state.

International

Some children lack the funds to attend school.

Look at the international nonprofits and what they are doing for ideas. You may not want to do the same thing but perhaps something related. If you are interested in increasing access to education for underserved children, it may not be possible to build schools everywhere. However, there might be room for an organization that sends books to existing schools or collects funds to pay for schooling for children. If you have farming skills, your familiarity with growing food in various soil conditions could turn into a nonprofit that helps farmers in areas with similar conditions. If you have a passion, a dream, start with that and build your nonprofit around it.

References

• .Org: Non-Profit Business Ideas

Resources

• CharityNetUSA: Start a Non Profit, Foundation or Charity
• Ashoka -- Innovators for the Public