Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should.
Author: Anne de Irala
It’s a phrase I’ve said to myself in times of sudden inspiration- when I’m convinced bangs are the answer, or when my cursor hovers timidly over “reply all.” That simple statement has likely prevented months of awkward grow-out, and eyerolls from those email recipients.
The same statement matters even more when the decision carries higher stakes—like deciding to start a nonprofit.
Sure, you absolutely can Start a Nonprofit. And we’re here to help you, we teach and offer a Starting a Michigan Nonprofit course to walk you through the many steps. But before you start filing paperwork, here are some things to consider:
It’s Probably Already a Thing
With so many nonprofits already doing work in our communities, (over 55k in MI) duplicating a service isn’t necessarily meeting a new need, or helping the community. Often its stretching existing resources already thin for already established nonprofits.
Do some research, who is already serving the people you intend to reach? As an example, Charity Navigator displayed over 670 animal welfare groups in Michigan already. There are many ways you can bolster a nonprofit of your choice and their outcomes without duplicating resources. Volunteering, running a program, or serving on a board may be more beneficial to your intended clients than starting an additional organization from scratch.
It’s Not All the Fun Stuff
Working for a nonprofit is incredibly rewarding and can be fun; however, a thriving organization takes more work, energy, and time than most anticipate. Founders are often surprised at how much time they spend on fundraising, accounting, and IRS compliance rather than the ‘direct engagement’ work they love.
Not Every Nonprofit Succeeds
I’m not here to discourage you, but to help provide a reality check. Starting a new nonprofit is risky, with many nonprofits failing in the first few years.
Many are self-funded for years and face challenges maintaining engaged, skilled board members. If you aren’t yet clear how funding and board leadership will successfully support your mission, it is likely a sign that more preparation is needed or a different path may serve you and your community better.
Again: Just Because You Can, Doesn’t Mean You Should. Starting a nonprofit isn’t necessarily a bad idea—but it is a big one. And just like deciding on new bangs, it’s easy to confuse a moment of inspiration with long-term readiness. Pausing to ask "why" can save a lot of time, energy, and potential regret down the road.
So, when your “should” feels as certain as your “can,” you’ll know you’re ready. And when you are, Nonprofit Network is here to support you every step of the way.
Unless you decide on the bangs. For those, please call a professional stylist. ;)
If you are interested in the Starting a MI Nonprofit on-demand course it does also come with a coaching session when you are ready and an option for a discounted new grassroots membership that provides you with access to all the policies you'll need and free access to our online Foundations of Board Governance recorded workshop. If you have any questions please email info@nonprofnetwork.org and Anne or Tracey will get in touch with you.
