The trials and tribulations of starting a non-profit as a student

Students initiating social media campaigns to raise funds for a cause are not rare occurrences, neither is it a new concept. Looking at the sheer number of new non-profits, it is only normal to develop conflicted feelings. It is widely believed that students have different motives while establishing or joining a non-profit, from being passionate about the cause to participating just to polish their resume.

Despite the rising popularity of such organisations, there are several difficulties students have to face while trying to make a space for their non-profit in this cluttered field.

Finding the right team

Choosing team members is a crucial part of this process, as the people you work with will help shape the future of your organisation. A team with expertise in networking, advertising, graphic designing, and event management can go a long way. It is also important to ensure that your team members believe in the cause and are willing to put their best effort towards it.

At this stage, don't be disheartened by not being able to find a place for an acquaintance in your organisation, or having your idea being dismissed by someone you want to recruit, as you will eventually be able to find equally passionate individuals.

Building your reputation

Another hurdle is building a reliable image for the organisation. Convincing everyone that you are serious about this when so many organisations die out after just one campaign can be tough.

Building a reliable online presence is crucial in this stage, so be prepared to give detailed and accurate answers to queries regarding your non-profit. People will only contribute to a trustworthy organisation, so be sure to maintain professionalism during online interactions.

It is also important to let your donors know that they have indeed helped someone through your organisation, be it by informing the contributors individually or sharing your work through social media. However, the latter should be done while keeping in mind that the people you may be helping also have the right to guard their privacy. Asking for permission and respecting their decisions will go a long way in this case.

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Raising funds

The real test in this journey is appealing to people so that they donate to your cause and participate in your events. Failure to make the audience resonate with the cause at hand and looking for donations in the wrong places are common mistakes that most non-profits end up making.

Properly knowing the cause you're championing, presenting your case with statistical data, and detailing the ways the funds will be utilised can make all the difference.

A good way to familiarise people with your organisation is through organising events in societies or educational institutions. Activities such as raffle draws, carnivals, and charity fairs can raise funds while also spreading the word about your work.

Moreover, non-profits can approach companies who usually have a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) budget.

Student-run non-profits usually start as passion projects helmed by teenagers, but that doesn't mean they can't transform into something commendable. With the right amount of support, these organisations can sustain themselves and bring positive changes in our society.

Jaiyana is looking for ways to stop procrastinating and survive A Levels. Send her suggestions at jaiyanachy@gmail.com