Thinking of Launching a New Nonprofit? Maybe You Should Think Twice
by Joel Greenbaum
From time to time, we get calls at Executive Service Corps- Florida asking for help starting a nonprofit. The caller is passionate about addressing a problem in the community and wants to start a nonprofit. Out of curiosity (and I must confess, in an attempt to dissuade them), I always ask if they’ve researched whether there are nonprofits already addressing that particular need or related issues. I suggest they consider offering their support to them instead of reinventing the wheel by starting their nonprofit. While well-intended, their passion usually overrides the reality that there are thousands upon thousands of nonprofits providing essential services here in the US and abroad (outside the US, they’re often referred to as NGOs or Non-Governmental Organizations). Here are a few facts to reconsider:
Overcrowded Field: There are already over 1.5 million nonprofits in the US alone, all vying for attention, resources, and funding. Starting another one adds more competition in an already saturated space. Competition is not necessarily bad, but funders are more interested in collaboration. Looking at the numbers here in Florida, for example, Broward County has nearly 9,000 NPOs, Miami-Dade has over 10,000, and the Orlando area has over 14,000. Even if only 5-10% of those registered nonprofits were operating and providing services, that’s still a lot of nonprofits!
Limited Resources: While I tend to view the glass as half full as opposed to half empty, the reality is that grants, donations, and government funding aren’t infinite. The more organizations competing for these resources, the harder it becomes for any single nonprofit to thrive- and that can potentially lead to fewer funds reaching the communities in need.
Duplication of Efforts: Here’s the big one! Instead of creating a new nonprofit, consider collaborating with or supporting an existing organization. Many nonprofits are already tackling the causes you’re passionate about, and your time, energy, and resources could make a bigger impact when pooled together.
Impact, Not Ego: Do you want to solve a problem, or is your ego influencing your decision? If your goal is truly to make a difference, joining forces with an existing nonprofit may help create more lasting change than starting from scratch.
I suggest focusing on collaboration, not competition. Before starting a new nonprofit, take a hard look at maximizing your impact by working within the existing landscape. And, of course, if you’ve identified a need in the community that isn’t being met and done your due diligence and research, then go ahead- start your nonprofit!
