Do you want to affect the lives of people or animals positively? Then, a non-profit business is the best way to go; it’s a rewarding career that enables you to give back to the community. It only needs you to follow your passion and, together with your business acumen, add value to the community. Notably, starting a non-profit business is similar to beginning any other company. In that, you need a clear objective, a business plan to present to donors, and a niche. However, the goals differ in that any other business entity focuses on making profits. On the contrary, a non-profit organization focuses on making the community a better place rather than focusing on itself. In addition, they have a hierarchy regarding governance from the executive director, president, board members, and other employees.
What Makes a Non-profit Business Idea Suitable?
Foremost, there should be an existing need for your organization to be formed. Also, to attract volunteers and donors, there should be a visible cause to attract support. In addition, since you need a board of directors, you need to have people in mind to request to be the board of governors. Finally, be passionate about the idea; this will help you win donors during pitches. When it comes to non-profit business ideas, there are many available options. You need to ensure you follow what you are passionate about. Here is a list of non-profit business ideas for someone wanting to work in charity.
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11 Non-Profit Business Ideas with Great Impact
1) Mental Health Resources
There is a constant need to increase mental health awareness to minimize the stigma around mental illness. Research shows that an estimated 24% of adults with mental illness are not receiving treatment. Often, this is due to misconceptions about mental health, and people suffer in silence and go untreated. Your non-profit organization can aid in improving access to care for people experiencing mental illness. In addition, you can also advocate for mental health care by increasing awareness about the disease. Remember, knowledge is power. It can either build or destroy; in this case, it will be understanding mental health care, which can be a life changer for many people. Also, educate people to reduce the stigma associated with mental health wellness. You could also focus on raising money to help people suffering from mental health get treatment. Another cause of mental health is high stress; your organization can help others deal with stress. Notably, by minimizing stress levels, you will be directly helping to reduce the high rate of mental health illness.
2. Disabled People
Unfortunately, people with disabilities go through a tough time, especially when they have to work with people who look down upon them. At some workplaces, people with disabilities don’t enjoy the benefits offered to others. Others face hardships; hence, if you are moved towards helping these people, start a non-profit organization to defend their rights. Also, you need to empower them with skills and knowledge to aid them in positively contributing to society.
3. Eldercare
As people age, some might not have the best care, especially if they don’t have family members advocating for them. People aged 65+ years are about 17%, and the number is expected to rise. In this case, you can start an organization that could benefit the community. Consider having volunteers to take care of older people and take them to their appointments. You could also opt to have an organization that raises funds to provide quality care to the elders.
4) Healthcare Advocacy
Proper healthcare is crucial for every human being. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford medical care in some regions or countries, especially developing countries. Hence, you can start an organization to advocate for more healthcare facilities in areas that lack them. It would help if you began by conducting thorough research to identify a region and understand its laws and regulations. If you have experience in this industry, starting an organization to help improve the healthcare for needy communities would be great. The aim would be to enhance people’s care level and minimize healthcare shortages.
Also, you could opt to start an organization that campaigns against unwanted medical practices like self-diagnosis, drug abuse, or self-medication. The aim will be to educate people on better methods to improve their health.
5) Tree Planting & Preservation
It is among the most fantastic ideas; our mother Earth has gone through a lot of environmental changes due to deforestation and industrialization. A lot of damage has occurred due to various activities like industrialization. Hence, it is crucial to increase global awareness to promote the need for green living. Through encouraging tree planting and discouraging deforestation, your organization will help improve the environment. In addition, you will protect the environment from harsh effects such as climate change or natural disasters. Your organization can also focus on the green living campaign and create national awareness.
6) Educating the Poor
Education is a crucial aspect of a person’s life. It is great to be empowered. However, only some parents or guardians can afford the costs. Some families already find it difficult to feed themselves, let alone get a quality education.
Hence, to ensure that such children in those families are not denied education, having a non-profit that sponsors their education is an ideal venture. Or you can raise funds to build a school that offers free learning. Empowering such individuals is similar to impacting a whole generation.
7) Homeless Shelters
Due to some circumstances, some people have become homeless. They live on the streets without food, shelter, and clothing. You can start an organization that works with other NGOs that work towards helping homeless people. Or you can create your own homeless shelter. However, you will need permits and a shelter home license. You can also decide to raise money for the existing covers and provide homeless people with resources if you cannot start your shelter.
8) Food Banks
Unfortunately, not every person can afford a proper meal in a day. Some people survive based on other people’s leftovers or go hungry due to a lack of finances to fund their food. Hence, you can start an organization that focuses on donating food to the poor and underprivileged people in the community. The funds acquired can be used to purchase foodstuffs, cook, and offer meals. In addition, you can aim to have a storage place to store food and a transportation car or truck to deliver food to underprivileged communities.
9) Rehabilitation Centres
No one chooses to live with a person with an addiction; luckily, some people can afford rehabilitation centres. While others suffer the emotional damage brought by living with a person with an addiction. You can start a non-profit organization to provide rehabilitation and treatment for drug addicts. The main aim would be to take care of the people who have a substance use disorder free of charge or at an affordable price. By doing this, you help them recover and also help their family members or friends have peace, knowing that their person is free from addiction. However, to open a successful NGO concerned with drug addicts, you will need the following:
- Counsellors to provide programs for patients suffering from addiction
- Forming support groups where addicted people can share their experiences
- Creating awareness programs that show the importance of rehabilitation centres in the community
10) Teen Mentoring Programs
Teen organizations help a lot in building young ones with skills. The program can focus on building business ideas or offer mentorship programs; there is a lot that the teens need to be mentored on. Also, you should provide financial assistance to the students who deserve it.
11) Modernized Farming Organization
Most people live in urban areas, and with little to no knowledge of urban farming, they spend a lot on groceries. You can start a non-profit organization that supports the farming of vegetables and fruits at home for people in urban areas. The main objective would be to educate people on how to start kitchen gardens, maintain healthy organic gardens, and offer assistance where necessary. Some of the services you can offer include:
- Provide supplies to people who want to start their organization
- Distributing organic produce to underprivileged families in the area
- Training and supporting community farming organizations
Conclusion
Non-profit organizations, also known as NGOs, are in the business of helping others but not making money. Other organizations or individuals fund them. Writing a business plan immediately after you identify the area you want to focus on is crucial. Remember that an NGO is driven by purpose and passion; if your drive is making money, you will fail in your cause. Do thorough research on the region you want to start with or the target group you want to help. Notably, this will help you know the nitty-gritty and identify the exact service you will begin to offer. An NGO is a fulfilling venture; helping people is rewarding in many ways. Go for it!
