🕯️ Spooky Truth #1: The Curse of the Wrong Focus
One of the biggest mistakes I see new nonprofit founders make is starting with the wrong focus -- the idea, instead of the need. It usually sounds like:
“What’s a good nonprofit idea?” or “Which causes get the most funding?”
Here’s the chilling truth — if you start your organization based on what you think will work or what seems popular, your mission might end up cursed from the start.
When I first started my nonprofit, I thought passion and a clever idea would be enough. But passion without direction can make your fundraising goals vanish like a ghost. 👻
The antidote? Start with the need, which starts with listening. Talk to people who are closest to the problem you want to solve.
Tackling homelessness? Talk to people living it.
Tackling education access? Don’t skip out on discussing challenges with students, families, and teachers.
You get the idea!
Ask what they actually need, what solutions already exist, and where the real gaps are. Build your mission around that.
That’s how you create something that truly serves your community and something donors and supporters actually want to fund.
🕯️Spooky Truth #2: The Phantom Grant Myth
Every new nonprofit founder has heard the legend: “Just get a grant, and you’ll be set!”
But here’s the eerie truth — grants aren’t as easy (or as common) as they seem. Many nonprofits apply for dozens and only win a handful. Some success rates are even less than 1%. 🎃
When I first learned that, I couldn’t believe it. Grants sounded like “free money,” but in reality, they’re often limited, competitive, and require proof that your organization already has strong systems and impact in place.
So what do you do instead?
Think about fundraising fit. Every organization’s best funding source is different. For some, it’s individual donors or sponsorships; for others, it’s earned income or small monthly gifts.
The key is to build a mix that fits your mission and your team’s strengths. If your program has strong community support, focus on individual giving. If you work with businesses, maybe sponsorships or partnerships make sense.
When you do go after grants, make sure they’re the right match and not just a mirage that disappears once you start the application process.
🕯️Spooky Truth #3: The Burnout Monster
This one’s less “boo!” and more boo-hoo. Burnout is real, and it’s haunting nonprofit leaders everywhere.
I’ve been there. Especially in my early years leading a nonprofit. I pushed too hard, said yes to everything, and believed rest was something I’d “earn later.” Spoiler: that approach didn’t end well.
The truth is, you can’t pour from an empty cauldron. 🧙♀️
Protect yourself and your team early by building rest and recovery into your systems — not as a reward, but as a requirement. That might look like taking regular breaks, mental health days, or even simple “no meeting” weeks after big events.
The real magic of nonprofit work happens when you and your team can show up energized, creative, and grounded…not running on fumes.
🎥 Want all 9 Brutal Truths?
These three are just the beginning. If you want to uncover all nine spooky (but true) realities of starting a nonprofit and how to face them with confidence, check out my full YouTube video: 9 Brutal Truths About Starting a Nonprofit in 15 Minutes
You’ll walk away with practical tips and mindset shifts that can help your organization not just survive…but thrive.
Coming soon ✨
If fundraising feels a little spooooky to you, have no fear: My Zero to $100K Toolkit is almost here! It’s my complete system to help you plan and launch a successful fundraising campaign from the ground up. You can click here to be automatically added to the waitlist to get the alert when it goes live.
Try it this week 🦇
Nonprofit work can be full of surprises, but a little preparation keeps the monsters at bay.
- Refocus: Talk to one person your nonprofit serves (or hopes to serve) this week and ask what they really need.
- Rethink funding: Review your current fundraising efforts and identify one new method that fits your mission better than chasing grants.
- Recharge: Block one hour this week for rest or reflection — no email, no meetings, just space to breathe.
Small steps like these can help your mission feel a little less spooky and a lot more sustainable.
Hit reply: What’s the spookiest surprise you’ve faced while starting or running your nonprofit? Tell me! I love hearing your stories.
