College is a time of self-reflection, self-discovery, and for some, self-indulgence. However, what happens when graduates enter the real world in search of their special purpose? Are they being encouraged to pick up the torch and become agents of change? Today’s graduating class may be tomorrow’s CEOs, but with nearly 50% of nonprofits failing in their first year, the class of 2022 has serious challenges to overcome.

Nonprofits, foundations, and charities are essential organizations that raise money for specific causes. From animal rights to military veterans programs to women’s health, Gen Z and Millennials channel their passions into these services in hopes of helping underserved communities and marginalized individuals. Constant Contact cites that some of the more popular nonprofit ideas attracting young founders and aspiring CEOs are community gardens, upcycled fashion retailers, animal rights, and healthcare advocacy groups. With a precarious job market and threats of a recession looming, the prospect of establishing something autonomous instead of joining an active organization where they will have less seniority is appealing to college graduates. However, many current and former students are ill-equipped to handle the real-world challenges of starting a nonprofit – especially when navigating the financial aspects of their career choice. 

According to Concord Leadership Group: “CEOs are coming to nonprofit positions without all the experiences needed to successfully run their organization. They’re especially caught off guard by the need to fundraise.”

Companies like Donor Services Group take the frustration out of raising money by employing call center workers to renew sustaining donations or engage with prospective donors new to the process of giving. This is ideal for organizations with established donor lists and expansive databases. For fledgling outfits, this type of solution isn’t always financially feasible in the early years of operation. There’s also much to be said for grassroots efforts and organizations learning to do the legwork in their infancy.

So how can recent graduates become the change they wish to see in this world? The answer is easy: Get out there and do it. Running a nonprofit requires a cause, a big heart, an intrepid spirit, and business acumen. Internships are fantastic at providing an inside glimpse into a particular cause and can even lead to full-time employment. An expanse of information on forming and growing an organization is also prevalent on the internet.

Farm Sanctuary is a prime example of a nonprofit that began as a benchmark for veganism, animal rights, and ending animal agriculture. Yet, through the organization’s mindfulness, a much larger picture revealed the need to advocate on behalf of migrant workers, communities of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. These are the very same people who were early adopters of vegan lifestyles or are essential workers, exploited laborers, animal caretakers, and advocates in the fight for animal rights who get excluded from high-profile conversations about these subjects. Here’s hoping tomorrow’s CEOs find their purpose, examine the big picture of how they can improve their cause and its ancillary issues, and lead their nonprofits into greatness.

Source: Concord Leadership Group, Constant Contact