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Jiya
Student
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I start a non-profit or community project?
I am a high school student. I want to create a non-profit or a community project where I help people who don’t have access to proper healthcare. How would I start it? Should I crate a social media page where I document my project? I’ve tried to search it up but it only suggests that I should raise money but I want to do something more than just raise money. Additionally, I would also like it create a branch that would all me to help people suffering from a heart condition because I would like to be a cardiologist in the future and it is the number one cause of death.
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8 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2649
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Jiya !
Your plans sound very admirable and beneficial and even though you cannot start this now as a high school student, there is definitely a path for you to take for doing health services in the future. Right now while you are a high school student, and I assume in the U.S., focus on your studies and volunteer work at this time.
In order to be a medical or health care provider, and have it in a non-profit arena, you will have to have the qualifying credentials and education that will give you credibility and allow you to apply for federal and state grants to help fund your organization or clinic. It's a very expensive venture, but if you give it time, take the necessary steps, are patient and tenacious, you can do it.
You will have to obtain a Masters Degree in something such as Public Health Administration and get paid experience before you start. Something you can do while still in high school is volunteer work at a hospital or The American Heart Association or your local Department of Health. If you do this, you will become well informed about this field of work, be around professionals and learn a lot of information. You can participate in Health Fairs and informative services to the community, whether it is or is not connected to cardiac issues. This would be the best first step for you that you can do now.
In college, depending on which college you attend, pick the major that would prepare you for public health administration. You'll also need courses in Non Profit Management and Grant Writing. This will prepare you for both opening your own non-profit as well as being employed by a medical facility. Read about heart health from books, websites and watch videos as there are numerous cardiac issues that you will need to be very aware of and understand if you do a focused service on cardiac.
Yes, it will take a lot of money to open a medical service and you'll have to learn about funding procedures which you can explore in college. You would have to rent or buy an office, hire medical doctors and support staff, have knowledge of low income patient medical insurance, and purchase equipment, devices, tools, furnishings and machines. You would also need to learn how to hire someone to do your tax statements.
You will be expected to have a Masters Degree and once you obtain that, you would apply for career jobs at medical facilities and work in that position for a few years or more. You will want to go into your own service with a solid background because funders and the community always want to know the person's background and be assured the person is qualified. You can obtain work as an administrator in a hospital or at a social service community agency as a Program Director before opening your own service. Get as much medical training as you can because you're going to need to know how to interview medical doctors and nurses when you hire them for your office.
No, having a social media page for this, especially now when you haven't started your qualifying credentials or degrees, will not be of any help to you or the community and may pose issues. Do not put anything on social media for this venture. It is not done this way.
I hope this gives some initial insight that can guide you on a good start while still in high school ! I wish you all the best !
Your plans sound very admirable and beneficial and even though you cannot start this now as a high school student, there is definitely a path for you to take for doing health services in the future. Right now while you are a high school student, and I assume in the U.S., focus on your studies and volunteer work at this time.
In order to be a medical or health care provider, and have it in a non-profit arena, you will have to have the qualifying credentials and education that will give you credibility and allow you to apply for federal and state grants to help fund your organization or clinic. It's a very expensive venture, but if you give it time, take the necessary steps, are patient and tenacious, you can do it.
You will have to obtain a Masters Degree in something such as Public Health Administration and get paid experience before you start. Something you can do while still in high school is volunteer work at a hospital or The American Heart Association or your local Department of Health. If you do this, you will become well informed about this field of work, be around professionals and learn a lot of information. You can participate in Health Fairs and informative services to the community, whether it is or is not connected to cardiac issues. This would be the best first step for you that you can do now.
In college, depending on which college you attend, pick the major that would prepare you for public health administration. You'll also need courses in Non Profit Management and Grant Writing. This will prepare you for both opening your own non-profit as well as being employed by a medical facility. Read about heart health from books, websites and watch videos as there are numerous cardiac issues that you will need to be very aware of and understand if you do a focused service on cardiac.
Yes, it will take a lot of money to open a medical service and you'll have to learn about funding procedures which you can explore in college. You would have to rent or buy an office, hire medical doctors and support staff, have knowledge of low income patient medical insurance, and purchase equipment, devices, tools, furnishings and machines. You would also need to learn how to hire someone to do your tax statements.
You will be expected to have a Masters Degree and once you obtain that, you would apply for career jobs at medical facilities and work in that position for a few years or more. You will want to go into your own service with a solid background because funders and the community always want to know the person's background and be assured the person is qualified. You can obtain work as an administrator in a hospital or at a social service community agency as a Program Director before opening your own service. Get as much medical training as you can because you're going to need to know how to interview medical doctors and nurses when you hire them for your office.
No, having a social media page for this, especially now when you haven't started your qualifying credentials or degrees, will not be of any help to you or the community and may pose issues. Do not put anything on social media for this venture. It is not done this way.
I hope this gives some initial insight that can guide you on a good start while still in high school ! I wish you all the best !
Martha Kramer
Corporate Training, Communications
458
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Martha’s Answer
Hi Jiya - what a terrific ambition!
The first step (see also first link below) is to see what non-profits already exist and see what gaps you could fill. Are they not reaching a certain geographic area or certain population? Is a certain type of heart condition not being addressed sufficiently? You don't want to waste time setting up something that already exists (see second link below).
Once you have found your niche, study other non-profits to see how they express their mission and goals, how they are structured, what their website looks like, how they use social media, how they are financed, etc. Begin to write a plan for how you will address these for your non-profit. Writing down is important because it will force you to think through each of these areas and identify gaps. Getting inputs from others in the field will help improve your plan and build support. With a vetted plan, you can start recruiting volunteers (if needed), raising money, and providing service. Once you know you have a viable project, you can seek legal status as a non-profit.
As the same time - or even before - I encourage you to get experience in a non-profit. It could be in healthcare, but doesn't have to be. It will help you understand what resources nonprofits have, what expenses they have, how to recruit and manage volunteers, what requirements they face, etc. This will help you set up your project and give you credibility when representing it.
Good luck!
National Council of Nonprofits - https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/how-start-nonprofit
NGOs in Healthcare - https://ngobase.org/cwa/US/HLT/health-ngos-charities-united-states
The first step (see also first link below) is to see what non-profits already exist and see what gaps you could fill. Are they not reaching a certain geographic area or certain population? Is a certain type of heart condition not being addressed sufficiently? You don't want to waste time setting up something that already exists (see second link below).
Once you have found your niche, study other non-profits to see how they express their mission and goals, how they are structured, what their website looks like, how they use social media, how they are financed, etc. Begin to write a plan for how you will address these for your non-profit. Writing down is important because it will force you to think through each of these areas and identify gaps. Getting inputs from others in the field will help improve your plan and build support. With a vetted plan, you can start recruiting volunteers (if needed), raising money, and providing service. Once you know you have a viable project, you can seek legal status as a non-profit.
As the same time - or even before - I encourage you to get experience in a non-profit. It could be in healthcare, but doesn't have to be. It will help you understand what resources nonprofits have, what expenses they have, how to recruit and manage volunteers, what requirements they face, etc. This will help you set up your project and give you credibility when representing it.
Good luck!
Martha recommends the following next steps:
I will use this advice as I prepare for my career.
Jiya
You're welcome!
Martha Kramer
Kimberly Valenta, MD
Medical Writer
7
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Kimberly’s Answer
Hi Jiya!
I'm so glad to see you're already thinking about this, and there are lots of ways to go about it!
First, I would look to volunteer with a non-profit organization in this space. Look for one where you'll have the opportunity to work with their full-time staff, so you can learn from them. I volunteer with the United Way and one of their pillars is health. Not only do they work directly with local nonprofits who try to improve the health of the local population, but they also offer incubator and accelerator programs to mentor the next generation of non-profit leaders, like you!
One of the promising aspects about heart disease is that a lot can be done to prevent it, but often people are unaware of how to make these necessary lifestyle changes. Learning about a heart-healthy lifestyle is something you can do now, and then you can start to educate others. The American Heart Association offers lots of great information to get you started: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle. You could use social media to educate others. One need is culturally sensitive advice, for example, healthy meals that are appealing to different cultures within the US. Sometimes focusing on a particular group can help you narrow your focus and become a real expert in this space.
Best of luck to you! You've got this!
Learn about a heart healthy lifestyle: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle
Define your audience (who do you want to help specifically?)
Research their unique challenges in achieving a heart healthy lifestyle
Share your advice on social media
Volunteer with a health organization, like the United Way or the American Heart Association, to learn more about community needs and how to start your own non-profit
I'm so glad to see you're already thinking about this, and there are lots of ways to go about it!
First, I would look to volunteer with a non-profit organization in this space. Look for one where you'll have the opportunity to work with their full-time staff, so you can learn from them. I volunteer with the United Way and one of their pillars is health. Not only do they work directly with local nonprofits who try to improve the health of the local population, but they also offer incubator and accelerator programs to mentor the next generation of non-profit leaders, like you!
One of the promising aspects about heart disease is that a lot can be done to prevent it, but often people are unaware of how to make these necessary lifestyle changes. Learning about a heart-healthy lifestyle is something you can do now, and then you can start to educate others. The American Heart Association offers lots of great information to get you started: https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-lifestyle. You could use social media to educate others. One need is culturally sensitive advice, for example, healthy meals that are appealing to different cultures within the US. Sometimes focusing on a particular group can help you narrow your focus and become a real expert in this space.
Best of luck to you! You've got this!
Kimberly recommends the following next steps:
Thank you, Kimberly for the advice.
Jiya
John Curtis
Marketing Manager
3
Answers
Rochester, New York
Updated
John’s Answer
Consider connecting with a local or national social service organization. Volunteering or shadowing there can offer valuable insights. You'll see what needs they are already meeting and discover how you can contribute fresh ideas or solutions. Starting from scratch can be tough, but gaining experience and understanding what people need (or "Voice of the Customer) can help you create plans to fill any gaps.
Explore social services in the healthcare arena
Shadow a social worker or healthcare provider working in the cardiac/health arena
Find meetings or activities where you can hear from actual clients needing these services
Find a mentor to "test your ideas/recommendations"
John recommends the following next steps:
Thank you so much, John!
Jiya
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2135
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. Much appreciate your passion and commitment.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the NGO that offering medical assistance to vulnerable groups
2. Approach team and discuss with them what is required that can help
3. Analyze the requirements and prepare a proposal with the NGOs
4. Present the proposal with the NGOs
5. If NGOs are interested on it, they may offer funding or you can explore any subsidy would be available from government social welfare department, crowd funding online, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the NGO that offering medical assistance to vulnerable groups
2. Approach team and discuss with them what is required that can help
3. Analyze the requirements and prepare a proposal with the NGOs
4. Present the proposal with the NGOs
5. If NGOs are interested on it, they may offer funding or you can explore any subsidy would be available from government social welfare department, crowd funding online, etc.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Thank you, Rebecca for the advice.
Jiya
Martyn Williams
Application Sales Enablement Manager
4
Answers
Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom
Updated
Martyn’s Answer
Work with a mentor, (family member who has business successes of their own). Run through your idea and the more you discuss with trusted members that have your interest in mind, the more hints and tips you will discover.
Thank you for the advice.
Jiya
Mst. Nusrat Jahan
Graphic Designer
1
Answer
Dhaka, Dhaka Division, Bangladesh
Updated
Mst. Nusrat’s Answer
Starting a healthcare community project as a student is a great idea! Here's a simple plan to get you started:
1. Set your goal: Decide what you want to focus on, like health education or raising heart health awareness.
2. Begin small: Arrange local health talks or team up with clinics to help people in your area.
3. Use social media: Make a page to show your work, spread the word, and connect with volunteers and experts.
4. Build partnerships: Contact doctors, nurses, and NGOs for support and guidance.
5. Grow later: When you're ready, learn how to register a non-profit and find ways to raise funds or gather supplies.
For your heart health focus, share useful information and connect with cardiologists for guidance.
1. Set your goal: Decide what you want to focus on, like health education or raising heart health awareness.
2. Begin small: Arrange local health talks or team up with clinics to help people in your area.
3. Use social media: Make a page to show your work, spread the word, and connect with volunteers and experts.
4. Build partnerships: Contact doctors, nurses, and NGOs for support and guidance.
5. Grow later: When you're ready, learn how to register a non-profit and find ways to raise funds or gather supplies.
For your heart health focus, share useful information and connect with cardiologists for guidance.
Thank you so much, Mst. Nusrat!
Jiya
Christina Davis
2
Answers
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Starting a nonprofit is a powerful goal—but don’t go it alone. You’ll need a strong board, a circle of supporters, and clear outreach plans. Think of it like starting a business:
Start with your EIN and legal structure, then apply for 501(c)(3) status before accepting donations. Until then, you can ask for support or sponsorships—just be transparent about where the money is going.
Showcase your mission through community projects before you seek major funding.
Reach out to local banks, hospitals, and businesses—many already have funds set aside for nonprofits.
Many free clinics and outreach orgs even begin inside churches or partner spaces—use what’s available while you grow.
The key: build trust, be organized, and stay transparent. That’s how you grow sustainable support for a cause that truly matters.
Start with your EIN and legal structure, then apply for 501(c)(3) status before accepting donations. Until then, you can ask for support or sponsorships—just be transparent about where the money is going.
Showcase your mission through community projects before you seek major funding.
Reach out to local banks, hospitals, and businesses—many already have funds set aside for nonprofits.
Many free clinics and outreach orgs even begin inside churches or partner spaces—use what’s available while you grow.
The key: build trust, be organized, and stay transparent. That’s how you grow sustainable support for a cause that truly matters.
I appreciate you taking the time to answer this.
Jiya
Work with a mentor, (family member who has business successes of their own). Run through your idea and the more you discuss with trusted members that have your interest in mind, the more hints and tips you will discover.
Martyn Williams