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How to start a non-profit as a highschool student?
What is the best, easiest, and quickest way to start a nonprofit, preferably a global one, as a high school student? What should my first steps be?
7 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am impressed on your commitment on making contribution to community.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the voluntary working opportunities to different NGOs. Different NGOs offers service to different community groups. You can explore what areas you have interest.
2. Understand the operation of the NGOs and establish people networks
3. Explore the project opportunities and prepare the proposal. Discuss with the NGOs management to obtain funding and implementation
4. After you familiarize the operating model and funding channels, you can explore to start your own NGO in small scale.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore the voluntary working opportunities to different NGOs. Different NGOs offers service to different community groups. You can explore what areas you have interest.
2. Understand the operation of the NGOs and establish people networks
3. Explore the project opportunities and prepare the proposal. Discuss with the NGOs management to obtain funding and implementation
4. After you familiarize the operating model and funding channels, you can explore to start your own NGO in small scale.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Arpan !
I'd like to provide some advice for you because I have worked for more than several non-profit agencies and organizations. I've worked closely with the Funders, Executive Director, Quality Control and Compliance Officers, did Statistics as well as Direct Services and was responsible to prepare for Program Audits.
As a high school student who is a teen, you would not be able to open a non-profit but you can do volunteer work at a non-profit to get a little bit of experience. There are a lot of things you'll need in order to open a non-profit, in general, but you didn't mention what the service is and that matters.
In order to open a non-profit agency or organization, you will need at least a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Administration. The Bachelors Degree would best be in Human Services or something connected to what your service would be. You would then need substantial paid employment working in an administrative capacity at a non-profit similar to the one you want to open. You would need strong community relations skills, know how to do statistics, know how to apply for Grants to fund your program, fund raising, a bank account, good credit score and a work plan for the service(s) you plan to do. You can learn all of this in undergraduate and post graduate college.
Once you have credibility, you will need to purchase or rent an office/building to hold your services in. You will need to know how to hire staff, write reports and give trainings and presentations in office and out in the community. So, you see, there is a lot to learn and much responsibility. You may not be able to do this while you are in High School, but you sure can take the steps for a future career in it.
While you're still in high school, take some business classes, psychology classes and hone your writing and communication skills which will need to be very strong. You can also start looking at colleges that have a Non-Profit Administration Program so you can decide which college to attend when you graduate. To find places to volunteer at, visit your local Department of Social Services and any nearby local community service places. Read up on non-profit and get more information from books, websites and videos.
So, before you can originate a non-profit, you will need a Masters Degree, credibility, lots of experience and operational funds to get it started.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
I'd like to provide some advice for you because I have worked for more than several non-profit agencies and organizations. I've worked closely with the Funders, Executive Director, Quality Control and Compliance Officers, did Statistics as well as Direct Services and was responsible to prepare for Program Audits.
As a high school student who is a teen, you would not be able to open a non-profit but you can do volunteer work at a non-profit to get a little bit of experience. There are a lot of things you'll need in order to open a non-profit, in general, but you didn't mention what the service is and that matters.
In order to open a non-profit agency or organization, you will need at least a Masters Degree in Nonprofit Administration. The Bachelors Degree would best be in Human Services or something connected to what your service would be. You would then need substantial paid employment working in an administrative capacity at a non-profit similar to the one you want to open. You would need strong community relations skills, know how to do statistics, know how to apply for Grants to fund your program, fund raising, a bank account, good credit score and a work plan for the service(s) you plan to do. You can learn all of this in undergraduate and post graduate college.
Once you have credibility, you will need to purchase or rent an office/building to hold your services in. You will need to know how to hire staff, write reports and give trainings and presentations in office and out in the community. So, you see, there is a lot to learn and much responsibility. You may not be able to do this while you are in High School, but you sure can take the steps for a future career in it.
While you're still in high school, take some business classes, psychology classes and hone your writing and communication skills which will need to be very strong. You can also start looking at colleges that have a Non-Profit Administration Program so you can decide which college to attend when you graduate. To find places to volunteer at, visit your local Department of Social Services and any nearby local community service places. Read up on non-profit and get more information from books, websites and videos.
So, before you can originate a non-profit, you will need a Masters Degree, credibility, lots of experience and operational funds to get it started.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Starting a nonprofit is a big undertaking, but that doesn't mean you can't be part of starting one. Suggest you try to connect with others who have started nonprofits to learn from them, and try to find others who are interested in your cause. Start small and go from there.
Wonderful want you want to do and I wish you all the best!
Wonderful want you want to do and I wish you all the best!
Updated
Prema’s Answer
Hi Arpan! I saw my daughter’s friends start non-profits at school, so I did some research and here is what I found. Starting a nonprofit as a high school student is totally possible — and many students do it to support causes they care about. But starting a real, legally recognized nonprofit (especially a global one) involves multiple steps, so it’s helpful to break it into “starter” steps vs. formal steps.
You can take 2 paths
• Unofficial “Nonprofit Project”: Launch your initiative as a project or club without legally registering yet
• Official 501(c)(3) Nonprofit (U.S.): File to become a tax-exempt nonprofit recognized by the IRS
I would recommend
• Build Your Foundation (First 1–2 Weeks)
1. Clarify your mission:
What do you want to do, and why? Is it mental health, education, environmental justice, etc.? Keep it simple: “We provide free tutoring to underserved students in STEM.”
2. Pick a name that reflects your cause.
Do a quick Google and domain name check to make sure it’s not taken.
3. Gather a small team (friends, mentors, teachers).
A nonprofit can’t be built solo. Even 2–3 others helps show legitimacy.
4. Start small — create a website + social media presence.
Use free tools:
o Website: Carrd.co, Wix, or Google Sites
o Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok depending on audience
• Test & Launch Your First Program/Event (First 1–2 Months)
• Run a small project: A webinar, local donation drive, or online campaign
• Track your impact: # of people helped, items donated, etc.
• Use this to build credibility and prove you’re serious
Decide If You Want to Become an Official 501(c)(3)
• Apply for grants
• Let donors write off their donations on taxes
• Scale and build long-term partnerships
...then you’ll need to officially register as a nonprofit.
Tip: Many student-run “nonprofits” never officially register. They function as initiatives, clubs, or fiscally sponsored projects — easier and faster to start.
You can take 2 paths
• Unofficial “Nonprofit Project”: Launch your initiative as a project or club without legally registering yet
• Official 501(c)(3) Nonprofit (U.S.): File to become a tax-exempt nonprofit recognized by the IRS
I would recommend
• Build Your Foundation (First 1–2 Weeks)
1. Clarify your mission:
What do you want to do, and why? Is it mental health, education, environmental justice, etc.? Keep it simple: “We provide free tutoring to underserved students in STEM.”
2. Pick a name that reflects your cause.
Do a quick Google and domain name check to make sure it’s not taken.
3. Gather a small team (friends, mentors, teachers).
A nonprofit can’t be built solo. Even 2–3 others helps show legitimacy.
4. Start small — create a website + social media presence.
Use free tools:
o Website: Carrd.co, Wix, or Google Sites
o Social Media: Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok depending on audience
• Test & Launch Your First Program/Event (First 1–2 Months)
• Run a small project: A webinar, local donation drive, or online campaign
• Track your impact: # of people helped, items donated, etc.
• Use this to build credibility and prove you’re serious
Decide If You Want to Become an Official 501(c)(3)
• Apply for grants
• Let donors write off their donations on taxes
• Scale and build long-term partnerships
...then you’ll need to officially register as a nonprofit.
Tip: Many student-run “nonprofits” never officially register. They function as initiatives, clubs, or fiscally sponsored projects — easier and faster to start.
How to Legally Register a Nonprofit (U.S. Focused)
1. Choose a name and check with your state’s Secretary of State
2. Recruit a board of directors (often 3–5 adults — some students use teachers or family)
3. Incorporate in your state
(Usually via Secretary of State website; costs $30–$100)
4. Apply for EIN (Employer Identification Number) – Free at IRS .gov
5. File IRS Form 1023- EZ (for small orgs making < $50K/year) – costs $275
6. Open a bank account + fundraising platform (like Give butter, Dono rbox, or GoFundMe)
Prema Sequeira
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Begin by volunteering to gain experience with a non-profit organization, maybe even one with a global reach. This will help you understand how these groups work. While volunteering, identify a global issue that really matters to you and where you see a need that isn't being met. Research other non-profits tackling this issue to learn about their methods. Look for unique opportunities where your own efforts can make a difference.
Updated
Ranjit’s Answer
I agree that the best way to get started, particularly at your stage in life, is to join or work with an established non-profit - as a volunteer, perhaps, and later possibly as an employee to understand how things work. A Bachelors or Masters degree may or may not be a requirement, depending on the country you're in. The most important things to look for are probably a match with your interests ( and if possible, what you are passionate about) and a track record and reputation for effectiveness; smaller, focused organizations are likely to provide broader learning opportunities which will be useful when you start up your own.
Updated
Doris’s Answer
It's fantastic that you're diving into this! Try reaching out to mentors who can share their real-world insights with you. Also, consider using AI tools to help you plan, especially since you're thinking big. ChatGPT is a great option for brainstorming and organizing your ideas. Just give it lots of details to get the best advice. Keep going—you're doing great!
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