Entrepreneurs are fueled by passion and personal goals. Some want to earn money, some pursue fame, and others wish to do something they love.
But there’s yet another breed of people driven by philanthropic goals. They are the ones who want to make a difference by setting up non-profit ventures that do not prioritize profits and revenues.
Statistics show that there are nearly 1.5 million non-profits in the US, representing 15% of the global total. That makes the country a hub for social service.
People who head these companies need daily motivation to follow their goals because money is nowhere in the picture. If you are in the role, you will probably come across moments when you feel short of the spirit to stay true to your purpose.
Here are a few ways to keep your motivation levels on track during your non-profit startup journey:
Start With a Purpose-Driven Vision
A compelling vision is the foundation of any non-profit venture. According to Forbes, non-profits are classified into religious and church, charitable, private foundations, and political organizations.
Some entities come under the miscellaneous category, such as Federal Credit Unions. Having a vision is about thinking beyond a random plan and knowing what you want to achieve.
Once you decide on the entity, think of a problem you want to solve.
Are you motivated by the thought of alleviating suffering in the community? Do you wish to contribute to a cause you deeply care about?
An inspiring mission statement serves as a constant reminder of the purpose you want to fulfill, even if it does not make you money.
Invest in Personal Growth
Non-profit entrepreneurship is not about financial growth, but it shouldn’t keep you from growing.
You can invest in personal growth by enhancing your skills and knowledge. An online MSW program can take you on the right path to personal development as an entrepreneur with a cause. Besides instilling social work knowledge in learners, this social work degree fosters qualities like empathy and ethics.
Keuka College notes that the program is ideal for aspiring startup owners looking to contribute to community-focused causes. The best thing about online education is that you can continue nurturing your venture while honing your skills.
Self-improvement keeps you motivated as it helps you understand social issues better and acquire leadership skills. You can adapt to changing circumstances, lead with confidence, and find innovative solutions to complex problems.
With these traits, you can set up sustainable business models without massive financial investments.
Build a Robust Support System
Staying motivated without the money factor is doable, provided you have a supportive community at your back. Without a support system, you may feel isolated because not many people share the non-profit mindset. But you may still find fellow entrepreneurs, volunteers, community members, and mentors who share your passion and purpose.
These are the people who provide encouragement and a sense of belonging to help you stay afloat amid challenging times.
Sharing experiences, successes, and failures with a supportive community can keep you going. Moreover, people in your support system can help you financially during the hour of need.
Measure Impact
Conventional startups measure their impact by tracking and monitoring metrics such as the churn rate, customer acquisition cost (CAC), monthly recurring revenue (MRR), and customer lifetime value (CLTV).
Achieving goals with these numbers helps business owners stay motivated, but this is not the case with non-profit entrepreneurs.
You don’t have clear metrics to measure your organization’s effectiveness and get tangible evidence of progress. However, you can celebrate small milestones, such as getting a big donation for your cause or having people sign up for your community.
A positive approach reinforces the sense of achievement and encourages your team to keep going.
Prioritize Work-Life Balance
Entrepreneurial burnout is a challenge most startup owners encounter, with 30% stating they experience it frequently. You are even more vulnerable as a non-profit entrepreneur because your passion may fizzle out if you push too hard.
You should recognize the significance of an optimal work-life balance, no matter how committed you are toward a cause.
Invest in self-care, take regular breaks, and spend quality time with family and friends. Pursuing interests outside of work can boost your motivation when you feel low. A well-balanced life is the key to long-term sustainability when money does not fuel your business.
Conclusion
Non-profit entrepreneurs thrive on intrinsic motivation coming from the desire to make a meaningful impact. You should have a profound sense of purpose to think beyond money and profits and give your best to your venture.
Motivation levels may drop more often than you imagine, but these strategies can help you brush the dust off and start again.
