Nurturing Your Non-Profit
Hello Beautiful,
Starting a non-profit is not just about paperwork.
It’s about purpose in action.
In 2010, my husband and I started our first nonprofit organization, our church, New Destiny. What began as a place of worship became something deeper. It became a place of outreach. A place of service. A place where vision met responsibility.
As we grew, we realized something powerful, ministry is not confined to four walls. The community was hurting. Families were in need. And we could not ignore what we saw.
That’s when we decided to start another nonprofit focused directly on giving back to our community in a greater way.
And when I say giving back, I mean truly giving back.
Over the years, our nonprofit — alongside our community — has provided food, clothing, beds, air conditioners, and essential household items to families in need. After the storm, we helped remodel over 350homes. We partnered, we mobilized, and we served. And we’ve done so much more beyond that.
I’m sharing this with you because non-profits are powerful.
They allow you to create structured impact. They allow you to serve with sustainability. They allow you to turn compassion into organized change.
But here’s what many people don’t realize.....a non-profit can also partner beautifully with your for-profit business.
When structured correctly, your for-profit business can generate income and resources that help fund or support your nonprofit mission. Your nonprofit can expand your community reach, increase your credibility, and deepen your impact. One generates revenue. The other generates outreach. Together, they create legacy.
But you must build both with intention.
Let me share a few principles that helped us:
Principle #1: Start with a Clear Mission
Before you launch, define your purpose. Who are you called to serve? What specific need are you addressing? A clear mission keeps you focused when opportunities and distractions arise.
Principle #2: Build Structure Early
When we started, we learned quickly that passion must be supported by compliance. Filing properly, building a board, maintaining transparency, and creating documented processes protects your organization and your integrity.
Order creates longevity.
Principle #3: Partner with Your Community
Non-profits thrive in partnership. Volunteers, donors, local businesses, churches, leaders, collaboration multiplies impact. You do not have to carry it alone.
Principle #4: Think Sustainability, Not Just Events
Don’t build a nonprofit around occasional moments. Build systems. Build consistent funding strategies. Build leadership teams. That is how impact continues long after excitement fades.
If you are considering starting a non-profit, here are practical starting points:
• Write a one-page mission and vision statement
• Research your state’s incorporation requirements
• Apply for an EIN
• Establish a minimum three-member board
• Outline your first 6–12 months of service goals
• Identify potential funding streams (donations, sponsorships, grants, partnerships)
Most importantly, ask yourself: Is this an assignment or an emotion?
Non-profits are powerful because they allow you to serve at scale. They create opportunity for tax-deductible giving. They open doors for grants and partnerships. They position you to meet needs in a structured, organized, and accountable way.
And when aligned properly with a for-profit, they can create both impact and sustainability.
We didn’t start with everything figured out. We started with obedience. And step by step, we built structure around the vision.
You can do the same.
Whether you are building a business, ministry, or nonprofit, remember this-----legacy is built intentionally.
Serve well. Lead well. Build wisely.
Your sister in Christ, Love & Prosperity,
Tonya Harden
