045: What No One Tells You About Starting a Nonprofit (But Should)

If you’ve ever felt called to create real change in the world—but ended up overwhelmed, burned out, or unsure of where to start—this episode is for you. I’m pulling back the curtain on what it actually takes to lead with purpose. Because after founding three nonprofits and raising millions for causes I believe in, I can tell you this with certainty: passion isn’t enough. In this episode, I’m sharing the five biggest lessons I learned from nonprofit life that shaped how I lead, how I build, and how I make an impact—without losing myself in the process. Whether you"re a nonprofit founder, a purpose-driven entrepreneur, or someone who"s just figuring out how to do good through your work… you"ll walk away with practical insight and a whole lot of validation. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: ✅ Why passion without infrastructure leads to burnout ✅ How to rethink donor relationships in business and fundraising ✅ The real cost of underfunding your operations—and why you need to stop apologizing for it ✅ What makes a strong board (or leadership team) and what to avoid ✅ How to focus your mission—even when it breaks your heart to say no 3 KEY TAKEAWAYS: 1️⃣ Caring deeply is just the beginning—you need systems to support your vision. 2️⃣ Donors (and customers) are partners in your mission, not just people who pay. 3️⃣ You can’t do it all—and trying to will cost you your impact. MORE FROM ME: Follow me on Instagram → @janditchfield.co RATE, REVIEW, & FOLLOW ON APPPLE PODCASTS "Jan’s advice on building a business that aligns with my values is exactly what I’ve been looking for!" <– If that sounds like you, I’d love for you to take a moment to rate and review The Business of Good. Your feedback helps me reach more purpose-driven women like you who are ready to create profitable businesses that make a difference. Simply click here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then, don’t forget to share what resonated most with you in this episode! And if you haven’t done so already, be sure to hit the follow button. I’ve got even more actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and tools to help you grow your business of impact—don’t miss a thing! JOIN THE FREE COMMUNITY: Want to dive deeper into the conversations we’re having here? Join me in The Business of Good Collective, my free community where we share resources, support, and strategies to help you turn your mission into a thriving business. Head over to janditchfield.co/good to join today!