5 answers
Judina
Student
Orlando, Florida
2
Questions
Asked
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What are some leadership awards and ways to expand a nonprofit focused on neonatal health?
I’m a high school freshman and the founder of a nonprofit dedicated to neonatal health. I’m looking for ways to grow my organization, increase its exposure, and expand beyond my state. Are there any leadership awards or recognitions for young nonprofit leaders? Additionally, what are some effective fundraising ideas, volunteering opportunities, and strategies to reach a wider audience? I’d love any advice on building partnerships, engaging more volunteers, and making a bigger impact!
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5 answers
L'Marie Armstrong
Behavioral Modification Specialist, Vocational/Avocational Personal & Professional Growth CCHt, MED, NCB, ORDM
4
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
L'Marie’s Answer
What a truly remarkable journey you’ve embarked upon! As a high school freshman, stepping into the world of nonprofit leadership; especially in the profoundly impactful space of neonatal health, does speak volumes about your vision, dedication, and heart. The passion you bring to this mission will not only shape the lives of the most vulnerable but also inspire those around you to rise to the occasion and become part of something greater than themselves.
Leadership Awards & Recognitions
There are numerous awards designed to honor young changemakers like yourself. Some prestigious recognitions include:
• The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards – Recognizes outstanding youth volunteers making a difference.
• The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes – Celebrates young leaders who have made a significant impact in their communities.
• The Diana Award – Given in honor of Princess Diana to young people leading social change.
• The Congressional Award – A prestigious honor awarded by the U.S. Congress for youth achievements in community service and leadership.
• The World of Children Awards – Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Child Advocates,” this recognizes youth making a difference for children worldwide.
• Ashoka Young Changemakers – Connects and supports young social entrepreneurs.
Each of these awards not only provides recognition but also opens doors to mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to amplify your impact.
Expanding Your Nonprofit & Building a Strong Foundation
Growth begins with deep roots. Here are some key ways to expand your reach while ensuring sustainability:
1. Strengthen Your Online Presence
Your digital footprint is your global handshake. Consider:
• A compelling website – A well-crafted site with powerful storytelling, impact statistics, and a clear “Get Involved” section.
• Social media strategy – Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are invaluable platforms for engaging diverse audiences. Share success stories, behind-the-scenes efforts, and personal testimonials to create emotional connections.
• SEO & content marketing – Blogging about neonatal health, partnering with guest writers, and optimizing your content can organically expand your audience.
2. Fundraising with Heart & Innovation
Beyond traditional donation drives, consider:
• Peer-to-peer fundraising – Empower supporters to start their own fundraising campaigns.
• Corporate sponsorships – Many businesses align with charitable causes and offer grants or matching gifts.
• Monthly giving programs – A “Guardian Angels” donor club where people commit to a small recurring donation can create long-term sustainability.
• Crowdfunding platforms – Websites like GoFundMe, GlobalGiving, and Kickstarter for Good can help amplify your mission.
• Creative events – Virtual summits, charity runs, silent auctions, and benefit concerts help raise funds while spreading awareness.
3. Expanding Beyond Your State
Scaling your impact requires strategic partnerships and replication of successful models. Consider:
• Collaborating with existing neonatal health organizations – Reach out to national and international nonprofits for potential synergies.
• Chapter-based expansion – Create a blueprint for launching new chapters in different locations, empowering local leaders to carry the mission forward.
• Media Outreach – Engaging with journalists and podcasters to share your story can propel your nonprofit onto a larger stage.
4. Engaging More Volunteers
People don’t just volunteer for causes, they volunteer for people. Your leadership, authenticity, and passion will be the magnet that attracts others.
• Volunteer storytelling – Feature volunteers in blog posts, videos, and social media to create a personal connection.
• Skill-based volunteering – Not everyone can commit hours in person, but they may have expertise in marketing, finance, or legal work to contribute.
• Recognition & community building – Celebrate your volunteers through appreciation events, spotlights, and personalized thank-you notes.
The Ripple Effect of Your Leadership
What you are creating is not just an organization, it is a movement. Every baby whose life is touched, every parent who feels supported, every volunteer who finds purpose in your mission…all of these are ripples in the vast ocean of change you are creating.
Leadership is not just about accolades, it is about impact. Your heart-led vision already places you among the change-makers who will shape the future. Keep leading with passion, and the world will follow.
I am incredibly honored to support you in this journey, I know that this is only the beginning of something extraordinary. If you ever need deeper guidance, connections, or a sounding board for your ideas, I would be more than happy to continue this conversation. Keep shining, your light is illuminating a path for so many!
In Truth,
L’Marie Armstrong
Leadership Awards & Recognitions
There are numerous awards designed to honor young changemakers like yourself. Some prestigious recognitions include:
• The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards – Recognizes outstanding youth volunteers making a difference.
• The Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes – Celebrates young leaders who have made a significant impact in their communities.
• The Diana Award – Given in honor of Princess Diana to young people leading social change.
• The Congressional Award – A prestigious honor awarded by the U.S. Congress for youth achievements in community service and leadership.
• The World of Children Awards – Often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for Child Advocates,” this recognizes youth making a difference for children worldwide.
• Ashoka Young Changemakers – Connects and supports young social entrepreneurs.
Each of these awards not only provides recognition but also opens doors to mentorship, funding, and networking opportunities to amplify your impact.
Expanding Your Nonprofit & Building a Strong Foundation
Growth begins with deep roots. Here are some key ways to expand your reach while ensuring sustainability:
1. Strengthen Your Online Presence
Your digital footprint is your global handshake. Consider:
• A compelling website – A well-crafted site with powerful storytelling, impact statistics, and a clear “Get Involved” section.
• Social media strategy – Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube are invaluable platforms for engaging diverse audiences. Share success stories, behind-the-scenes efforts, and personal testimonials to create emotional connections.
• SEO & content marketing – Blogging about neonatal health, partnering with guest writers, and optimizing your content can organically expand your audience.
2. Fundraising with Heart & Innovation
Beyond traditional donation drives, consider:
• Peer-to-peer fundraising – Empower supporters to start their own fundraising campaigns.
• Corporate sponsorships – Many businesses align with charitable causes and offer grants or matching gifts.
• Monthly giving programs – A “Guardian Angels” donor club where people commit to a small recurring donation can create long-term sustainability.
• Crowdfunding platforms – Websites like GoFundMe, GlobalGiving, and Kickstarter for Good can help amplify your mission.
• Creative events – Virtual summits, charity runs, silent auctions, and benefit concerts help raise funds while spreading awareness.
3. Expanding Beyond Your State
Scaling your impact requires strategic partnerships and replication of successful models. Consider:
• Collaborating with existing neonatal health organizations – Reach out to national and international nonprofits for potential synergies.
• Chapter-based expansion – Create a blueprint for launching new chapters in different locations, empowering local leaders to carry the mission forward.
• Media Outreach – Engaging with journalists and podcasters to share your story can propel your nonprofit onto a larger stage.
4. Engaging More Volunteers
People don’t just volunteer for causes, they volunteer for people. Your leadership, authenticity, and passion will be the magnet that attracts others.
• Volunteer storytelling – Feature volunteers in blog posts, videos, and social media to create a personal connection.
• Skill-based volunteering – Not everyone can commit hours in person, but they may have expertise in marketing, finance, or legal work to contribute.
• Recognition & community building – Celebrate your volunteers through appreciation events, spotlights, and personalized thank-you notes.
The Ripple Effect of Your Leadership
What you are creating is not just an organization, it is a movement. Every baby whose life is touched, every parent who feels supported, every volunteer who finds purpose in your mission…all of these are ripples in the vast ocean of change you are creating.
Leadership is not just about accolades, it is about impact. Your heart-led vision already places you among the change-makers who will shape the future. Keep leading with passion, and the world will follow.
I am incredibly honored to support you in this journey, I know that this is only the beginning of something extraordinary. If you ever need deeper guidance, connections, or a sounding board for your ideas, I would be more than happy to continue this conversation. Keep shining, your light is illuminating a path for so many!
In Truth,
L’Marie Armstrong
Karin P.
Lecturer, Academic Advisor, Career Coach
488
Answers
Göttingen, Lower Saxony, Germany
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Judina,
It's amazing that you are already starting a nonprofit at your age. You need to decide what exactly your organization is going to offer. Is it more on the side of resources for new parents or more on the side of advocacy? Or both? Who is the target group for your services? Will you need staff? What kind of skills do you need for yourself and your staff? Where will the funds come from?
There will be lots of things to learn. There are legal requirements to satisfy. And you'll need to learn how to run a nonprofit, learn about advocacy, partnerships, funding, etc. I left some links below that offer training on these aspects.
https://www.harborcompliance.com/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organization-in-florida
https://www.findlaw.com/smallbusiness/starting-a-business/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida.html
https://orlando.jl.org/advocacy-initiatives/
https://www.flnonprofits.org/advocacy-core-trainings
https://www.flnonprofits.org/events/advocacy-101
https://www.floridapac.org/advocacy
https://www.asbmb.org/advocacy/advocacy-training-program
I suppose you would need contacts to new parent groups and medical professionals in the field. Also contacts to other groups that operate in this field to find synergies and potential conflicts. Hospitals are one place to find parent support groups:
https://www.orlandohealth.com/facilities/winnie-palmer-hospital/amenities-and-resources/support-groups
https://healthystartorange.org/
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you!
KP
It's amazing that you are already starting a nonprofit at your age. You need to decide what exactly your organization is going to offer. Is it more on the side of resources for new parents or more on the side of advocacy? Or both? Who is the target group for your services? Will you need staff? What kind of skills do you need for yourself and your staff? Where will the funds come from?
There will be lots of things to learn. There are legal requirements to satisfy. And you'll need to learn how to run a nonprofit, learn about advocacy, partnerships, funding, etc. I left some links below that offer training on these aspects.
https://www.harborcompliance.com/how-to-start-a-non-profit-organization-in-florida
https://www.findlaw.com/smallbusiness/starting-a-business/how-to-start-a-nonprofit-in-florida.html
https://orlando.jl.org/advocacy-initiatives/
https://www.flnonprofits.org/advocacy-core-trainings
https://www.flnonprofits.org/events/advocacy-101
https://www.floridapac.org/advocacy
https://www.asbmb.org/advocacy/advocacy-training-program
I suppose you would need contacts to new parent groups and medical professionals in the field. Also contacts to other groups that operate in this field to find synergies and potential conflicts. Hospitals are one place to find parent support groups:
https://www.orlandohealth.com/facilities/winnie-palmer-hospital/amenities-and-resources/support-groups
https://healthystartorange.org/
I hope this helps for now! All the best to you!
KP
Michelle M.
Actress
2315
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Judina !
I had no idea when I responded to your first question that you already hold a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status and that you are the Executive Director of a medical related non-profit at the age of 14 ! That surely is rare ! Especially when, because of financial and legal responsibilities it is not legal for someone that age to be in charge of a Non-Profit organization. What services are you offering ? There are no non-profit recognitions for this for high school students. For an Award, you would have to be nominated for an Award by someone, not apply for one.
I am not sure exactly what you are involved in because a health related non-profit usually already has funding to hire professionals for the services offered to the community. Directors of these type of agencies usually attend medical conferences, community organization conferences and make very strong connections with places like The Lions Club (an international organization), and the Kiwanis club, and sometimes organizations like this donate money to non-profits. This networking and attendance of panel discussions, presentations, ceremonies and such are all held during the time you are in school so it would conflict with your school schedule. Grant Writing is also done for local town, city, county, state and federal funding.
Even though you cannot legally run a non-profit at age 14, much less for neonatal services, you can volunteer your time to other established organizations to get the experience and look towards attending college for a degree in a specific career you'd like to do and do this career later on.
You will need a Masters Degree for this career in either Public Administration, Social Work or Nonprofit Administration. You can read about colleges that offer these degrees by doing a search online.
Now that I have informed you as to what you can not do just yet, I stand by the previous advice I provided to you about what you can do while in high school. Every career is a process so enjoy this process each step of the way !
I had no idea when I responded to your first question that you already hold a 501(c)(3) tax exempt status and that you are the Executive Director of a medical related non-profit at the age of 14 ! That surely is rare ! Especially when, because of financial and legal responsibilities it is not legal for someone that age to be in charge of a Non-Profit organization. What services are you offering ? There are no non-profit recognitions for this for high school students. For an Award, you would have to be nominated for an Award by someone, not apply for one.
I am not sure exactly what you are involved in because a health related non-profit usually already has funding to hire professionals for the services offered to the community. Directors of these type of agencies usually attend medical conferences, community organization conferences and make very strong connections with places like The Lions Club (an international organization), and the Kiwanis club, and sometimes organizations like this donate money to non-profits. This networking and attendance of panel discussions, presentations, ceremonies and such are all held during the time you are in school so it would conflict with your school schedule. Grant Writing is also done for local town, city, county, state and federal funding.
Even though you cannot legally run a non-profit at age 14, much less for neonatal services, you can volunteer your time to other established organizations to get the experience and look towards attending college for a degree in a specific career you'd like to do and do this career later on.
You will need a Masters Degree for this career in either Public Administration, Social Work or Nonprofit Administration. You can read about colleges that offer these degrees by doing a search online.
Now that I have informed you as to what you can not do just yet, I stand by the previous advice I provided to you about what you can do while in high school. Every career is a process so enjoy this process each step of the way !
Rafael Diaz Montelongo
Consultant
395
Answers
Raleigh, North Carolina
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
Hi Judina,
It's impressive to see your dedication to neonatal health at such a young age. To further advance your nonprofit, consider participating in youth leadership awards such as the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards or the Diana Award. Enhance your fundraising efforts through online crowdfunding or virtual events, and perhaps create some merchandise to sell. Also, collaborate with local schools and hospitals for volunteer opportunities, and utilize social media to raise awareness. Hope this helps!
It's impressive to see your dedication to neonatal health at such a young age. To further advance your nonprofit, consider participating in youth leadership awards such as the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards or the Diana Award. Enhance your fundraising efforts through online crowdfunding or virtual events, and perhaps create some merchandise to sell. Also, collaborate with local schools and hospitals for volunteer opportunities, and utilize social media to raise awareness. Hope this helps!
Kazi Rubayee
Oriental medicine health professional, Acupuncturist, Holistic health practitioner
54
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Kazi’s Answer
As a young nonprofit leader, you can try these options,
Diana Award, National Leadership Award, prudential spirit of community,
Globe Changers Award, Youth Service Americas lead agency and recognition programs
Also, for fundraising try these
Collaborative end a local business, grant applications, crowdfunding campaigns.
Best,
Diana Award, National Leadership Award, prudential spirit of community,
Globe Changers Award, Youth Service Americas lead agency and recognition programs
Also, for fundraising try these
Collaborative end a local business, grant applications, crowdfunding campaigns.
Best,