If I want to start a non-profit organization, what would be the best for me to study in college?

Sweet goal!

There are two routes to go in not-for-profit work: p

Program (in your case running the building and greeting your residents, etc),
Development -- fundraising.

It sounds like you're hoping to develop an innovative program, and that you have your early development challenges under control.

In that case you'd be wise to study social work, with a minor in business administration. I mention business administration because a sustainable residential program needs to be run somewhat like a business, with an eye on how much money is going out and coming in. You'll need to be able to think creatively about working with vendors like utility companies, and with possible payors, like government agencies.

I can't emphasize this next point enough: Do an internship, or get a job with, an up-and-running residential program. There's a lot of practical stuff you can learn by working with an executive director who's been around the block a few times with this stuff. If you can find a really great program to work for, do that. But work for a program. I'm honestly a little concerned with your ambition to build a better program than the ones that exist: every single person working on this work wants to do that, and they all have to work within practical limitations. They say "the perfect is the enemy of the good" and that applies strongly in nonprofit work.

You will also need some experience in hospitality. A good way to get that experience in the real world is to work on staff at a church summer camp. You'll learn about running a kitchen, making sure there's food on the table, making sure the place is clean, etc.

Whatever you do, keep trying! The world needs committed people doing this work.

Hey Maria, I love your passion and desire here. I work for a non-profit -- Kiva.org. Check it out! Honestly, I don't think there is a single "right answer" to your question. I think studying Business, Management or Economics could be potentially the most useful. But I have a leadership role at Kiva, having studied History. I think that college is much more about the experiences you have, your attitude and approach, and your willingness to get involved outside of the classroom in leadership roles, which really determines how well your college experience will equip you for your intention to start a non-profit. Happy to chat more with you if that would help -- feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn -- just search for "Jonny Price Kiva" and you will see me come up! Cheers, Jonny

Hi Maria, I think you would do well to combine social sciences (psychology, sociology, economics, history) with business and communications. Running a nonprofit usually involves articulating your mission, fundraising, and developing and managing your program. So the essential skills are understanding the points of view and needs of the various stakeholders (the population served, donors and sponsors, governmental agencies and other community entities) and being able to speak and write effectively about what you you want to do. You will do well to become familiar with business plans and fiscal management too.

You're way ahead of the game already just by having an ambition and a vision. This can guide your coursework in consultation with a guidance counsellor. It would be great if you could study at a college with a mission which emphasizes community service and take advantage of internships and campus or local community projects which will build your skills and your network too. Nothing beats actual experience so go out and do some volunteering at nonprofit organization that interest you.

I got my BA in English and went to work for a nonprofit on the basis of communications skills, then learned business and management on the job and worked my way up (worked for about 25 years in various nonprofit organizations) These days competency with spreadsheets and social media are going to be important to bring to the job - but you don't necessarily need formal coursework to acquire those - just dig into a project and get a little mentoring when you need it. Best wishes for success!

Mr. Jones's advice above is very sound (as are the two preceding commonts). There are also academic programs that specialize in non-profit management; you might want to consider those programs as well.

Another suggestion: a master's level program in Public Administration. The knowledge and skill set required for success in the non-profit sector overlaps with the public sector- specifically grant applications.

Might I suggest volunteer work with one of the local nonprofits in your region to start. Developing relationships with those people already working in the field are very important for your future.

Many blessings to you in your future.