4 answers
Raenisha
Student
Mableton, Georgia
2
Questions
Asked
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How do you initiate grassroots efforts with little to no resources?
i am a human services social engagement and advocacy major and hope to start my own nonprofit organization one day. #scholarships #nonprofits
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4 answers
Dr. Sudeep Mohandas
Advisor, Board Member, Author, Soccer Coach, Consultant
43
Answers
Cockeysville, Maryland
Updated
Dr. Sudeep’s Answer
This is a great question and often happens to all those who want to make change but do not know where to start and have no cash, or capital.
In fact, I have been in this place many times and to be honest this is the best place to start because you will be most creative at this juncture. There is a saying, most people are creative and disruptive when they have no resources.
One of the ways to initiate your efforts without resources is to do two things. 1) Do the stuff that cost nothing but can make biggest impact and 2) convince someone who has the resources to support you in your efforts.
All the best!
In fact, I have been in this place many times and to be honest this is the best place to start because you will be most creative at this juncture. There is a saying, most people are creative and disruptive when they have no resources.
One of the ways to initiate your efforts without resources is to do two things. 1) Do the stuff that cost nothing but can make biggest impact and 2) convince someone who has the resources to support you in your efforts.
All the best!
yoonji KIM
CareerVillage.org TeamDirector of Operations at CareerVillage.org
37
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
yoonji’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
Hi Raenisha! I've been working at nonprofits for the last 8 years and I commend you on your dream to start your own.
What specific grassroots initiatives did you have in mind? I'd love to learn more to give you more specific ideas.
Here's some general advice. I would argue that you DO have resources. You have a network of friends, mentors/teachers, and family members. Start with your network! If you need to spread awareness about the cause(s) you're passionate about and want to share information and resources, ask your network to amplify your message. If you need to fundraise, think about creating a donation page that your network can contribute money to and, of course, ask your network to share with their networks. Once you created your 501c3 nonprofit, you can also look for grant opportunities and apply to them for funding. If you need advice on how to get your nonprofit off the ground, fundraising, or spreading awareness, definitely do some informational interviews. Talk to people who are experts in these areas and have lived experiences that they can tell you about. Learn from them and apply your new insights to your work!
What specific grassroots initiatives did you have in mind? I'd love to learn more to give you more specific ideas.
Here's some general advice. I would argue that you DO have resources. You have a network of friends, mentors/teachers, and family members. Start with your network! If you need to spread awareness about the cause(s) you're passionate about and want to share information and resources, ask your network to amplify your message. If you need to fundraise, think about creating a donation page that your network can contribute money to and, of course, ask your network to share with their networks. Once you created your 501c3 nonprofit, you can also look for grant opportunities and apply to them for funding. If you need advice on how to get your nonprofit off the ground, fundraising, or spreading awareness, definitely do some informational interviews. Talk to people who are experts in these areas and have lived experiences that they can tell you about. Learn from them and apply your new insights to your work!
Yvonne Whitaker
Manage NCR Foundation
3
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Yvonne’s Answer
Step one is to clearly articulate your cause and have a strong story that supports how critical it is to take action. Then tell your story to people who can provide financial and in-kind support. Amplify the story and your goals via strong communication and social media platforms. Leveraging partnerships will also help you stretch your resources and reach more people who can help. A budget is important and carefully select where you will spend your resources.
Communicate measurable impacts for each phase of the campaign and celebrate your success. Good luck!
Communicate measurable impacts for each phase of the campaign and celebrate your success. Good luck!
Hira Anum
Strategic Communication Professional
7
Answers
Islamabad, Islamabad Capital Territory, Pakistan
Updated
Hira’s Answer
The spirit of volunteering is the best tool.
Start by volunteering your services first in terms of trainings, community sessions.
Also you can hire more community volunteers to perform this task.
Start by volunteering your services first in terms of trainings, community sessions.
Also you can hire more community volunteers to perform this task.