Dreaming of starting your own nonprofit organization?

Jean Larsen

Executive Director

Legacy Endowment Community Foundation

In my career, I’ve been asked “what does it take to start up and run a nonprofit organization?” more times than I can count. I know this question comes from a deeply heartfelt place, asked by someone who is dreaming of the opportunity to make a lasting impact or to create a positive change from something they’ve experienced.

Such inspirational planning can range from supplying cuddly soft teddy bears to every child entering a hospital emergency department to making the kind of mega-sized donations that helps solve a baffling...