From Solo to Supported

Are you doing everything for your nonprofit—and wondering how long you can keep it up? 

You're not alone. Most nonprofit founders start out wearing every hat: fundraising, programming, social media, admin, events—and it’s exhausting. The good news? You don’t need a full team or major funding to start building the support you need. You just need to take the first step. 

Here’s how to grow your impact without burning out:

1. Start with Micro-Volunteers 

You don’t need five staff members—you need five people who can each do one small thing. These short-term, low-commitment roles—like helping with event setup or proofreading a newsletter—are a great way to introduce people to your mission and build trust over time. Tap into nonprofit circles, community groups, and online networks to find individuals eager to contribute in small but meaningful ways. 

2. Create a Volunteer Interest Form 

Make it easy for potential supporters to raise their hand by creating a simple interest form. This helps you organize responses and start identifying people’s strengths and availability. Tools like the Kannect app make this process seamless—supporters can sign up, indicate their interests, and stay connected right from their phone. 

3. Write Down What You Do 

Start documenting your regular tasks. This helps you identify what can be handed off, and it’s the first step to creating simple systems. Delegation gets easier when you’re not the only one who knows how things work. 

4. Ask for Help in Public 

Don’t wait for help to come to you—go where the people are. Showing up in community spaces, attending networking events, or joining nonprofit support groups can introduce you to people who genuinely want to contribute. Be clear about your needs and vision. When you share your mission with the right crowd, you’ll be surprised how many are willing to raise their hand and support it. 

5. Celebrate Every Win 

Even if you only have one part-time helper, treat them like gold. Shout them out online. Send a thank you message. When people feel appreciated, they stick around—and bring others with them. 

Ready to Build Your Support System? 

At Sunday Social: Building Bridges Nonprofit Mixer on Sunday, August 10, you’ll meet founders who have been where you are and found a way to grow. Dr. Susan Nichols will also share real strategies on how to lead well—even before you have a full team.