Run Your Nonprofit Like a Business

You've probably heard it before—“Run your nonprofit like a business.” But what does that actually look like in practice? 

Too often, mission-driven founders assume that passion, storytelling, and a powerful cause will be enough to carry the organization forward. While heart is essential, it’s not a substitute for structure. Running your nonprofit like a business doesn’t mean abandoning your values—it means creating systems that protect them.

Myth: Nonprofits don’t need to focus on operations. 

The truth is, nonprofits are businesses—with staff, budgets, compliance, marketing, and stakeholder expectations. Just like a for-profit, a nonprofit must be financially stable and operationally sound to fulfill its mission long-term. 

Myth: It’s all about fundraising. 

Fundraising is important, but so is what happens after the money comes in. Do you have systems for managing funds? Tracking impact? Reporting to donors or the board? Without those, even successful fundraising won’t move the needle. 

Try this: Map one key process in your nonprofit. 

Whether it’s onboarding a new volunteer, sending out donation receipts, or planning an event—write down every step. Ask: Who is responsible? What tools are used? Where are the gaps? Strengthening even one workflow can free up energy and build a more sustainable foundation. 

Want to learn how to build smarter, stronger systems? 

Join us at Sunday Social, where Dr. Susan Nichols will guide nonprofit leaders through what it really means to lead with purpose and structure.