Want To Start A Non-Profit?

If you want to start a non-profit, it can feel very daunting. You have a passion to help people but it can seem like there are so many obstacles in the way. So where do you begin? I recently spoke with Donna Detwiler, an incredible Mompreneur and non-profit founder who shared so much valuable information to help you in your journey. Donna has founded numerous for-profit businesses and most recently founded Spera Foundation USA, her non-profit to help "build Heart Safe Neighborhoods TM across America."

Donna's passion for entrepreneurship stems from her quest for flexibility, something

many entrepreneurs share. You can always earn money but you can't buy the time with your family and loved ones. Donna knew from a very young age that owning her own business was an inevitability. While some kids play teacher or fire fighter, Donna was playing "entrepreneur."

Donna started several businesses over the years, most with the purpose of helping people live healthy lives free from preventable diseases and illnesses. Building businesses has not always been easy but it's been so worth it for her to have the time to be with her husband and three sons. Creating her own schedule has given her the flexibility to be with her boys when they were younger and continues now as two are older and live in different parts of the country. It also has given her the flexibility to spend time with her parents who live in England.

Her non-profit work has had many similarities to entrepreneurship, the main one being, as she says, that you just

have to do the work. One of the biggest challenges Donna encounters when being your own boss is ultimately the decision to make something happen is on you. She sees it as exciting, terrifying, and invigorating all at the same time. For Donna as for many of us entrepreneurs, the benefits of taking charge of your future far outweigh the challenges of entrepreneurship, either with for-profits or non-profits, which can include feeling isolated and alone at points.

Donna shares three great actionable items to implement today if you are thinking of starting a non-profit in the interview. Even if you're thinking of starting a for-profit, her ideas are well worth watching. For any mom out there wondering if you can do something on your own, Donna will share her thoughts and get you inspired to move forward!

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