How to Start a Nonprofit in High School: 8 Steps for Teens

[High School 🎓] • [Humanitarian 🌏] • [Nonprofit 🤝] • [Insights 📊]

It wasn’t until after college that I launched my first nonprofit. Back then, I barely knew what a nonprofit even was. I just assumed they didn’t make much money, but were somehow “good” for the world.

Now that I’m older (and a little wiser), I know that’s only part of the truth.

Some nonprofits—like Harvard University or the Catholic Church—have billions of dollars in assets. And not all nonprofits are inherently “good.” But one thing still holds true: the heart behind nonprofit work is often about service over self. It’s about solving real problems—not just chasing profits.

That’s why starting a nonprofit in high school can be one of the most powerful ways to grow, not just as a student, but as a person. It’s also one of the clearest ways to demonstrate passion, initiative, and selflessness—traits that colleges and future employers genuinely value.

Why Start a Nonprofit in High School?

Most teens don’t realize this, but starting a nonprofit isn’t just possible—it’s also practical. It can be life-changing.

🎓 Learn Beyond the Classroom

You’ll build leadership, resilience, and communication skills that most adults don’t develop until much later. Whether you’re leading a team, writing grants, or organizing events, the growth is exponential.

💡 Make a Real Difference

You know your school. Your community. Your generation. That means you may see problems and opportunities that adults don’t. Nonprofits led by students often bring bold, creative solutions to long-standing challenges.

📝 Strengthen Your College Applications

It’s not about “looking good.” It’s about doing good. And when you do it with authenticity, your story shines through. Admissions officers love students who take initiative, not because they’re told to, but because they care.

8 Steps to Starting a Nonprofit as a Teen

Here’s a practical roadmap to help you get started.

1. Find a Cause That Moves You

Every great nonprofit begins with a problem that someone couldn’t ignore.

What breaks your heart?
What excites you to fix?
What keeps you up at night?

Here are a few powerful causes real students have tackled:

• Tutoring and mentoring for younger students
• Mental health awareness and support
• Local food insecurity or clean water access
• Environmental cleanup and climate action
• Creative arts or music programs for underserved youth

💡 Tip: Look for a need that’s not being met in your community, and start there.

2. Do Your Homework

Research existing nonprofits doing similar work. You’ll learn what works, what’s missing, and how to stand out.

Ask questions like:

• Is there a way I can partner with existing orgs?
• What age group do I want to serve?
• What’s my unique approach?

3. Craft Your Mission and Vision

Your mission is what you do and why.
Your vision is the change you hope to see.

Example:
Mission: “We offer after-school STEM mentoring for middle school girls.”
Vision: “A future where girls in every neighborhood pursue and lead in STEM fields.”

4. Understand the Legal Stuff

You don’t need to be a lawyer, but you do need to know your options:

• Simplest: Start as a club or project under your school or church.
• Structured: Operate under a partner nonprofit (called a fiscal sponsor).
• Full Nonprofit: File to become a 501(c)(3). This involves paperwork, a board, and a filing fee.

📌 Minors can’t always file legal documents alone. Involve a trusted adult as a mentor, co-founder, or board advisor.

5. Build a Team That Believes

You can’t do it alone. And you shouldn’t.

Start by recruiting:

• Passionate peers to volunteer and lead
• Adults who can advise, sign documents, and support you legally
• A board of directors (if formalizing your nonprofit)

6. Secure Funding (Yes, It’s Possible!)

You don’t need a big budget to make a big impact. Start small and smart:

• Local fundraisers: Bake sales, benefit concerts, car washes
• Crowdfunding platforms: Like GoFundMe or Givebutter
• Grants for student projects:
  • Youth Service America
  • Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation
  • Hershey’s Heartwarming Young Heroes

7. Stay Organized & Be Transparent

• Open a bank account (you’ll likely need an adult co-signer)
• Track every donation and expense
• Create a simple budget
• Share impact reports (photos, stats, testimonials)

8. Start Small. Launch Smart.

Start with one event, one project, one problem you can solve. Build momentum with:

• A professional-looking website or landing page
• Social media accounts
• Clear ways for people to get involved or donate

Inspiration: Olivia Zhang & Cancer Kids First

At just 14 years old, Olivia Zhang faced the kind of loss most teens never expect—she lost both her grandfather and her beloved elementary school teacher to cancer.

Instead of retreating into grief, Olivia transformed her pain into purpose. She began selling handmade crafts to raise money for pediatric cancer support, and within a year, she officially launched Cancer Kids First (CKF), a nonprofit dedicated to helping young cancer patients feel supported, loved, and less alone.

What began as a small project in Virginia quickly evolved into a global movement. Under Olivia’s leadership, CKF has supported nearly 10,000 pediatric cancer patients across 22 countries, built partnerships with 70 hospitals, and mobilized over 7,000 youth volunteers. She grew her platform through strategic use of TikTok and Instagram, reaching millions of teens with a message of compassion and action.

Onto Harvard and Global Recognition

Launching CKF didn’t just help others, it helped Olivia grow into who she is today. Leading a global nonprofit gave her clarity, confidence, and an extraordinary sense of purpose during her high school years. It shaped her story in a way that stood out, earning her admission to Harvard University, where she now studies Economics and Global Health.

She’s been honored by Prince William and Prince Harry with the Diana Award, named one of the top youth patient advocates in the world, and continues to mentor other student founders to follow in her footsteps.

Olivia’s journey is proof that when students take initiative to solve a real problem, the ripple effects are extraordinary. Starting a nonprofit didn’t just open doors for Olivia, it built a legacy she’ll carry for life.

“This organization has shaped me into the person I am today… and it will forever hold a special place in my heart.”
— Olivia Zhang, CKF Founder

Alternative Paths (If Full Nonprofit Feels Too Big)

• ✨ Start a club or chapter at your school
• 🧩 Launch a short-term project (e.g., a holiday food drive or summer camp)
• 🤝 Join a youth advisory board of an existing nonprofit

What Makes a Teen-Led Nonprofit Shine?

• It’s rooted in real passion
• It solves a real problem
• It grows through real commitment

You don’t need a huge team, a ton of money, or a perfect plan. You just need to start.

And remember, even a small act of service can spark extraordinary change.

💬 Ready to Launch Something Meaningful?

Each year, GT 20 Under 20 honors the most driven, impactful young changemakers around the world.

Your story can start now. Nominate someone—or yourself—at [link].

Only 20 are selected. But their stories inspire thousands.