Do you want to start a non-profit business? If so, find here a list of non-profit business ideas for people who are looking to do charitable work.
Starting a non-profit business is as difficult as a for-profit business. Nonprofit organizations or non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are in the market not to make money but benefit others with their services. Such organizations have no owners and no one gets benefited from them except the people or causes they are serving.
Mostly volunteers or contributors run them. Nonprofit business is funded by financial contributors and people who charity to a specific cause.
There are many types of non-profit businesses ranging from animal rights to children’s education and shelter homes. Such businesses are meant to alleviate poverty, provide shelter to the homeless and poor, educate children, and many more. This is a way through which people try to make a difference in society and bring each and every class closer. It does not mean to hurt anyone’s sentiments but it works to provide better living conditions for all.
Before exploring non-profit business ideas, let us first understand the non-profit business.
What is a Non-Profit Business?
A non-profit business venture is generally a tax-exempt organization. It is formed mostly for a charitable cause. A non-profit organization can be a public and private charity, a non-profit created by Government Act, a beneficiary charity, and a Cooperative.
This form of business organization does not allow shareholders or trustees to get financially benefitted. The earnings are used for day to expenses of running the business. Some of the reputed non-profit business organizations are Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, etc.
If you are also thinking about starting your own non-profit business but are confused about which business you should opt for, here are the top 25 non-profit business ideas to help you get started.
Here is a List of 25 Non-Profit Business Ideas
1. Tree Plantation
It is probably the sanest non-profit business idea nowadays. Our mother earth has undergone so many environmental changes over the decades due to deforestation and rapid industrialization. So why not fill our world with loads of oxygen by planting trees?
Read: How to Start a Profitable Tree Farm Business.
2. First Aid Kits
First aid kits are always in demand. They can be assembled, packed, and delivered to construction sites, medical camps in poor countries, and war-struck zones in the world.
3. Graffiti Removal
People living in urban as well as rural areas often see graffiti on the walls which creates confusing surroundings. Removing it from the walls can make the environment more beautiful and healthy. Removing graffiti from the walls does not need any prior experience and can be started with a very limited budget. A powerful washer and sandblaster are required to get this job done.
4. Pawnbroker
This nonprofit business does not require huge investments and can be started with a limited amount. All you need is good negotiation and communication skills. In addition, keep good quality merchandise and always keep all deals legal.
5. Homes for Homeless
This is the noblest non-profit business you can ever start. Building a shelter home for homeless people and seeing them smiling will give you ultimate happiness.
6. Animal Shelter Homes
Life is precious whether it is human life or an animal’s. We see many stray dogs and cats in the streets every day who have almost nothing to live on. A nonprofit animal shelter home can be a good idea if you love animals and wants to keep them safe. A suitable place for animals with regular visits by veterinaries can be found with the help of local governments.
7. Food Banks
Food banks are meant to provide grocery items to poor and underprivileged communities. Funds can be collected through donations. Furthermore, a local storage area and a reliable transportation system are required to get started.
8. Picking Out Trash
This is a very lucrative idea for nonprofit businesses. Arrange a team of teenagers or volunteers and spread them across cities and small towns to collect trash. This will help in keeping the environment clean and healthy. Offer tips for collecting the extra amount of trash if it suits your budget.
9. Charity Auction Service
If you want to raise funds for your nonprofit business, this is the best option you have. Local merchandise will donate items to be auctioned. No prior licensing is required to set up these auctions, however, do check with your local government before you start.
10. Help Disabled People
Disabled people are mocked and looked down upon in almost every society. Establish a nonprofit business to help disabled people around you. Empower them with skills, provide education, and make them a useful part of society.
11. Non-Alcoholic Clubs
This nonprofit business idea could be very beneficial for society. Establish a club that does not serve alcohol. This will require lesser investment, fewer or no government regulations, and will define a clear purpose for a healthier and happier environment.
12. First Aid Training
If you have skills and want to train people then this is the best service you can provide. Train people in groups as it will cost you less and also provide a refresher course every year. Your clients could be from the construction industry, clubs, hotels, distribution companies, etc.
13. Free Medicines
We live in a world full of needy people unable to buy expensive medicines. A drop box outside chemist shops can be arranged where people drop their used and broken medicine strips. Later on, chemists will check them for expiry and they can be distributed among the needy free of cost.
14. Social Functions for Strangers
There are many people who have anxiety when it comes to meeting and socializing with strangers either in a bar, church or at a wedding reception.
A nonprofit NGO can arrange social functions for strangers where people can connect with each other by discussing social, and political ideas. Separate functions for people having the same interests can also be arranged.
15. Temporary Companions
This service can be provided to people who feel alone or suffer from depression and anxiety issues. A nonprofit business like this can provide temporary companions who will walk with you, listen to your thoughts, encourage you, or prepare a meal for you. We would recommend senior citizens to avail of this service if they want company.
16. Promote Arts
Out of many other nonprofit business ideas, starting a business that promotes arts is worth considering. Provide free instruments for economically challenged talents. Fund local schools and museums to arrange music classes, art shows, and exhibitions. Overall, funds for the promotion of arts can be provided for all local schools and art institutions.
17. Mentoring Programs for Teens
Nonprofit businesses for youth can be very beneficial for society. Mentoring programs for teens can be arranged in local schools. Provide free career advice and scholarships for deserving students such as teen mothers so that they can complete their education.
18. Language Training
English is not everyone’s first language and every immigrant is eager to learn. Arrange free or slightly paid English teaching sessions in the evenings so that everyone can participate. You don’t have a higher investment to start this business, classes can be arranged at your place as well if you have sufficient space to accommodate students.
Check: Top Online Tutoring Jobs to Work From Home
19. Online Earning Programs For Unemployed
Online earnings have evolved since the unemployment rate has increased. If you have the skills and passion to train others around you, start a nonprofit business. Give lessons and make people earn for themselves and for their families.
20. Collect Leftover Food and Distribute
This nonprofit business idea is quite new to people but it is worth mentioning here. Collect leftover food from restaurants and hotels and distribute it among poor people. You just need a distribution vehicle and a few staff members who can collect food on a daily basis from these locations and distribute it. This way, you will also save a large quantity of food from being wasted each day.
21. Campaigns Against Social Vices
Start a nonprofit business that deals with social vices present in our societies such as racism, violence, child abuse, etc. Run campaigns to tackle these issues and also support people who have been victims of these social crimes.
22. Fundraising Consultants
If you have good financial and sales abilities, you can start a nonprofit business collecting funds for charities. To start this business, first, you need to establish alliances with local or national charities so that you can represent them on your behalf.
Read: How To Start A Consulting Business
23. Rental Tools Operation
All you need to start this business is to buy power tools and a marketing strategy. You can rent these tools to construction companies or to private owners. This can be done from the comfort of your home. Just arrange for a delivery truck and a cell phone and start taking rental inquiries.
24. Culinary Competitions
This nonprofit business idea can bring needy but talented people under one roof and show their culinary skills. Arrange a competition where participants can cook their favorite dishes and have people pay in order to taste them. This way it will draw people’s attention and increase the number of people willing to help.
Read: Best Tax-Free Business Ideas
25. Host Marathons
This is a true fundraising as well as a nonprofit business idea. Set up a marathon for prizes with an excellent advertising strategy. More and more investors will join your cause and you can raise money to help other charities.
It’s never too late to start a nonprofit business if you have passion and skills. We hope you will find the aforementioned non-profit business ideas useful. Pick one or more ideas and get started!
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.
