My First Million
The best business ideas come from noticing what's working and doing it better, faster, or for a different audience.
Raise $1M+ for nonprofit in first year
Nonprofit founders with compelling missions and some media attention
12 monthsWhat Success Looks Like
Consistent monthly fundraising of $80k+ from corporate sponsors and individual donors who become long-term supporters
Steps to Execute
Identify executives who share your mission's values (runners for running nonprofits)
Get media coverage to establish credibility and story
Make specific, calculated asks ($2,450 for specific outcomes)
Always ask for introductions to 2-3 more prospects
Offer corporate speaking opportunities to reach entire companies
Focus on decision-makers, not coordinators
Create board positions for major donors
Checklist
Inputs Needed
- Compelling personal story and mission
- Initial media coverage or credibility
- Research on target donor companies and executives
- Specific program costs and outcomes
Outputs
- Steady monthly donation commitments
- Board of high-level executives
- Corporate partnership opportunities
- Referral network for ongoing fundraising
Example
“A youth education nonprofit founder targets tech executives who care about education, gets featured in TechCrunch, then uses that credibility to book coffee meetings where they ask for $5k donations plus introductions to 2 other executives.”
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