Stop Waiting, Start Building: How to Create Your Nonprofit’s Breakthrough Moment
There comes a point—usually somewhere around middle age—when you start asking yourself dangerous questions, like, “Did I miss my shot?” or “What if I’d done something else?” Suddenly, you’re staring down the barrel of all your “what ifs.” And it’s not just the personal regrets; it’s the big stuff—the impact you thought you’d make. For nonprofit leaders, this hits differently. You didn’t launch an organization to blend in, but sometimes, it feels like you’re just waiting—waiting for that grant, the elusive partnership, the moment someone notices your work.
But here’s the thing: waiting doesn’t bring the breakthrough you’re craving. Sitting tight, hoping the universe will finally get its act together—that’s not how real change happens.
The Waiting Con
We’re sold this quaint little fable: keep your head down, work hard, and someday the stars will align. But newsflash: the stars are not your project managers. Nonprofits that break through don’t wait for everything to fall into place. They make it happen.
Take RAICES, a small Texas nonprofit working in immigration. When family separation policies grabbed national attention, they didn’t wait for some big organization to swoop in—they launched a viral campaign and raised $20 million practically overnight. They didn’t wait for permission; they took the shot when it counted.
Seizing the Awkward Moment
Organizations that leap from obscurity to the spotlight do it because they refuse to let limits set the rules. They see an opening—a cultural shift, a political moment, some collective freak-out—and they grab it like it’s the last train out of town.
Look at Pencils of Promise. Adam Braun didn’t wait for funding or a big nonprofit to “discover” him. He started with one school in Laos. Now, he’s built over 500 globally, all because he was willing to dive in headfirst, rather than wait for someone else to give him the green light.
Action, Not Perfection
There’s this comfort in waiting—it feels safe. Risks, on the other hand, are terrifying. And in the nonprofit world, where every dollar counts, taking a leap feels like a gamble. But playing it safe? That keeps you right where you are: small, invisible, and stagnating.
Take Girls Who Code. Founder Reshma Saujani didn’t have a tech background, but she saw a need and just went for it. What started as a small summer program is now a nationwide movement, all because she didn’t wait for someone else to solve the problem. She jumped in, took her licks, and grew a movement.
The “Perfect Time” Myth
Let’s be clear: there’s no “perfect time” to make your breakthrough. Waiting for some flawless plan to fall into your lap is just procrastination in a fancy suit. Nonprofits that change the world are built on bold, messy action. They jump in when the moment feels right, imperfections and all.
So, why not you? Stop waiting for that elusive “right moment.” It’s time to make your own. The breakthrough you’re after won’t come wrapped in a bow. It’s up to you to build it. Are you ready to stop holding back? Reach out, and let’s figure out how to make your moment happen—before the clock ticks any louder.
Ready to break the waiting game? Book a Fit Call, sign up for the newsletter, and let’s start building your breakthrough together.
