It is no secret that we live in a world that has great social needs. Reading or watching the news, or just simply living and meeting people, we are quickly faced with a world in need. The initial thought for some is to create an organization that will address those needs. It is noble to want to start an organization to help address what may seem like a dire situation. However, there are other impactful ways to help address a need without starting a business. Consider checking websites like Charity Navigator or Guidestar to see if the type of organization you want to start already exists. Then consider the following 6 alternatives to starting a nonprofit organization.

1) Volunteer

Many organizations need volunteers. For some organizations, volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization and they play a crucial role in helping an organization achieve its mission. Depending on the organization, volunteers are often on the frontlines of the organizations. Many have the opportunity to interact directly with the population who is in need. Volunteering is great for the volunteer as well. There are many benefits to volunteering that improve your life as well.

2) Join a Board

Joining a board takes your volunteer service to another level – a managing level. Board service allows you the opportunity to provide governance and leadership to an organization. Consider joining a board if you want to help provide strategic direction to an organization that works in your area of passion. Board service also increases your level of responsibility for the actions of the organization.

3) Contract your Services

Perhaps you want to support a cause on a more full-time basis, but you need to earn a living too. Consider contracting your services. If you have a particular skill that can propel an organization closer to reaching its goals, consider offering that skill as a paid service.

4) Partner with a Fiscal Sponsor

Perhaps you have an idea for a specific program. There may be a fiscal sponsor that works with your cause, but does not have a specific program to address an issue within that cause. Fiscal sponsors have the administration, 501(c)3 status, and history to provide your program with credibility to garner the support it needs to achieve its mission.

5) Advocate

As an individual you can advocate on behalf of your cause to bring about policy changes that make a difference. You can start a petition, rally supporters to write their legislative leaders, and increase awareness of policy issues that affect a specific population

6) Donate

Financial resources are usually limited for nonprofit organizations and may limit their capacity to achieve their mission. You can donate to help bridge the financial gap. In fact, you can collaborate with other people in peer to peer fundraising to raise money for an organization that works for your cause. You can even volunteer to organize a fundraising drive on behalf of a specific organization where you raise money or collect gifts-in-kind donations.

There are many ways to make a difference without starting a new organization.