High school is the perfect place for students to learn and transfer easily into young adults. This is the best way for them to see the dynamics of the real world without all the stress that is equipped with it. In high school students should ideally be trying out new things to prepare them for what is to come. We’re going to guide you through how to start a nonprofit in high school. 

One of the best ways to prepare a student for something they can expect in the real world is through a non-profit volunteer organization at school. There are many ways that volunteering can be beneficial to students, one being helping with their resumes and/or applications. Though this can be a difficult project for a student, so don’t be afraid to ask for guidance! We also have a guide that will help you with starting your own charitable organization.

Why Start a Non-Profit Organization in High School?

The option to create non-profit organizations for high school students is incredibly beneficial. There are multiple reasons why nonprofits started by high school students can be beneficial. 

First, there is always a lesson to be learned, and some students will learn a different skill set that a classroom cannot teach. Some other benefits that come with starting their own nonprofit organization are to learn how to lead, learn how to be part of a team, and emulate people you admire.

Types of Non-Profit Organizations You Can Start in High School

At this point, you need to focus your goals on what you want to achieve out of this startup. There are a few different types of organizations that you can start in high school, so let’s go over the types you should consider.

Work Under An Umbrella Organization

When you sign up to run an organization when that has already been created, then you are joining an umbrella organization. The organization had already been created and registered, you would be helping bring in more business to the organization. 

Since all the heavy lifting would be done, your main purpose is to marshal financial donations and resources to that umbrella organization.

how to start a nonprofit in high school

Start Your Own Organization

This option is for strong-willed and dedicated students. You will be essentially starting your own organization from the ground up. Starting a new nonprofit can be challenging, but it isn’t impossible! To create your own private foundation you will need to hold a bank account, accept donations, and potentially hire a staff.

If you decide to start your own organization it will be essentially like you are starting your own business, which comes with a lot of responsibility.

How to Start a Non-Profit in High School: A Full 3-Step Guide to Umbrella Organizations

There are a few different options you can look into when you are trying to start your own nonprofit. We’re going to guide you through each one and give optimal suggestions on the best way to achieve extracurricular goals, as well as develop your college admissions gratification. Now let’s dive into how to start a nonprofit as a teenager.

Start a Club at Your High School

Starting your own club is something that you can challenge yourself to take on in high school. Your high school can efficiently be posed as your umbrella organization. The potential nonprofit that you want to start will thrive in a school based on the fact that you will have a place to host meetings and functions. 

Plus you will be able to easily develop your club with students that are interested in helping with the organization that you are trying to put together.

Operate Under a Larger Nonprofit Organization

When you operate under someone else’s organization, it gives you the opportunity to use their legal assets while still achieving the goal you want. Typically you are brought on through a partnership and become a subset of their company.

Like a nonprofit, learning how to start a charity in high school is another route you can take. Take the idea to your principal or teachers and learn how to start a charity as a teenager. They are there to help you and give you the opportunities to create something more for your extracurricular activities. 

Find a Community or Company Organization to be Your Sponsor

Just like using the high school when you seek another community or company organization, you will be utilizing their space for meetings and events. Not only will you be able to use the provided space, but you will also have their support. This is also beneficial because you will have a direct outlet to the community that has already been established.

Let Us Help You Find Your Best Fit

How to start a nonprofit as a high schooler: A 7-step guide to start your own organization

Search Non-Profit Startup Resources

This is one of the ways to ensure that your non-profit organization has a strong foundation. Take the time to understand how the specific resources operate and you will have success with your own organization.

Pick Your Non-Profits Name

Picking a name for your organization is important, but also fun! There are tools you can use to ensure that the name you come up with is unique to you. This is your chance to be creative and figure out a name that represents your organization and its mission.

Appoint a Board of Directors

Appointing a board of directors from the get-go is important because you’ll need guidance when drafting bylaws for your organization. Your board doesn’t have to consist of a large group of people. Its intention is just to create an infrastructure that will provide support, and answer any questions you might have.

File the Incorporation in Your State

With the research you completed in step one and the help of your board of directors, you’ll want to file to make your incorporation real. There are websites that you can find through your state to file such documents properly.

Apply for Tax-Exempt Status

This may take a little bit more of your time, and is a more constructive process. Please make sure to follow all the guidelines necessary when completing this step.

Open a Bank Account for Your Organization

It’s important to open a bank for your organization because this is where all your sponsorship money will reside. To open a bank account means that you have the required documents classifying that your organization is real. Here are the specific documents that you will need; your federal tax identification number for the entity, the articles of incorporation, the bylaws, or a signed operating agreement.

Obtain Necessary Licenses and Permits

The only reason you’d have to worry about obtaining licenses and permits is if you were hiring employees or selling products. Which in your case shouldn’t be applicable; however, in the off chance that it is, please apply for the appropriate documentation.

non profit ideas for highschool students

5 Nonprofit Ideas for High School Students

There are a few ways that high school students can start their own nonprofit organization. Not only will it help them with advancing in the real world, but it will also be something they can add to their college application. Have a hard time figuring out what kind of organization you want to start? Here are 5 nonprofit ideas. (Some are even found off social media!)

Food Recovery Network

Originally the student that launched this organization had the idea to take the unwanted/ leftover food from the school and give it out to homeless shelters. Since then his idea has expanded to more schools and even restaurants as well.

Building Tomorrow

A student from the College of William and Mary started an organization to improve educational facilities in Uganda. They’ve already built over 7 schools and have 8 more planned.

CollegeSpring

CollegeSpring is one nonprofit aiming to level the playing field by giving SAT prep and college counseling to low-income students.

Beauty Gap

The founder of Beauty Gap noticed little African girls were playing will European dolls. She found this unfortunate and imperialistic. Therefore she created Beauty Gap where she aims to provide dolls of color “to promote the affirmation of every child’s God-given features in a world where they are not usually celebrated.”

Kicking 4 Hunger

The ideology behind this organization is if you want to partake in the soccer tournament then you donate food rather than paying money. This then turns around and is distributed to all the people who don’t know when their next meal is coming to them. 

Key takeaways on student nonprofit organizations in high school

In conclusion, starting your own non-profit organization or adding your brilliance to an existing one isn’t impossible. It will take a lot of hard work, but any student can prove themselves and get the job done. If you are looking for a way to improve your resume or college application, then think outside the box. Create a better world for you and everyone living in it.

FAQs

There are several different resume formats to choose from – primarily chronological resumes and functional resumes. In this article we will discuss how to write each resume type, the pros and cons of functional resumes and chronological resumes, the overall objective of a professional resume, and key factors to consider when selecting your ideal professional resume format.

The Different Types of Resume Formats

There are two primary types of resume formats: chronological resumes and functional resumes. Chronological resumes are written in reverse chronological order — with your most recent employment listed first — and focus on your employment history. Functional resumes focus on your professional skills, passions, and overall potential. While this type of resume may include your employment history, it is not the primary focus. Generally, chronological resumes are considered to be the standard resume format. Functional resumes, however, have their place as well.

The first step towards professional success is understanding the importance of a well-written professional resume today and crafting an impressive professional resume. This article will help you choose which resume type will best help you showcase your unique job skills and employment history. Read on to discover key factors to consider when deciding which resume format to choose. Which will be most flattering and well-suited to your individual needs? Learn to stand out from other applicants, so your future employer notices you and you can start thinking about how to ace your job interviews.

What is a Chronological Resume?

A chronological resume is a professional standard. It follows a clear, logical progression and is very thorough. This resume type is often favored for its familiar, straightforward format. Employers know what to expect when they encounter this type of resume. Chronological resumes are well-organized and easy to scan. They are predictable, concise, and include lots of important details about professional resume skills, previous employment, education, and more. Chronological resumes highlight professional growth and clearly tell a story.

Because these resumes are so straightforward, this professional resume type is also easy to write. These resumes have clear guidelines and expectations. Writing a chronological resume is a fairly streamlined process, which is partly why it is so popular. Additionally, there are lots of chronological resume examples and professional resume templates online to learn from. Overall, there are lots of reasons why a chronological resume is so favored — by employers and employees alike.

The chronological resume format, however, has some potential pitfalls. For instance, it’s possible that your most relevant job experience is not highlighted at the beginning of your resume. This means that if you are a part of a large applicant pool, your future employer may not read your entire resume. In this case, it would be important to “tailor” your resume by mentioning keywords early on, and throughout, your resume. Chronological resumes may also inadvertently highlight gaps in your employment history.

Chronological Resume Example

Source: The Muse

Tips For Writing a Chronological Resume

These professional resume formats include a lot of details. So make sure it is well-organized and easy to read. Write concisely. Eliminate extra words. Use a legible font, no smaller than 10 points. It might be tempting to use a smaller font size so you can include more details, but don’t sacrifice legibility. You want your resume to make it through several rounds of consideration, so find a chronological resume template online that makes sense to you. Then alter it as you see fit and get started! As with all professional correspondence, make sure you proofread several times before submitting.

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What is a Functional Resume?

Functional resumes highlight only your most relevant job experiences and skills. They are highly specific and are clearly written with a specific job in mind. Contrary to chronological resumes, functional resumes do not focus on your employment history. Rather they focus on your professional skill set and what you can offer a specific company.

Functional resumes are well-suited for inexperienced but ambitious young professionals and experienced professionals who are changing careers. This is because this professional resume format highlights passion and potential, while simultaneously softening a lack of practical experience. You don’t have to have years of industry-related work experience to be a good fit for a position, and this resume type allows you to compete with other, perhaps more qualified, job candidates.

These resume types are less about your qualifications and more about your overall compatibility with the company and the position you are applying for. In other words, functional resumes focus on your professional potential more so than on your professional past. If you are charismatic, with a clear passion for your future, a functional resume might help you catch your potential employer’s eye!

While some recruiters may appreciate the zest and innovation displayed in functional resumes, others may feel that this resume format lacks crucial details. Because a chronological resume is standard, some recruiters may prefer this resume type, purely due to its familiarity.

Functional Resume Example

Source: The Muse 

Tips for Writing a Functional Resume

Do your best to convey a personable, upbeat, passionate tone. This resume type relies on an element of charisma, so make sure your language is positive and warm. For this type of resume to work, you have to sell yourself as someone who will further a company with your passion and ambition. Basically, you are trying to win over your future company and employer so they believe in you and want to invest in you.

Can’t Decide? Try a Hybrid Resume

There are pros and cons for both professional resume formats. Draw on each resume type’s strengths and mitigate their respective weaknesses by writing a hybrid resume. A hybrid resume combines key elements from each resume format.

Before you begin writing your resume, peruse professional resume templates online. Examine several chronological resume examples and several functional resume examples. Compare and contrast them. Take notes on your observations.

What appeals most to you about a chronological resume? Perhaps you like how detailed it is and appreciate its direct, logical structure. What appeals to you most about a functional resume? Perhaps you like how positive and personalized it is. Whatever your answers are, brainstorm ways to combine your favorite elements. Reflect on various professional resume elements, such as font, font size, spacing, order, etc.

Key Takeaways and Additional Resources

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to be able to identify your strengths and weaknesses so you can learn how to ask for help and delegate efficiently. If writing or organization are not strengths of yours, there are lots of resources you can turn to in order to get the professional resume you deserve. Consider exploring different professional resume writing services by hiring a professional resume writer or a writing tutor. Or find someone to help you revise and edit your resume. If you have questions about your resume, there are lots of professional resume templates and examples to look at online. Once you are happy with your resume and start getting interviews you can start thinking about other job questions such as how to compare job offers.

If you think you could benefit from more resources and professional, individual attention check out our free resume maker! Its AI-powered technology detects what employers want to see in your resume for your desired role. A thoughtful, well-written professional resume can help improve your job prospects significantly. This is why it is important to take the time now to reflect on the pros and cons of chronological and functional resumes and decide which works best for you. 

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