Starting a non-profit to find a solution for a social cause is a noble pursuit. However, it is a complex task and can require a lot of deliberation. Irrespective of how well-intentioned an individual is, they must develop a business sense to establish and run a successful non-profit organization. Starting a non-profit requires more than just planning and research. To succeed, those looking to start a non-profit must avoid common mistakes, such as: Having unrealistic expectations A common mistake individuals make when starting their non-profit organizations is starting with unrealistic expectations. They do not consider the time, energy, and resources a non-profit organization can cost to start. These include setup, office space, legal fees, incorporation fees, and other expenses. One might also need to invest hours of research and planning to create a fundraising plan. Individuals should remember that starting a non-profit is a time-consuming process. Therefore, planning beforehand is critical to starting on a winning foot. Choosing amateur board members Board members are the backbone of any organization. A nonprofit is likely to fail if the hired board members are ineffective and lack a vision similar to that of the organization. The right board members believe in the organization’s mission and are ready to promote that to others.