45 Powerful Non-Profit Business Ideas That Matter
Would you like to start your own non-profit business or earn money on the side, but still need to find the right business idea?
There will be countless exciting business ideas again in 2021. While it sounds exciting to start your own business, it's important that you run with the right idea.
Your goal should be to build a business in a niche that is not only profitable but can also ensure your long-term success.
Hopefully, all of the non-profit business ideas listed here will give you inspiration and a head start for the 2021 year.
1. Start a crafts business
Examples of a successful crafts business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a crafts business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Craft Business
- The Craft Business Handbook: The Essential Guide To Making Money from Your Crafts and Handmade Products: Alison McNicol
Learn more about starting a crafts business ➜
My name is Marc Staples. I am the founder of DowhHomeModern and the Lago Luna Lakeside Studio in Virginia. With the recent introduction of my original designs of windbells and chimes, DownHomeModern is gaining attention as an educator as well as a producer of quality products. Each Frontier Bell that we sell embraces the history of the place it is named for.
In 2021 I created a collection of small bells based on American Southwest decor. I call the line our Frontier Mission Bells™. The rustic style of these products has grabbed the attention of people who like their homespun appearance. The Frontier Bells has been the primary driver of sales for DownHomeModern. The example below is called “San Gabriel”. It is named after a Spanish Mission in San Gabriel, California.
2. Start an art show business
Examples of a successful art show business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a art show business:
- How I Started My Art Business At 21 L How To Start An Art Business And Make Money As An Artist 2020
- How To Start An Online Art Business In 2021 (Tips To Sell Your Art Online As A Teenager)
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Commercial Art Gallery: Edward Winkleman
- How to Start an Art Business Online: Bruce Azevedo
Learn more about starting an art show business ➜
3. Start an athletic tournament business
Examples of a successful athletic tournament business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a athletic tournament business:
- Startup Trends - How To Start An Esports Startup
- How To Start And Create A Successful Sports Business Soccer, Baseball, Football, Basketball
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Making Basketball A Business: 3 on 3 basketball "how to create and run your own tournaments": Karlton M Rembert
- Recreational Sport Programming: Richard D. Mull
Learn more about starting an athletic tournament business ➜
4. Start a recipe books business ($744K/year)
Examples of a successful recipe books business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a recipe books business:
- Recipe Bullet Journal - How To Set Up ↬ With Flip Through
- How I Really Got My First Cookbook Deal! Episode 1
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Personal Chef Business (Home-Based Business Series): Denise Vivaldo
- How To Start A Home-Based Bakery Business (Home-Based Business Series): Detra Denay Davis
Learn more about starting a recipe books business ➜
My name is Mason Woodruff, and I run Kinda Healthy Recipes, a food blog with around half a million sessions per month. We create recipes, guides, and resources for food-loving fitness enthusiasts.
5. Start a localympics business
Examples of a successful localympics business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a localympics business:
Learn more about starting a localympics business ➜
6. Start a film fundraising business
Examples of a successful film fundraising business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a film fundraising business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Make Your Movie: What You Need to Know About the Business and Politics of Filmmaking: Barbara Freedman Doyle
- How To Raise A Venture Capital Fund: The
Learn more about starting a film fundraising business ➜
7. Start a dodge ball tournament business
Examples of a successful dodge ball tournament business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a dodge ball tournament business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a dodge ball tournament business ➜
8. Start a dance marathon business
Examples of a successful dance marathon business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a dance marathon business:
- Children's Hospitals Week Dance Marathon Webinar: Virtual Events, Digital Campaigns, & Stewardship
- BIZ TALK | How To Start A Dance Business | What You Need
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Dance Studio: A Complete Dance & Performing Arts Studio Business Plan
- Quickstart To Social Dancing (Quickstart Dance)
Learn more about starting a dance marathon business ➜
9. Start a scavenger hunt business
Examples of a successful scavenger hunt business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a scavenger hunt business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a scavenger hunt business ➜
My name is Chris Waters, I go by “The Architect, and I started Constructed Adventures.
The most important thing for me is the freedom and flexibility. I don’t have a home and travel from one adventure location to the next. With all the money saved, I spend my downtime traveling to amazing locations or visiting friends and family!
10. Start a bike relays hosting business
Examples of a successful bike relays hosting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Troubleshoot, Repair, And Modify Motorcycle
- Bike Boom: The Unexpected Resurgence Of Cycling: Reid
Learn more about starting a bike relays hosting business ➜
11. Start a master chef tv show
Examples of a successful master chef tv show:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Masterchef Kitchen Bible.: Dk: 8601200498080: Amazon.Com
- How To Become A Chef: The Essential Guide To
Learn more about starting a master chef tv show ➜
12. Start a quiz bowl business
Examples of a successful quiz bowl business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a quiz bowl business:
Learn more about starting a quiz bowl business ➜
13. Start a donation business
Examples of a successful donation business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a donation business:
- Benefits Of Starting A Nonprofit Organization - Running A Nonprofit Business
- How To Get Donations For A Business Startup Or Nonprofit With Crowdfunding
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Business & Start-up Ideas: A Comprehensive Guide: Step by step guide on how to go from business ideas to starting a successful business
- How to Start a Business - Jason Nazar
Learn more about starting a donation business ➜
14. Start a hairless fundraising business
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a hairless fundraising business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- 10 Fundraising Ideas & Strategies: Fundraising Strategies To Raise Money: Alex Genadinik
- Fundraising With Businesses: Joe Waters
Learn more about starting a hairless fundraising business ➜
15. Start a charity event hosting business
Examples of a successful charity event hosting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a charity event hosting business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start, Run & Grow A Successful Nonprofit Organization: Diy Startup Guide To 501 C(3) Nonprofit Charitable Organization For All 50 States & Dc
- How to Start, Run & Grow a Successful Nonprofit Organization: DIY Startup Guide to 501 C(3) Nonprofit Charitable Organization For All 50 States & DC: Aaron Sanders
Learn more about starting a charity event hosting business ➜
16. Start an animal adoption organization business
Examples of a successful animal adoption organization business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a animal adoption organization business:
- How To Start An Animal Rescue. How To Start A Non Profit Animal Rescue
- How To Plan Start And Open An Animal Rescue Shelter
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Nonprofit Animal Rescue: Jamie S. Black
- Covered In Pet Fur: How To Start An Animal Rescue: Stacey Ritz
Learn more about starting an animal adoption organization business ➜
17. Become a race organizer ($1.14M/year)
Examples of a successful race organizer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a race organizer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Successful Race Car Driver: A Career Development Handbook
- The Chevrolet Racing Engine - Bill Jenkins
Learn more about starting a race organizer ➜
I am Angie Webb and I created Virtual Run Events powered by Moon Joggers at the start of 2013. It first started as Moon Joggers and was a fun running and walking community for people to join. When we decided to start doing virtual races, my best friend, Darnell, gave me $1,000 to get started and became my business partner. The first virtual race we did was to help raise money for one of our Moon Joggers. Her son had been diagnosed with cancer and they did not have insurance, so we hosted a virtual race and raised $2,500 to help them pay their medical bills.
After that initial virtual race, we decided that we could really make a difference by hosting virtual races and donating to charities with each race. Eight years later and we have hosted hundreds of virtual races and donated more than $860,000 to charities around the world. We set a goal of donating $1 million to charity and will reach that goal by the end of 2021! It’s amazing to see our participants from all over the planet come together and participate in our races.
18. Start a house party organizing business
Examples of a successful house party organizing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a house party organizing business:
- How To Start + Run Your Event Planning Business!!
- How To Start Your Event Portfolio With No Money Or Clients!!
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A House Of Worship For The Religious
- Home Organization Tips: Your Jumpstart To Getting On Track
Learn more about starting a house party organizing business ➜
19. Start a tie dye party business
Examples of a successful tie dye party business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a tie dye party business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a tie dye party business ➜
20. Start a roller race business
Examples of a successful roller race business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a roller race business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- What It Really Takes To Start And Run A Horse Business: And How To Do It Right The First Time: Sheri Grunska
- The College Entrepreneur: How To Leverage Your University To Build A Business, Escape The Rat Race And Live Life On Your Terms: Kyle Gray
Learn more about starting a roller race business ➜
21. Start a trash art auction business
Examples of a successful trash art auction business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a trash art auction business:
- How To Sell Multimillion-Dollar Art At Christie's
- [Ultimate Guide] How To Start A Valet Trash Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Sell Your Art Online: Live a Successful Creative Life on Your Own Terms: Cory Huff
- Reselling:The Art Of Flipping Art: Buying And Selling Art for Huge Profits
Learn more about starting a trash art auction business ➜
22. Start an upcycled furniture business
Examples of a successful upcycled furniture business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a upcycled furniture business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Woodworking Business: Profit From Your Passion!
- Refinishing Old Furniture: Start A Home Business: Mr T N Van der Walt
Learn more about starting an upcycled furniture business ➜
23. Start a roller race business
Examples of a successful roller race business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a roller race business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- What It Really Takes To Start And Run A Horse Business: And How To Do It Right The First Time: Sheri Grunska
- The College Entrepreneur: How To Leverage Your University To Build A Business, Escape The Rat Race And Live Life On Your Terms: Kyle Gray
Learn more about starting a roller race business ➜
24. Start an under-privileged school business
Examples of a successful under-privileged school business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a under-privileged school business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Online Education Business: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Success (StartUp Series)
- Rock Bottom To Rock Star: Lessons From The Business School of Hard Knocks: Ryan Blair
Learn more about starting an under-privileged school business ➜
25. Start a tree planting service
Examples of a successful tree planting service:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a tree planting service:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Backyard Orchardist: A Complete Guide To Growing Fruit Trees In The Home Garden
- Christmas Trees: Growing and Selling Trees, Wreaths, and Greens: Lewis Hill
Learn more about starting a tree planting service ➜
Raffaele Di Lallo is the founder of the houseplant blog website Ohio Tropicswhich he started around five years ago in 2017.
In 2021 his blog generated over 300,000 page views per month, translating into around $10,000 in revenue. About 80 to 90% of the revenue comes from display ads, and a small portion is generated from affiliate commissions.
As he managed to draw a six-figure income from his blog Raffaele has finally decided to leave his day job and work full-time on Ohio Tropics. He has also written a book on houseplant care tips named Houseplant Warrior, which is available both in hardback & eBook.
Raffaele is using Mediavine to display advertisements on his website. Raffaele stated that he has increased his ad revenue by utilizing some of the tools and analytics provided by Mediavine.
His blog’s RPM (revenue per thousand impressions) varies throughout the year. On a good month, his RPM is in the $50-$60 range, though a $40 RPM is closer to his average.
Raffaele includes links to Amazon products that he has personally used and recommends on his blogs, but this is not his primary focus.
He is responsible for all of OhioTropics' content production. Once he tried to hire a content writer, he was not 100% satisfied with the outcome and decided to manage things independently.
Raffaele likes to share his experiences with cultivating and caring for houseplants, which is challenging to outsource.
The founder has 165k followers on Instagram, and last year, one of his posts drew the interest of a significant plant company. Along with expanding his blog's content, Raffaele wants to expand his YouTube channel, Ohio Tropics Houseplant Care.
Best Strategies Raffaele Used To Grow His Blog
- Writing informative content that answers people's questions
- Updating old posts & creating new content
- SEO
- Using Ahrefs for keyword research (low competition, high volume search terms)
- Google Search Console to grab new keyword ideas
- Focusing on what generating revenue

26. Start an alcohol free club business
Examples of a successful alcohol free club business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a alcohol free club business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Alcohol Freedom: 7 Powerful Mindsets To Kickstart Your
- Trendy Bar & Nightclub Business Startup: How To Start, Run and Grow a Successful Bar & Tavern Business
Learn more about starting an alcohol free club business ➜
27. Start a graffiti removal business
Examples of a successful graffiti removal business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a graffiti removal business:
- Graffiti Removal & Big Dollars - Pressure Washing Business
- How To Start A Graffiti Removal Business - Starting A Business Online Review
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a graffiti removal business ➜
28. Start an animal saving business
Examples of a successful animal saving business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a animal saving business:
- How To Plan Start And Open An Animal Rescue Shelter
- How To Start An Animal Rescue. How To Start A Non Profit Animal Rescue
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Run A Dog Business: Putting Your Career Where Your Heart Is: Veronica Boutelle
- Start Your Own Pet-Sitting Business (The Startup Series): Cheryl Kimball
Learn more about starting an animal saving business ➜
29. Start a vices campaign business
Examples of a successful vices campaign business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a vices campaign business:
- Vice Presidential Debate Between Mike Pence And Kamala Harris
- 2020 Vice Presidential Debate: Watch Live Vp Mike Pence, Kamala Harris Go Head-To-Head
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start, Run And Grow A Successful Residential & Commercial Cleaning Busine
- Start-Up Smarts: The Thinking Entrepreneur's Guide To
Learn more about starting a vices campaign business ➜
30. Start a green living business
Examples of a successful green living business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a green living business:
- 6 Eco-Friendly Business Ideas (Green Businesses For 2020)
- 15 Innovative Sustainable & Eco Friendly Business Ideas
For further info, check out these books and products:
- 101 Ways To Turn Your Business Green: The Business Guide To Eco-Friendly Profits: Rich Mintzer
- Starting Green: An Ecopreneur's Toolkit For Starting A Green Business From Business Plan to Profits: Glenn Croston
Learn more about starting a green living business ➜
31. Start a pawn brokerage business
Examples of a successful pawn brokerage business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a pawn brokerage business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Art Of Pawn: Lessons On How To Open And Operate a Pawn Shop, Plus How to Buy Gold & Silver
- How to Start a Pawn Shop (How to Start a Successful Business)
Learn more about starting a pawn brokerage business ➜
32. Start an in-home senior care business
Examples of a successful in-home senior care business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a in-home senior care business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- HOME CARE HOW TO - The Guide To Starting Your Senior In Home Care Business: Brendan John
- How to Start a Home-Based Senior Care Business: *Develop a winning business plan *Market your unique services to families *Create a fee structure care manager (Home-Based Business Series)
Learn more about starting an in-home senior care business ➜
My name is Gareth Mahon. I’m the co-founder and CEO of The CareSide, a home care and nursing service provider for elderly individuals in Australia. We are based in Perth, Australia.
We launched our company in 2017. Over the past 3 years, we have scaled to $5 million in revenue.
33. Start a fundraising consulting business ($1.8M/year)
Examples of a successful fundraising consulting business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fundraising consulting business:
- Small Business Tips : Starting Your Own Consulting Business
- Fundraising 101: Rueben Mayes At Tedxwsu 2014
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start And Run A Successful Consulting Business: Gregory F. Kishel
- Start Your Own Consulting Business: Entrepreneur Press
Learn more about starting a fundraising consulting business ➜
My name is Daryl Hatton. I am a founder, CEO, and lead investor of a team that created ConnectionPoint in 2009 as an early entrant and innovative pioneer in the crowdfunding industry.
To date, we have helped almost 200,000 projects in 40+ countries raise over $200 million using our platform.
34. Start a first aid kits business
Examples of a successful first aid kits business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a first aid kits business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Complete First Aid Pocket Guide: Step-By-Step
- First Aid For The Usmle Step 1 2020, Thirtieth Edition
Learn more about starting a first aid kits business ➜
35. Start a health care campaign business
Examples of a successful health care campaign business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a health care campaign business:
- 7 Reasons Why You'll Want To Start A Healthcare Business In 2020
- 7 Booming Healthcare Business Ideas You Can Try
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Campaign Boot Camp: Basic Training for Future Leaders: Christine Pelosi
- Health Care Ethics: Critical Issues For The 21st Century
Learn more about starting a health care campaign business ➜
36. Start a storage facility
Examples of a successful storage facility :
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a storage facility :
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Your Self Storage, Planning - Site Selection - Amazon.Com
- Self Storage Facility Operations Manual: Copper, Bob - Amazon.Com
Learn more about starting a storage facility ➜
My name is Ben Elizer, and I am the Founder and President of Velocity International Group, a full-scale logistics company, offering SameDay delivery, Expediting, Distribution, Fulfillment, andmany Warehousing Services. We offer to consult and some other services as well to help our customers succeed in an ultra-competitive environment. Velocity started with 2 vans and many faces to face conversations. We now have 10+ vehicles, including trucks, and have grown to 25k+ square feet of warehouse space as well to best serve our customers.
Over the past 2 years, our revenue has grown over 300%, which has completely contributed to the great people and culture we have at Velocity. After having to move out of my apartment (because I put everything financially I had into this company), and move back into my mom’s house in my mid 20’s, it was difficult, but just 6 months later we had our first small office and warehouse space. I’m fortunate I had a support system to move back into, or else Velocity might not be here today. The business has grown ever since because of hard work, trust, and relationships. We focus on what is important.
37. Start a charity auction service business
Examples of a successful charity auction service business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a charity auction service business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a charity auction service business ➜
38. Start a stress/anxiety coaching business
Examples of a successful stress/anxiety coaching business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a stress/anxiety coaching business:
- Anxiety Coach Makes Over $10k A Month (Interview With Freedom Business Mentoring Client)
- No Clients No Experience How To Start Coaching
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Self-Coaching: The Powerful Program to Beat Anxiety and Depression, 2nd Edition, Completely Revised and Updated
- Attacking Anxiety & Depression: A Self-help, Self-awareness Program for Stress, Anxiety & Depression & Jump Start Coaching DVD Series 1-3
Learn more about starting a stress/anxiety coaching business ➜
39. Start a charity casino organizing business
Examples of a successful charity casino organizing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a charity casino organizing business:
- How To Setup Your Own Charity - Mark J Kohler
- Starting A Nonprofit Organization? 3 Things You Must Do First
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How to Start a Charity: An Essential Guide to Starting a Successful Charitable Organization: Eila Poulton
- Casinos: Organization And Culture: Chris Roberts Ph.D.
Learn more about starting a charity casino organizing business ➜
40. Start a disabled people foundation
Examples of a successful disabled people foundation:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a disabled people foundation:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Foundations & Concrete Work (For Pros By Pros): Fine Homebuilding Magazine
- Start A 501c3 Nonprofit That Doesn’t Ruin Your Life: How to Legally Structure Your Nonprofit to Avoid I.R.S. Trouble, Lawsuits, Financial Scandals & More! (Nonprofit Law Series Book 1)
Learn more about starting a disabled people foundation ➜
41. Start a thrifty resale business
Examples of a successful thrifty resale business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a thrifty resale business:
- 5 Things You Must Do Before Starting As A Reseller Or Thrifter!
- Ashley's Guide To Thrifting + Reselling Clothes
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a thrifty resale business ➜
42. Start a refitting houses business
Examples of a successful refitting houses business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a refitting houses business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start & Run a Home Staging Business (Start & Run Business Series)
- HOME CARE HOW TO - The Guide To Starting Your Senior In Home Care Business: Brendan John
Learn more about starting a refitting houses business ➜
43. Start a charitable information business
Examples of a successful charitable information business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a charitable information business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Starting & Building a Nonprofit: A Practical Guide
- Start A 501c3 Nonprofit That Doesn’t Ruin Your Life: How to Legally Structure Your Nonprofit to Avoid I.R.S. Trouble, Lawsuits, Financial Scandals & More! (Nonprofit Law Series Book 1)
Learn more about starting a charitable information business ➜
44. Start a first aid training business
Examples of a successful first aid training business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a first aid training business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a first aid training business ➜
Hey! 👋 I'm Pat Walls, the founder of Starter Story.
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