Debunking Myths About Student-Run Nonprofits: NOSFAM Edition

When people hear "student-run nonprofit," there's often a smirk, a raised eyebrow, or a quiet dismissal. Can they actually make an impact?

We are here to clarify the most common misconceptions people may have about student-run organizations.

Myth 1: Student-Run Nonprofits Aren’t Serious or Impactful

 Reality: Partly true, but not always.

It's true that some student initiatives start off with vague goals—sometimes more for college applications than community change. And yes, as students move into demanding academic years like Grades 11–12 or college semesters, priorities shift. Time becomes scarce, and consistency can suffer.

But that doesn’t mean all student-run nonprofits lack purpose or impact. Many students are deeply committed and passionate. I’ve seen peers pull off real, tangible change in their communities.

Myth 2: They Don’t Have a Real Structure

Reality: Mostly true.

Most student nonprofits do have a structure—President, Vice President, Treasurer, and so on. But often, that structure exists more in name than in practice. The way things actually run tends to be more informal, with people stepping in and helping out wherever needed.

And honestly? That’s not always a bad thing. The flexibility helps when everyone is juggling ten different responsibilities. But yes, if you're imagining a strict, corporate-style hierarchy, you’ll probably be disappointed.

Myth 3: They Don’t Need Funding

Reality: False.

Even the smallest projects need money—whether it's for supplies, transportation, venue bookings, printing posters, or running campaigns. People often assume that because student nonprofits are “small” or “temporary,” they don’t need funding. But that’s far from true.

In fact, even short-term, often comes with a price tag. While student organizations may not need the kind of funding large NGOs require, they still depend on financial support to function meaningfully.

Myth 4: Students Can’t Manage Large-Scale Projects

Reality: Mostly false—but rare.

Let’s be honest—most students don’t try. That’s not a judgment; it’s just that large-scale projects require vision, commitment, and a lot of team coordination—things that take time and maturity to build.

But it is possible.

We’ve been fortunate to have a team that has successfully pulled off large-scale events like Dhairyam and Aikyam:

• Dhairyam is an inter-school sports competition for underprivileged children, featuring categories like: Athletics: 100m, 200m, 400m races, 4x100m Relay, Shot Put, Discus Throw, High Jump, and Team sports: Volleyball, Throwball, Kabaddi, Kho-Kho, Football.

• Aikyam is an inter-school cultural competition for underprivileged children, hosting events such as: Dance, Singing, Drama, Quiz, Spell Bee.

 If you're interested, you can read more about these events in our [Newsletter] (link here)

These aren’t small undertakings—they require months of planning, resource coordination, and team effort. And we’ve made it happen as a group of students.

With the right motivation and support system, students can manage large-scale projects. It takes trust, collaboration, and ambitious planning—but it’s more than possible. We’re living proof.

 

Myth 5: Student Nonprofits Can’t Be Registered Legally

Reality: True for minors, false for everyone else.

If you're under 18, you can’t legally register a nonprofit in your name. But once you hit adulthood, there's nothing stopping you. Even as college students, many go ahead and get their initiatives officially registered.

Legal registration isn’t a prerequisite for impact. We operated our nonprofit for years before registering it. We ran projects, raised funds, created change—all without official status. Registration is just a formality when you're ready to scale.

Final Thoughts

Student-run nonprofits aren’t perfect. They're often messy, part-time, and driven by young people who are still figuring things out. But they’re also filled with energy, creativity, and a genuine desire to contribute.

Are they always serious? No. Do they always succeed? Not really.But are they capable of impact? Absolutely.

It’s time we stop dismissing student initiatives and start supporting them instead. Because sometimes, all it takes is a group of motivated young people with a shared purpose to spark real change!