Starting a nonprofit has never been more popular — or more misunderstood.

Every year, thousands of founders file paperwork driven by passion, purpose, and a desire to make impact. But behind the scenes, many nonprofits struggle to survive past their first few years due to poor structure, lack of funding strategy, and unclear leadership models.

That’s why this episode of COSIGN Conversations is essential viewing for anyone even thinking about launching a nonprofit in 2026.

We sat down with Akilah Wallace, founder of Taylor Wallace Consulting, for what can only be described as a Nonprofit Masterclass — an honest, no-nonsense breakdown of what it really takes to build a sustainable, scalable nonprofit today.

Passion Isn’t Enough Anymore

One of the biggest misconceptions Akilah addresses is the belief that good intentions automatically lead to success. In reality, many nonprofits fail not because the mission isn’t needed — but because the organization isn’t built to last.

From day one, nonprofit founders must think like CEOs:

• Clear governance and leadership structures
• Sustainable funding models beyond donations
• Systems that support growth, accountability, and scale
• A long-term vision rooted in strategy, not emotion

Akilah challenges founders to ask the uncomfortable but necessary question: Does this need to be a nonprofit — or just a well-run business with impact?

When a Nonprofit Makes Sense — And When It Doesn’t

This conversation doesn’t romanticize nonprofit work. Instead, it provides clarity.

Akilah breaks down when starting a nonprofit is the right move, when it might actually hurt your mission, and how founders can avoid common early-stage mistakes that derail organizations before they gain traction.

Topics covered include:

• The biggest mistakes nonprofit founders make in year one
• Why many nonprofits struggle to secure consistent funding
• How to build credibility with funders, partners, and boards
• The difference between being mission-driven and being sustainable
• How to scale impact without burning out leadership

A Blueprint for Impact That Lasts

Whether you’re:

• In the idea phase of launching a nonprofit
• Running an existing nonprofit that feels stuck
• Looking to scale your impact more strategically

This episode provides real tools, real frameworks, and real truth.

At COSIGN, we believe impact deserves structure. Vision deserves strategy. And purpose deserves longevity.

Watch the full conversation with Akilah Wallace on COSIGN Conversations and make sure you’re building something that lasts — not just something that starts.