Setting up a nonprofit organization requires passion, patience

By Wally Northway

Mississippi Business Journal

Jeffery Duplessis has a passion for nonprofits. After spending some 20 years in the media, he is now communications and training coordinator at the Mississippi Center for Nonprofits in Jackson helping others launch their charitable concerns.

 He said he finds his work immensely rewarding, but has seen too many individuals who have started working toward opening a nonprofit only to stumble. Duplessis’ advice to others looking to establish a non-profit organization is simple — stay true to the cause and be prepared to see the process through to the end.

 “I can’t tell you how many people have called me over the years and said they need a job and want to start a nonprofit,” Duplessis said. “That is not the right way to begin. You have to be passionate about your cause — to make a difference in your community. You are going to have challenges. If you are not committed, those challenges can become brick walls. You have to be passionate, persistent and patient.”

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