What does it actually take to move a nonprofit from an idea to a sustainable, growing organization?

In this episode of the Nonprofit Launch Plan Podcast for Startup, Small, and Growing Nonprofits, Matt Stockman sits down with Paul Schmitz, founder and executive director of ShowerUp, to talk about the real-world journey of building a nonprofit from the ground up.

What started as a simple vision to provide mobile showers for people experiencing homelessness has grown into a multi-city nonprofit serving thousands through mobile shower and laundry services. But this conversation goes far beyond the story itself.

Paul shares practical insight into:

•  Identifying a real community need 
•  Taking the first steps toward launching a nonprofit 
•  Building a strong nonprofit board 
•  Creating donor systems and fundraising infrastructure 
•  Avoiding mission drift 
•  Scaling sustainably without losing focus 
•  Developing succession plans and long-term organizational health 
•  Leading volunteers and staff without burning out 

If you're a nonprofit founder, executive director, ministry leader, or someone considering launching a nonprofit organization, this episode provides practical guidance and leadership insight you can apply immediately.

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Paul describes the emotional impact of ShowerUp’s first outreach event. After nearly 50 days without access to a shower, one guest walked out and simply said, “I feel human again.” That moment helped define the heart of the organization and reinforced the importance of building programs that restore dignity, not just meet technical needs.

This episode is especially valuable for:

•  Startup nonprofits 
•  Small nonprofit organizations 
•  Faith-based nonprofit leaders 
•  Ministry founders 
•  Executive directors 
•  Nonprofit board members 
•  Leaders trying to scale responsibly 
•  Organizations struggling with focus or mission drift 

Key Topics Covered

•  How to validate a nonprofit idea before launching 
•  What founders should do before filing for 501(c)(3) status 
•  Why many nonprofit boards fail early on 
•  How to recruit better board members 
•  Donor experience and nonprofit fundraising systems 
•  Why clarity matters when scaling a nonprofit 
•  The danger of chasing grants outside your mission 
•  Volunteer leadership and organizational culture 
•  Succession planning for nonprofit founders 
•  Sustainable nonprofit growth strategies 

Resources & Links

• ShowerUp
• Mission Drift, the book Paul mentions in the episode

Connect With Matt Stockman

If you’re building a startup, small, or growing nonprofit and want practical coaching, fundraising strategy, or help building a sustainable growth plan, connect with Matt through Nonprofit Launch Plan.

Sign up for the weekly “Launch Briefing” email for nonprofit leadership strategies, fundraising insight, and practical next steps for nonprofit growth. Send an email with "Sign Me Up" in the subject line to [email protected]

Website: Nonprofit Launch Plan | Consulting & Fundraising for Nonprofits
Matt's Email: [email protected]
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nonprofit-launch-plan
Matt's LinkedIn: (1) Matt Stockman | LinkedIn