Starting with Nothing But Purpose

When I launched GALAXI—Gainesville Area Lacrosse Inc.—I didn’t have a grant writer, a donor list, or a shiny website. I had a plastic tote full of used lacrosse gear, a passion for the sport, and a desire to give kids in my community a shot they might not otherwise have.

That’s it.

No corporate sponsor. No startup capital. No paid staff.

And yet, here we are—years later—with teams on the field, kids learning and growing, and a program that’s respected not just for what it offers, but for how we do it.

This blog is for the dreamers and doers building their own “nonprofit next door.” The ones working out of garages, meeting in borrowed spaces, and fueling the mission with grit instead of money.

Trust me—you don’t need a big budget to make a big difference.

Step One: Know Your Why

Before you do anything—print flyers, collect gear, even pick a name—you’ve got to nail down your why. That purpose is going to keep you grounded when things get messy (and they will).

For me, the “why” was simple:
I wanted kids—especially those in underserved neighborhoods—to experience the confidence, camaraderie, and character that lacrosse can build.

Your mission has to be clear enough that a 10-year-old and a city commissioner can both understand it. If your reason for existing is strong, it becomes your best fundraising tool, your best recruiting pitch, and your North Star when you’re deciding what to say no to.

Build With What You Have (Not What You Wish You Did)

In the beginning, GALAXI didn’t have fancy jerseys or custom helmets. We had hand-me-downs, old sticks, and cones I borrowed from my days coaching JV.

And you know what? The kids didn’t care.

They were just excited to play. To be part of something. To have adults cheering for them.

Don’t wait until your logo’s perfect or you’ve raised $20K. Get creative. Partner with local schools, churches, parks, or rec centers. Post in neighborhood groups. Ask for used equipment. Offer your time before you ask for anyone else’s money.

Starting scrappy teaches you how to stretch every resource—and that lesson will serve you forever.

Community Partnerships Are Priceless

One of the smartest things I ever did was stop trying to do it all alone.

We partnered with local PE teachers who helped us introduce the basics during gym classes. We teamed up with school administrators to get field space. We leaned on fellow coaches and volunteers who brought new skills and new networks.

Don’t underestimate the power of small, local partnerships. That teacher, business owner, or city employee down the street? They might be your best advocate—and they’re often just waiting for someone to ask.

Mission-driven people find each other. You just have to make the first move.

Keep the Main Thing the Main Thing

When you run a grassroots nonprofit, you’re going to be tempted to chase every opportunity, donation, or invitation that comes your way. Don’t.

Focus on the one thing you’re best positioned to do. For us, it’s teaching lacrosse and life skills to young people who need a positive outlet.

That means we say no to things—even good things—if they pull us off course.

We don’t run elite travel teams. We don’t overcomplicate programming. We stay grounded in access, inclusion, and consistency.

Clarity beats complexity—especially when your resources are limited.

Measure What Matters

You don’t need a fancy data dashboard to know you’re making an impact.

You just need to look.

• Did that shy kid finally speak up during practice?
  
• Did a player who struggled in school improve their attendance?
  
• Did a parent tell you this is the first time their child felt like part of something?
  

That’s impact.

Eventually, you’ll need metrics for grants and partners. But never forget that the most meaningful outcomes are often the hardest to measure—and the easiest to feel.

Stay Lean, Stay Local

There’s nothing wrong with dreaming big. But don’t forget the power of being small and nimble.

GALAXI isn’t run from an office. It’s run from kitchens, sideline chats, and Saturday morning huddles. Our decisions don’t go through five layers of committees. We see a need, and we respond. Quickly.

That kind of responsiveness builds trust—and trust builds momentum.

People don’t support organizations because they’re big. They support them because they’re personal, effective, and rooted in the community.

You Don’t Need More—You Need Meaning

If you’re building something right now—a sports league, a tutoring program, a food pantry—don’t get discouraged by what you don’t have. That’s not what matters most.

What matters is that you show up. That you stay consistent. That you focus on people over polish and impact over image.

GALAXI wasn’t built on big money. It was built on borrowed sticks, volunteer hours, and a belief that kids in Gainesville deserved a chance to thrive through sport.

And if we can do it, you can too.

Because the nonprofit next door? It just might be the one that changes everything.