This document provides an overview of pathways for starting a social impact project through nonprofit or charitable means, including starting a traditional nonprofit organization, volunteering or donating to existing causes, fiscal sponsorship, and alternatives to formal nonprofit status. It discusses options like becoming a registered 501(c)(3), pursuing fiscal sponsorship through an established nonprofit, or remaining informal. Fiscal sponsorship in particular provides shared resources for mission-driven projects and is well-suited for new initiatives, time-limited programs, businesses doing charitable work, and organizations pending 501(c)(3) approval. No matter the path chosen, principles like theory of change, leadership, governance, sustainability, and compliance are important to consider.