I was a journalist, with no nonprofit experience, when I started an award-winning nonprofit at age 58. I just had a good idea that resonated with my community. I wrote a book, at age 72, about the lessons I learned to inspire others to follow their passions. Learn more at anitasaville.com.

LESSON #39: A ROSE BY ANY OTHER NAME WOULD SMELL AS SWEET
Your successors will likely do things with which you disagree. Every organization must evolve. That's a good thing. The best ones will still remain true to their mission. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]

LESSON #38: TOUGH TIMES STRENGTHEN TOUGH ORGANIZATIONS
One of the hardest moments for founders is watching their progeny face new challenges. You just have to trust that the folks who have taken charge will rise to the occasion. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [3/3]

Thankfully, our new ED led the amazing Budget Buddies staff to find creative ways to offer virtual programing and other new support. Many of these initiatives allowed the organization (since renamed Women's Money Matters) to expand in ways that co-founder Kathy Brough and I never imagined. [2/3]

LESSON #37: FIND A WAY TO STAY CONNECTED
Leaving an organization is hard for many founders. In addition to filling the huge hole left in our everyday lives, we must build new relationships with those who continue our work. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com. ) [2/2]

LESSON #36: TO EVERYTHING THERE IS A SEASON
Few founders can predict exactly when it’s best to leave. But when the time is right, you will likely know. Honest talk with key stakeholders can provide important insight, too. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]

LESSON #35: BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO
Important as founders are to an organization, there’s always an expiration date they must honor. It’s best for everyone if their departure goes smoothly, with lots of advance preparation. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]

LESSON #34: MAKE THE MOST OF SECOND CHANCES
You can’t always get a do-over. Such opportunities are precious and deserve the time, energy, and resources to get things right. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]

LESSON #33: IF YOU LOVE SOMETHING, SET IT FREE
Everyone dreams of retirement. Preparing your passion project to continue without you can be painful and exhausting—but also gratifying. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]

Do you throw in the towel? Take your marbles and go home? Chances are, there will be lessons learned and something to salvage for another day. The key is how you respond to your setbacks and move on from there. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]

LESSON #30: THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME
Create a welcoming community of staff and volunteers and they will support each other in good times and bad. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com) [2/2]

LESSON #29: BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
If you’re a good communicator, you may find others will even follow you down a rabbit hole. At some point, you must learn how to lead them out again -- without losing their support. (See more lessons from With A Passion at www.anitasaville.com.) [2/2]