practical steps to setting up a nonprofit that flourishes
Starting a nonprofit might be the most rewarding thing you could ever do. It allows you to connect with community members, help people in need, and think beyond yourself in countless ways. However, it also requires an extraordinary amount of hard work, attention to detail, and patience. If you’re still ready to roll with your nonprofit plans, use these tips from Philanthropy United to start strong!
Solidify Your Vision
First, make sure you are clear on why you are launching your organization.
Craft a mission statement that clearly articulates your motives and attainable goals.
Define your vision. This can incorporate parts of your mission but should focus more on the grand plan of how you’re going to change your community.
Write a business plan that will put your mission and vision into action.
Make It Legal
You can’t miss any legal steps when starting a nonprofit. Here are a few tasks to prepare for:
Come up with a name that stands out from the crowd and reflects your mission.
Select a structure that will help you reach your goals.
File the necessary incorporation paperwork, and obtain your federal and state tax exemption.
Build Your Team
You’re not going to be able to run a nonprofit by yourself. You need a team of dedicated people to push your cause forward.
Appoint a board of directors to help make critical decisions.
Recruit essential staff members that believe in your cause. You may want to start by hiring a fundraising manager, events manager, and communications manager.
Along with board members and staff, start recruiting volunteers to help your organization run smoothly and reach the community.
Promote Your Brand
Once you have all the pieces in place, start promoting your nonprofit in the months leading up to your launch.
Create a professional, easy-to-use website with valuable written and visual content related to your mission.
Develop an attractive and unique branding package to help your brand get recognized.
Use a free business card design tool to create affordable cards you can hand out at fundraisers and networking events.
While it’s not easy, starting a nonprofit could be the perfect way to satisfy your desire to help people and make a lasting impact on your community. Make sure you are confident in your purpose and vision, fulfill all of your legal obligations, and recruit individuals who believe in your mission as much as you do. Then, you’ll be ready to spread the word about your organization!
Written by Katie Conroy
