Want to change your community while also beefing up that resume? Starting your nonprofit organization is a great way to stand out among your peers while also making the world a better place. It is easier than many think to start a nonprofit organization and it all begins with you. Be your boss and act on your passions. This guide to starting a successful nonprofit is sure to help you create and inspire the change you wish to see within your community. Anyone can do it, so why not you?
Why start a nonprofit?
Aside from the obvious benefits of initiating a positive lasting change within the community, there are plenty of personal benefits that come with starting a nonprofit. Starting any business is an exceptional way to improve your work ethic and business skills. It allows you to make connections within your network that could grow into collaborations and future opportunities. To name a few more reasons, starting a nonprofit also allows you to see your surroundings change for the better and know that you have a role to play in that change.
Who can start a nonprofit?
Anyone with a passion for positive change can start a nonprofit and it is easier than you think. Regardless of whether you are a high schooler looking to strengthen your college application, a college student with a passion for social change, or somebody with a desire to build something out of a dream you can start a nonprofit. Now, it doesn’t happen overnight, but with the right amount of effort and aspiration, it is possible. This guide to starting a successful nonprofit gives you the blueprint to start.
How to do it?
Research, research, research!
Make sure you are researching what you are passionate about. Some questions to ask yourself are; “how will my organization set itself apart?”, “Will people within the community care about my cause?”, “is my organization able to grow and expand?” Those questions are important to ask to make sure your organization will be something that the community is excited about and needs. It is important to evaluate how your organization will tackle setbacks, where it will seek funding, what partners could potentially help out down the road, and most importantly how the community will interact with your organization.
Let’s Build!
Okay, you have your research done, your excitement is building up, and you are ready to change the world! Now, let’s turn your ideas into reality. Create your name (must be unique and specific to your cause), write your purpose (mission statement), state your registered office, state your registered agent, and assemble your team (at least one board member.)
You must apply as a nonprofit organization with the IRS as well to start your journey. Building your board is important and should be done carefully. The majority of states require at least three officers, whether you have three or more it is important to make sure they are dedicated to the cause and purpose of the organization. Your first three should be your treasurer, secretary, and president.
Write your rules.
Make sure to write down and finalize a fair set of rules and regulations for the organization. Term length, removal policy, voting procedures, and duties should all be mapped out in this step to ensure fairness and smooth sailing. Also, be sure to set up a procedure for board meetings to touch base. These bylaws are essential for a nonprofit and are required by the state and government.
Within this step, make sure to also write and sign a conflict of interest policy. Define this first and create a game plan to handle conflicts.
File 501C3.
Make sure to do this step once you’re all set with all of the other steps and ready to go. This is the tax exemption form that will allow all donations and funding to be non-taxable by the government. You must ensure that all the steps for your state are complete before filing for the 501C3.
Start raising!
Now you are officially ready to start making a change! It is important to have people on your team to help promote and generate a buzz for your fundraising events and any events that your organization will be starting. Get the word out! Make sure to check your state’s regulations on fundraising events as many require registration to solicit.
Be sure to check all of your state guidelines to ensure everything is done correctly and legally. Be your boss and be the change that you wish to see from the community around you. When others see your passion, feel your enthusiasm, and understand your purpose, success will follow and change will form.
