HOW TO START ANON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION

There are over 1.5 million non-profit organizations in

the United States.

Public charities are the largest sector, accounting for 70% of the market and over $3 trillion in assets.

Starting a nonprofit organization can be an amazing experience for entrepreneurs who wish to make a positive change in the world. Building a successful nonprofit requires a distinct set of skills and competencies, however, it is not vastly different from starting a for-profit business. 

Below, you willfind 10 steps that

will help you in starting a non-

profit organization

Need Help Starting a Non-profit?

Click Here

Before starting out, you will need to identify and quantify the need for your specific organization. Research whether there are other groups already engaged in the same or similar work, and ensure that starting a new nonprofit is the right solution. 

Do Your Research

The mission statement is a concise expression that covers in one or two sentences the name of the organization, what it does, for whom it performs services and where it dispenses service. A nonprofit organization’s goal is to accomplish this mission through its services, purpose and vision.

Have A Clearly Defined Mission

Create a Business Plan

Since a non-profit is simply another version of a for-profit business, you’ll need to develop a strategic business plan to:

Fulfill your mission and reach your goals

Fundraise (grants, institutions, friends, family, etc.)

Recruit volunteers and board members

Develop a roadmap for your team

01

02

03

04

Develop a BudgetA well-planned budget

focuses on the primary goals and objectives of the

organization and provides financial and programmatic

adaptability — key ingredients to maximize

sustainability.

Develop a Fundraising PlanIt is important to develop funding from a mix of individual and institutional sources, as well as earned income generated from special events, products, services and membership fees. No organization can finance its work successfully from any one source.

Assemble a Board of DirectorsAn active, involved board made up of committed people is essential.  The board should include those that share in your mission and also those that have great connections and experience to guide the organization.

Create BylawsBylaws define how a nonprofit organization will be managed and how it will run. They determine which staff and board members have authority and decision-making responsibilities and how those responsibilities should be carried out. They also aid in resolving internal disputes.

File Your Non-ProfitBe sure to incorporate your organization properly:

Federal Level- Secure your tax exempt status from the federal government.

State level- Complete the state forms with the help of a lawyer to help file your articles of incorporation

Register to Raise MoneyIf your nonprofit intends to solicit the public for donations, the organization must register as a charitable solicitor in many states. Obtain forms from the attorney general, secretary of state or other appropriate agency.

Begin the Fundraising ProcessA common pitfall is that founders don't realize the importance of fundraising and as a startup nonprofit with no track record, fundraising can be tough. However, this can be overcome by having documentation on how well the nonprofit is meeting its goals.

Here are the 10 Steps to Help You Start a Nonprofit

Begin the fundraising process

Do your research

Have a clearly defined mission

Create a business

planDevelop a

budget

Develop a fundraisin

g plan

Assemble a Board of Directors

Create bylaws

File your non-profit

Register to raise

money

BusinessPlanTemplate.comhelps entrepreneurs, business owners and

executives create plans to grow their organizations.

Learn more about our Business Plan Services at http://www.businessplantemplate.com/