where can I go on-line to find out how to start a non-profit business?

Answer 1

I have found a website that compiles various resources on starting a non profit. I especially like the Minnesota Council of NonProfits because the site gives information on governance, developing strategic alliances, fund raising and other ingredients of successfully running a non profit.

http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm

As for funding your non profit, I suggest you check out Foundation Center to help you gain ideas on how to properly establish your organization and get support from private foundations. They have the most extensive database of private donors, and they publish a magazine that can be very helpful to your new non profit.

http://fdncenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/index.html

I was previously involved in the setup of a non profit, and we were able to get a pro-bono lawyer who set up everything for us, including getting the 501c3 tax status. Contact other non profits in your area and check if there are lawyers willing to work for free to get you started.

Non profits are just like any business - you need to get the word out in order to get the needed funding to help support your activities. Here are some tips to help you market your non profit:

1. Determine your your target audiences: who are the groups and audiences that your non profit wants to reach. Remember that one target group may respond differently to a marketing message as another group so make sure that each strategy is tailor made for each audience.

2. Develop a communications strategy, creating timelines for marketing efforts such as newsletters, press releases, special events, and others.

3. Develop a visual image. Prepare your logo and other branding tools - and use them consistently across various mediums. Make sure that you repeat your branding messages, slogans in everything you make from brochures to newsletters.

4. Employ multiple communications tactics: Nonprofit organizations often target several audiences, which may respond to different approaches. Various communications campaigns can help establish and maintain a more widespread positive image.

5. Select and use appropriate media: Plan to use a combination of approaches best suited to reaching your targeted audiences and that make best use of your financial resources. Include a variety of methods including phone calls, letters, e-mail, newsletters, PSAs, press releases, and editorials.

For detailed information on how to start a non profit, I suggest you read the following books:

- Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization -- by Joan M. Hummel
- Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs
- Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo

Answer 2

The best routes to take are to research the process of starting a business as well as the industry you're interested in.

I recommend checking out the SBA, Entrepreneur, The Start Up Journal & Nolo. All 4 are great informational resources for the new/small business owner. I posted links for you in the source box.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can. Here are some book titles that are relevant:

* Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs
* Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization by Joan M. Hummel
* The Nonprofit Handbook: Everything You Need to Know to Start and Run Your Nonprofit Organization by Gary M. Grobman
* Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo

There are plenty of free informational resources out there. Check the source box for links to articles.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!

Answer 3

The Foundation Center has a number of free resources for starting a nonprofit organization.

From the Foundation Center:

Forming a new nonprofit is a process that involves two distinct stages. Generally, you will need to establish your organization by filing articles of incorporation with the appropriate agency in your state (usually the secretary of state). You will also need to secure federal income tax exemption by filing the appropriate forms with the Internal Revenue Service. see whole article and list of resources, including an online tutorial about how to start a nonprofit at http://fdncenter.org/getstarted/faqs/html/starting_nonprofit.html

The IRS page with information for charities/nonprofits is here: http://www.irs.gov/charities/index.html

Answer 4

You can't be a non-profit without being certified I believe, or meeting federal criteria. Many say they are not for profit, like hospitals, but they really are. My hospital makes millions, but all it has to show at the end of the tax season is a zero balance, while they give themselves pay raises and build unnecessary and duplicative services! Better read the guidelines for non-profits!

Answer 5

What do you mean by a non-profit business? Are you referring to a non-profit organization like a 'save the whales' type of group or something more? There are proponents on social entrepreneurship, which can be learned about by seeking "social entrepreneurship" on Google and you may hit an association of social entrepreneurs, who you will be able to connect to.

Answer 6

Yahoo can give you all of this information from its home page. You can buy domain's for 2.90 a month or close to that amount and they have all sorts of pages on what to do to setup the business from your domain and everything about everything about starting a web business of any type. Just start clicking on options of things to do on the home page and you will find it or ask in the seach bar below your question and it can take you to a lot of places.

Answer 7

go to any government loan web sites. or do it the old fashion way go to the library

Answer 8

search on google. it will give you all the answers you need.

Answer 9

http://www.sba.gov/