Want to start a nonprofit charity?

Question

I want to start a nonprofit charity in my area (reno, NV). I have looked to see if there is already one in my comunity and there is not. I want to know how I find the contacts I need. I want to start a Medical relief for Africa. How do I find out who to set up with so that the supplies and money would get to Africa. Or is there an orginization I can join to set up a charity in my area. I have tried to look this up already, but I am only finding sites that will you fill out the 501c3 form and not actual orginization or contracts.

And if I have to start my own charity how find the contacts and start the charity, besides filing a 501c3 form. ( I have all the informationon the form I need)

non profit charity means not for self gain, basically all money will go to the charity and I will make no money. nonprofit for me all profit for charity. The reason it is called nonprofit is because you make no money therefor you don't pay taxes.

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

You can't since you must be 18 yrs of age. If you wish to conduct a Fundraiser for Japan that is allowed. First you get Written permission from a registered Nonprofit such as the Red Cross. They will send you a fund raising kit. Then you speak to the Principle about your intent and receive permission.

Answer 3

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

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 4

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Answer 5

I suggest you contact a company that can incorporate your non-profit. Make sure they can register your non-profit with your Secretary of State in Nevada and if they can also apply for an Employer Identification Number with the IRS. Be sure to ask them how many Directors are needed for the state of Nevada.

When you name the non-profit Do Not call it a foundation because this can prevent you from seeking grant monies. Calling it a foundation means that you have the money already to give to those who are seeking funds.

You will need a Mission Statement. A business plan is essential too. If you noticed on the 501c(3) it asks you show your budget for three years this is where your business plan can help you.

I wish you much success.

Answer 6

As opposed to a for-pofit charity?

Answer 7

look for african college or university students who are willing to help promote the idea. take their pictures if it is permissable and make some colored fliers. all yor fundraising efforts will have to go to fliers first. try researching african dancing and thier dress. ask your new college pals to verify if all your research is accurate and non offensive. then host an african dance athon, even to peolple who dont know how to do it. youl need an african mc to speak, as to what the dance is for, why they do it, etc. you may want to sell tickets to local organizations (youll need a gambling licence) so your event will turn out. ask for african recipes to be sold at food booths. they also pay to sell. make a chart of dollars raised and announce it at the event. give displays of africa and the problem your helping with. but dont focus too much on the problem, have a good time. you will need to put ads up for volunteers. have them meet at a prearranged place and time, and call them the day before. if its nice out, meet at a park. give them a handout of the plan and what each person would be responsible for. remember, you will not make any money off of this, but youll make a lot of friends. also get the local paper involved to come out and take a picture of you and your volunteers.