How do you start a non-profit?

Question

I am want to start a non-profit that assists adults 25 and older that are going back to school and are survivors of life threatening diseases.

I am a 30 year survivor of Cancer, single, and an independant student. I live on my own and am trying to go back to school but can't afford it on my own, my employer doesn't offer a lot of reimbursement, and student loans don't cover everything.

This non-profit I want to start would provide grants to adults whom are not able to pay for college on their own and have no assistance from family or state funds, and can't qualify for private loans.

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

What a great idea. I started one in Jan 2006 (& am a cancer patient) and am still awaiting IRS approval. Here's how it worked in my state. First I had to set up a company, an LLC. Then I received a Federal tax ID. After that, we submitted the appropriate forms to the IRS for approval to be a 501(c)(3) corporation so you can be tax-exempt and donations will be deductible for the donor. You can do it all on your own, but I recommend seeing an attorney. Shop around. I got quotes from $1500 all the way up to $3500, excluding fees to the state and IRS. It takes several months to get your tax-exempt status, so start as soon as you can.

Answer 3

In addition to all the other good advice, you might want to check and see if there are any NFP's like yours and piggyback off of them to begin a satellite office in your area.

Answer 4

Good luck on your non-profit asisstance. But, my questions is: If you can't make it on you'r own? How are you going to help 25 persons??