How can i start a non-profit organization?

Question

i need to know if i need money, if then ..how much? who do i need to contact...and overall what is the fastest way?

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

Associations may be a good avenue to explore. These organizations will address many of the thoughts, questions and concerns you'll inevitably have as well as many you haven't anticipated yet. See the source box for some relevant links.

Research, research, research – this cannot be stressed enough. Read as much as you can about the industry. 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 laws governing non-profit organizations can vary from one State to another. For example, in Texas non-profit organizations can take different organization structures. The simplest form is an association of Parents in the neighborhood. It is not a registered Corporation. But it is allowed to function as a non-profit "organization" for all practical purposes. It can even open a bank account using the Soc-Sec-number of one of the person involved.

On the other hand, you can register your non-profit organization as a non-profit Corporation. Then it can have a Tax-ID of it's own and can enter into any kind of transactions just like another living person.

Both these are non-profit organizations, but they are totally different in structure.

Also, a non-profit organization that is registered as a Corporation can be of two types, having members and not having members. The type "not-having" members is like any other forprofit corporation, having a director board to govern it's operations. The type "having members" must have members. These members may elect a director board which in turn will elect the officers like the president. Or the members may elect the officers directly. It all depends, how you form the "bylaws" of the corporation.

I have registered for-profit corporations in New Jersey and Texas. And registered non-profit corporation in Texas and obtained Federal 501 C(3) charity status for it. I did it all myself without the help of any lawyers. My point is that you can do it yourself, if you are inclined to understand how these things work. It can save you money too.

The following are some guidelines or steps you should do.
1. First determine the objective of the non-profit organization. Depending upon the objectives, it might require to register a non-profit Corporation. Or sometimes, you don't even have to register it as a Corporation. It all depends on your objectives.

2. If you are going to register it as a Corporation, then determine whether you want to have "members" or not.

3. Determine whether you want to have Federal 501 C(3) charity status. If you need Charity status, then you need to incorporate the organization.

4. If you are expecting funding from other non-profit corporations, then you need incorporate and also obtain 501 C(3) charity status.

5. If you need to obtain Federal 501 C(3) charity status, then the IRS expect you to have certain clauses in your "Articles of Incorporation". If those clauses are absent, then you will not get the 501 C(3) Charity status.

6. Once you clearly determine your objectives, how you should approach the "incorpoartion" will be clear to you. Once you are clear about it, there are many web sites out there which will give examples of "Articles of Incorporation", Bylaws etc.

7. Another member has already provided some good references to those web sites. Hence I am not repeating it here. If you like to see how I incorporated the non-profit in Texas, please feel free to check out what I used for it. It is available at this web page.
http://www.pack754plano.org/chart-orgn/chart-orgn-main.htm

8. To register a non-profit corporation in Texas, the fee is $25. The registration can be done online and the fees can be paid using a credit card. If you know what you are doing, completing the online application will take about half hour to one hour. You will receive your incorporation certificates in the mail within three to five business days. I got mine on the third day.

9. The application fee to obtain Federal 501 C(3) charity status is $300. The application form is very lengthy and will take a few days to complete the required part. Once you submit the application, expect an average of three months to get a response to your application.

10. If you want to do it yourself, and need more information or help, you may contact me at [e-mail]. I would like to see that more people become aware about how to incorporate and do it themselves.

11. If you don't enjoy doing it yourself, then you may assign the task to an attorney. The fees for the attorneys vary from place to place.

Best wishes with what you intent to do.

Answer 4

good luck being a doctor...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................WHAT!?!?!?!?!?