The best, most generous people in the world seem to have a burning desire to help their fellow man. They often volunteer their time with their favorite charity, but others heed a different call. They launch their own non-profits, focusing their time and energy on a cause they truly believe in. If you’re one of these amazingly kind-hearted people, you might be thinking about forming your own on-profit… but are you holding back because you don’t know how to start? No worries! I’ve launched three non-profits and have compiled this list of 7 tips for forming a non-profit… I can help!
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Make Sure There’s a Need
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Photo Credit: popvulture
Your idea may seem like a winner to you, but do disadvantaged dogs really need help applying to obedience school? Do the whales need to be bathed? Do possums need alcohol counseling? Probably not. Ask friends and family for their thoughts on your non-profit idea, and see if they think there’s a need, or whether you’re being rather silly.
Choose the Right Name
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Photo Credit: "SIR: Poseyal : KNIGHT of the DESPOSYNI
When forming a non-profit, make sure you choose a name that clearly indicates what it is you plan to do. Don’t choose anything that has an acronym that means something weird or vulgar, and make sure the name isn’t already taken, or close to something else.
Frequently asked questions
Select Your Board
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Photo Credit: Fernando Gregory
By law, any tax-exempt non-profit organization has to have no fewer than five board members. Choose your board members carefully. Make sure they share your passion and that you know you can count on them!
Buy Your Domain Name
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Photo Credit: shirishbendre
Whether you plan to have a website or not, you’ll need to consider buying the domain name for your non-profit. What would have happened if the Red Cross hadn’t bought the domain name straight away? They’d have had to pay a lot of money to the forward-thinking guy who DID. Remember, if you’re a non-profit organization, you’ll want the domain name that ends with .org.
Get Your Paperwork in Order
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Photo Credit: Patrick Ng
Forming a non-profit requires a LOT of paperwork. First, you’ll need to file non-profit articles of incorporation with your state. Then, you’ll need to send the lengthy and confusing form 1023 to the IRS to get your tax-exempt status. Then there are all the by-laws, tax forms, and so much more! Make sure your paperwork is in order before you do anything else!
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Get the Word out
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Photo Credit: c h r i s t a b e l l e ✿
Once your paperwork is in order, it’s time to start spreading the word! Launch a Facebook page for your non-profit, then make sure all of your friends and family get the word out, too! Call or e-mail all of your local media outlets (like newspapers, radio stations, and TV stations).
Find Qualified Volunteers
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Photo Credit: lomokev
Chances are, once you launch, you’re going to be over-run with requests for whatever service you’re providing, so make sure you have a pool of qualified, reliable volunteers. Also be sure to save volunteer applications and if possible, run background checks on them if they’ll be working with children.
If you follow these tips, in order, then you’ll be able to launch your non-profit in no time at all. What better way to spread the love and joy and talent you possess? Have you ever formed a non-profit? What was your mission? Do you have any other tips to share?
Top Photo Credit: T.U.I.M.
