How to start a non profit

How to Start a Non-Profit…

That Matters!

Week OneDefining Non-ProfitsResearching Your VisionConducting a Needs AssessmentWriting a Mission StatementBranding

About Me I have been involved in the non-profit

world for over 20 years; starting three successful organizations in the aging and health care fields.

I’ve raised over $10,000,000 and served thousands of people.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors of three non-profit organizations.

I love the non-profit world and you will too!

Our ClassroomPlease turn off other technology and try to minimize distractions. This course moves quickly and we cover a lot of ground!

Feel free to type in questions as we go through the material.

View the material in full-screen mode.

While each course is 90 minutes long, there will be time each week to answer questions and talk.

Feel free to email me throughout the week if you get stuck or need some encouragement.

AskMeg@likefinewine.net

What Is a Non-Profit? NPO: An organization in which no owner,

stockholder or trustee shares in profits and losses and which exists not to earn revenue but to promote a mission that enhances the public welfare. These organizations are usually eligible for tax-exempt status and can receive tax-deductible contributions.

Four Characteristics

Mission Ownership Control Accountability

Your Vision, Your Abilities What need are you

meeting? Is your mission vital to

YOUR community? Does your vision lend

itself to high quality, responsive and unduplicated programs?

Will you have adequate facilities?

Do you have the business skills to run a non-profit?

Are you creative, passionate and persistent? Collaborative? Driven?

Can you inspire others? Can you communicate

your vision quickly and effectively?

Conducting a Needs Assessment

Discover Is there another non-profit

in your program space? Who is your audience?

Where do they live? How do they get around? How many people will need your service?

What services do they currently use?

What are this group’s stated needs and desires?

Quantify Talk to a sample group of

your intended audience. Talk to other non-profits that

are providing similar services.

Guidestar 211 Call Centers Interview leaders in your

community. Search the web. Use a SWOT analysis.

Writing Your Mission Statement

1. What is a mission statement?

2. Why is a mission statement important?

3. Constructing a mission statement.

4. Using your mission statement.

BRAND! With a written

mission statement and a completed needs assessment, your name and brand should be coming into focus. Brainstorm.

Color. Text only or brand mark? What do you want to convey? Fun? Trust? Caring?Using a designer? Logo software?

Conduct your needs assessment Begin to refine your mission statement Brainstorm about your name and brand

How to write a mission statement Sample needs assessment SWOT analysis

How to Start a Non-Profit…

That Matters!

Week TwoThe Business PlanBy-LawsPolicies and ProceduresOverview of Legal Filings

Our ClassroomPlease turn off other technology and try to minimize distractions. This course moves quickly and we cover a lot of ground!

Feel free to type in questions as we go through the material.

View the material in full-screen mode.

While each course is 90 minutes long, there will be time each week to answer questions and talk.

Feel free to email me throughout the week if you get stuck or need some encouragement.

AskMeg@likefinewine.net

Business Plans

The Executive SummaryProducts and ServicesStrategyOperationsFinancialsBudget with Revenue Projections

The Executive Summary This explains very concisely and clearly

what the business does or will do. Include your mission statement, a

description of the Board of Directors, types and numbers of employees needed, location of where services will be provided, a description of those services, your funding sources and a summary of the market research you have conducted.

Products and services What products or services will be

provided? Who is the market? What differentiates your services from

existing services? What problems do your services

address? What are your objectives?

Strategy Include the results of your needs analysis. Explain the documented need for your

service and/or a new need you will address. Who else provides this service or a similar

one? Who are your clients? Where are they? How

many are there? How will you market your services to this

population?

Organization and Management How will you organize? Create an organizational chart. Develop and include staff profiles for the

major players.

Marketing Strategies How do you plan to communicate with

your target audience? Include an advertising or PR plan. Include a social networking plan.

Financials Where will you get your start-up

funding? Will you be a membership organization? Include research you have done on

grants and special events. Include fundraising goals.

Prepare an annual budget showing revenues and expenses.

Why? You will need your business plan to show

to donors and foundations that may fund you, to potential board members, and to key volunteers and employees.

The business plan is your compass. Your business plan is a living document

that will grow and change with the organization.

Policies and Procedures

Bylaws See sample by-

laws in the handouts section.

Policies Conflict of Interest Compensation Board Roles and

Responsibilities

Legal FilingsState Incorporation Federal Tax ExemptionLocal Operational FilingsFundraising Filings- State by State

Begin policies and procedures notebook Do your legal filings

Sample policies and procedures forms Sample by-laws

How to Start a Non-Profit…

That Matters!

Week ThreeDeveloping a Fundraising PlanSources of FundingSpecial Events

The Fundraising Plan Develop your goals!

How much money do you need to raise? What will you use the money for?

Overhead, salaries, programs, capital projects, emergency fund?

Develop a plan for EACH goal!

Fundraising Plan - Costs Estimate your cost of fundraising.

Your total cost of fundraising should not exceed 23% of your overall operating budget.

Consider postage, website, special event costs, cost of staff and cost of facilities used.

Fundraising Plan - Timelines Develop a timeline for your fundraising

plan. Fill in a one year calendar with specific

activities. Then develop timelines for each activity.

Fundraising Plan – Funding Sources Can you leverage current sources of

income? Who are the audiences you aren’t

tapping? Should you return to the “well” or try for

mass appeal? Grants? Can you develop a product or service

that will bring in earned income?

Fundraising - Evaluation Evaluate your plan every three months.

How will you evaluate your efforts? Money raised? New donors? Publicity?

What were your success? Where did you miss? What should you change, drop or add?

Sources of Funding Grants –

Foundationcenter.org Local

businesses/corporate presences

Community Foundations

Cooperative ventures with established non-profits

Service recipients Family and friends Special Events Non-profit coalitions Community Marketing

Be:A heartfelt connectorA beneficiary builderA member motivator

Special Events Galas Runs and Walks Golf Events Product Sales Individual House Events Fashion Shows Restaurant Nights/Happy Hours

Week FourIn the CommunityBoard DevelopmentSocial MediaConnecting with other organization

Board Development Founding Board Members Matter!Consider the skills you will need as a start-up:1. Financial2. Technical3. Marketing4. Legal5. Social Service

Board Development No less then 3, No more than 15

members Stagger terms to ensure fresh talent and

ideas Develop board member roles and

responsibilities, be sure that roles are clear E.g. – Board sets policy, staff implements Board hires Executive Director, ED hires

staff

Social Media Facebook Twitter Stumble Upon You Tube Pinterest LinkedIn

Sign-up for at least one social media siteDevelop your daily social media planBegin Board Matrix

Sample board matrix

The Take-AwayOur course has given you the tools you need to begin your journey. With a refined vision, policies and procedures in place, a fundraising strategy and board in place, you are ready to serve.

Next steps: Developing programs and additional revenue streams and next level strategies.

Call or Email! Call me or email me if you get stuck.

You won’t find this to be an easy road, but I promise you it will be a fulfilling one!

AskMeg@likefinewine.net