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Are you considering opening a nonprofit? If you are, the next several posts should be able to guide you in the right direction. Firstly let me commend you on your willingness and benevolent decision to helping the less fortunate, Over the last thirty years, I have been involved in nonprofit development and have learned quite a lot. I will be sharing with you my knowledge in order to help you reduce the bumps in your road.
Many times I have found that good people get inspired to make a positive change in the world. Inspiration comes with a feeling that anything is possible as long as you work hard enough. The problem is that inspiration wears off after a while and if you do not have an iron-clad desire to move forward at any cost, chances are you will not make it. The story is told of a middle-aged man who loses his drinking buddy at a rather young age.
During the funeral, he is fully committed to turning around his life. From now on I am throwing away the bad habits and starting a new page in life. I have many more good years in me and I can turn my life around. I am going to take the bull by the horn and lead the way to a life of happiness and prosperity. These thoughts linger on usually until he can’t see the cemetery in the rearview mirror any longer.
A leader must learn how to transform Inspiration into perspiration!
One may think that they can dedicate time to managing a nonprofit on the side, however between the fundraising and the paperwork you may barely ever get to do what you really wanted to do.
There are many ways to help a less fortunate population besides opening your own nonprofit. Such as volunteering for an existing nonprofit. At least in this manner, you are guaranteed to have a direct positive impact on the population you are trying to assist.
Sometimes opening your own is the only solution however you must remember that the most popular question you will get from possible donors is ”How are you different than the other guy?”
STOP! Read This Before Opening A Nonprofit!
Before opening you’re nonprofit you must be able to answer a few other important questions.
What is the exact problem that you are coming to solve? The answer to this question must be very specific. Each problem has its own borders. For instance, let’s take a common problem of teen violence.
Ask yourself what is the exact age group of these teens. Are you focusing on your community, county, state, or other? Will you be looking to deal with all violence or are there some issues that you prefer not to deal with?
How is your solution unique in its level of effectiveness? Many people will question your program. You will need to persuade donors that you and your program will bring a successful solution to the problem.
Do you have past proven experience in helping this type of population in the past?
Has this needy population agreed to accept help from you?
How important is this issue to you? How much are you willing to sacrifice for it?
Do you have any solid financial commitments to help you if you open your nonprofit? You do not have to have a lot of money just an encouraging amount that shows the communities desire to help you fight this problem.
Have you prepared a detailed program ready to be implemented once you start?
If there is no other program doing what you know can help and you have a winning strategy, program, and some financial pledges in place you are then ready to consider opening your doors for business. If you have questions regarding whether or not you should be opening your own nonprofit feel free to contact me at [email protected] for a free consultation. 