[Elysium]

Hey...anyone familiar with setting up Non-profit organizations?

I was wanting to set one up and have started doing some reading, but just wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions/advice for folks just starting out.

Thanks.

[Timgt5]

I would think that you would go about it the way you would start any other business.

1. Define the objectives and purpose of the origanization
2. Define the geographic area and clientele
3. Determine the material and staffing needs of your organization
4. Secure financing either from foundations, government or other sources
5. Like any business prepare to have headaches along the way, lots of 'em

I think the mistake people make with Non Profits, is the assumption they do not have to run them like businesses, but you need much of the same entreprenuerial qualities to make it succeed and sustain itself.

Best of luck!

[sanityseeker]

It may be different in the US but in Canada the first step is to do a name search and register the name of your non-profit and the second step is to register as a non-profit under the Society's Act either provincially or federally depending on the geographic region you will be serving. Both will be for a nominal fee.

This process requires the applicant to answer the kinds of questions Tim listed. They essentually become your Constitution and By-Laws. You will need to identify your founding members, board of directors, roles and responsibilities, meetings etc..

I agree with Tim that running a non-profit is very similar to running a business and therefore a solid business plan (long term strategic (5yrs) and short term operating (annual) plan) is very important.

There is a lot of movement towards mobilizing non-profit organizations to engage in social enterprising to generate revenues to support the work of the non-profit. For example a drop-in youth centre may operate an ice cream shop. An arts council may run a gallery gift shop with all of the profits going back into the society to operate its programs and services. The social enterprise may be staffed by volunteers or it may create jobs and provide job training. Social enterprising allows non-profit organizations to be less dependant on grants and donations and therefore less restricted by external criteria and more indepentantly sustainable over the long term.

[eskielover]

There is a lot of tax information you need to know about....some things have changed since I was treasurer of the management club at the company I worked for which was a non-profit group. We took money from dues & also from fund raisers to so things for the community including supporting "guiding eyes" the training facility for the guide dogs for the blind in California & many other community support. It is similar to any other business, but the rules are strict about the use of the money. Something you need to know about intimately so as not to get into trouble with the IRS & loose your standing. I haven't had time to look it up on the internet, but would imagine that there would be some good information through google, but I would suggest talking to a good business lawyer who sets up non-profit businesses for the good information you really need

eskielover

[catrules]

Check the Small Business Administration. I do not know for sure that they have information specifically on starting a non-profit, but they have a ton of tools and resources to guide you in starting a business. I have been using this lately as I am trying to expand my own small business. There are also lots of resources on writing a business plan, grant and funding information and so on. If they do not address non profits directly, my guess would be that they may be able to point you in the right direction. They have online mini courses about business which, upon completion, you can print out a certificate for. My understanding is that when submitted with a business plan, any education or experience that you can demonstrate will help with getting support for your endeavor.

I have worked for a number of non profits, but have not started one. I would just suggest that you have a defined mission, and plan before anything else. From my own experience, especially with my hypomanic episodes, sitting down and focusing what I am trying to accomplish with my business was eye-opening. Of course, I get all sorts of fabulous ideas, and want to be all things to all people. I have learned that defining the purpose and structure of my business has helped rein me in a little bit.

I wish you the best of luck.

Cat

[Junerain]

http://managementhelp.org/strt_org/strt_np/strt_np.htm

Elysium Good for you! I always wanted to do that.
Try this: www.nonprofitexpert.com/nonprofit_law.
The laws are very complicated and need to be followed to a tee. Good luck!
Also Google non profit law there's a lot of info.