5 Steps to Starting a Nonprofit

Starting an Organization Step-by-Step

(It won't all happen neatly in this order, but generally, this is what needs to be done.)

(Again, in writing!) Don’t confuse goal setting with your mission statement. Goals are concrete statements about what you need to achieve in order to fulfill your mission. Focus on results and the actions needed to achieve them.

Establishing Your Board of Directors

The Board of Directors governs the organization. The board is responsible for establishing the direction of the organization and for its financial, ethical, and legal well-being. The board is also responsible for hiring the executive director and for ongoing oversight. If directors are also fulfilling other roles within the organization, as they often are inhumane organizations, they should have a clear understanding that this work is separate and apart from their role as board members. They must respect the authority of the appointed executive director and staff with regard to daily operations.

Taking It to the Public: Cultivating Support in the Community

Once the groundwork is laid, you need to cultivate the support of the community, reach out, and involve more people. In order to succeed your organization is going to need the support of many, many people. Holding a public meeting, where you can explain what your group is going to accomplish, is the next step. You don’t want to throw a party and have nobody show up! Publicity is key here.

Holding a Productive Meeting

At this first meeting, it’s important to establish your credibility and to explain the program clearly and positively. While you want to convince people of the seriousness of this problem, be sure to speak in a positive tone. You must convince the attendees that this is a do-able project, that they can make a difference! No one wants to get on board a sinking ship! An unproductive meeting can be the kiss of death to a young group, as the busy, productive people you need to connect with do not have time to waste.

All of your preparation will pay off here. You want to get volunteers bought into your organization’s mission and goals upfront. Appoint one of your board members to spearhead your volunteer recruitment. Provide written job descriptions (these can be brief), and training, which must include the organization's policies and procedures. Effective follow-up is as important as initial training. A good volunteer coordinator works with the volunteers on an ongoing basis to ensure that important tasks are completed on time, to get feedback, and to supply additional training as needed.

The leaders of the organization are responsible for making the organization’s mission statement manifest. This requires periodically assessing your progress and making necessary changes to get the job done. Are you truly fulfilling your mission? Are the programs working? Success is an ongoing process of making adjustments.

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