I’ve been talking with several folks lately who are working with new nonprofits that have recently gotten started. They are so excited and have so many questions!
They want to know how to put a good Board together and how to get Board members to have ownership of the organization. They want to know how to spread the word about the work they are setting out to do and how to get the attention of the local media. They want to know how to apply for grants without having served any clients yet. They want to know how to find donors and raise money. (See what I mean about lots of questions?)
Since I seem to be attracting these startups like moths to a flame, I’m putting together a coaching program just for them to get them up and running fast. I’m calling it the Nonprofit Startup Jumpstart. My intention is to help them speed up their learning curve on these issues and get moving fast. It’s packed with information and affordably priced. You can read all about it at http://www.getfullyfunded.com/nonprofit-startup-jumpstart.
So here’s my question for you, my readers: What does a Startup need to know? What do you wish someone had told you when you first started your organization or when you first started working in fundraising? I’d love to hear your thoughts! Please hit the comment link and let me know what you think.
Oh, and if you know someone who might benefit from the Nonprofit Startup Jumpstart program, please share the link. The program starts September 1 and the deadline to sign up is September 14.
This is a topic near and dear to my hear, Sandy. I’ve worked in three start-up situations as both a development director and as the CEO of the nonprofit. Here’s my short list of “what I wish I’d known”:
- Board members need to know what you want them to do. Be specific when asking them to do things for you.
- Celebrate the tiny successes as well as the big ones.
- Communicate with everyone. Don’t just “do it all yourself.” Share lots of stories and information about the funding gap and what a gift will do to make a difference to your clients.
- Tell everyone what you are working on. Get them as excited as you are. And give them specific, tangible ways to help. I carried around a yellow notepad with my list of what we needed at one nonprofit that had given me $300 to ‘get started.’ On that pad I wrote down everything I needed. Computers, people, money in specific amounts. It was seven pages long. After one-year I realized we’d gotten everything either paid for or by in-kind contributions — because I told everyone I came into contact about something on that list.
Great pointers Lori! Thanks so much for sharing. I love your point about telling everyone what you’re working on. That’s a great way to stay focused on what you need to move forward.
Sandy
Great idea, Sandy. New nonprofits need to know they don’t have to do it alone. It is so easy to get bogged down in to-do lists and paperwork, that they forget to get out of the office and spread their message. I’m so excited that you are offering this jumpstart club!
Hi Sandy, what a terrific idea for a jumpstart club for new nonprofits. I see lots of wonderful people looking like deer in headlights when they are confronted with organizing a nonprofit.
I think setting priorities is really important. It’s easy to get overwhelmed. As far as board members go, new nonprofits need to be really careful about adding people. The organization needs to make a list of what they are looking for in board members and then vet them carefully. And starting the board off on the right foot is important – be clear about expectations and keep everybody high-performing.
Gail, I think you’re right on it about expectations with Board members. I think that one issue causes more problems with Boards than any other.
Sandy
Sandy, you’re not the only one to attract start-ups! At the mere mention of the word “grants” I’m the belle of the ball.
Unfortunately, there’s no quick funding for new nonprofits and I wholeheartedly believe in Lori’s advice to try and get inkind donations to get started. As usual, your advice is timely and I can’t wait to refer my clients to your Jumpstart coaching.
Betsy
http://www.YourGrantAuthority.com
Oh Betsy, I bet you DO get lots of groups looking for startup money! “Grants” is the first thing most people think of when it comes to fundraising. I agree wityh you that unfortunately, there’s not much out there in that category.
Sandy
Sandy,
Does your program assume the organization has already been established? If not, I think a module discussing whether to start a new nonprofit organization to meet the need should be added. There are other alternatives to consider that might be more effective depending on what needs to be accomplished.
Good point Roger. My program assumes that the organization already has their 501(c)3 in hand and is ready for the next step.
Sandy