Starting a Nonprofit Organization? 3 Things You MUST do First

Starting a nonprofit organization or thinking about it? Here are a few things you should do first to make sure you’re successful and can make a BIG impact! #Nonprofit #Entrepreneurship #SocialEnterprise

I now work full time for the 501c3 nonprofit I started many years ago and love seeing the social impact we make in our community as we grow. I get asked often about my experience starting a nonprofit and how others can start a charitable organization themselves. There is a lot that goes into it - from creating a business plan and fundraising strategy to measuring outcomes - and you’ll be better off if you start on some of these things before you even come up with the name for your organization!

If you are starting a nonprofit, thinking about it, or know someone who is trying to start a nonprofit, I hope this helps!

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// MORE ABOUT ME

Check out the link if you're interested in some online trainings to guide you through the steps of starting a nonprofit and more!

[kimmieann]

I am a sex trafficking survivor and the Lord put it on my heart to open a nonprofit sex trafficking residential home. I’m starting the research now your videos are so helpful thank you.

[kingvdarkness]

A. Understand the need otherwise you won't know if your idea will address the need.
1. Know your topic - read and meet experts
2. Who is affected
3. Root cause of the problem
4. What issues are interconnected.
B. Study the competition
1. Check the ones in your community
2. Focus on needs other than those with the same need.
3. What would you need to do to end the need?
4. Can you partner with other orgs?
5. What are the gaps?
C. Think through the business plan - needs to be financially sustainable that you can count on, to solve the problem. Grants are not the silver bullet.
1. What - activities you'll undertake and how will you measure progress? Measure the outcomes and impacts. I.e. Benchmark progress.
Eg surveys, numbers
2. Fundraising piece eg charging for services, sponsorship etc.
3. All other parts of a business plan.

[lexigreenwarwell]

Today is my first official day of research before I start my nonprofit! Thank you for these videos!!

[juliannagory]

The idea of starting own non-profit is so crazy, that I can't even belive I can make it happen, this is my stage now, but when I think about it I can't stop smiling and have butterflies in my stomach. I think this is the beginning😁

[pamwherle]

I am just getting started planning my nonprofit to meet the need God has placed on my heart. . I appreciate your mindset. Thank you for sharing.

[healthyminds]

Am grateful i saw this, am starting a nonprofit here in Africa, helping the starving Infants in Africa. I need support

[ErikDorrough]

I am at the research stage of beginning my nonprofit of helping educate graduating Seniors as they head out into the world, to understand the things not taught in school such as managing finances, buying a home, managing credit, investing properly, buying a car etc... Your videos are very helpful and I look forward to this incredible journey I am about to go on.

[Border-collie-Frank]

Just watched your video, looking forward to using this information. I recently earned my freedom after nearly 22 years in prison, while there I met a great group of guys, many of who have been released within the last two years. Now we want to give back to the communities we impacted. We are in the brainstorming phase of our development but your video gave me insight on what to expect. Thank you for your help, I'll keep you posted on our progress.

[jenniferhoover]

I really wanted to have a retreat for women in recovery; to help them enter a season of restoration, and provide for these women the tools and resources that better prepare them for a future life of greater hope and success👑

[Jacquesmyers]

After replaying this video, I decided to put in into action and contacted a nonprofit that had a very similar mission which is to empower veterans. Call is scheduled for Monday May 2, 2022. Thank you for adding value and insights.

[odysseanderson]

I’m working on starting a community center for people affected by drug and alcohol abuse. There is nothing within 60 miles of my rural community and it has been much needed for many years. I’m in the beginning stages and just trying to learn all I can about the business side of the project. I went through my own addiction and know first had the need for something more where I live. Three years ago I went to college for substance abuse counseling with the goal that one day I could help my community, I graduated in May and I’m now trying my best to get this off the ground. Thank you for your videos!!! So much valuable information!!

[tarynschlemmer]

I am a child of an addict, as I have gotten older, I have realized just how many children of addicts fall into the same lifestyle as their parents, especially in my community. Also, as a child, I felt alone most of the time as if I was the only one going through what I was going through. I want to start a non-profit to help children of addicts. I am currently trying to figure out how I am going to do this as well as measure impact. I am definitely still in the research stage of this, but I am very hopeful that my personal experience as a child of an addict and volunteering with other non-profits will give me a good baseline of knowledge. I have found your videos extremely helpful! Thank you!

[andreasealey]

This was helpful thank you! My mission is to leverage my interior design expertise to enhance transitional and permanent housing for women who victims of domestic violence and substance abuse to promote wellness, change and hope in their lives. I’ll be watching your other videos!

[KelvinCorteza]

My dad is a pastor and he just died last month. Aside from our church, he often talks and shares with me his desire to start an NGO to help out-of-school youths. Although I have zero background regarding this, remembering how he truly cares for other people gives me that passion to make his vision into fruition. Thank you for your video. It helps me a lot.. There are still a lot of things that I need to know and experience but atleast now I am having an idea on how and where to start. More power to your channel! Godbless you, Amber...

[LauraBernal]

I am forming a plan and filing a certificate of formation for a homeless community here in Corpus Christi, Texas. It will be operated like we have never done before. I know my experiences in corrections and as an emt are probably unique, and I’m counting on them to reach people we haven’t been able to yet. I am no body. I have no assets, but the dream just won’t go away and the need is there. I know it will work, so this is my leap of faith moment and research time for the holes in my knowledge. I’ve always been boots on the ground, so your videos are helping me to see the questions we will be asked and what to plan for when that information isn’t always so forthcoming. Thank you for doing these!

[chefghDD]

Amber I am so glad I came across your channel. I am in the process of setting up a non-profit, and your videos really helped me to look at the process in a different way. I appreciate all the information you share, and will continue to view all your videos. Thank you for sharing all this great information.

[srlynn]

Thank you for this information!!! I am starting a non profit and this is a good guide to align myself. Of course I know it’s going to be a lot of work. I just want to thank you for putting your experience out there.

[Txfpfall]

Amber, I'm delighted to have found your video today. Yes, I've subscribed to your channel. I have placed energy into opening a nonprofit here in Houston. I am at the beginning stages, I'm still putting pen to paper mapping it all out on paper.

[commonsensetony]

Wish me luck. I'm a pastor that ended up homeless for 3 months. After seeing what that looks like God has put it on my heart to start a non profit and help get these people off the streets. Most of the homeless in my community work, attend church, mild drug use...some are drug addicts not all. Many just down on their luck. Hopefully God can use me here weee

[steevieel]

Hi, I'm 56 years old. I worked in the Ministry for about 15 years plus. I had a Great Time Volunteering for the Senior Citizens that were in Convalescent Homes. It Brought me such Joy, Happiness. So Today is my first day of my research to start a non profit organization for My Idea and Concept. I really Liked your Video and it was Very Educating. Thank You, Amber