Why You Should Start A Nonprofit

Are you thinking about setting up a business that includes your desire to give back to your community? A nonprofit might be an ideal business structure for you. Nonprofits vary in size and focus, such as Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants wishes to sick children; ASPCA focuses on animal welfare or The Fender Music Foundation focuses on music education. If you have a passion, you can build a nonprofit around that passion to produce a potential long-term legacy.

Before Starting a Nonprofit Ask These Important Questions
Do you have a cause you are passionate about and are thinking about setting up your own nonprofit organization? To make a successful launch, ask yourself the following important questions.

1. Why – Why start a nonprofit?
Why start a nonprofit in the first place? What's motivating you? The National Council of Nonprofits considers your motivations about starting a nonprofit and asks yourself who is going to be involved and how will your organization be different? Is there a similar organization already in your area? Exactly how and why is your nonprofit going to benefit the community? Be sure you understand the needs of the community and networking with local nonprofit leaders is also important.
 
2. Who – Who will be the beneficiary of your nonprofit?
When you thoroughly investigate setting up a nonprofit, its purpose has to be solidified. Who or what community group will be the beneficiary of your nonprofit? What kind of business will you run to benefit the community? What is the location of your nonprofit and who will be the board members? An in-depth business plan will answer these questions and will crystalize your nonprofit's mission statement, bylaws and rules.
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3. How – How will the nonprofit be funded?
Funding is the most important part of the business plan and has to be addressed first. What are your revenue sources? Are they stable? Do you have donors? How will you solicit funds from them? Good planning for funding and the challenges will save lots of time in the future. The Society of Nonprofit Organizations and The National Council of Nonprofits are excellent resources for solicitations and funding.
 
Are You Committed?
Serving the community is one of the most admirable missions. However, you should know there will be challenges running a nonprofit similar to a business. The Red Cross and UNICEF had humble beginnings, but became global nonprofits and they faced challenges as they grew. But with passion and commitment, you can bring your nonprofit dream to life and the emotional rewards will be worth the work.