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help starting a non profit

Veteran

Johnnie Jones Grayson, GA

I want to start my own non-profit

28 March 2015 3 replies Small Business

Answers

Advisor

Alyson Iuchs Edwards, CA

Starting a non-profit organization is no easy feat! Before you even dive into how to start it, you’ll first want to have an idea of who you’d like to help.

One option is cyber bullying. It’s a huge problem, so much so, 1 in 3 students will experience some form of bullying during the school year. Here is more information on cyberbullying: https://socialwork.tulane.edu/blog/cyberbullying-awareness-guide

You could create a non-profit that educates students how to use the internet and social media responsibly, but also give them a safe space to talk if they’re being bullied.

You could also create a non-profit that delivers care packages to those in need, but also provide much needed help for those same people. Care.org is an example of this kind of non-profit and they offer a wide variety of services that’ll help women and children, students, and those who need disaster relief, and that’s just a small look at all the people they help. Here is the site in case you'd like to learn more: https://www.care.org/

Another great organization that helps poverty-stricken families is Lift. They work hard to provide a “holistic approach” that’ll give parents and/or caregivers the strength and support to their well-being, social connections, and financial status.

Then again, you could also draw on your own experiences for ideas. Maybe you or someone you love has been a victim of domestic violence. Like cyber bullying, domestic violence is a big problem that affects 1 in 4 women and 1 in 7 men in the United States. You could create a non-profit to help victims, survivors, and children. Here is more information on domestic violence: https://online.rutgers.edu/awareness-of-domestic-violence-and-abusive-relationships/

If you have a background in education, you can create a non-profit that provides STEM education materials to school districts that don’t have the resources to do so. You can do this by creating lesson plans that take STEM learning and makes it fun for the students. Here is a resource in case you'd like to learn more about STEM: https://graduate.norwich.edu/executive-leadership/guide-to-k-12-stem-resources-for-teachers/

Another great idea is creating a non-profit that gets children involved (and excited) with sports. For example, Up2Us is a non-profit that “inspires youth to achieve their potential by providing them coaches who are trained in positive youth development.”

In terms of useful resources for getting your non-profit started, you should check out National Council of Non-Profits. Here, you’ll find a variety of tools, resources, and samples that can help you get your non-profit up and running: https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/tools-resources

Advisor

Becky Kelly Staunton, VA

One basic thing you will need to know is that all non-profits are driven by IRS regulations. To qualify, you will need to submit an application for an IRS 501-C3 designation. It is a fair amount of paperwork and has been made more difficult in the last few years because of charitable abuses. That form will give you a basic outline of what you need to consider. It can be tricky, so you may want to get some help from someone who has done it before or an attorney. The expenses can be deductible, but only after your designation is accepted. I have heard it is taking 6 months or more. Some charities begin without getting a 501-C3, but then the contributions are NOT deductible and you will need to clearly state that on any receipt, advertisement, etc......which may keep people from contributing. Hope this helps. As Colleen mentioned, if you have more specifics for your area of interest, I'm sure you'll get more information. Take care and good luck!

Advisor

Colleen Deere New York, NY

Hi Johnnie,

Thank you for your service. Would you be able to provide a bit more information about the type of nonprofit you would like to start, so that Advisors can provide you with the most helpful advice?

Best Regards,
Colleen
ACP AdvisorNet Staff

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