Bible League International understands that it is often a challenge to get a non-profit organization off of the ground. With so many worthy charities out there, it can become challenging to stand out, particularly as a new group. Following are some tips for aspiring non-profit leaders on how to propel a new charitable organization to success:
Do research first
While it is important to be passionate about a cause, Bible League International states that a non-profit must be run like a business. This means that there must be a need for the group in the area; otherwise, it will not succeed. Also consider whether teaming up with another more established non-profit in the community would be beneficial to both groups. Doing a little research about the best way to approach the organization ensures that it will thrive and raise plenty of money for the worthy cause.
Develop a business plan
Understand that a non-profit must be run like a business in order to be successful. There must be enough money coming in to pay for rent for office space and other materials, and those involved with the organization must work to promote it in order to earn donations. Regardless of the type of organization, the non-profit must have a well thought out plan that shapes its development. Simply trying to “wing it” is not the way to lead the organization to success, says Bible League International.
Look into what makes a group a non-profit
Just because the cause is a worthwhile one does not necessarily guarantee that the organization will be qualified to become a non-profit. There are many different types of non-profits, and there are also certain standards that a group must meet to qualify as such. Prior to launching a charitable organization, take some time to look into what earns a group non-profit status.
Bible League International emphasizes the idea that there are legal issues that non-profit groups must attend to in order to function. Though the group may not be a business in the traditional sense, state and federal bodies regulate non-profits heavily. This protects the organization from fraud, and ensures that donations are being spent in a way that benefits the cause. While the organization may have been created to do good in the community, it is important to take care of the legal matters associated with being a non-profit. Charitable organizations are certainly not free of legal trouble should they fail to adhere to government protocol.
The importance of keeping good records
Again, like any business, a charitable organization must partake in solid, detailed recordkeeping. There are several reporting requirements that a non-profit must adhere to each year, and good records make this mandatory reporting much easier. The team at Bible League International states that solid recordkeeping prevents an organization from encountering issues later.
Developing a fundraising plan
Fundraising is a complicated and often competitive process, and requires individuals who are experienced in order to be completed properly. Non-profits must constantly be getting out in front of community members, making them aware of the cause and of its importance. Hosting a bake sale or a banquet is no longer enough to bring in the funds necessary to support the organization.
The people who work for a non-profit must be highly sophisticated fundraisers who know how to network and make influential community members aware of the cause. When these individuals know exactly how to proceed, it ensures that the charitable organization will earn the funds it needs to continue year after year.
Regardless of the time of year, the non-profit needs to be fundraising consistently. Fundraising does not just happen around the holiday season or at the first of the year. It must happen year-round in order to ensure that the group has the funds it needs to continue. While there may be more aggressive pushes at certain points during the year, fundraising should never stop.
Put a board in place to keep the group on track
The board of a non-profit group is responsible for steering that organization’s efforts, ensuring that the group stays on track and succeeds. Board members should have various areas of expertise, and should be able to donate the time and energy necessary to propel the organization forward. Finding the right people to serve on the board is a key part of ensuring that the group ultimately is a success and accomplishes its mission.
Recruiting enthusiastic volunteers
A non-profit group cannot survive without a strong base of volunteers who are willing to lend their time to the cause. Volunteers are essential for carrying out a charitable organization’s mission and efforts. They can also help to spread awareness about the cause, thus getting others invested. Finding volunteers who are reliable and enthusiastic is a challenge, but Bible League International notes that doing so is an important part of getting the non-profit off of the ground.