Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

 I don't have a business degree, and my family wanted me to start a nonprofit organization. I have done tons of research, learned a lot of things but still have so many questions.

 Since we are nonprofit our funding has to come from somewhere. I am thinking of trying to get fiscal sponsorships. I don't have a building, employees, I am just planning before hand.

 I really don't know who to fire first, our group is about helping people with disabilities. We take them on field trips of sorts and have a recreation center. We would have volunteers as well as paid employees. Lots of planning to do.

 What really should be my first order of business?

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I must commend you for taking on this venture.  It’s hard work.

If your company is operating already, than you know about the local, state & federal regulations that govern a non-profit.

A Non-profit organization is like any business for profit, particularly when it comes to planning, marketing and fundraising.

If you have started the business already, I would revisit your business plan & create a marketing plan.  Your approach should be no different than any for profit business. Determine the goals of your business & create a marketing plan that will help you achieve those goals.  Your company should invest the same energy & use the same marketing tools as a for profit company does when they are looking for investors and funding.

From a marketing perspective, getting your message out starts with your friends, family, co-workers, and clients.  They are the ones that have to spread the word for you. They are the ones that will help with fundraising.  But your company has to be exciting & doing great things for them to talk about you; non-profit or not.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Best of luck.

Regards,

Dave M.

Walsh/wexford

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Dave M.