Continue reading »]]>

Nonprofit Fundraising Using Social Media:

 Basic rules of engagement

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

This is the year to imporve you skills with nonprofit fundraising with social media

Nonprofit fundraising using social media can be a lot more fun than you may think!  We are about to cover some fun, free projects your organization can try right out of this blog.  Let us know how they work!

Today, in 2012, nonprofit fundraising using social media has gotten both easier and way more complicated!  If you remember the basic rules of engagement, then nonprofit fundraising using social media can be a smooth running snap!

if you cause is the California Condor, nonprofit fundraising using social media lets you brand it that way!

One of the basic rules of engagement for nonprofit fundraising using social media is to come up with an event, because donation or item sales drive that is consistent with your mission statement.  If you are a charity designed to feed the homeless, a food drive and donation drive is appropriate.  If you an organization designed to save the California Condor, why not try selling logo embossed peanut brittle?

Letting the donor have something physical for their donation is a key method used today in nonprofit fundraising using social media, it gives the donor a feeling of value and lets them walk away with something that shows others they donated.  Another advantage of an item for a donation, is that item is advertising to everyone that sees it, the donors family and friends, if they take the item back to work who knows how many will see it.

Another great fundraiser is donations for an event, dinner, concert or even a car wash.  If it is to be a donation for a dinner or a concert, be very sure you have the funding to pull off the event even if you do not get the numbers of attendees you hoped for.  Concert venues want paid, lighting and sound must be paid, so consult with professionals before you get in over your head.

Nonprofit fundraising using social media can increase results 3 fold!

Back to the car wash idea, you have seen them many times, but we have a new twist.  Think in terms of old marketing first, sell tickets to get a car wash, this way you know in advance of the event that you will have money coming in and a successful event before it happens.  But it gets better, some who buy tickets will forget to come, and others that don’t want to let some kids wash their new car will buy a ticket to support your cause, but never use it!  Finally the event will draw the donors that see the car wash as a spur of the moment thing just like any other car wash anyway.  Can you see how nonprofit fundraising useing social media could increase this method even more?

Same rule applies for bake sales, thrift sales, arts and craft sales and raffles.  But where do the social media come in.  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media is simple if you follow the basic rules of engagement for a nonprofit event, and then talk about it constantly on you twitter feed, Facebook and LinkedIn to boost your exposure.

Basic Rules of Engagement:

1)      Design a realistic and achievable fundraising idea,  make sure you have the funds to cover any eventuality and that your price point is affordable to your core donor audience

2)      Have someone who is dedicated to the successful planning, running and execution of the event or drive, this is espicially critical for nonprofit fundraising using social media.  If you have an experienced person on staff or a volunteer who is reliable and known to complete tasks properly

nonprofit fundraising using social media puts you in the web

great, if not there are professionals who can organize and execute it for you at a reasonable cost.

3)      Set clear and attainable goals; don’t make the drive to raise a million dollars if you are selling 5 dollar car wash tickets.

4)      Clarify the purpose of the event or drive, what are the funds going to benefit, if it is to benifit the general funds of the charity or foundation, great.  If, however, it is to benifit the California Condor, then you might be able to get other organizations with similar goals to join in through the internet, remember nonprofit fundraising using social media offers a whole world of new options for partnerships in humanitarian goals.

5)       Use social media and traditional methods to market market market!  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media can be tied in with traditional methods to great effect; think about having a ticket sales booth at a cretin location and then announce it through social media as well as the way you normally do it, you will have the potential of many more coming by!

these are a key part of success in nonprofit fundraising using social media

6)      Use social media to publicize the event, blog about the cause and push the effect of a donation or participation in the drive.  Nonprofit fundraising useing social media expands your world, expands you influence and adds to the good you can do!

Let’s say your event is a Spaghetti Dinner, we will use that as our final example.  Traditional marketing says you sell tickets to friends church members working with you and maybe at the local grocery store, using a table with a hand

Think differently

written sign.

Let’s look at how nonprofit fundraising using social media could work.  In your announcements newsletter, you begin talking about the amazing spaghetti dinner coming soon, and that last year it sold out so buy tickets early.  Then you begin to Tweet the event and list it on Facebook and LinkedIn, now remember not just your organization social media, but the Facebook and twitter of every member, volunteer and booster of your organization.

Try a different approach; nonprofit fundraising using social media

Next, in your social cause’s blog you put a story about the cause followed by an announcement of the event.  Finally you put out a press release, and all social media coverage on the unique recipe of the spaghetti sauce.  Make sure there are comments listed on blogs and tweet responses expressing agreement at the unique good flavor of the spaghetti!

Can you see how this could cause a “viral” effect, because many people you never knew existed will now come and be exposed to your cause!  This is how nonprofit fundraising using social media works.

If this sounds interesting, but you still want to learn more, join the staff of CharityNetUSA for a totally free seminar on Wednesday February 8, 2012.  We at CharityNetUSA have helped a myriad of organizations with nonprofit fundraising using social media as well as all forms of business services.  In fact we have helped over 12,000 organizations over the years, and we can help you too.  We have a nonprofit webinar free on many topics every Wednesday and a small business webinar every Thursday also totally free!

Sing up now, it’s free and it is packed full of great information on fundraising in general and nonprofit fundraising using social media as well, remember as always this is not an infomercial, this is a true free webinar.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

Continue reading »]]>

How to Use Social Media for Nonprofits:

LinkedIn for Nonprofits Part 1

LinkedIn gives you access to over 135 million business people and professionals in every field

By Thomas R. Reich and Chris Romero

LinkedIn has rapidly become the premier professional communications network worldwide and a big part of social media for nonprofits.  This innovative social media site allows you to pre-screen everyone in your network, in essence permitting you to specifically design who you want to deal with in your world. When using Social Media for Nonprofits, often you end up with followers that are inappropriate for what you are trying to achieve. On the contrary, LinkedIn tries to address within social media for nonprofits, all the pitfalls in Facebook, to create a professional environment- a platform designed in your personal and professional image.

According to Patrick Schwerdtfeger, author of the New York Times best selling book “Marketing Shortcuts”, today 80% of buying or donating decisions are made before personal contact is made with an organization! A modern, successful nonprofit organization will first be searched on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn all now part of social media for nonprofits. The public will also look for your website and search for your name on Google or other search engines.

In today’s society, your organization is judged by your digital presence. Remember when planning your digital

Social media for nonprofits is the new handshake!

presence: “If you try to sell to everyone you will sell to no one”.  LinkedIn can be a big part of your digital presence, and a link to other social media for nonprofit efforts and for nonprofits in general.

Remember, selling your cause to donors and volunteers is a relationship-building process, and social media for nonprofits is the new handshake. Set up properly, LinkedIn gets you the introduction to new prospects and presents your organization to them in a positive light. LinkedIn for Nonprofits all but eliminates the dreaded cold call!

LinkedIn facilitates access to a network of over 135 million business people and professionals in every field. It allows you to network, prospect, pre-qualify leads and actually generate leads without speaking to a soul! Do you think you could use such a network in your organization?

the 3 big players in social media for nonprofits

LinkedIn = Business to business and professionals

Facebook = Loyalty, engagement, and retention of existing relationships

Twitter = Additional input linked to LinkedIn and Facebook

LinkedIn contains 75% of all fortune 500 executives, has over 2million company and organization pages, and allowed over 2 billion free searches last year!  LinkedIn is the heart of social media for nonprofits and is used for prospecting and lead generation. In addition to this there are over 1.3 million small businesses and nonprofits and over 500K groups to join and become involved in.

To utilize LinkedIn and most of social media for nonprofits properly you must set up and complete a proper profile, which includes:

1)   You must complete your profile 100%

Take time, your profile in all social media for nonprofits compleatly

2)   You should have a professional head shot

3)   You must write a compelling summary, give it some thought

4)   List all your specialties not just one

5)   List all relevant experience

6)   Post recommendations Customize your profile URL

7)   Pay attention to keywords in all sections

**NOTE: Never use your logo on the LinkedIn profile in place of your personal head shot- this is not an option, this is a hard rule. You may use the

LinkedIn is the premier social media for nonprofits communication network worldwide

logo other places in LinkedIn, but not in place of head shot!  This is suggested for all social media for nonprofits, but it is most important in LinkedIn

Do add to skills list list: Sales, Meeting Organizer, Social Media Expert, Foundation Advisor, Nonprofit Consultant, Trainer, Author and so on.

DO NOT LIST: Nice Person, Cat Lover, Geek, single and looking– this is totally inappropriate for LinkedIn.

Do Include: a concise, well produced video 30 – 45 sec in length.  Introduce yourself, your cause, why they should care and how to contact you, repeat your name and cause at the end.  Again this holds true for most of social media for nonprofits components.

More to come in Part 2 of Social media for Nonprofits: LinkedIn for Nonprofits! We will discuss the Corporate page, the free mini web site, and a little more about the video section. Then we will discuss the pipeline, how to begin getting leads with searches directly from your LinkedIn FREE account.  We will also discuss joining and participating in LinkedIn groups, and wrap up this 2-part blog on LinkedIn with a discussion of what do daily and how to get the most out of LinkedIn for Nonprofits and social media for nonprofits in general

Small Business Tool Center Nonprofit Resource Center

Did you know CharityNetUSA provides help in many areas.  We are you one stop for anything from 501c3 preparation and certification in many areas, bookkeeping and marketing services.  We can help with web sites and yes even social media for nonprofits strategy.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to Set up a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please FOLLOW us on Twitter and LIKE us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!  Now is the time to start a small business!

Continue reading »]]>

You Have it in You: Start a Nonprofit;

Be a No Lack Person

Quit Saying I can’t and Say I Can!

By Chris Romero and Thomas R. Reich 

You have it in you to do whatever you truly believe in! You know who is behind you, the greatest power in the universe, you can do anything!

Last weekend I was inspired by a sermon delivered by the great Joel Osteen.   So much of it seemed fitting for those with the calling to start a nonprofit.  His words of vision and action were my inspiration for what follows:

Maybe you are up against a Business obstacle, but remind yourself, you have the knowledge, the talent and the

Question: Is now the time to start a nonprofit?

experience to hit those challenges head on, maybe now is the time to start a nonprofit business.

Quit saying “I can’t” and know that you can!  Any deal you can visualize, tell yourself you are a “No Lack Person.”  Tell yourself “These obstacles aren’t going to get in MY way” Tell yourself now is the time to do good, now is the time I am going to start a nonprofit!

CharityNetUSA makes the obstacles lighter; we make them a bump in the road.  See every adversity as being light and temporary.  You are ready for and equal to anything that comes your way and you will overcome every obstacle, now is the time to start a nonprofit.

We are here to help you start a nonprofit every step of the way

Your obstacles may have been facing you for years, but they can turn around now – obstacles are never Permanente.  You have seeds of greatness on the inside, you are a winner!

Brake out of your box; believe you can reach your goals.  Don’t set limits for your success, you can accomplish whatever you believe you can, you are a No Lack Doer, now is the time to start a nonprofit!

Don’t have a cheap narrow vision; it will limit your accomplishments.  Don’t wait for it to go on sale, create the competition that forces a sale, you can get what you deserve, you can make a difference.  Don’t be dependent on one sale, have a bigger vision, don’t settle for what is on sale, and settle for what brings you an abundance of success, now is the time to start a nonprofit.

Have the vision to start a nonprofit

You are full of talent, strength, creativity and vision, live your dreams, make them a reality.  You are a No Lack Person, and you will accomplish your dreams if you believe in yourself.  let us help, now is the time to start a nonprofit!

CharityNetUSA can help you every step of the way, whether helping establish your charity as a 501c3 or helping perfect every aspect of your plans, which will help you successfully start a nonprofit.

If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to Set up a Charity, Nonprofit or Foundation please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling, toll FREE 1.877.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Face Book to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!  Now is the time to start a nonprofit!

Continue reading »]]>

In today’s economic environment many people are being put in the tough position of losing their jobs. Today it is more difficult to find another job due to increased competition from other unemployed individuals.  There are others who are maybe looking to transition from their current job to something else, but are uncertain in the current economic environment.  Then there are those who have worked in the non profit sector through various ways and have seen firsthand the effects of the economy on non profits as they have had to scale back their offerings, and some have even been shuttered closed.

Despite a struggling economy with high unemployment rates, tight salaries and a crumbling corporate world, a recession is actually a great time to start a small business.  History has shown that recessions can be birthing grounds for some of hardest working, most successful and creative entrepreneurs today.  A recession can teach an entrepreneur a lot about running an effective business that has the potential to do great things in a sprouting economy. Practices such as learning to operate on a budget, investing more time in client satisfaction and take time to trial and error your business model.  The truth is if a business can survive even the toughest of times, that business is most likely to be a forerunner in the best of times.

A recent report suggests that approximately 70% of home-based businesses will last over a three-year period, compared to 29% of other business ventures. With estimates of the total number of home-based business ranging from 34 to 36 million, it’s clear that home-based businesses offer a less expensive alternative to traditional businesses.

So, what does this all mean?

It means that one of the best options is to become your own boss.  Independent consulting can be a very rewarding experience, both personally and financially.  This is especially true in the non profit sector.

The non profit sector has been hit very hard by the current recession.  Many are looking for new ways to reach out to people, and find new ways to grow their organizations.  Who are they going to turn to?  It could be you.

There are some advantages and disadvantages to starting your own business, such as:

Advantages of Starting a Business:

One of the first benefits that people associate with starting a business is being your own boss. Working for yourself can provide freedom, independence and, a profound sense of satisfaction as you watch your small business grow and succeed.

Disadvantages of Starting a Business:

Larger businesses generally have safety nets that are not as readily available to the self-employed. If your computer breaks down or if you have networking problems, you must handle the issue yourself rather than call the company computer technician or IT personnel.

There is also another option. That is to become an affiliate of another established company.  The way this works is you are your own boss.  You set your own appointments, you work with your clients, and you do the work that you love.  However, you also have the support of a team of people that will do the production side of the work, as well as prepare a lot of the necessary tools for you to be successful.

There are many affiliate programs out there. Make sure you take the time to research different opportunities, to make sure that you find the one that is the best fit for you and your particular skills.

This is a great compromise for starting your own business.  It’s just a matter of making the decision to begin this journey towards being your own boss.

Continue reading »]]>

In order to understand the different sections of 501c you first must know what a 501 c is. The term 501 c is referring to Title 26, Section 501(c) of the United States Internal Revenue Code. This specific section allows for certain types of nonprofit organizations to be exempt from paying some federal taxes, which is why so many organizations pursue the 501 c status. Obtaining any 501 c status requires an application to be filled out and submitted to the IRS. You must also be able to provide the necessary supporting documentation needed to supplement your request. In order to become a tax exempt organization you must be incorporated within your state, just like any other corporation would be.

There are many different types of organizations that are recognized by the IRS under the code 501 c. There are 26 different types of 501 c organizations ranging from 501c1 through 501c28, with no 501c20 or 501c24. Each of these different numbers indicates a different type of organization or an organization with a specific purpose. The most common type of 501 c organizations is the 501c3. 501c3 nonprofit organizations are typically organized for Religious, Educational, Charitable or Scientific purposes. Most nonprofit organizations fall into this category. One additional benefit of having a 501c3 organization is that all donations made to the organization can be written off as a tax deduction for the donor.

Another common type of 501 c organization is the 501c4. These nonprofit organizations are generally civic leagues and other organizations organized and operated exclusively for the promotion of social welfare, or local associations of employees with membership limited to a designated company or people in a particular municipality or neighborhood, and with net earnings devoted exclusively to charitable, educational, or recreational purposes. Unlike 501c3 organizations, 501c4 organizations may lobby for legislation; they may also participate in political campaigns and elections, as long as campaigning is not the organization’s primary purpose. Contributions to 501c4 organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions. 501c4 organizations are not required to disclose their donors publicly. This aspect of the law has led to extensive use of the 501c4 provisions for organizations that are actively involved in lobbying, and has become controversial.

The tax exemption for 501c4 organizations applies to most of their operations, but contributions may be subject to gift tax, and income spent on political activities – generally the advocacy of a particular candidate in an election – is taxable.

Below is a list of the various types of 501 c organizations along with a brief description of the specific purpose of each.

• 501(c)(1) — Corporations Organized Under Act of Congress (including Federal Credit Unions)
• 501(c)(2) — Title Holding Corporation for Exempt Organization
• 501(c)(3) — Religious, Educational, Charitable, Scientific, Literary, Testing for Public Safety, to Foster National or International Amateur Sports Competition, or Prevention of Cruelty to Children or Animals Organizations
• 501(c)(4) — Civic Leagues, Social Welfare Organizations, and Local Associations of Employees
• 501(c)(5) — Labor, Agricultural, and Horticultural Organizations
• 501(c)(6) — Business Leagues, Chambers of Commerce, Real Estate Boards, etc.
• 501(c)(7) — Social and Recreational Clubs
• 501(c)(8) — Fraternal Beneficiary Societies and Associations
• 501(c)(9) — Voluntary Employees Beneficiary Associations
• 501(c)(10) — Domestic Fraternal Societies and Associations
• 501(c)(11) — Teachers’ Retirement Fund Associations
• 501(c)(12) — Benevolent Life Insurance Associations, Mutual Ditch or Irrigation Companies, Mutual or Cooperative Telephone Companies, etc.
• 501(c)(13) — Cemetery Companies
• 501(c)(14) — State-Chartered Credit Unions, Mutual Reserve Funds
• 501(c)(15) — Mutual Insurance Companies or Associations
• 501(c)(16) — Cooperative Organizations to Finance Crop Operations
• 501(c)(17) — Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Trusts
• 501(c)(18) — Employee Funded Pension Trust (created before June 25, 1959)
• 501(c)(19) — Post or Organization of Past or Present Members of the Armed Forces
• 501(c)(21) — Black lung Benefit Trusts
• 501(c)(22) — Withdrawal Liability Payment Fund
• 501(c)(23) — Veterans Organization (created before 1880)
• 501(c)(25) — Title Holding Corporations or Trusts with Multiple Parents
• 501(c)(26) — State-Sponsored Organization Providing Health Coverage for High-Risk Individuals
• 501(c)(27) — State-Sponsored Workers’ Compensation Reinsurance Organization
• 501(c)(28) — National Railroad Retirement Investment Trust

Many of these sections are for very specific activities and as a result are not commonly used. Some such as the 501c20 and 501c24 have been combined with other sections or done away with all together. With each different section come slightly different rules and regulations to be aware of. As always, it is a good idea to learn as much as possible about the specific rules before becoming involved with any type of 501 organizations.

Continue reading »]]>

Share how your Organization Inspires others for a Chance to Win $5,000 in Nonprofit Services!

We have been working really hard lately putting together an awesome contest for nonprofit organizations nationwide! Now with just a few days left before the official launch we would like to give you a sneak peek of what is coming.  The CharityNet USA “Pay it Forward” Nonprofit Contest officially begins this Wednesday, 9/1/2010.  Nonprofit organizations across the nation can then enter to win up to $5,000 in nonprofit services from CharityNet USA by simply submitting a short video entry and persuading the public to vote for them!  Check out more details below by watching the CharityNet “Pay it Forward” Contest Video, or visit the nonprofit contest landing page at http://www.charitynetusa.com/payitforward.php.

“Pay it Forward” is the idea that a simple act of kindness can change the world and we believe that Nonprofit organizations all across the nation have done just that!

We commend these acts of generosity; and therefore, we want to pay it forward to you with the CharityNet USA “Pay it Forward” Nonprofit Contest.

This is your organization’s chance to win up to $5,000 in nonprofit services!  It is your time to shine and your chance to win the valuable services you need to grow your nonprofit and continue paying it forward!

Continue reading »]]>

A Webinar about Bringing Funds Through the Door with an Effective Plan for Action!

Once you have a great fundraising idea, motivation will be high and everyone involved in your non profit will be eager to get started.  However, you should take the time to develop a plan.

Every organization, no matter its size, needs a fundraising plan to guide and support its efforts.  The purpose of a fundraising plan is to clearly spell out your overall fundraising picture of the organization.  This plan will help you find funding sources and build community awareness of your organization.

We invite you to spend some invaluable time with CharityNet USA, and learn how to design a workable fundraising plan for your organization!

Topics of Interest:
•Developing the Team
•Diversity in the Plan
•Self-Sustainability
•Legal Mandates

Fundraising is not only fun but also provides great exposure for your organization.  Develop your fundraising plan and start putting the spotlight on your non profit by attending our FREE webinar on Thursday, May 13, 2010 from  3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (EST).

Continue reading »]]>

The Cyber-Assistant will do good things for first-time 501(c)(3) applicants but will it do enough to justify waiting to submit your 1023 application?

In 2003, the IRS started a review and revision process of how they examined applications for 501(c)(3) tax exempt status. They called this process, “Project ASPIRE,” and was created in response to the large increase in 1023 applications. At that point, the number of exempt applications was increasing by over 40% while the number of IRS Exempt Organization employees was remaining the same. The goal of Project Aspire was to find ways to streamline the 1023 application process, both for the applicant and the IRS. Following the project the IRS made some good strides, most notably, the elimination of Form 8734 (Advance Ruling Period). However, the major recommendation of this project was to continue previous efforts to develop a fully interactive filing for the 1023 application, termed the “Cyber-Assistant.”

One of the major changes in submitting your 1023 application through the Cyber-Assistant will be the stated decrease in the filing fee ($200 regardless of previous or projected revenue). It also may cut down on paper; however, since the last report, the application would still be printed and then mailed to the IRS. 

For as much flak as the IRS takes, I must say that they are doing the right thing here. After all, that 2003 project that was mentioned earlier, Project ASPIRE, stands for:

Alleviate any application backlog

Streamline the determinations process

Prioritize application review

Improve customer service

Redirect resources to cases deserving enhanced review and compliance

Enhance quality control 

But while all of this is good, is it really beneficial to wait for the Cyber Assistant to apply for your 501(c)(3) tax exempt status? After all, the idea for the Cyber Assistant dates back well beyond 2003 and the IRS has promised its release year after year.

Here are some reasons you should not wait:

1. Benefits of obtaining 501(c)(3) status that may apply to your organization include discounts on postage, exemption from state and sales taxes, property tax exemptions, and eligibility for private and government grants. In determining whether or not to wait, you need to determine if you can afford to miss these benefits.
2. Your 501(c)(3) status will be retroactive to the date of your incorporation as long as you submit your 1023 application within 27 months of being formed. This means that previous donations to your organization may qualify as tax deductible contributions. If you submit your1023 application after this, you will lose this benefit and be required to submit additional paperwork.
3. Delays and technical issues may plague the Cyber Assistant for many of its initial months once it is released. Although the IRS has designed it with the end-user in mind, good intentions do not always mean good implementation. As with most new software releases, the Cyber Assistant will not be immune to bugs and technical issues, which may add delays to processing your 1023 application. Furthermore, with the stated lower filing fee, I would guess that there will be more applications than ever…leading to further delays!

Above all, you should know that the Cyber Assistant will not make foolproof the 1023 application, just make it more convenient. The point of the Cyber Assistant is to refer you to previous IRS publications when you arrive to a question that you do not know how to answer. But this still means that you will have to read that IRS publication and try to figure out what they are saying! In some cases, the Cyber Assistant will provide broad advice on certain subjects but that will not replace professional advice to your specific organization and questions. So weigh your options carefully when you are considering whether or not to wait for the Cyber Assistant. 

Information taken from:
Advisory Committee on Tax Exempt and Government Entities
http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/act_rpt2_part1.pdf

Continue reading »]]>

Each year, thousands of people set out to start a nonprofit organization or take their organization to the next level. These individuals are undoubtedly passionate about their cause and truly want to make a difference in their communities. So, like many of us, they make nonprofit new year’s resolution.  Unfortunately, many start off on the wrong foot and fail to achieve their goals.  This is because they fail to fully develop their resolution through comprehensive planning. While setting out a goal or a nonprofit new year’s resolution is a great way to start tackling your list of initiatives, it means little if you do not follow through and achieve it.   To help you identify what areas may need attention before taking on your nonprofit new year’s resolution, here are some common things to think about.

Take care of the basics?

• Obtain 501 status
• Make sure you are registered in each state you solicit funding in
• File your taxes to keep from being removed from Publication 78
• Make sure you are exempt from state taxes

Know what tasks you may want to outsource to a proffessional?

• Grant Writing
• Web Development
• Bookkeeping and Accounting

Keep precise books on your budget and expenses?

• Salary
• Rent/ Utilities
• Office Supplies
• Program Supplies
• Fundraising Costs

Know what makes your organization unique?

• Choose methods of service delivery that are unique
• Do not duplicate the services of other organizations in your community
• Discover ways to collaborate with other nonprofits or small businesses, offering unique partnership abilities

By taking care of basic administrative tasks you will free up valuable time to work on your goals and ensure the acievement of your Nonprofit New Year’s Resoultion.  Additionally, you will be setting a solid foundation for a successful nonprofit organization far beyond your resolution!

Continue reading »]]>

It’s a new year and new start for nonprofit entrepreneurs and leaders!  If you already have an established organization you probably have made the resolution to implement new strategies, to finally launch your nonprofit website or to engage in additional marketing initiatives to bring record-setting awareness of your mission! If you haven’t yet started your nonprofit organization, there is no better time than now to jump into the nonprofit startup process by getting yourself organized and a clear mission established.  Which ever category you fall into, there are a few important things to remember: The best fundraisers, events and donor campaigns will only be achieved through effectively PLANNING and PREPARING for all of your anticipated initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations and leaders across the U.S. share the same goal: to effectively spread their mission and build awareness for their worthy cause!  Those who achieve thier goal have most likely taken the critical steps in properly planning and preparing for their new initiatives or resolutions.  Those nonprofit organizations who have failed, ask themselves: “where did I go wrong?” or “it was a great event, why didn’t I get donations?” The problem here is that they skipped those critical planning and preparation steps that take care of every aspect of their initiative. 

While there are many things you should be thinking about, we have compiled a list of the Top 5 Things You Should Be Doing to start PLANNING  and PREPARING your nonprofit organization for success in 2010!

The Top 5 Things Your Nonprofit Should Be Doing!

1. Creating or Re-evaluating you Strategic Plan - A nonprofit strategic plan is the “game plan” for how the organization will reach its goals.  It is the framework that determines where an organization is going over the next year or more; how it’s going to get there; and how it will know if it got there or not!  Strategic planning steers an organization on the path to success.
2. Start Preparing for Nonprofit Tax Season -A 501(c)(3) organization’s annually mandated filing with the IRS is the form 990. All organizations are now required to file, regardless of revenue; however the version of the form will differ based upon the year’s receipts.  Now is the time to get a professional CPA or Bookkeeper to avoid errors in your filings, heavy fines, and a set-back to your goals.
3. Create a Quarterly/Monthly Marketing Plan – Many nonprofit organizations make the resolution to implement new “cost-effective” marketing strategies that will boost donations and build a wider awareness of their organization .  While this goal is more than possible, it can go extremely wrong and waste a lot of time and energy if a PLANNED nonprofit marketing strategy is not put in place.
4. Put 2009 in the Past - Make sure all the loose ends tied up from 2009, including: donor comittments, holiday event wrap-ups, reporting, financials and anything else that may insufficiently occupy time in the new year.
5. Always Make a Compelling Story- Nonprofit organizations must have a strong case for support, a compelling story about what the organization does.  They need to be able to tell that story in different ways to different audiences at all times and at all events. Donors must know where their dollars go and that they have positive impact.

I’m not saying that planning and preparation will eliviate every possible problem that may come in the way of your events, inititiatives and fundraisers.  It will tho, significantly add to the effectiveness of each new initiative or goal your nonprofit organization takes on this year.

Are you a nonprofit entrepreneur or leader who has experienced failure due to a lack of planning and prepartion?  If so, tell us your story and share a few tips for other nonprofit organizations!