Earlier this year, I stepped away from supportive work with another non-profit that met an untimely end. Interest to fill the new gaps in service rippled through the community resulting in the soft launch of a handful of small non-profits. I have been providing consulting services to some of these, and having recently witnessed such a catastrophic failure, there have been a few key topics that have been at the forefront of my advising. So, while I can't speak to that organization's journey just yet, today we're going to explore a few key questions to ask yourself before starting that non-profit that will help set you up for long-term success.
Are you duplicating services?
One of the biggest mistakes I see in communities is the duplication of services. Have you done adequate research to verify that there are not other organizations in your area already providing services in this area? I see many food pantries, clothes closets, and fundraisers for items/services that other agencies are already championing in that area. I encourage anyone who does find similar agencies in your area to go tour those agencies and schedule time to meet with their director. Not only can you better identify gaps in service, but you may also learn that there are other barriers that prevent established agencies from filling the gaps you have identified. Having this conversation will not only provide you invaluable information about the area, but will give you a chance to make a positive first impression. Another thing to consider is that if you are duplicating an already existing and established program, is that you will be competing for the same funding. This does not only include donor funding but grant funding as well.
Even if you don't have a duplicate organization in your area, I highly recommend taking the time and visiting similar agencies in surrounding areas to learn, absorb what you like and what you didn't like, and to make sure that what you're bringing to the table is not only unique because of you, but fills a gap in services.
Are you ready to LET GO?
Just because you have a non-profit it doesn't mean you're the owner.
You will not have full control.
You will share the spotlight.
You will have to delegate.
You will have to let go.
Are you in a position to let others receive pats on the back for your idea? Are you willing to hear what others have to say about the operations of your organization? Building a successful non-profit requires a team player from top down. This means that if you choose to be executive director of your organization, you will have a diverse board that will not always bend to your guidance (and they're not supposed to!). Alternatively, if you start out as president of your board and hire an executive director, you will still rotate out of that leadership role eventually and will no longer be able to be as involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization. Either route you go, you will need to let the reins loose and if you're not ready to see your idea succeed with others at the wheel, starting a non-profit may not be for you (and that's okay too).
Do you have the time/resources?
Starting a non-profit is not a get rich quick revenue funnel. It is not a role you will typically be able to quit your job and pursue right away. It is not guaranteed that you will receiving grant funding or corporate funding as soon as you form a 501c3. It is also not something you can do out of your basement forever. Starting a 501c3 requires a certain level of record keeping and reporting. Hiring professionals to fill the gaps in your lack of experience (or strategically filling your board with do-ers who will) is going to be vital to success. While you will likely start your non-profit on a skeleton crew it takes a many hours to track donations, build your website, run marketing campaigns, create paperwork/contracts, pay the bills, maintenance your budget, and also spearhead tours, fundraising, and the work involved in your services provided. Starting a new business or non-profit takes a monumental amount of time. If you're wanting to pursue creating a public charity with tax exempt status you're going to have to rally the troops, strategically organize your resources, and identify what you have the capacity for and what you may need to get help with.
Are you a ready and willing to learn?
Let's not reinvent the wheel. Your idea probably exists and there are likely going to be many other agencies who do it better than you. Are you ready and willing to take everything you imagined for your mission and vision and allow others to help you improve? Are you able to accept criticism, advice, and guidance? In addition, are you willing to continue to learn about your community and to stay up to date with the latest trends in marketing, fundraising, and continue to improve operationally? If you're set in stone in your ways and unable to continually pursue excellence and growth, you will struggle to remain sustainable, no matter how generous the cause.
In Conclusion
Trust me when I tell you, the non-profit world is very very small. You will need to build bridges - not burn them. Collaboration and a long term vision for your dream is key. A great non-profit has a mission everyone can get behind and it's not about the founder, but about the mission. This of course is not an all-encompassing list, but just some core ideas to consider.
So go get 'em Tiger. Let's save the world one good deed at a time.
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