How to Start A Successful Nonprofit: A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Nonprofit Started Right by Niaja Farve

Your mission statement should achieve three goals. It should tell readers what you do, who you do it for, and how you do it

At this point it is good to make a list of 5 features of your non-profit that makes you stand out from the crowd

we need to research the needs of our target audience. The best way to do this is to talk directly to them. Try to find 10 people that meet your target demographic and interview them

By the end of your research you should have a list of at least 5 archetypes, 10 potential sponsors (local partners) and 10 grants and foundations

The easiest way to start is to define long-term success, then quantify it. It needs to be something that you can measure and decide if you are making progress. Set a goal for 5-10 years out, something challenging but achievable. Then decide how you measure success

Most boards try to keep an odd number of members to avoid ties in voting. Starting off it is better to have fewer board members. The more people, the more coordination and opinions are introduced. Starting with 3-5 (including yourself) members is a good number to shoot for

If you plan to focus on just cash, which I don’t suggest, pick a dollar amount that is higher than your plan B dollar amount

You can stress how a small donation can make a huge impact rather than updating the actual dollar amount raised. If you do decide to do a crowdfunding campaign, try to have someone agree to seed the campaign so that you don’t launch with zero dollars

Plan to hear a lot more no’s than yes’s. Follow up with those that say no if they do not give a specific reason. Keep a spreadsheet for everyone you ask, when and their response. Even though they say no this year, does not mean they will say no next year. When you approach the company again try to address the reasons they said no the first time

try things that do not scale when first starting to see what kind of impact you can make. Then, later change to tactics that are scalable and can produce similar returns

Be creative in how you attempt to raise funds, attract volunteers, run programs and advertise what you are doing. As a nonprofit you will always be strapped for cash. Do not always try to solve your problems with money. Instead look for ways to get what you need without spending cash

Your nonprofit is a business! You should run it as such. Negotiate with people, fire volunteers that are not doing their job, provide quality service and always present yourself as a professional

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