How do you know if the problem you want to solve is not already being solved?

Research!

Do an extensive search of for-profit and non-profit businesses that are meeting the need you want to meet. If one exists, consider partnering with them. If not, continue moving forward with establishing your business.

Board selection and development is one of the most important steps you will take. Without a qualified and knowledgeable Board of Directors, getting the NPO off the ground will be extremely difficult.

Partners

R Wheeler Walston Law

(rwheelerwalstonlaw@ gmail.com)

After registering your business with the IRS (some states require registration in that state), it's time to apply for tax-exempt status.

Form 1023 is a BEAST!! This form can be found on www.irs.gov and can take 3-4 months to complete.

Consider hiring a non-profit lawyer to fill this form out for you. You should not be charged more then $5,000 and you should review the final version before mailing to the IRS.

While you wait for the IRS to give you tax-exempt status, consider securing a fiscal sponsor to process donations under their 501c3 status.

Parnters

R Wheeler Walston Law

(rwheelerwalstonlaw@

gmail.com)

A business plan is like a blueprint. Once developed, you must regularly refer to it to remind you of the mission, hypothesis, goals and execution strategy. As you move along establishing the non-profit business, you will either persevere or pivot.

Persevering is taking steps forward and pivoting is making minor or major changes. Don't be afraid to pivot. It is not a sign of failure, but progress. The goal is to execute your mission and secure the funding necessary to fulfill the mission.

Partners

While this part of the journey is unending, it is rewarding. To watch the community you serve begin to give their time and treasure to advance the mission of the nonprofit you have invested so much time and treasure is unlike many business ventures.

First, draft a Gift Acceptance Policy and have the Board vote on the final version. Then take the FREE Fund Finder+, our provision pathway assessment survey, to determine the two ways you should raise money. Then, purchase the two 7-minute animated videos (Dialysis!) that correlate with your assessment results.

If you still need support, schedule a 1-hour consultation or a 1-Day Retreat with Hesed Consulting, Inc.

Partners

Hesed Consulting, Inc.

How can people in the community volunteer and give financially if they do not know you exist?

Marketing is key!

You will need to determine who your customer is, meaning who will invest in the non-profit. Then, you will need to communicate with donors, those you serve, community leaders, etc. on a regular basis. This can be through bi-monthly newsletters, videos, community canvasing, website presence, etc.

Partners

Once you have established the foundation by following the 6 previous steps, you are ready to execute your strategy and plan!

If you need support along the way, reach out to Hesed Consulting, Inc. and schedule a 1-hour consultation. We will listen and listen some more until we arrive at the best solution to your problem!