So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit, Now What?: How to start and run a successful 501(c)(3) charitable organization - Paperback

by Michele L. Whetzel (Author)

From the seed of an idea about starting a new nonprofit to running a successful charitable organization, this book will take you on that journey. It explains what a nonprofit is and whether or not you should start one (with suggestions for an alternate plan, if not).

If you do choose to start a 501c3 charity, you will find this book to be an excellent reference for forming a great board and becoming an official corporation with IRS 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. Use this book as a guide to learn board and nonprofit best practices, governance, funding and fundraisers, grants, risk management, and communications and social media for charities whether you are just starting or are already running a nonprofit.

So, You Want to Start a Nonprofit... Now What? has three distinct sections. The first section discusses what a nonprofit is and how to start one if that is the path chosen. Section two shows how to successfully run a nonprofit organization and is appropriate for new organizations as well as seasoned nonprofits. Section three discusses the growth of the organization and navigating that growth for the most successful outcomes. There is a wealth of knowledge in the appendices, including nonprofit resources in each state and sample policies and procedures.

Topics Include:

- What Is a Nonprofit?

- Should You Start a New Nonprofit?

- Alternatives: Fiscal Sponsor, Partnering, Donor-Directed Fund, B Corp, LLC, Etc.

- Business Plan

- Naming Your Organization

- Forming the Right Board

- Nonstock Charter, Incorporating, EIN Number

- Applying for IRS 501(c)(3) Status

- Creating Your Logo

- Domain Name

- Succession Planning

- Ethical Culture

- Bylaws

- Board Training, Meetings, and Minutes

- Mission & Vision Statements

- Strategic Planning

- Database

- Governance: Governing Guidelines, Guidelines for Contracts and Expenses, Communications Standards, Trustee Letter of Commitment, Conflict of Interest Policy, Confidentiality Agreement, Code of Conduct Policy, Whistleblower Policy, Document Retention Policy, Non-Disclosure Agreement, Non-Discrimination Statement, Gender Policy, Nepotism Policy

- Measuring Impact

- Committees

- Safety & Crisis Planning

- Finances: Checks and Balances, Budget, Funding, Donation Acceptance Policy

- Fundraisers: Events, Annual Campaign, Capital Campaign

- Grants and Government Contracts

- Evolving and Sustainability: Hiring, Endowment, Evaluation, Rebranding

- Communications: Email, Website, Newsletters, Social Media, Software

- Merging or Dissolving a Nonprofit

- 10 Must-Haves for a Successful Nonprofit