Lots of people want to change the world, but just don’t know how to get started. If you’ve got a certain cause you’re interested in, then starting your own non-profit can be an excellent way to make an impact on the world. However, many people don’t know how to start a non-profit, so here are some ideas to get things running.
Find a source of funding
Most non-profits don’t start off with a huge amount of capital, but you will need some money to get started to file for tax exemption, get the basic things you need and to start your activism. Funding such as a Nimble loan can be a good way to get started, as long as you can make the repayments, or you could fund yourself with savings or help from relatives. Think about how much you need to start things up. It may not cost as much as you think, but try to keep costs minimal.
Research legal requirements
If you want to start a non-profit, the process is usually quite similar to starting a business. But there can be variations in different countries about what a non-profit organisation is and how it can operate. You may need to prove that your organisation is tax exempt and that it’s doing good for the community or carries out charitable work. It’s worth working with a lawyer who specialises in company formations to get you started.
Decide what you are passionate about
In order to create a successful non-profit or charity, you should think about what its aims are and what you want to do.
Some popular types of non-profit include:
- Animal rights
- Environmental organisations
- NGOs – these non-profits usually work overseas in areas like human rights or disaster relief
- Health
- Arts and culture
You may want to go for a broad approach, or focus on something quite niche and local, the choice is yours. Some NGOs get involved in politics or campaigning, while others take direct action in the community. You should think about what will capture people’s attention and do the most good, so you can raise money to put into these projects.
Build a following and find supporters
Even before your non-profit launches, you need to be thinking about building a following. Social media is the best way for non-profits to find followers, as it means they can easily and cheaply connect with people. Many activists start this way and then build their following into a non-profit, as it means they can find people who are interested in the same causes as them and get their support in the early days.
If you’ve always dreamed about running a non-profit organisation, but thought it might be too complicated, now might be a good time to do your research and consider following your dreams. Non-profits can be started by anyone who enjoys activism and wants to make a difference, and they can be in any niche you like. Ideally, you should pick something that captures the imagination or perhaps something related to something you understand, so you have the passion to see it through.
