It could be that you are in the early stages of considering whether or not your idea for a non-profit organization is viable or not. Or, it could be that you have already taken the big leap and go things in motion! Either way, congratulations. Even getting as far as you have is inspirational and something to be proud of in itself.
However, as you surely know, setting up a non-profit organization is a challenging thing. It needs various serious considerations and decisions to be made before you launch things. With this in mind, let’s take a look at an important handful of essentials:
A Head Office or Venue.
For the very early stages of your non-profit organization, you may be able to work out of a makeshift office at home. However, as things grow (as you surely hope they will!), you will find yourself needing space. You may take on colleagues and volunteers, for example, and so you’ll need somewhere that they can all meet. So, a head office or venues of some sort is an essential. You’ll also need seating, of course; stackable church chairs are a good option. Not only does the fact they are stackable means they take up less space, but they are also affordable. When you do have meetings, be sure you give clear directions and parking instructions, so there is total clarity. You may even find a local business willing to donate tea and coffee supplies for your meetings when they hear about what you are doing!
An Online Presence.
Non-profit organization use to raise interest with things like posters, flyers and people out on the streets. Today, however, you have an entirely different tool at your disposal. Using it, and using it properly, is so important as it can make a huge difference. We’re talking about having an online presence of course! You’ll need a website, to start with. This means that people can research you and find out correct information, vetted by you. It also means that you can direct people to one main source of information. Don’t forget about social media, either! Get the word out on Twitter and set up a Facebook page. Snapchat your fundraising events and post pictures on Instagram!
A Support Network.
It would be a lie to pretend that curating, setting up and then launch a non-profit organization isn’t lots of hard work. It will take time out of your own life, and could be pretty tiring too. You know all this, of course. But what you may not realize yet is how important it will become to ask for help. You are going to need a support network to get you through this portion of your life. It is inevitable that things will go wrong, and mistakes will be made. People will let you down, or events may not get the attendance you were hoping for. When these things occur- as they surely will- you need loved ones to remind you of what a great job you’re doing! Their words will be your motivation to continue making a difference to other people’s lives.
