Angela D. Coleman, Ìbíyínká Oladojá Oyèwọlá, is a nonprofit executive, social entrepreneur, and scholar-practitioner dedicated to transforming communities through innovation, systems-level thinking, and equity-centered solutions.
Many people wonder how to start your own nonprofit organization.
The number of nonprofit organizations and non-government agencies (NGOs) is growing. Being of service helps your community and, as many people have experienced, you can even make a very good living doing it. Is there an unmet need in your community? Think about how you can meet that demand and make the world a better place. Why not get started?
Get Started
More and more women are becoming founders for positive social change. Learning how to start your own nonprofit or NGO means that you are a changemaker.
Becoming a changemaker is a big, bold step that increases the quality of life for you and other people.
You are also a social entrepreneur. Just like more conventional business entrepreneurs, you need to study and learn your business.
Things to think about when thinking about how to start your own nonprofit:
Be clear about your intention and reasons for starting a nonprofit organization or NGO
Even if your agency is not organized for profit, it is still a business and needs to be operating as such. The same business principles and strategies for success in for-profit business ventures are applicable to nonprofit agencies, as well.
Entrepreneurship presents great:
Opportunities
Profit
Independence
Risks
Challenges
Common mistakes
A common mistake is worrying about making mistakes! Do not worry about making mistakes. All of your decisions will not be perfect and each one is an important part of your learning curve. However, you can avoid these top 10 common mistakes:
Poor initial research
No business plan or one that is very limited in scope
The purpose is not truly a charitable purpose
Failure to register and maintain business records
Failure to keep good records
No funding plan to sustain the organization over time
Noncompliance with IRS or NGO statutes
Misjudging time requirements
Not building effective leadership and/or a contributing board of directors
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