Note: This article was originally posted in June 2009. It has been one of the most read articles we have ever written, averaging nearly 1,000 views per month 2 years after publication. We are re-posting it for those who may have missed it the first time around. The king of the nonprofit world is the [...]
How to Start a Nonprofit
Helping people start nonprofit organizations is one of the most important things we do at Foundation Group. In fact, we have helped over 12,000 organizations get started since 1995. The following is really more of an overview than an exhaustive examination. Why Do You Want to Start a Nonprofit? Before we get into the “how” [...]
Questions You Must Answer Before Starting a Nonprofit
So…you want to start a nonprofit. Fantastic! That puts you in pretty good company. In any given year, as many as 75,000 applications for 501(c)(3) tax exemption are filed with the IRS. Less than half survive the process, but there is certainly no lack of interest in doing something charitable. But what does it really [...]
News For Nonprofits
As long-time readers of our articles know, most of our posts focus on tips and best practices for effective nonprofit management. This post is going to be a little different. There is so much going on right now that affects nonprofits, we thought it would be a good idea to provide you with a brief [...]
Nonprofit Board Members – Choose Wisely
No decision you make regarding your nonprofit organization carries more importance than who is chosen to lead it. The members of your board of directors make up the governing body of your nonprofit and are legally accountable for its actions. Practically speaking, they are accountable to your supporters and beneficiaries to oversee the accomplishment of [...]
Who Really Owns a Nonprofit?
The concept of who owns a nonprofit organization can be hard for some to grasp, especially given that the answer is, “No one…and everyone!” We encounter this confusion with new clients on a fairly regular basis. And, given people’s understanding of how basic business operates, it is understandable. In order to fully appreciate the concept of [...]
Charitable Solicitations – Time to Get Compliant!
Charitable Solicitations Registration. “Never heard of it,” you say. Well, you are not alone. As astounding as it may seem, estimates of noncompliance range from 85-95% of charities and nonprofits nationwide. This level of noncompliance has persisted primarily because of 2 reasons: 1) lack of communication between state agencies and 2) grace. But, the times…they [...]
Public Charity vs. Private Foundation
Tonight’s title match: In the red corner, numbering 948,954, representing over half of all 501(c)(3) organizations, are public charities. And in the blue corner, numbering 108,594, having increased 54% since 1998, are the 501(c)(3)s known as private foundations. Both competitors bring a long and varied history into the ring. Though greatly outnumbered by public charities, [...]
Five Considerations When Starting A Nonprofit in a Tough Economy
In this tough economy, nonprofit organizations are needed more now than ever. More and more people are finding themselves in difficult circumstances and, according to all available evidence, it’s going to get worse before it gets better. Despite all the assurances of government, it simply isn’t possible for government to keep up with the need. [...]
Starting a Nonprofit in a Bad Economy
Sounds like scary stuff, doesn’t it? The decision to start a nonprofit organization is difficult in the best of circumstances. But in a downright frightening economic climate, does it make any sense at all? Some experts are predicting that this economy may doom up to 100,000 existing charities this year. Could you possibly pick a [...]
