I am setting up a non-profit and wondered if anyone else has experience and can over any tips. I am in Florida and the application process doesn't seem too bad.
Pamela CoxProject Manager| Manatee County GovernmentVenice, Fl, United States
I am starting up a chapter to bring Cycling Without Age to Southwest Florida. My PM skills have been critical to lay out all of the tasks associated with starting up the program. I can get through the process, but am curious if anyone has any advice on the application process, setting up a board, financials and reporting.
Thanks! Saving Changes...
Hi Pamela. Congrats on your new venture. I lead a Board for an international nonprofit. I joined many years after it was established, but a couple tips I'd like to share:
Define your intentions for a board early on and try to stick with your convictions. It's easy to find people you know to join the cause with you. Stretch yourself early on to go outside of your comfort zone and ask someone outside of your usual circle to join the board. You will benefit from a new perspective by possibly skirting groupthink and gaining diversity in thought. This can keep you from putting on blinders to issues that may arise later. It also gives you early practice with having awareness about inclusivity in your organization. Model what you hope to become.
Another tip is to always manage your vendors. As a PM, this is probably a given. But it's amazing how we drop those work skills when we move into passion projects.
As soon as possible, do the math and see if it's worth paying someone to do the things that aren't worth your time. It's possible that for a percentage of your hourly rate, a more knowledgeable person can get a task done in less time. In the long run, the nonprofit benefits for having it done sooner and having it done right.
Best of luck! Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
Hi Pamela,
great idea!
Not sure about the application process or reporting needs in the US or FL. A (volunteer) lawyer or accountant maybe of good help here.
In wider terms, I found the booklet 'Good to Great and the Social Sectors' by Jim Collins a worthwhile read for non-profits. It points out why volunteers are the juice that make NFPs successful.
