So, you’ve decided to start a nonprofit! You have a great business idea that you want to share with the world, and have it publicly funded. I’ve talked to many individuals who have decided to start nonprofits, but with the idea that they’ll run it the way they want to. They will set the agenda, and decide the direction of the organization. I’ve advised those individuals to start a for-profit company.

Nonprofits are meant to be publicly funded; therefore, they need to be publicly governed as well. Boards of Directors govern nonprofits. Boards enforce the mission through goals and policies setting for nonprofits. Also, it is important to note that Boards are comprised of citizens with an interest in the organizations wellbeing. They are typically volunteers, and are usually passionate about the mission of the organization. So, consider wisely if you want to maintain the control over your “good cause” business. If you do, then what you really need to start is a for-profit business.

There are similarities between non- and for-profit businesses. You complete similar incorporation paperwork, you definitely put in the same creative energy, but it is the governing part that makes the hugest difference. For-profit business owners set their goals, and move full steam ahead. While, nonprofits have more layers to go through when setting goals and moving forward. The Board is not there to be a deterrent, but instead to be the heart of the organization. The Board ensures that the organization is meeting its goals and upholding its mission. So, an organization is only as strong as its Board. (I know that is such an old cliché, but so true.)

Consider a few things before deciding to create a nonprofit:
1.  Are there other organizations doing what you want to do? Would it be better for you to combine your efforts?
2.  Are you ready to give up your control for the betterment of the work, and the individuals that will benefit from it?
3.  How will you fund the initial costs of starting your nonprofit?

There are many more questions that you should ask yourself. These are just a few. Now that I’ve given you some food for thought, go think!

Leveraging Good Will: Strengthening Nonprofits by Engaging Businesses by Alice Korngold

Leveraging Good Will shows how nonprofit organizations can access the extraordinary resources of businesses, and how for-profits can benefit from partnering with nonprofits. Written by Alice Korngold—an expert in matching business professionals with nonprofit organizations—this important resource clearly demonstrates how nonprofits can gain valuable experience, expertise, relationships, and funding that will elevate and advance their organizations while businesses can build stronger relationships with the community and develop the next generation of leaders. Filled with illustrative examples and real-life success stories, Leveraging Good Will is an insider’s guide to what it takes for nonprofits to transform their organizations through partnerships with businesses. Step by step, the book outlines how to create a solid plan based on proven-in-practice techniques.

Nonprofit Boards Roles, Responsibilities, and Performance (Nonprofit Law, Finance and Management Series) by Diane J. Duca

Any nonprofit that wants to survive beyond the nineties had better be governed by an effective, flexible board of directors. But what role should a nonprofit board play in fulfilling the organization’s mission? How should the board carry out its responsibility to see that funds and other resources are used in the most efficient possible manner? How can the board perform its duties without alienating staff members? What pitfalls can divert a nonprofit board from addressing critical board functions?

Nonprofit Boards: Roles, Responsibilities, and Performance answers these questions and many more. This practical guide is dedicated to helping nonprofit board members, chairpersons, and executive directors develop and manage effective boards, empowered to respond to the special needs of their organizations. Diane J. Duca offers different ways to approach organizing and utilizing a board by presenting different board models. Using case studies and illustrations from real-life situations, she explores every aspect of board management, clarifies the roles of board members and executives, and discusses the board’s legal and ethical obligations.

With a brief shutdown, some of these functions might elicit ho-hum responses, but other shutdown dynamics might hit nonprofits where they are vulnerable:

In the 1995 and 1996 shutdowns, payments to federal contractors affecting approximately 20 percent of the dollar volume of contracts were “affected adversely by the funding lapse” according to the CRS. Nonprofits know what that means. Grant awards and contract reimbursements will be delayed – on top of those already delayed, as NPQ has reported.

And the pain will spread to the states. Many state and local program staff are partially paid for by federal dollars. As those payments slow and stop, state governments will either have to temporarily replace federal dollars with their own resources, in short supply, or simply lay people off and shutter programs. As a result, federal grant and contract payment delays will add to delays for nonprofits at the state and local levels.

Provided by: The Nonprofit Quarterly, Rick Cohen

I have spent time with the most patient, insightful, and brilliant web designer around (Agnes Ikotun of AI Virtual Solutions). Agnes took the time to hear me out, to capture my vision, and then to create a website that I think encapsulates Nonprofit Connectors (NPC). She revived NPC with a facelift, updated fonts, new logo, and other much needed features.

In addition to the new website, NPC now has it long awaited for Forum. It is a space where newly established nonprofit executives can meet other nonprofit executives, and share struggles, roadblocks, and most importantly solutions. This Forum is not only for new executives, but established one as well. If you are inclined to help a neighbor get a much needed community project started, then I would encourage you to sign up for NPC’s Forum.

It has been my vision for years to bring to the newly formed nonprofit community a way to connect, and support other nonprofit organizations in their growth. Especially during this time of economic distress, we must find more ways to work together to share resources; thus causing growth for all involved.

Nonprofit Connectors would like to take this opportunity to invite you to visit our website, and take advantage of our FREE Forum by signing up today

The Complete Nonprofit Corporation Kit by Mark Warda

If you have ever thought about starting an organization to serve your community, let The Complete Nonprofit Corporation Kit be the first step to making it happen. With over a million active organizations, America has the most advanced system of nonprofits in the world. From local organizations helping clean up neighborhoods to national groups fighting hunger and disease, nonprofit corporations perform vital services to communities and provide jobs for countless people.

Properly setting up your nonprofit corporation is only the first step. The real benefits come from your tax-exempt status and your ability to accept tax-deductible donations. This new edition covers these and formation concerns in detail.

With your talents and skills, plus The Complete Nonprofit Corporation Kit, you are well on your way to making a living and truly making a difference

NPC: Tell us a little bit about your organization, the Foundation. Why was it Started?

Patricia Daniels: I founded the Foundation to commemorate my beloved son Ryan’s life and to be of service to those like him.

NPC: Who does it serve?

Patricia Daniels: It serves deserving, talented and qualified high school graduating African American male students.

NPC: How long have you been in operation?

Patricia Daniels: We started the Foundation in March 2008. However, qualified Laurel High School students began receiving a scholarship in Ryan’s memory several years before the Foundation existed. The first student was awarded a scholarship in Ryan’s memory in 2005.

NPC: How many people did you serve your first year? And, this year?

Patricia Daniels: The Foundation’s first year was our formative year. To date, two students have received a scholarship from the Foundation . . . one in the 2008/2009 school year and one in the 2009/2010 school year; both young men may apply to renew their scholarships.



NPC: What is your most difficult challenge as a nonprofit?

Patricia Daniels: For the Foundation, board member retention is our biggest challenge.

NPC: What was your most difficult challenge starting out?

Patricia Daniels: Starting our, lack of funds was a challenge.

NPC: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start a nonprofit?

Patricia Daniels: I would advise someone starting a nonprofit in Maryland to take the training entitle How to Start a Nonprofit Organization in Maryland. The training is offered by the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organization, Inc. I believe this training served me well.

NPC: How can people get involved?

Patricia Daniels: People can get involved by volunteering their time, skills and abilities on one or more of our existing committees . . . Fundraising Committee, Marketing Committee, Finance Committee, Scholarship Committee, and Volunteer Committee . . . and by supporting and attending our fundraising events.

NPC: Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?

Patricia Daniels: I’d like to share that additional information about the Foundation, including information about our fundraising events, is available on our website at www.ryanomancefoundation.org.

Patricia Daniels is the Founder and Chair for The Foundation. For more information, please visit the website at www.ryanomancefoundation.org.

Anytime is the right time to show off your vacation pictures or give an impromptu business presentation to a small group of people. Ideal for the on-the-go business traveler, the palm-sized PK301 provides projection power anywhere. With a MicroSD card slot that expands memory up to 16GB, plus HDMI, and VGA connectivity, this rechargeable pocket projector allows for easy connection to most analog or digital devices and utilizes a LED light source to produce widescreen images of up to 120 feet diagonally. (www.dlp.com; $387 to $411)

Provided by:  www.BlackEnterprise.com

Non Profits Made Easy by David Bangs, Jr.

The guide that helps you help others.

If you want to spend less time worrying about making ends meet and more time focusing on your nonprofit’s mission, this is the book for you! We’ll show you how to stay financially solvent by applying traditional business planning to the unique challenges of a nonprofit.

This practical, easy-to-use guide:

- Provides proven strategies for cash-flow management so your nonprofit doesn’t have to operate hand-to-mouth
- Enhances fundraising efforts and provides the hard numbers and measured outcomes your donors want to see
- Minimizes overhead and maximizes funds for your primary mission

Extensive checklists, forms and work sheets make the business side a breeze so you can improve your organization and fulfill your mission.

Tropical Fruit Parfait

In a small glass — or a jar with a lid, if you’re on the go — layer 1/2 cup fruit cut into 1/2-inch cubes (kiwis, mangos, and pineapples are nice) with 1/4 cup plain low-fat yogurt. Top with 1 tablespoon toasted sliced almonds. Makes 1 serving (100 calories).

Read more at Wholeliving.com: Snacks Under 200 Calories – Healthy Eating and Recipes – Whole Living