I was recently awarded tax exempt status for my organization, even though I have been incorporated and actively serving the community for about four years. Now that my organization is an "official" non-profit, I would like suggestions on next steps. My goals are to A. Create solid best practices and systems for general operating and administration tasks (book keeping/accounting, record keeping); B. Fundraising/Funding; C. Board Governance; D. Increase awareness about my organization, our initiatives, and the individuals that we support.
For the past four years, I have been running the organization on my own with funding from family, friends, and myself. Now, I want to transition into a legitimate non-profit organization that has the capability to support not only domestic but international causes.
Any support or direction that you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Dear Sebrina
I think you are living a very interesting time, passing from an informal organization to a more structured one!
The main problem – I suppose – is to save the enthusiasm and the involvement of the past experience while you implement a new form, characterized by adequate management and governance.
You have two tasks to face: the first one (related to the final points of your list, which you indicate with D and C) is a psychosocial job. Increasing awareness about your initiatives (D) is a crucial community-based activity, concerning assessing local needs and resources and choosing the best strategies to promote community development, with a real “social marketing” to spread your proposals and to value your organization. These topics are addressed in the first part of Community Toolbox. Also about the issues regarding the governance of the organization (your point C), surely you will find a lot of useful suggestions and tools in Community Toolbox where it deals with “developing a strategic plan and organizational structure” (Chapters from 8 to 12 on https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents) and “leadership and management” (Chapters from 13 to 16).
For the other goals you indicate (A and B), you can, of course, look at our website – or at other community psychology journals or documents – but perhaps you will need also a specific consultant, expert in non-profit organizations, because there are local and national laws and norms to be followed, and it would be important for you to avoid incorrect interpretations of the rules.
Many wishes for your work, and keep in touch to give us news about your future successes!