NonProfit by Design

An organization in which no owner, stockholder to trustee shares in profits and losses, and which exists not to earn revenue but to promote a mission that typically but not necessarily enhances the public welfare is considered a nonprofit.
 
Generally, there are four categories of nonprofit organizations:
 

1. Voluntary organizations which are driven by creating social missions from values
2. Public Service Contractors or PSCs that work as businesses that are built to serve the public and the economy without gaining profit
3. People’s Organizations, or POs, which are interested in helping members with specific interests;
4. Government Organized or NGOs, which provide public policies that serve and benefit the community (Lewis, 2001)

When building a nonprofit organization, the organizers and founders tend to start their journey with the main focus of funding.  Funding that will bring activity and quality performance.  Performance that must be organized in order for the funds and sponsorships to increase or grow.
 
 Organizational growth is a process and will not occur overnight.  The process includes understanding shortfalls will occur, some processes will take longer to accomplish to others and that areas such as fundraising must always continue to grow in a variety.
 
For example, as a nonprofit it will be a challenge to maintain the organization and support the community if all of the funds are only via donations.  However, if the tools and strategies included additional options such as,

• Grants
• Dues, if your non-profit offers membership

 The window of opportunity becomes greater and more successful.
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All of these areas of fundraising take effort and dedication from the leaders and volunteers to the cause.  Effectively communicating success stories arising from successful delivery of the organization’s services keeps donors and/or members committed to the ongoing financial support of the organization.
 
Here are some resources you may take advantage of:

• National Council of Nonprofits  www.councilofnonprofits.org
• Foundation Center www.foundationcenter.org

 
Don’t be afraid to take advance of resources to help you run and grow your nonprofit more effectively.  In addition, establishing a policy and procedure guide will be critical to those who support your mission such as volunteers and donors, Fontenot & Associates Solutions, LLC can help get you started.  Visit our website, we are just a click away.