8 Steps to Starting a Non-Profit Organization

• Purpose of Non-profit
• Volunteers
• Mission Statement
• Funding
• Board of Directors
• Certificate of Incorporation
• Corporate By-Laws
• Board Meeting

A non-profit organization is an organization that is formed to serve a greater cause and does not function to make a profit. Funds that are generated by a non-profit are not distributed to the officers and members of the organization. A non-profit organization can be a corporation or an individual company such as personal contributions made to charities and foundations formed to assist children and the community.

Step 1

Create a Purpose Statement. This Statement will serve as a blueprint for your non-profit's reasons for coming into existence.

Step 2

Solicit volunteers from your community and social circle who share your purpose for forming the non-profit. These volunteers will support your non-profit and should have skills such as administrative, finance and public relations.

Step 3

Create a Mission Statement that will detail the organization's purpose and objectives for existence. The Mission Statement will also serve as a blueprint for your core set of members to follow.

Step 4

Research available funding for non-profit organizations that are similiar to your mission statement. Potential funding is available in the form of local, state and federal grants. Also, consider a community fundraiser to raise money for start-up cost.

Step 5

Solicit qualified individuals for your Board of Directors. The role of the Board of Directors is to provide advice and oversee the organization's overall activities.

Step 6

Hire a legal representative to assist with the filing of your Certificate of Incorporation. A Certificate of Corporation is a legal document that certifies your non-profit organization's registry with the State in which your business will exist.

Step 7

Establish Corporate By-Laws. Your Corporate By-Laws will serve as a business plan, it will define the roles and responsibilities of your Board of Directors and how your non-profit day to day business will be conducted. File your Corporate By-Laws with the state in which your business will reside.

Step 8

Hold a Board Meeting. A Board Meeting must be held in order to make your non-profit organization official. The purpose of the board meeting is to formally elect the Board of Directors, Officers and to officially instate the Corporate By-Laws.