So You Want to Launch a Nonprofit (NGO)

You may be fantasizing about forming a celebrated nonprofit organization – also called a non-governmental organization – that will improve the fate of mankind for generations to come. While the intention and result are laudable, the path is not simple.

A nonprofit or non-governmental organization (NGO) – synonyms for civil society – is unlike a business organization though there are logistical similarities. While the goal of a large or small business is to make money, the goal of an NGO is to passionately work on behalf of a global or local cause. Any money the organization makes or fundraises, whether from donations, membership dues, grants, or product sales, goes back into the coffers to further the cause, rather than to the founder. However, that does not mean that the nonprofit can’t have a paid executive officer and staff.

The IRS identifies 27 types of nonprofits which you should review with your attorney and accountant before setting out on your global charitable excursion.

In general, most nonprofit organizations have tax-exempt status from both federal and state governments. However, in order to get this status, you will need to incorporate as a nonprofit organization at the outset. You will also need to file regular documentation and taxes regardless if you have money to keep your nonprofit in compliance.

Unlike a business, a nonprofit organization doesn’t have an owner but is governed by a board of directors. The board is responsible for making sure the nonprofit acts in accordance with its mission, uses its money wisely, and follows laws and regulations regarding nonprofits. Sometimes, board members also run the day-to-day operations.

You should also ask yourself is your nonprofit really necessary? The easy answer is yes, of course it is. Education, health, ecology, the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, human rights and animal rights are the low hanging fruit of NGO concepts. Don’t be concerned if there is already another organization that supports the same cause. It will not detract from your ability to promote your cause because the more organizations that share similar agendas, the more interest you generate.

Having been a staff member of the United Nations Department of Public Information / Non-Governmental Organizations section, I saw many civil society organizations espousing similar causes to the benefit of the mission and all NGOs. However, the ultimate goal of a nonprofit is to support a cause, not to compete with others.

Starting a nonprofit organization and keeping it going requires a lot of energy and enthusiasm. You’ll need to maintain a passion for your mission, and be able to inspire that same passion in others, including board members, employees, volunteers, donors, politicians, media, global activists, academia and other stakeholders.

On a practical level, your nonprofit must exist to ensure the viability of the cause or goal. As a result, regular fundraising has to be a major function of your board and staff. Promotion, outreach and networking must also be handled by the staff in order to promote your work and accomplishments.

I heard a sound piece of advice for nonprofit hopefuls and established NGOs at a New York metro Better Business Bureau workshop for small businesses and non-profits. Claire Rosenzweig, president, had observed matter of factly in her remarks: “We’re all businesses after all.” Indeed. Regardless if you’re a small business or NGO, you still are a business.

Beyond your complimentary work, you are a business and should behave as such in order to safeguard your cause. Realistically, without money, you can’t exist. In addition to seeking funds, you should develop a comprehensive outreach plan and a marketing concept taking advantage of traditional forms and Internet platforms in order to succeed and promote your NGO and mission.

Finally, after a few months of activity, I strongly urge you to consider becoming part of the United Nations network of civil society organizations and all of you with 501c3 status are entitled to apply.

Beyond the lawyers and accountants’ advice on the administrative and legal regulations of running your nonprofit, your best source of knowledge and experience about the world of NGOs is the United Nations, where civil society is recognized as the third leg of the UN stool together with the member-state delegates and staff.

Once your organization has been associated with the UN Department of Public Information / Non-Governmental Organizations section, the head of your NGO and four other representatives will be given grounds passes to enter the UN headquarters in New York City. You will be invited to attend weekly briefings on a wide range of pressing global and local issues and hear what other NGOs are talking about.

You and your team will be able to share best practices with other representatives, meet with UN and global leaders on the causes that you hold dear, build coalitions and partnerships, and begin to improve the fate of mankind as you had originally intended to do.

In addition to advocating on behalf of your global or local cause, aligning your NGO with the UN network is the most important step on the road to fulfill your mission.

And setting out on this journey won’t cost you a dime. Applying for association with UN DPI/NGO is free.

Spread the word.

Join the conversation in cyberspace about launching an NGO and associating with the UN DPI/NGO. If you have examples of how you’ve done it, let me know. If you need help, reach out to me.

Scroll through my blog to read about more ways your NGO and small business can boost their outreach.

I’d also like to invite you to visit my Thought Leadership website:

http://thoughtleadership.yolasite.com/              

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