How I Started a Nonprofit
In this video, I describe the process I went through in starting my very first nonprofit. I wanted to share with you the ups and downs of starting and how I overcame fear and trouble in the process.
Before I get started with all the insights, the truth, the behind the scenes action and drama I wanted to introduce my course; "Understanding The Nonprofit Application Process." We all have to start somewhere and this is where I recommend you starting so you can begin to understand a few things about the business you are going to start. You can access it here at my thinkific Course Site:
https://jenais-school.thinkific.com/c...
We all go through several stages of starting a business. In my experience, there are five stages that I have witnessed while taking people through the nonprofit exemption process.
1. Nail-biting scared - In this stage, you're sharing your idea with friends and family. (and you have probably called me for a free consultation). You are also facing the unknown and you are scared of failing. You realize that you are starting a business. Sometimes people stop here and it takes them a long time to get back to me. What turns them from idea to action is the fact that nothing has been accomplished and there has been no movement on their concept and they are done with being scared. It always makes me smile when I hear you say "I'm ready to start!"
2. Elation- As your organizational documents start being approved you experience utter elation. These are the documents that are proof to the public that you mean business.
3. Struggle - About the time I tell you that you need a board of directors, you start struggling with the concept of working with a team. This is common since you started this thing solo, but the structure of a nonprofit requires a team effort from people who can help you find unique ways to serve.
4. Happy and Accomplished- Once the application process for exemption (501c3) is finished you feel happy, relieved, and complete.
5. Nail-biting scared (again) - The application process is only completed once in the life-cycle of a nonprofit (unless you don't file your annual returns). At this point, most people ask themselves what's next? Now your idea has to be put into action using your entrepreneurial skills to create a business model that will make money for your nonprofit.
Now that you recognize the stages I want you to know that all of these stages are normal. What's important is that you believe in yourself and take the initiaative to start something great!
Jenai