Seven questions to answer before starting a nonprofit
By Zachary S. Kester, executive director and Robert Miller, program officer, Charitable Allies
Starting a new nonprofit can be fun and exciting. You are beginning a journey to help your community in the best way you know how. You see an issue and you are stepping in to fill the void.
But, it can also be scary and intimidating. You are joining more than 1.5 million registered in the U.S., according to the National Center for Charitable Statistics (NCCS).
The world of nonprofits and tax-exemption is complex and highly regulated. For example, "public charity," nonprofit organization, and tax-exempt all have very specific definitions according to the IRS. However, throughout this article for the purposes of ease of understanding the term "nonprofit" will be used when it otherwise might be more accurate to use the term charity (For more information about these regulations with regards to being a "public charity" specifically see the explanation to Question 5.).
Here are seven simple questions that can help you assess if you are ready to start a nonprofit and to begin making a change in the world.