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Helping you win loyal friends through your communications

3 Steps for Young People Starting a Nonprofit

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A guest post by life coach Elena Stewart

People of any age can make a difference in the world, and one way to start enacting change is by establishing a nonprofit. By creating an organization to fulfill your mission, you can garner support for your cause, obtain resources to help others, and more.

Check out these three steps toward starting a nonprofit, no matter how young (or old) you are.

1. Get Organized

Everything from getting your idea on paper to covering your bases tax-wise is part of organizing your nonprofit.

  • Select a business structure to operate your nonprofit under.
  • Investigate any tax obligations or requirements.
  • Name your nonprofit members or board and set up a decision-making process.
  • Make your CPA proud with batch invoicing software, which can help you keep track of important financial and expense information.

2. Find Funding

Sourcing funding for your nonprofit can sound intimidating, but with a combination of formal support and social traction, you can fill your organization’s financial needs.

  • Apply for grants and other financial programs based on your mission.
  • Start crowdfunding with the support of your social network (and friends of friends).
  • Launch a product to earn the income to support your nonprofit’s activities.
  • Work with Communicate! Consulting to learn how to approach donors.

3. Plan Your Priorities

Figuring out what your nonprofit will do and who it will help is essential, but what are the exact steps you need to take to be successful? Outline your priorities before you act.

  • Focus on a single cause or a handful of closely related ones and craft a mission statement.
  • Create measurable goals, preferably ones you can work toward in steps.
  • Generate interest in your mission with social media and other outreach.

If helping others is your true mission in life, starting a nonprofit could be just the way to do it. While you’ll need the support of your loved ones and community, you can start making positive changes in the world all on your own.

Elena Stewart made the jump from a corporate job she wasn’t entirely happy with, to running her own business that gives her the financial freedom and flexible lifestyle she’s always wanted. As a life coach, she now gets the happiness of helping others get to the places that might seem out of reach.

TY Thursday: A Thank-you Letter that Donors Will Remember

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Happy 2020. How did your end-of-year appeal go in 2019?

Thanks for being awesomeThe first order of business in 2020 is to send the ideal thank-you letter.

If your letters are already in the mail, congratulations! You’ve started persuading donors they did the right thing when they gave to you–and convincing them to give again in 2020!

But maybe you’re feeling guilty because it’s the middle of January and you haven’t sent out thank-yous for those gifts you got in December?

Never fear! If you take just a little more time, you can write a thank-you letter that donors will remember and love.

Here’s what you do:

  1. Make it personal. Knowing what the donor gave, and how often they gave in the past, is just the start. Know what they like to be called. And as often as you can, say something that makes them feel seen. A Personal Letter is Better Than a Personalized One!
  2. Tell a story. If the appeal letter told a story (and I hope it did), then refer back to it. “Emily Donor, you are already helping Mary Client these ways!” If you didn’t before, tell a story now. Make the donor feel the difference they have made.
  3. Ask a question. Or two, or three: definitely not many, but just enough to help you keep on getting to know the donor. (Save the answers to your survey questions in your donor database or CRM.)

If you are saying to yourself, “Where am I going to find the time?”, think about asking your Board members to write a personal note on the letters. Many of them will prefer writing thank-you notes to any other form of fundraising.

And for your next appeal, think about the thank-you letter at the same time you think about the ask!  (If you need expert help making sure your thank-you’s and your appeals touch your donors’ hearts, drop me a line at [email protected] The initial consultation is free.)

Let’s make 2020 a great year for your nonprofit and your donors!

Are You Talking to ME, Nonprofit?

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Communications strategy begins with a simple question.  Before you write–before you start talking–before you post, tweet, blog or pin, ask yourself:

“Who are my audiences?”

Find your specific audience!

Don’t talk to the crowd. Find your specific audience!

I do mean “audiences,” plural.  At different times, you may want to get the attention of any of the following groups:

  • Members
  • Clients
  • Donors
  • Prospects
  • Elected officials
  • Regulators
  • Board members
  • Volunteers
  • People in a certain age group
  • People who participate in a certain activity
  • Residents of a certain neighborhood

You have different relationships with each of these groups, so it’s crucial to identify who you’re talking to at the time.

Different Voice for Different Audience

Would you talk with your mom the same way you talk with your boss?  Unlikely–unless you want Mom to feel hurt, or your boss to feel confused.

Then why would you talk to Board members who have sweated for your organization for years the same way that you speak to people who might just give you their first donation if you give them a good reason why?  You wouldn’t, I hope!

Figure out the specific audience or audiences you are trying to reach before you figure out what you are going to say.

When You’re Talking AND When You’re Writing

Speaking to a specific audience is just as important when you’re “speaking” in print, or in email, or on the internet.

It won’t work to say, “I’m just going to write to the general public.” There is no such thing! If you aim at everybody, there’s a good chance you’re going to reach nobody. Speak to one audience at a time. The others can listen in.

You want to do the detective work to understand as much as possible about the people who are interested in your nonprofit. Especially, you want to know what hurts them and spurs them to act.

And when you’re sending out appeal letters–as so many nonprofits are doing this time of year–look at your donor personas and write to a specific audience. (And call them what they want to be called.)

 

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