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Ask yourself what goal you want to accomplish—who you want to help and how. |
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Can you achieve your goal by volunteering with an existing organization, or will it take a larger effort to make a difference? |
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Outline a mission: What is the purpose of your organization? |
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Research organizations with similar missions. |
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Identify a Board of Directors—look for people who care about your goal and who are active. It helps to have members with different skills like accounting, non-profit law, public relations and fundraising. |
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Decide how your non-profit will be funded—there are lots of fund-raising options. |
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Check with professional non-profit groups like www.NetworkForGood.org or your Regional Association of Grant Makers for non-profit advice. |
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Prepare for 501(c)(3) tax status so your organization can accept tax-exempt donations. You'll need a clear and concise mission, a Board of Directors and organizational by-laws. |
