Can You Start a Nonprofit with Little to No Money?
Nonprofit startups are often asking how they can start a successful organization with little to no money. The truth is while you will need some funds to start with to gain nonprofit designation, it is possible to get by with a small budget. You just need to know where to start, and GrantWatch is here to help with just that!
Today, we’re sharing 6 steps you can take to get your nonprofit off the ground with little to no money. We want your nonprofit to succeed and sometimes that means making sure you can still have an impact in your community even when funds are low.
1. Have a Clear Plan & Mission
Your nonprofit should first make sure they have thoroughly outlined the purpose of the nonprofit. You will need both a vision statement and a mission statement. A vision statement lays out why you are starting the organization. An organization’s mission statement lays out how you are going to make the vision real. Having a clear mission from day one will attract volunteers and donors. People tend to make donations when they can share in the nonprofit’s passion. So, you want to make sure this passion jumps off the page in your mission statement.
If you are looking for some ideas of what a mission statement should look like, GrantWatch provides a number of mission statements for the funding sources that have grants listed on our site. You can see these mission statements, as well as other financial information about these funding sources, by using GrantWatch’s 990 Finder and Foundation Search.
2. Apply for Grants
When you start a nonprofit with little money you must be willing to put in the leg work. Schedule time to regularly apply for grants. Grants can be a great way to get additional funding and do not have to be repaid. This is why applying for grants is a popular way to help nonprofits get the money they need to pay for both new and existing projects. You might try starting out with community grants. There are also many in-kind grants available for nonprofits that provide other resources for nonprofits in place of or in addition to money, such as mentorship, donations, equipment, or volunteers.
GrantWatch is an easy-to-use and affordable grant database that lists close to 8,000 currently available grants. GrantWatch has grants from private foundations, as well as local, state, and federal government agencies.
3. Obtain a Fiscal Sponsor
One way of starting a nonprofit with very little money is by using a fiscal sponsorship. A fiscal sponsor is an already-existing 501(c)(3) corporation that will take fiscal responsibility for the new organization. The sponsored organization does not need to become a formal corporation. This option is primarily for startups that have little to no resources. The sponsored organization will be piggybacking on the fiscal sponsor’s tax-exempt status. The sponsorship agreement, which attorneys should put in writing, can provide resources such as a meeting space. The sponsor is taking a risk by doing this. Because of this, you need to have concrete steps to reach your goals before approaching a potential sponsor. An excellent place to start looking for a fiscal sponsor is within your own contacts and current supporters.
4. Start Fundraising Immediately
It is no secret now that fundraising still remains one of the best ways to raise money as a nonprofit organization. In truth, nonprofits face many challenges in terms of sustainability. Just like a business, operational costs grow as a nonprofit grows. Hence, when you start a nonprofit with little to no money, continuing to depend solely on a single revenue stream may not be wise for long-term sustainability. Therefore, identifying a diversified and sustainable fundraising strategy is crucial. Building a fundraising plan will ensure that your funds don’t dry up while you prepare for future growth.
5. Volunteer Recruitment
Volunteers are priceless assets for a nonprofit organization. These individuals give their time and effort to organizations because they believe in their mission. Because of this, early volunteer recruitment is crucial when you are starting a nonprofit with little money. Volunteer recruitment can be challenging for nonprofit organizations at times. In addition to time, volunteers give a lot to nonprofits, including helping with operational management, financial management, marketing, reaching out to donors, and more.
6. Register With State & Federal Governments
When starting a nonprofit, you must first have enough money to register as an official nonprofit with your local and federal governments. This includes filing articles of incorporation and receiving tax-exempt status. Approval as a 501(c)(3) entity is necessary in order to begin your fundraising efforts and will open many doors for your nonprofit. 501(c)(3) status not only allows exemption from federal income tax, but it also allows tax-deductible contributions, possible exemption from state income, sales, and employment taxes, the ability to apply for government grants, and much more. This status will also enhance your organization’s credibility and public trust.
Starting a nonprofit with little to no money is not ideal, but it is not impossible! Hopefully, you find these tips helpful as you start the process of forming your nonprofit. Keep an eye out for future articles from GrantNews with more advice for your nonprofit.
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