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Overview
Nonprofit organizations play a crucial role in serving communities and advancing important missions. This guidebook is specifically crafted for Christian leaders who are embarking on the journey of starting a new nonprofit or seeking to strengthen an existing one. Christian leaders bring a unique dimension to their organizations, infusing spiritual healing through Christ Jesus, and embodying the attributes of love, care, and compassion. The integration of faith and Christian values not only blesses the organization's purpose, but it also provides a positive foundation for making sound organizational decisions.
Defining Nonprofit Organizations
A nonprofit organization is one established with the primary objective of providing community good and achieving a mission, rather than prioritizing profits. This distinction allows nonprofits to qualify for tax exemptions from both state and federal taxes, in addition to offering donors the opportunity to make tax-deductible donations.
Audience and Purpose
This material is designed to provide leaders with an overview and deeper understanding of the business aspects of running a nonprofit. Whether you are the executive director/founder, a staff member, or a board member, this guidebook is a valuable resource, offered free of charge. Throughout the guide, you'll find an Overview, Words of Wisdom from seasoned nonprofit leaders, and Resources that includes podcasts, books, websites, software, and downloadable example forms to assist you in your nonprofit journey.
Seeking Guidance
Leadership in the nonprofit sector is not a solitary endeavor. It's crucial to have a coach or mentor who can help you navigate the material and refine your work by providing an external perspective and posing the needed challenging questions. Especially in the early stages of launching a nonprofit, there may be many unknowns. It's important to acknowledge what you don't know and seek people or resources to fill those knowledge gaps. Rushing into the process is discouraged. Take time—ideally 3 to 12 months—before taking any significant actions to ensure thorough planning and prevent the need to start over.
A Calling from God
Above all, remember that starting or leading a Christian nonprofit should be seen as a calling from God, not merely a personal passion. Take time for discernment and reflection before proceeding. Our hope and prayer are that this material will empower Christian nonprofits to have a more significant Kingdom impact through their ministry.
As you use this resource, if you have suggestions on other resources to include or additional information that should be covered, please email SusanNPguidebook@gmail.com. Also, please email me on how this resource did or did not help you. Thank you!
Leader’s Wisdom
Resources
Websites
- The National Council of Nonprofits has a section titled “Running a Nonprofit.” The topics included are:
- Administration and Financial Management
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Employment & HR
- Ethics & Accountability
- Fundraising and Resource Development
- Governance & Leadership
- Board Roles and Responsibilities
- Board Orientation
- Good Governance Policies for Nonprofits
- …And many more articles.
- How to Start a Nonprofit
- Marketing and Communications
https://www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit
- Minnesota Council for Nonprofits has several topics well worth the time spent reading them. Here is their website description.
- The Principles and Practices for Nonprofit Excellence are meant to educate nonprofit leaders, board members, managers, volunteers, and staff about the fundamental roles and responsibilities of nonprofit organizations.
- The 11 accountability principles distinguish the nonprofit sector from government and the business sector.
- The 192 management practices provide specific guidelines for individual organizations to evaluate and improve their operations, governance, human resources, advocacy, financial management, and fundraising.
https://www.minnesotanonprofits.org/resources-tools/principles-practices-for-nonprofit-excellence.
- The Mockingbird Incubator Program is designed to help emerging nonprofit founders create sustainable growth and measurable impact in their communities. They have an on-demand program in Introduction to Nonprofit Management. https://www.mockingbirdincubator.org/nonprofit-program
Books
- Help Your Community by Starting a Nonprofit in 3 Simple Stages by Kathleen Lellis
- Starting & Building a Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo
- Starting & Building an Awesome Nonprofit for A New Generation: For Founders, Executive Directors, and Board Members by Simone Joye Eford
- How to Start a Non-Profit Organization: A Comprehensive Beginner's Guide to Learn the Basics and Important Steps of Setting Up a Good Non-Profit Organization by Gregory Becker
- Starting a Nonprofit at Your Church by Joy Skjegstad
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