Eight Pieces of Advice for Nonprofit Start-ups (Part II)

Write a business plan. I can’t say this enough. The cliché if you fail to plan, you plan to fail is very true, especially as a nonprofit. As a registered tax exempt organization you’re being held accountable by the IRS. As a sole proprietor, Limited Liability Corporation, or Partnership you’re not. Not only is the business plan a way to help you stay compliant, it details your plans for recruiting partners, board members, donors, and volunteers.  It is the document that describes the course of action to reach your goals. Trying to manage this information in your head is a recipe for mental illness.