Starting a Nonprofit: Startup Costs to Budget For

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 มิ.ย. 2024
  • Starting a nonprofit organization with no money? Here are 10 startup costs you should include in your budget. #Nonprofit #Nonprofits #Startup
    I now work full time for the 501c3 nonprofit I started. Looking back, I realize we could have made some investments earlier on to help us grow and make a bigger impact faster. Here is the list of startup costs I would have considered earlier when I was starting a nonprofit organization.
    If you are starting a 501c3 charitable organization, thinking about it, or know someone who is trying to start a nonprofit, I hope this helps!
    // WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
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    // MORE ABOUT ME
    Hi! I’m Amber, a nonprofit founder, Executive Director, and public speaker on social impact, changemaking, nonprofits, leadership, and more. Want me to come speak at your business, college, school, or event? Reach out: ambermsmith.com/
    My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit (in the USA) and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/
    On Facebook? Talk to me and other change makers about social change, nonprofits, social enterprise, leadership and more in my Facebook group, Change the World or Bust: / changetheworldorbust
    Join my newsletter! ambermsmith.com/blog/newsletter/
    I'm also on Twitter: / ambermelsmith
    Pics of me and my cute dog on Instagram: / ambermelsmith

ความคิดเห็น • 146

  • @AmberMelanieSmith
    @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit (in the USA) and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/

    • @nicholaschuma6304
      @nicholaschuma6304 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So this is me😅😅...I already have enough funds(more than enough) but I think I have to start small too and learn the basics because even though I have the funds,I still need to learn how to make profit too right🤷‍♂️...so I still have to start small anyway right,just like a non profit charity without funds?right😅

    • @bbienaime
      @bbienaime 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      This is awesome

    • @ssemakulaibrahimhillal1589
      @ssemakulaibrahimhillal1589 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks for da work

    • @ssemakulaibrahimhillal1589
      @ssemakulaibrahimhillal1589 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@nicholaschuma6304 hi

  • @AmberMelanieSmith
    @AmberMelanieSmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Any other folks starting a nonprofit? What are some things you wish you'd budgeted for or are currently budgeting for that have proven to be good investments?

  • @annamarie3794
    @annamarie3794 3 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    This was ridiculously helpful for me. I am about to begin the paperwork process and this gave me a lot of ideas to begin with.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Awesome!!

    • @kw1283
      @kw1283 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Curious how it all went for you. I see you commented a year ago. Any updates? Have a good day!

  • @goofydude1470
    @goofydude1470 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    TY Ms. Smith For this video. I am SOOO grateful to you for your time and expertise! After watching this video for the third time in a row, I honestly feel more confident that I was totally unaware and unprepared for this journey that I am going to take. THIS VIDEO IS 24 CARAT GOLD. TY for this Knowledge! BRAVO!

  • @PurposeDrivenTribe
    @PurposeDrivenTribe 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I learned so much
    Thank you 😊

  • @margarita8988
    @margarita8988 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much. Very helpful

  • @HATIKVAHNEWS
    @HATIKVAHNEWS 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    YOU ARE AWESOME THANK YOU

  • @lynnaebrown
    @lynnaebrown 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is kick ass!! Thank you!

  • @Insoccerflicks
    @Insoccerflicks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you for your content

  • @praveenvarma1369
    @praveenvarma1369 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thanks ; another great video!

  • @iamshannonmack
    @iamshannonmack 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Your videos are amazing omg!!!!! Thank you so much!!!!❤

  • @jaydemilove9166
    @jaydemilove9166 6 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Sooo informative thank you

  • @yowzaaa
    @yowzaaa 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thank you for sharing this, very helpful

  • @AhkeemThaDJ
    @AhkeemThaDJ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Im learnings so much from these videos.Thanks

  • @hungerfreephilippines
    @hungerfreephilippines 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    What an eye opener for me!!

  • @sbudapaloni
    @sbudapaloni 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you so much for your videos. I am learning so much with each one, and realizing how this has been my path all along.

  • @arunasharma9432
    @arunasharma9432 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are wonderful. Thank you for empowering tips.

  • @valerietamukong2935
    @valerietamukong2935 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Very resourceful... Thank you ❤️

  • @pamelaelainenichols1920
    @pamelaelainenichols1920 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent and quite helpful. Thank you

  • @ConnorDaigle
    @ConnorDaigle 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thank you for what you’re doing. You’re really helping me prepare and start up my organization.

  • @jamesadhikary
    @jamesadhikary 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you amber

  • @TruthWithJoseph
    @TruthWithJoseph 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Absolutely *love* what you share! Thank you 🙏🏻 for your commitment 😇

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      You are so welcome!

    • @TruthWithJoseph
      @TruthWithJoseph 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AmberMelanieSmith You are a 🌟
      I have watched a ton of your awesome videos and I've few important questions at this point. Not sure how/where to ask you...

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@TruthWithJoseph What's the question? :)

  • @colombianito561
    @colombianito561 ปีที่แล้ว

    great video learned something new! I GOT inspirational guidance and made is seem that it is possible even if you think it isnt

  • @aquaculture8028
    @aquaculture8028 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is the best!!!

  • @judichristopher4604
    @judichristopher4604 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Excellent Video... I watched every minute of it... a little scary, but do-able.
    Thank you Amber for sharing all your great ideas... This give me HOPE.

  • @ibrahimismail3995
    @ibrahimismail3995 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very informative. I will definitely watch more of your videos. Best regards.

  • @bindudennis1163
    @bindudennis1163 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks 😊

  • @rev.j.b.bradford7539
    @rev.j.b.bradford7539 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You are my hero! Thank you for doing these videos! I have started my own nonprofit from scratch while also being an ED of another nonprofit.

  • @lilianakpet3929
    @lilianakpet3929 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I found this very useful as I'm in the process of starting my non-profit. This will help me avoid the pitfalls.
    Thank you.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      You're so very welcome! Best of luck with everything!

  • @georgekufa
    @georgekufa 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you

  • @tyjameson7404
    @tyjameson7404 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The bomb 💣 ❤️👍🏼🙏🏽

  • @williambatson5128
    @williambatson5128 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    thank you, my boss is so awesome, he buys homes and offers them to low-income people at a below market rental and or rent to own, he also creates jobs for people struggling. he just helps people all day every day. so selfless. I believe non for profit is how he should be operating as a structure for this business. otherwise, the numbers just won't work, you're giving me what I need to talk to him about this. I'm so grateful.

  • @KatieMiller-mu1tt
    @KatieMiller-mu1tt ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Amber, I am really enjoying your videos. I am still uncertain as to which legal status makes the most sense of my business; NON PROFIT or FOR PROFIT. Do you have suggestions on how to figure this out? Thank you

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Definitely check out my video about choosing between nonprofit and for-profit business! I go through some pros and cons of each.

  • @areacode3816
    @areacode3816 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This is a great checklist. I noticed most of the software shows a monthly cost. I have yet to get to that point is there a subscription fee over purchasing the software outright?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      There are certainly some free options for some types of software (I have another video about that!) and many things will offer a payment plan or subscription based on volume, sure!

  • @krisw7625
    @krisw7625 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    You designed your own website? Do you fundraiser through your site? Do you have a video on that process?
    Thank you for these videos, they are very helpful.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I designed my first few websites for our nonprofit, but at a certain point handed it over to a professional. :) I taught myself how to use basic web design / CMS platforms and they weren't too hard. You can definitely do it yourself if you have the time and basic technical knowledge! Then you can add fundraising buttons and forms linking to whatever payment processors you're using (PayPal, Stripe, Square, etc.).

  • @linearphene
    @linearphene 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    You said you started many years ago. How many years specifically? I’m curious

  • @HelloooThere
    @HelloooThere 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What might be the pros and cons for a startup or relatively new non-profit (with no donor base) for using an Excel spreadsheet to manage donors, (vs. a donor management system)?
    My board says they would prefer Excel and that they cannot justify the cost of a donor management system since we don't have a donor base yet.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think if you're going to do that, you might consider a free or low-cost email marketing system instead - you could group donors by category, and manage your communications with them through the same system. Excel isn't the worst but manual data entry can become time consuming and after a point, you realize, your time is spending money!

  • @caseydwayne
    @caseydwayne ปีที่แล้ว +1

    It's hard for me to even fathom how to get the initial resources for running a nonprofit. A board of directors, startup costs, legal hurdles.. it seems never ending! I'm just trying to do some good -- what's the best way to cover initial costs if you need so many things before even asking for donations?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I hear you. And sometimes not every project is best suited to be an official nonprofit - sometimes just done a one time project is easier! I have another video all about assessing if the nonprofit route is the best fit, check it out! If you proceed, you will need to raise some hundreds for the legal paperwork (even without a lawyer) in your state and for federal. Most groups pull in initial donations from their board or close supporters, or do a small fundraiser for it, being transparent that donations are not yet tax deductible.

  • @kw1283
    @kw1283 ปีที่แล้ว

    Are there courses you could recommend for a new executive director who does not have education in this specific type of management? One thing I am overwhelmed by currently is the details to be mindful of.. paperwork and so forth. There is a lot of "unknown" to me right now.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      One thing I'd recommend is identifying your personal strengths and weaknesses - then outsourcing what you're weak in to to someone else! Hire help if you can. :)

  • @riahflynn13
    @riahflynn13 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    how would these parameters vary if someone is aiming to start a scholarship fund? are all of these as necessary for a scholarship program?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think start up costs can certainly vary by nonprofit. The scholarships in a scholarship fund would I presume fall under a program cost (since that's the purpose of the org).

  • @Djloconyc
    @Djloconyc 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good Morning Question, Yearly I make 🎒 for kids in the Dominican Republic usually do 200 Kids I was wondering if I need to make a Non Profit for that. Usually, I buy everything myself. If I need to make one what will be the easier way to make currently I was looking at a website but they are charging $475 to create it.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey there! You should not have to form a whole nonprofit in order to do your annual project. :) Especially if you are donating materials to / through another organization - it would probably be considered a donation through that organization in that case.

  • @AshManXP
    @AshManXP 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    What fundraising tracking software would you recommend?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Depends on the size of your donor base / budget for the software! Lots of great options out there.

  • @marzush820
    @marzush820 ปีที่แล้ว

    Assume, all types of community income source including donations doesn’t work or somehow doesn’t happened for a new status nonprofit organization, can board of directors pay for the first year expenses from their own pocket?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hi there! Yes, there is nothing wrong with board members donating their own money to help fund the nonprofit (in fact, it's encouraged!).

  • @lillianbannisterlilsaccess9604
    @lillianbannisterlilsaccess9604 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I have a nonprofit organization not 501c3 yet but I have a business LLC both names are the same

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cool! Your state will be able to share the requirements for incorporating as a nonprofit then getting federal tax exempt status, if that's your goal!

  • @judichristopher4604
    @judichristopher4604 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Do you have a video explaining how the officers get paid... how the person starting the non-profit gets paid, and who else gets paid... I know there isn't very many people who gets paid... but not sure who they are.. and how much.
    Thank you Amber Melanie Smith... you are precious.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Actually I do have a video about that (that also clears up who can be compensated and how to avoid conflicts of interest). I mention it in a few videos but this is the main one: th-cam.com/video/EwBGpgVOFPQ/w-d-xo.html

    • @judichristopher4604
      @judichristopher4604 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@AmberMelanieSmith
      Thank you... I have only started watching your videos (last night)... I'm sure I'll watch more, because of all the videos I have watched on this subject... your videos are the best!
      #1 Reason I'm going to trust you... is the fact you, yourself have already started a Non-profit organization, I know it's not easy, but worth it.
      Thank you for your reply and I will watch this video right now. So Exciting.

  • @juanawashington9597
    @juanawashington9597 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Do the board members get paid a fee through the organization ?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      No, nonprofit board members are typically unpaid volunteers.

  • @daudreyjoseph1574
    @daudreyjoseph1574 ปีที่แล้ว

    ❤❤❤

  • @lillianbannisterlilsaccess9604
    @lillianbannisterlilsaccess9604 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    How do I use my customer data base as far as who I donate to

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      By building relationships with them and sharing your cause you want them to support - start raising awareness first, then over time, as trust is built, you can ask them to support with donations.

  • @gamersworld1641
    @gamersworld1641 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hy Amber!

  • @marcelinojr.deperalta3735
    @marcelinojr.deperalta3735 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi, is a business permit necessary for nonprofits?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hey there! There are various applications and forms required to be filed to launch an official nonprofit in the USA, yes.

    • @marcelinojr.deperalta3735
      @marcelinojr.deperalta3735 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      ​@@AmberMelanieSmith Oh, Thanks.
      1 more question:
      Because I'm having difficulty deciding which organization to start.
      If I start a For-Profit instead of a Non-Profit, would I still be able to host Non-Profit Events?
      I want to create a company for an impact, but I also want to make some money.
      So is it possible to become 2 organizations at the same time, I'll be doing Non-Profit Events on some days, and For-Profit Events on other days, is that even possible?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@marcelinojr.deperalta3735 Any for-profit business can choose to host events to benefit charity any time they want :)

    • @marcelinojr.deperalta3735
      @marcelinojr.deperalta3735 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AmberMelanieSmith Sweet!
      Thank you.

  • @jessicaadlam1883
    @jessicaadlam1883 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just to confirm these are cost that we would pay upfront. I’m assuming donations or my own money..

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yes, and it will vary by organization of course, but these are some common ones.

  • @becomewhoyouwant7656
    @becomewhoyouwant7656 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for your nice video. I have a question. Suppose that I am the founder of a nonprofit and I want to hire a CEO with $45000 a year. What is my own title as a founder? How can I compensate all the leg work that I have done so far? I have also a life and it requires costs. Pretend that I am not sure if I know everything that a CEO may know and brings in for the organization. What is a better way to both utilize an outsider expertise and keep myself in the lead? Please answer this concern.

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Hey there! I hear this question a lot. I have a great video about this topic especially - "You CAN get paid for Nonprofit work, but there's a catch" - th-cam.com/video/EwBGpgVOFPQ/w-d-xo.html
      In short, you legally must have a volunteer (unpaid) board of directors for your nonprofit who has the right to vote on decisions for the nonprofit. Nonprofits cannot be formed with a purpose of profiting an individual, but the individual COULD be hired as a staff person to work for that nonprofit. The catch is the board of directors is the only group with the legal right to vote to hire and pay that person. So you cannot vote for yourself and vote to pay yourself. It is a conflict of interest.
      I am a founder, ran my organization for many years as a volunteer (never took a dime!), and now I work full time as the Director - because the Board voted to hire me and pay me. But I did not have a vote on that. They voted for me.

    • @becomewhoyouwant7656
      @becomewhoyouwant7656 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AmberMelanieSmith
      Thanks so much for your reply. I definitely watch your recommended video.

    • @nicholaschuma6304
      @nicholaschuma6304 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AmberMelanieSmith doesn’t this just give you purpose😃😃

  • @AmberMelanieSmith
    @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    LAUNCHING 2021! I've heard from SO many amazing people who want to make an impact in their communities by starting a nonprofit AND find a way to do it Full Time! I'll be launching the Founder to Full-Time Academy soon, which will include online training, materials, and support for folks starting up. If you're interested, let me know here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgEzf-dRU9VAE67xqbh29_hSceejM0kQHxIQL5RpoHvVxneg/viewform

    • @danayungo8351
      @danayungo8351 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Can we communicate on mail or WhatsApp

    • @revanirevyalakso9423
      @revanirevyalakso9423 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      8

    • @empoweringcuts
      @empoweringcuts 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Extremely interested, founded my organization back in 2017 but we just became an official non profit organization still pending 501(c)3

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@empoweringcuts Just launched at foundertofulltime.com/!

  • @user-ql5js2cu4o
    @user-ql5js2cu4o หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hallo

  • @vp0617
    @vp0617 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I'm a bit confused. I thought the point of the 501c(3) tax exempt status was to be exempt from paying taxes...meaning there would be no tax costs. So why is there a need to make room in the budget for yearly tax expenses?

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Are you referring to the part about money to pay for filing your annual tax return? Nonprofits still have to file an annual return with the IRS, and in many cases you may want to hire an accountant to file that return for you. www.irs.gov/charities-non-profits/exempt-organization-annual-filing-requirements-overview

    • @vp0617
      @vp0617 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AmberMelanieSmith Ah ok gotcha. That makes sense!

    • @vp0617
      @vp0617 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@AmberMelanieSmith I'm used to doing my own taxes so that didn't cross my mind at all!

  • @ninarichae9817
    @ninarichae9817 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Do you mentor?!

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm booked up for a bit right now, BUT definitely take a look at joining my Facebook group, you can ask questions in there!

  • @lillianbannisterlilsaccess9604
    @lillianbannisterlilsaccess9604 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    What is your nonprofit organization

  • @user-ql5js2cu4o
    @user-ql5js2cu4o หลายเดือนก่อน

    Ame kaij kairabo

  • @bobbybevan2359
    @bobbybevan2359 ปีที่แล้ว

    You are one of the best looking girls I’ve ever seen anywhere

  • @majorpromotion6018
    @majorpromotion6018 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    🤦🏿‍♂️my budget barely 7$ a week on the brightside I know that 7$ is gonna help someone

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  2 ปีที่แล้ว

      I hear ya. Please take care of yourself too!

  • @Accra_tv
    @Accra_tv ปีที่แล้ว

    Please have a new foundation put I don’t volunteers

    • @AmberMelanieSmith
      @AmberMelanieSmith  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hey there! Are you trying to recruit volunteers? This video may help: th-cam.com/video/vSYaWtVNP0I/w-d-xo.html

  • @user-ql5js2cu4o
    @user-ql5js2cu4o หลายเดือนก่อน

    Hi

  • @zephaniahmarion4890
    @zephaniahmarion4890 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Thank you

  • @jessicaadlam1883
    @jessicaadlam1883 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you