Starting a Nonprofit: 9 Questions Funders Will Ask You
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 พ.ค. 2024
- Starting a nonprofit and wondering how to attract funders? Make sure you have good answers to these questions. #Nonprofit #Fundraising #Nonprofits
When I first started a nonprofit organization and pitched my ideas to potential funders, donors, and grant foundations, I often heard them ask the same questions over and over again. I quickly realized I needed to have a solid plan, which included great answers to those questions, if I was going to be taken seriously while fundraising for my nonprofit.
Some of the mistakes I made when I first started prevented my nonprofit organization from growing faster than it could have! In this video I talk through 9 common nonprofit fundraising questions I’ve heard time and time again and share insights into the minds of the funders asking these questions so you can craft your plans and responses - and raise the money you need to make an impact!
Hope this helps!
// CHAPTERS
00:00 Getting Started
02:44 Funder Questions 1-4: Related to your structure and impacts
12:21 Funder Questions 5-9: Related to your values, ethics, and collaboration
// 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 or interested in consulting for your nonprofit? 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
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/
OK! So I've binged several videos and you've been such a great instructor. I filed for my NPO last week and they told me I have a year to gather my board, and this has all been so helpful. Truly a blessing! You've given me actual assignments and how-tos!
YAY! That's what I love to hear!
Me too!
How did you file is there a verified website for California
Very detailed information. An education every time I tune in.
Thanks!
Your videos are so helpful! (Subscribed!!) I've been starting a nonprofit this year and we're about to enter fundraising in the fall. Thank you and keep it up!
Welcome welcome! I'm so glad they are helpful!
Are you just getting started? What are some questions potential funders have asked YOU?
You have got good knowledge related to NGOS. I like you very much .
Thank you! :)
@@AmberMelanieSmith : if possible , I would like to talk to you .
Thank you so much Amber, that was well presented and easy to listen to
Glad it was helpful!
I am literally speechless! And, it's late!!! Thank you Amber again for great information!!!❤😮
My pleasure Cynthia :)
Hi Amber, your doing a great job 👍. We are new in this field but you're videos are guiding us.
My wife and I started a non governmental organization, " Machozi ya Mwisho Initiative", we aim to see every woman enjoy the journey of reproductive health and maternal care. ( Machozi ya Mwisho is a Swahili word to mean " the last tears😪". We believe that the tears we shed, after waking up only to find our newborn twin son had bled to death, should be the last; no woman should ever go through the pain of losing a newborn.
This is great! Thank you
You're very welcome!
This was very helpful! Thanks so much!
You're so welcome!
Thank you so much. This very helpful 💕
You're so welcome!
Great info thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
THANKS SO MUCH!🙏🏽❤️
You are so welcome!
Thank you
You're very welcome!
Thanks a lot. Its quite enriching
You are most welcome!
Amber you are very much appreciated 🤗 THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU
😊
You are awesome 👌 👏
Thanks for the information, I appreciate your time 🙂
Happy to help! :)
Great info. Thank you
Very welcome!
Thanks Melanie,so helpful
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this brilliant video . I believe that if I had watched your video before going to the interview for a grant ,I'd not have failed . I successfully went through the first and second stages of the proposal processes ,but dropped at the interview stage because I failed to adequately respond to two important questions ,which you highlighted . First ,I was asked how much time would I dedicate to my startup if I got the funding ,considering that I currently have a fulltime job. My response was three days in the week for one year and after I'll quit my job and devote all my time to the start. Those three days were not enough to the funders. I wanted me to devote all my time to the project Secondly ,I was asked about where I could secure funding to rollout the venture after the pilot phase . My response was that I'll search for like-minded organizations and apply to them for funding. To them ,my response appeared vague ,because I couldn't name any particular organizations that I had in mind for potential funding .
Don't be discouraged, as entrepreneurs, we hear 'no' a lot but you only need one Yes!
I really enjoy your presentations. But most importantly, the impact they carry.
Nason (Botswana)
Thanks for watching!
Another excellent video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this video!
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks so much for your videos! I’d love a video on the best staffing strategies for new nonprofits as they start and grow through the first 3 years or so!
Great suggestion! I'll explore that.
Am also interested in this
Thanks for information, help alot
Happy to help!
This makes sense. I have to subscribe.
Welcome to the channel!
Amber i am from South Africa , Thank you very much for your helpfull videos ... keep it up . May GOD bless you ten times in a million ..
So glad they have been helpful!!
Thanks for this video.
I hope you found it helpful!
@@AmberMelanieSmith you have a new subscriber
Ok Amber, Wow!! 👀 This topic helped me to clarify my vision and how to eliminate doughs now, instead of later. Thanks for the emphasis on knowing more of neighboring services that we could collaborate with...Bright Lights are going off here girlfriend!! "thanks to the University of Amber" Happy Today!💕
You are so welcome! 🙂
@@AmberMelanieSmithsaya mau Galang Dana bisa bantu saya
Thanks for the video.
You are welcome!
Very helpful thank you
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks Melanie this was really helpful am currently working on approaching companies to introduce my NPO and this part was really worrying had no idea what sort of questions they might ask ..thank really
Glad it was helpful!
HI, thank you so much for your videos. They are so helpful. I wonder if you have a video to learn from or if you have more ideas about what policies to have in place other than the above mentioned conflict of interest policy and the non-discrimination policy. I haven't found the list of policies to include. Thanks again for all you do to help us.
That sounds like a good video topic!
Another fantastic video that popped up just as I needed it! Someone told me that we might be asked how much money we've already raised. Is this a question I should expect? Also, mentioned that people will ask if the board are also donors--that foundations want to see 100% contribution by board members. What's your experience with this? Thank you again, Amber!!
Yes on both counts. Funders want to know you have OTHER support elsewhere too, and that the board is participating in giving (though there's some nuanced dialogue emerging on how / if that is equitable / allows people with less means to be on boards).
@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you! (do you have a Patreon or something? I'm not in your group but get so much value that I'd like to contribute something to you for your efforts.
Reviewing some older comments today and totally missed this! :) You're so kind. I don't have a Patreon (yet?!) but TH-cam has a function that allows people to support channels if they choose.
Oh man I’m with you on the paper pushing, number crunching part. I’m a go getter/worker Bee that has to now learn how to run a business just so I can change the world. I suppose it could be worse... but math.... ugh 😑
Right?!
I love you Mel
Hi Amber, do you think it’s wise to register my NPO and get my social media handles before starting anything else? Great video 😊💕💕
I'm glad you liked the video! I would say before even registering the nonprofit or social media / choosing a name, you should draft a business plan and do a lot of research on the issue. It's best if nonprofits know how they will tackle / aim to 'solve' the problem they are setting out to for the community AND know how they will generate enough revenue / raise money in order to do it. Hope this helps!
🔥oh hello 👍
i enjoy your light 🔥
you are part of my light 🔥
see you in the future friend ☁️
Thanks for stopping by!
Hello I love your channel what Mic are you using and Camera?
Hey Toya! Sorry it took me so long to respond - totally missed this one! Camera for this video is a Canon EOS Rebel SL2 and mic is Takstar.
Realisticly. How long does it take to get a nonprofit up and running and paying yourself and working fulltime? My husband and I have an idea of a nonprofit but we are in the idea phase. What are your suggestions on where to start?
Hey there! It widely varies, based on what kind of support and network you have at the start. It can take a few years to several years. Your Board will need to agree/vote to hire you (and you won't be able to vote to hire yourself).
Hello! You and your videos are amazing! Would you be interested to mentor a non-profit founder to learn how to start-up her non-profit in California?
Thank you so much for watching and I hope the videos are helpful! I'm all booked up right now but definitely check out my group on Facebook / my other videos, they may be able to help!
As a new executive director for a non profit what are the top 3 things that will set me up for success thank you Amber
Hmmm, I'd say - 1) Build as many community relationships as you can, 2) Learn the ins and outs of different revenue models and fundraising, 3) invest in infrastructure as early as possible!
How do you provide a financial statement to a funder when your nonprofit have zero income? Basically just getting started and you applied for a grant?
In most cases, grants will be easier to get for organizations with some impacts and time under their belts. But for new organizations, providing a budget with estimated costs is what you would do.
@@AmberMelanieSmith thanks so much for responding back to me so quickly. Your idea really helps 🙏
Ah Mel, you drive me crazy . Wow !
I run a non profit hybrid homeschool program. I have such a hard time answering the question…how do you know you’ve accomplished your mission/your mission is successful. Thoughts?
I would ask, what do you hope the kids leave your program having learned or accomplished?
We pastor a church that is nonprofit, 501c3. The new thing I want to do ties into the purpose of the church. Should it fall under the church OR become its own nonprofit?
Are you asking what to do if you want to start a program under the church? That depends on if its mission aligns.
Hi, My name is Muayad Aziz. I am a founder of the non profit organization in Washington State. My position is the Executive Director. My question could I have both the executive director and of the board director who provide direct vision services?
Hey there! Executive Directors could and sometimes do also serve on their Board (if that's what you're asking), but they just can't vote on anything that impacts them (like whether they are hired, fired, or what their salary is).
@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you so much!
I need a grant writer and support
How is your transcript and CC so far off? This is far from accessible. Please update!
Thanks for letting me know, I'll look into it!
Hmm looks like you are still auto-translating from Vietnamese. here are some funny phrases you supposedly say (according to your CC)
7:04
you'll only because Pokemon want to
7:06
write the words to talk about Company
7:08
and nothing worth of annam purchase in
7:11
the same decorous Center of people talk
7:15
about how are you are welcome and defend
7:18
answer What weather is today is the part
@@MathbyRyan Aaahhh, I was trying to fix these yesterday and TH-cam wasn't giving me the option - I'll keep trying, I swear!
i love ❤u
Dear Amber
I want to start a non profit organization with my friend to end homelessness through sponsoring my country refugees. We both don’t have saving and all our income goes to our daily expenses. Can we still do it with empty hand?? Your advice is highly needed.
Hey there! Anyone can start building up a network of community members and potential supporters, even starting with no money. :) Start by gathering people you know to share what you are doing, and see what kinds of support they may be able to offer.
Hi Amber Melanie Smith. I am Bac. My non-profit organization cleared up garbage in June and we plan to teach English to poor children free in December. If you have time, may you be my mentor who guides me through email? Thank you so much!
❤
🙂
So good! Thank-you, Amber!
You're so welcome!
Hi, I like your channel. You'll want to have someone review your videos, and update your CC. Your CC as it is now on this video is not accurate and it can negatively impact this specific video and your whole channel.
Thank you! I keep trying to edit them but TH-cam took away my edit button! :( I don't know how to fix!
Hi Melanie, very informative videos! Is it possible to get your email address? I need help with our non-profit. I'll tremendously appreciate your response. Regards
Hey there! Feel free to join my Facebook group to talk to people in my changemaker community if you have questions! facebook.com/groups/changetheworldorbust