Can i start a non-profit without a board of directors?

How do people start non profit corporations as members of the board of directors and end up making all the $?

• I have always wondered how people who claim to be "non profit" say they are just that, yet on the side they say they're the "owner", and they make all the ...show more

• Answer:

  Thanks for the question. In the nonprofits I have worked for, yes, the board members are wealthy but this is from their jobs -- the board member duties are volunteer work for them. Many nonprofit board members were wealthy before the got on the board of the charity. They were very supportive to the cause and gave large donations. They did not become wealthy by serving on a nonprofit board -- they are on the board because THEY GAVE to the charity, not the other way around. Sometimes these board members are not only wealthy but also have a personal commitment for the cause. I worked with many awesome dynamic women on a fund providing local women with free mammograms. These particular board members were also breat cancer survivors. Some large donors increase their service to the nonprofit organization by serving on the board, which involves being a cheerleader and ambassador for the charity and other business leaders. They get other people to donate too, help raise community awareness, etc. For example, you know how you see Avon sponsor breast-cancer awareness walks? And other corporations sponsor other charities? Many times board members are the ones who connect these big companies with the nonprofit charities. I know this answer all of your questions, but I tried to answer some of them. =)