Starting a not for profit organization?

Starting a Non-Profit Organization?

• I need some solid advice on looking into starting a non-profit organization. Helpful links ( contact info for the Houston area) and any guidance/advice on what one needs to know about doing something like this. Thanks in advance.

• Answer:

  I have found a website that compiles various resources on starting a non profit. I especially like the Minnesota Council of NonProfits because the site gives information on governance, developing strategic alliances, fund raising and other ingredients of successfully running a non profit. http://www.lib.msu.edu/harris23/grants/znpbib.htm As for funding your non profit, I suggest you check out Foundation Center to help you gain ideas on how to properly establish your organization and get support from private foundations. They have the most extensive database of private donors, and they publish a magazine that can be very helpful to your new non profit. http://fdncenter.org/getstarted/tutorials/establish/index.html I was previously involved in the setup of a non profit, and we were able to get a pro-bono lawyer who set up everything for us, including getting the 501c3 tax status. Contact other non profits in your area and check if there are lawyers willing to work for free to get you started. For detailed information on how to start a non profit, I suggest you read the following books: - Starting and Running a Nonprofit Organization -- by Joan M. Hummel - Starting and Running a Non-Profit Made Easy by Entrepreneur Press, David H. Bangs - Starting & Building A Nonprofit: A Practical Guide by Peri Pakroo For starting a non profit in Texas, visit the TX Secretary of State website - this page has all the information for non profits http://www.sos.state.tx.us/corp/nonprofit_org.shtml