Start a Nonprofit Group for the Disabled
- 1). Write a clear definition of the problem your nonprofit will address. Disabled people face many challenges that an organization could help with, from making buildings more accessible to educating employers about hiring disabled workers. Your organization will be more effective if you choose one or two areas to address.
- 2). Identify a target population. Will your group's work target disabled people themselves, the broader community, businesses or the government? All of these are potential avenues to address disability issues.
- 3). Research your community. This can tell you whether other organizations are working on the same issues and whether there is a demand in the community for the services you want to provide. This will build goodwill in the community once you actually start work.
- 4). Create a mission statement for your organization. This is a one-line summary of what your organization intends to do. The mission statement provides guidance to everyone working with it. For example, you might say that "Organization X will help the disabled find dignified employment," or "Organization Y will advocate on disability issues at the state level."
- 5). Recruit people from the community to form a board of directors. The founding board of an organization has a lot of work to do, so these people must be very committed and passionate about disability issues.
- 6). Contact your state government to find out the local requirements for incorporation as a nonprofit. They should be able to provide any necessary applications.
- 7). Develop bylaws and articles of incorporation for your organization. These are the standard rules of operation that are mandatory for all incorporated entities. Many other nonprofits will be happy to share theirs, which can be adapted to save time.
- 8). Meet with your new board for the first time. At this meeting, the board can approve the bylaws and articles of incorporation, elect people to fill the officer positions of treasurer and chair, and decide to pursue tax-free designation. Scheduling future meetings and electing committees should also be on the agenda at the first board meeting.
- 9). Submit your articles of incorporation to the state government and inquire about what financial reporting requirements you need to follow.
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Develop a strategic plan for the organization that describes the goals for its work and how they will be reached. This plan should cover at least a year and be approved by the board. - 11
Build a budget that fits with the goals of the strategic plan, and develop a fundraising plan to raise the revenue necessary for the budget to balance. At this stage, it is important to establish a record-keeping system. - 12
Apply for tax exemptions. Exemptions from federal tax are granted on submission of IRS form 1023. Your organization should also be eligible for state and local exemptions; consult with local authorities and file for any that apply. - 13
Obtain an employer identification number and the necessary permits and licenses required for your organization to operate legally with the disabled. The IRS grants employer ID numbers on submission of form SS-4. Other regulations differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction, so check with local authorities. - 14
Register your group as an employer with your state's unemployment insurance office. - 15
Apply for insurance. As an organization working with the disabled, property insurance for any space you use is essential. You will also need directors insurance, which absolves the board members of personal financial liability for the actions of the group. - 16
Reduce your postal costs by applying for a nonprofit mailing permit from the U.S. Postal Service. This gives deep discounts when you send mail related to your organization's work. - 17
Get to work raising funds, building a support base and starting your organization's programming.
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