7 Mistakes I Made Starting a Non Profit

Starting a nonprofit organization or researching what it would take to start one? Check out a few BIG mistakes I made in my start up nonprofit and DON'T do what I did! #Nonprofit #Entrepreneurship #SocialEnterprise
Don't worry, things turned out okay. I now work full-time for the 501c3 nonprofit I started and love seeing the social impact we make in our community as we grow each year. But looking back, I could have done a few things differently as a nonprofit entrepreneur to get us to the scale we're at now more quickly and with less of a struggle.
If you've started a nonprofit or known someone who has - what mistakes did you / they make along the way that you learned from? Share in the comments below! THANK YOU for checking out my first video - I hope you enjoy!
// MOOORE LINKS
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 and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/
On Facebook? Join in some pretty cool conversations I'm having with other change makers about social change, nonprofits, business, self-care and more in my Facebook group, Change the World or Bust: / changetheworldorbust
Join my newsletter! I'll be sharing inspiration, ideas, and resources on changing the world: ambermsmith.com/blog/newsletter/
I'm also on Twitter: / ambermelsmith
Pics of me and my cute dog on Instagram: / ambermelsmith

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

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

[@charlesbarker8424]

Write a vision first

[@AndrewQPower]

Coming soon?

[@lisaellisen8423]

I’m

[@lisaellisen8423]

I’m

[@lisaellisen8423]

I’m so happy you

[@TheRacingWind]

I'm writing my business plan right now and you are helping me tremendously to make decisions early! I haven't even filed any paperwork yet and I feel secure in my concept, branding, and revenue plan. Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad! Good luck with everything!

[@renee92jones34]

This is the third video I watched of yours. You are answering so many questions and hopefully preventing mistakes I may encounter. Especially about saying “Yes” to everyone. I suffer from being a people pleaser. Hearing you say this stopped me in my tracks. I have to exercise the freedom of saying “No.”

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

YESSS me too! Thank you so much for watching and I'm so happy to hear the videos are helpful!

[@ScottTAllison]

Extremely helpful video. The nonprofit I'm in has made several of these same mistakes, so I wish this video existed 5 years ago!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you! Were there other mistakes / challenges you all faced I didn't cover? I'd love to hear about them!

[@KungPuKitty]

I am taking a graphic design course, just for branding and marketing purposes , website creation. all for my nonprofit to be successful

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Those are helpful skills!

[@BrianD914]

Absolutely love you videos! Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Ah thank you! Glad they are helpful!

[@richardschneider9279]

Thanks for your advice and positive attitude and outlook.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

☺

[@physicianchurchofchrist1232]

Thank you so much ! God Bless you ! So much info I have gotten through your videos ! Your Awesome !

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to help!

[@RevDrAllen]

Amber this is soooo helpful. Thank you!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay!!! Glad it was helpful!

[@isaacluke18]

Thank you Amber. This video helps a lot.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@KeithKostka8]

As a new non-profit founder, I really appreciate your vulnerability and guidance. Thanks for laying out the blueprint!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you! This work is hard, and it's real!

[@user-el8ig8wf4i]

Thank you for all your videos!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@undiagnosticonotedefine1125]

Thanks for so much! Blessings! LOve it!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!

[@isaactewhetu922]

you are absolutely awesome, thank you sharing so much knowledge, God bless you Amber.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You bet!

[@chrisdennis3944]

Very helpful. You are very clear and I love when you give examples. Thank you!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hannah3052]

This is gold, thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@tony3787]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@queencare_itsamomthing]

Thank you so much. These are great starting pointers, and we are grateful to have the opportunity to learn from your mistakes!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

It's my pleasure 😆

[@omobolaolaribigbe5126]

This is a guide for our organisation. Great video Amber. Thank you 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@angiepfeiffer9181]

Girl ! I have done them all my first time around!!! Such valuable info!!! Thank you for sharing and helping others hopefully avoid these same pitfalls.. ❤️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Feels good to know I'm not alone! 😂 Thanks so much for watching!

[@Movingcompanyhustle]

Great video! Thank you for all the knowledge, Amber.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@paulacsnyder]

Very comprehensive comments that could be helpful to nonprofits and entrepreneurs. Share with your contacts!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you! I hope folks find this helpful for sure!

[@hodatara5464]

What you are doing is so amazing! You are helping a very large audience by guiding the ones that want to help millions! God bless you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Ahh thank you for your kind words!

[@davidgreen3298]

Thank you, I am right at the very beginning of the process of starting a NPO found this video very informative, keep up the good work

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful!

[@jenniferlosee3189]

Thank you for sharing your mistakes and being vulnerable about your experience. It can be hard to admit that we didn't do something perfectly the first time!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hindsight is definitely 20-20!

[@faux-real]

9:21 Brilliant! This is so inspiring. Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alfredsegbejr3067]

Great video Amber. You motivated me in this video.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad! What are you working on / trying to work on?

[@lindarotich8771]

Very informative and eye opening. Thank you for helping me begin to have my focused vision.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@randikwe7]

Your videos are wonderful!! Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@callmelil]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us, Amber. Awesome video! 👍

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@kw1283]

Working as a team to make the strategic vision... this resonated with me and is something I absolutely need to do. This video was very helpful. Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome! :) Thank you for watching!

[@STARSFashionArtLove]

Keep shining you Stars!🍾🌟💖💛💚

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😎

[@saintmichael2759]

Great stuff Amber! Much of what you said I never considered and can definitely see how that could lead to unnecessary problems in the making for years. Oh boy.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

We're all learning all the time! Thanks so much for watching :)

[@TheSocialHigh333]

This was amazing. Thank you💎

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@jessicaadlam1883]

Thank you so much for this video. Great direct tools that will help

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful! :)

[@shadetonye6863]

Thank you Amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!

[@emmanueltolias6994]

Thank you for sharing. You are activating and supporting good. :)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@peacefulway3]

As the founder of a nonprofit, I can honestly say that all these 7 points are spot on. And yes it takes lots of patience.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Sooooo much patience!

[@BoldCold]

Excellent video Amber amen. Thoroughly enjoying and digesting your teachings... Thanks, James & Kitty😺

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome welcome!

[@DomMason-qe1zb]

Great information! Thank you for sharing.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@fifiture_]

I felt like you were speaking to me! Thank you for these

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My pleasure! :)

[@whapOTM]

this was helpful & so true , thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@akanisiratumaikoro7874]

100 percent helpful Ms Amber God bless you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@laquitamedlock8735]

Thank you so much! The information you have shared is invaluable. I wish you much success in all your endeavors.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@laquitamedlock8735]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Absolutely!

[@misslovely1705]

Great video! Thank you for sharing this information.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My pleasure!

[@justinstone6483]

Thank you for the information. Ive had some big dreams and ideas when it comes to helping make the world a better place. My focus has to do with children and emotional literacy... The delay has always been with not knowing where to start and how to ensure progress... Your videos are helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Often not knowing where to start is the big barrier! Thank you for your comment and your dreams. :) We need those big dreams!

[@oskararif]

Excellent knowledgeable video. Very much inspired. Thank you so much.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! So glad it helped you!

[@tracygeorge1929]

Thank you for this insightful video.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@diborakassa628]

Thank you very much this helpful idea

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DavidPat]

I sent this to my friends. Thank you for making this.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@michelmarie6949]

Brilliant - Thank You !

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful!

[@voluntarycke]

Hi Amber. This is very helpful.Thanks for sharing.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@minthilltennis9868]

Thanks for your great videos!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My pleasure!

[@mankelemalepe2697]

This is so informative,I've recently been watching your videos and Lord, I Thank you for this. I was about to make huge mistakes. This is very much appreciated and motivating.. Now i know where to focus my energy.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful! What stage are you in in building your efforts?

[@mankelemalepe2697]

@@AmberMelanieSmith am currently re-writing the vision and mission. They weren't clear enough.And also the "Don't do everything on your own".. That has been me, I've been so overwhelmed with a lot to do that I hardly ask others to help me.

[@rafiwakman7897]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful information regarding nonprofit

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenimorrison1112]

Fantastic video!! Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it helped!

[@sevenmountains1094]

Thanks very much for for the information really there helpful to me. God bless you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are very welcome!

[@pellagiamamvuto9361]

Thank you for this Amber. I’m thinking of starting my CBO in health too. I have already identified trustees who have tremendous skills in various fields. However, health is broad and I’m stuck on what I should really focus on because my community basically encounter a number of health problems which I want to put my contribution in assisting. I am stuck on branding, vision etc.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I would say, what is the biggest need in your community that is being the most neglected / not worked on by anyone else? That would be where I'd start!

[@terrancemonster]

Inspired. Thankyou

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You’re welcome 😊

[@arjelofranzchristmiso7594]

Thank you so much Melanie. Learning a lot from videos. Learning from Philippines here...😅 Thanks for honestly sharing your mistakes..

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it's helpful!

[@akanisiratumaikoro7874]

I am just want to begin my NGO and watching your videos is really helpful....

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm glad they are helpful!

[@hemhoorsingerofficaloffici6775]

I must say this will really work for me , thank you Melanie

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@EconomicsOnTheMove]

I committed these 7 mistakes in starting my nonprofit. Thanks for sharing.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for sharing that! :)

[@ajuarichard4126]

I must say this really worked for me thanks Melanie

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it helped!

[@stymokolo2443]

Thank you so much my sister this video is what i have been wating to watch but i am so happy because God made it possible today.my foundation was registered two months ago and i believe God will give me power and help me not to forget your advices here. i am a disabled girl who wants to change my country Lesotho by the grace of GOD

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Best of luck to you!

[@chrisfossofficial]

Thank you, very helpful

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lubnamaktari8217]

This video exceeded my expectations in terms of being a very honest account of what are very typical mistakes made by non-profits - mine included. I especially loved the commentary about the power and importance of branding as this is a battle I am still fighting, would love to have additional tips about how to win this one.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad the video helped! What are your branding challenges, would you say?

[@lubnamaktari8217]

@@AmberMelanieSmith we've changed our name and logo often in response to work we are doing at that moment. But in doing so, with the proliferation of logos that we've created, it has served just to confuse us and others. I suppose it's the name which is the greatest challenge.

[@tonib7653]

Thanks for the great content 👍

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@515sbest]

KEEP INSPIRING AMBER 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you thank you!

[@TruthWithJoseph]

Hello Amber, *Thank you* for providing good info! Looking forward to learning from your mistakes and experiences. *Liked and subscribed!* Hope to get more specific knowledge on establishing and running a brand new Non-Profit.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Thank you so much! What is your mission?

[@TruthWithJoseph]

@@AmberMelanieSmith "Primary" mission is to reach the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ (without involving money in the process).And, as I've spent nearly 70 thousand dollars on my music and media education over 20 years, my "secondary" mission is to have a global charitable trust where I can provide FREE education for music and media). There is SO MUCH WORK to be done, I know what I am doing but I certainly am looking for help to understand the "Non-Profit" way of running things and I'm sure you are a good person to look upto! (It's a loooooooong comment and if you are reading this, it means you actually care and took time off to help me. So, THANK YOU 🙏🏻)

[@IArkProject]

This is incredibly helpful, I’ve been trying to start something for months and it’s been such a confused mess without clear guidance - this has really helped me to go step by step and create a definite, professional vision and action plan. It’s actually quite similar to project management, but with a much larger panoramic view. Thank you for sharing and helping. 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

It is actually quite similar to project management!

[@rahimkimaka5671]

I'm grateful for the work your doing, actually I have learnt some ideas from and hope to be in touch with you all times

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@williamallen4607]

Very helpful video. Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bgdojo]

Amazing video🎉

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for the visit!

[@doraa1719]

Very informative, many thanks

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it could help!

[@emilyfam421]

Your video is so useful. I am a college student and starting a non-profit with a group of friends and I am so lost on how to lead my team. Thanks for your videos

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! You bet!

[@SFVS_UG]

Hi Emily how is your Non profit going now? Would love to hear about it

[@rostanley]

Thanks so much for this information! It was very very helpful. I am starting and organization here in Baltimore Maryland it’s called MAMI mothers against mental illness it’s an LLC right now but I want to switch to a nonprofit organization your information was very very helpful! Thanks so much and I will definitely continue watching!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's a beautiful mission!

[@rostanley]

Amber Melanie Smith thanks so much! I do have a Facebook group for us I am looking for yours I would love to check it out! Thanks again for providing us with this pertinent information I sent this video to my board of directors LOL I told them they need to watch this but also need to hold me accountable if I’m not doing my part as iCEO... you should hold classes and maybe even charge for them! You you give great information for beginners like myself keep up the great work!

[@wellnessislife999]

Gratitude 🤗

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🤗

[@itzibitzi6795]

The best video I watched in a while. Thanks a lot for your good work and for inspiring others! I am interested to know what you studied and how it helped you in your non profit organization :)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad it helped! In college, I was able to design my own major, which was called "Social Change Leadership" to help me learn how leaders can help create social change. Then I did a Masters program where I learned about nonprofit management. It definitely helped! I'll be doing a video on college courses to take if you're interested in doing this kind of work soon!

[@itzibitzi6795]

Sounds great! Thanks for your answer! Before university I volunteered with some social organizations and realised that there is a big need of good leadership. That's why one of the main reasons I started studying business economics last year was to learn business skills and fill this gap to make social organizations better or even start my own one day. However, I am struggling with my choice of studies right now because I don't feel a great interest in the topic itself. I believe that I have qualities to study business and to become a good leader, but I just don't have a clear vision yet or very much experience and I am afraid to end up with an office job :D.. So all I know right now is that I love developing good projects, I like doing it on a professional level and encourage others. I was also thinking of doing a master programm in social economics later on... I guess I'll see if I stick to the plan :) and I am really looking forward to your video about it :)) Greetings from Germany ☺️

[@mihailcosman4287]

Thanks a lot!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@tyjameson7404]

She is so beautiful and has an amazing heart ❤️ 👍🏼🙏🏽👏🙌🏼👌thank you for the value of this video ☑️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@harolddoctor8360]

Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

THANK YOU so much for the support for this channel!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'd be curious to hear - what are some of your start up mistakes?

[@IArkProject]

Trying to bring together a board of picky people who were interested, rather than people who are qualified and can strategically help with the goals involved. Where should one recruit board members nowadays?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Depends on the skills required! This video I did on board recruitment might help: kzbin.info/www/bejne/en29k2qJpNSNbrc

[@saaravelikoshi2012]

Than you Amber, I am so glad I stumbled upon your channel. New Sub.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome!!

[@martinhector9337]

Invest in instead

[@shirleytrainor8043]

That was quite helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ikormiadmin9693]

Liked this really.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to hear it! :)

[@ericamoah4832]

Thank you so much

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Any time!

[@ShakeetaTorres]

Great information ❤️💕

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Nafers]

Thank you so much :)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@YourVegasRealtor]

Awesome video. Glad I found this great video on this subject. I just requested to join you FB group and subscribed!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome to the group!!!

[@YourVegasRealtor]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thanks, much appreciated!

[@nkenglefacjethro9686]

Hi Melanie, thanks for this amazing video. I have this vision to create an NGO to help others. Watching your video has orientated me...I feel confident that I am on track. Thank God Please could give us so tips on drafting a strategic plan for a NGO? Thanks

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad the videos help! Here's a video that may help you -- How to Write a Nonprofit Business Plan: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fonZnK1ooZeBiK8

[@judyhoyle4718]

I SO needed to hear #6! It's difficult for me to allow others in, especially at the beginning of this journey. I made an agreement with myself that I will get the base items completed, and then I MUST allow others to participate and invest themselves into the organization's purpose and goal. What you said confirms what I feel about myself.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

This was one of the HARDEST things for me! But having a team is awesome and has made all the difference.

[@donovanworking1818]

I really need help. I want to start an organization for parents that have children who are severely disabled and are terrified of the care they will be given after we're gone by the people the state pays minimum wage to. As it stands, my son will be cared for by kids or other people that are inexperienced, untrained, underpaid and don't really have the heart to do that job. The need for this is HUGE! We can't die knowing our children will not be cared for the way they should be. Please help me! Please. Donovan

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hi Donavan, it sounds like you have a solid mission and vision in mind! There are some videos that may help you understand the steps to start a nonprofit on the rest of my channel, this playlist focuses on many of them - kzbin.info/aero/PL-JB-jNZz_qDxws4QHsZFIwn0T9jZFgYK

[@julietdumas2356]

this has been very helpful for me for I am in the midst of starting one. I don't know who trust it with as I do not live in the country that I want to operate in.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jonlehman2812]

Excellent video! What is the best Fiscal year to choose for a nonprofit?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think it depends on how your own programs flow. We just stick with a normal year, Jan 1 - Dec 31. But if, say, you had a lot of programming happening around December you might prefer to make your fiscal year end something more like March, so you would have a few months to wrap up your books and do your next year's strategic planning.

[@johnsheridan6762]

Not looking to put myself out of business, but to create support for artists going on forever.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

There are most certainly causes and issues that need ongoing support if new populations continue to need those services! The idea behind "putting yourself out of business" is about creating a world in which the problem you're tackling has ultimately been solved. In your example of getting artists support, an example of 'putting yourself out of business' would be 'creating a world in which the public adequately supports artists' (in which case your nonprofit would no longer need to exist!). Make sense?

[@breakthechain2645]

Thank you! Some great advice :) I am really struggling with the reality of it being a business!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I know right!

[@jaytrump2537]

Thank u AMS

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@SomeMoms]

I definitely needed some help. I have no clue which way to turn. My goal is to help my friend get here from Ghana- then help the entire town by starting a garden, donating to orphanages. I’ve known him for years and it’s time that I do something to help. He barely has food to eat, no jobs, filthy..

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Have you been able to identify any NGOs/groups already on the ground to support your friend?

[@yemi1able]

You are a genius in explaining things!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Thank you so much for all these educational videos about starting a nonprofit organization😍 May God Almighty continue to open new doors of opportunities for you too, as your videos are freely blessing us out here in The Mighty name of Jesus Christ, Amen🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 I have a question though: for those who are serving as board of directors for a year or more, I assumed that they are staffs, so do they get paid by the organization, or they are also volunteering for free?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! Board members are generally unpaid volunteers regardless of how long their board term is, but nonprofits can have paid staff separately. If you are not in the USA rules may be different.