7 Mistakes I Made Starting a Non Profit

[@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

[@lizngeci937]

Great...you have really opened me up Amber..this is my passion. I will do it . Thankyou and GOD bless you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:)

[@KungPuKittyRescue]

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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@iggygirlsballersclub7819]

Thank you so much!!! I learned alot 😊❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@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!

[@puppetsandpeople]

Excellent thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@chantewilliams4709]

This was extremely helpful! Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 😆

[@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?

[@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.

[@emmanueltolias6994]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks so much for watching! :)

[@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!

[@diborakassa628]

Thank you very much this helpful idea

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@EconomicsOnTheMove]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for sharing that! :)

[@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!

[@rafiwakman7897]

Thank you for sharing such a wonderful information regarding nonprofit

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@physicianchurchofchrist1232]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to 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

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@isaactewhetu922]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You bet!

[@richardschneider9279]

Thanks for your advice and positive attitude and outlook.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

☺

[@GLOBALEXPERIENCESS]

Beautiful video amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you!!

[@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.

[@omobolaolaribigbe5126]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@randikwe7]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@sevenmountains1094]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are very welcome!

[@jenimorrison1112]

Fantastic video!! Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it helped!

[@shadetonye6863]

Thank you Amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!

[@akanisiratumaikoro7874]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm glad they are helpful!

[@chrisdennis3944]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@HomemadeAC]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome welcome!

[@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!

[@Movingcompanyhustle]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@isaacluke18]

Thank you Amber. This video helps a lot.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bgdojo]

Amazing video🎉

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for the visit!

[@paigebutler5721]

Yessss

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:)

[@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!

[@voluntarycke]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RevDrAllen]

Amber this is soooo helpful. Thank you!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay!!! Glad it was helpful!

[@undiagnosticonotedefine1125]

Thanks for so much! Blessings! LOve it!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!

[@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!

[@WilliamFritzM]

Love it! Check out the 5 levels of leadership by John C Maxwell

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'll have to look into that one!

[@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!

[@saaravelikoshi2012]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome!!

[@martinhector9337]

Invest in instead

[@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!

[@fifiture_]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My pleasure! :)

[@hannah3052]

This is gold, thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@akanisiratumaikoro7874]

100 percent helpful Ms Amber God bless you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to hear it was helpful!

[@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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Excited to share -- Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy is launching soon! I've heard from SO many amazing people who want to make an impact in their communities by starting a nonprofit AND find a way to do it Full Time that I'm launching the Founder to Full-Time Academy, which will include online training, materials, and support for folks starting up. If you're interested, let me know here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfgEzf-dRU9VAE67xqbh29_hSceejM0kQHxIQL5RpoHvVxneg/viewform

[@semeknowles4416]

Word placement (work) error in the first question of your doc. Nothing major, just caught it.

[@callmelil]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@jamesfagfoomsintu1100]

Hi. How can we chat privately? I appreciate your efforts in educating those starting up a non profit. I'm on the path to starting mine. This community is important to me. Thank you. I hope to hear back. Blessings!

[@seasonedpunk6002]

One of the most difficult aspects of recruiting BOD candidates: you need initial people to fit BOD roles in order to start a non-profit, yet those initial members may not be best suited for the long-term goals. For instance, I don't have anyone - initially - that has previous non-prof experience, or fundraising experience, or legal..people that I will desperately need to get on my board, long-term. Initially, I simply have some friends and business partners that are willing to work on my board. Passion over experience.Will it be best, then, to write up my bylaws supporting quick additions or modifications to my board? So that I can both get off the ground, and expand to include those people best suited to help?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I hear you. Many (including me!) start without those contacts and I think as long as you can be forward-thinking and create a plan to get the skills you need on your Board over time, it will be ok. You can also say a Board term is, say, no MORE than 3 years - but then have your founding board agree to only stay for less than that until you find the folks you need (if that's what you want and the other board members agree, of course).

[@515sbest]

KEEP INSPIRING AMBER 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you thank you!

[@STARSFashionArtLove]

Keep shining you Stars!🍾🌟💖💛💚

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😎

[@ivana6947]

do you have a podcast? if not you should do it :) if yes, inform me please

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I do not! Thanks for the suggestion. :)

[@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!

[@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!

[@wellnessislife999]

Gratitude 🤗

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🤗

[@TheSocialHigh333]

This was amazing. Thank you💎

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@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?

[@ikormiadmin9693]

Liked this really.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to hear it! :)

[@faux-real]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@frankfitiaelmbise9682]

Umber let God bless you for a nice lesson ,I am in process to open my NGO and I have started a lot in the process ,since I listened to you my dear things are going to change complete .I am from Tanzania here my NGO's name faith children foundation thanks a lot.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Best of luck!

[@AbdullaHernandez]

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!

[@chrisfossofficial]

Thank you, very helpful

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BrianD914]

Absolutely love you videos! Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Ah thank you! Glad they are helpful!

[@tyjameson7404]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@jaytrump2537]

Thank u AMS

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@mihailcosman4287]

Thanks a lot!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@HyoJinLee-m1o]

Thank you for all your videos!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@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.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

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

[@AbdullaHernandez]

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

[@harolddoctor8360]

Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

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

[@tracygeorge1929]

Thank you for this insightful video.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@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 ☺️

[@ahernandez1781]

I could hear this woman talk all day

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🤓

[@TomyEdenson-ps1zr]

I see reality in you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

👁

[@heidiminjuk2885]

Thanks 🙏 for the video show still in the process to open an no profitable assocition

[@stevenhines5550]

Smoking a blunt before rolling the camera today day huh Amber? I love it. Keepin it real. Do you like PJ Harvey? The Gun Club?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

LoL what?

[@stevenhines5550]

@@AmberMelanieSmith just messing with you. You're awesome. Your videos are answering a ton of questions and are exactly what I needed so thank you for what you do.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@stevenhines5550 Ha ha thanks!

[@lindarotich8771]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@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!

[@Jethrocapta]

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

[@alfredsegbejr3067]

Great video Amber. You motivated me in this video.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

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

[@dynamiceightyeight]

I really enjoy your videos. You are a smart, lovely young lady, I wish I had a daughter just like you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so kind! :)

[@hemhoorsingerofficaloffici6775]

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

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@ericamoah4832]

Thank you so much

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Any time!

[@terrancemonster]

Inspired. Thankyou

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You’re welcome 😊

[@tony3787]

Thank you for sharing!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@ajuarichard4126]

I must say this really worked for me thanks Melanie

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it helped!