How to Start a Nonprofit with No Money

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Join my newsletter to receive updates and resources for changemakers and nonprofit leaders: tinyurl.com/nonprofitsandchangemakers

[@lovettahawakamara1628]

It’s helpful

[@ontheroadwithpastoranthony3161]

I'm looking into starting up a non profit ministry for troubled youth. Doing Bushcraft camping. Teaching them how to survive in the outdoors and taking it back to real life to help deal with challenges tha life throws at you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for sharing your vision!

[@barbaralabowicz4687]

Such a amazing idea

[@TristanChicklowski]

Hassam with severe ADHD there are so many, no diverse children that would gain so many benefits in their life from having the to camp Bushcraft style

[@kalidanger9195]

I absolutely love this! 🔥🥹🙏🏾

[@jackester6742]

Your idea is garbage. Tti wilderness programs are abusive by nature. Your likely moralistic and optimistic goals are probably going to result in more harm than good just like thousands of such attempts that preceed your own.

[@darlingdarylann3453]

I’m working on starting a non profit for my long time dream!! I want to create a nonprofit that provides character visits and experiences to impoverished youth and terminally ill and hospitalized youth. I want every kid to be able to get through hard times through magic and joy. Every child disserves a smile and to meet their hero’s!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

☺ Beautiful mission!

[@ashleycampbell3500]

@darlingdarylann3453, me too! We already volunteer so much with our for profit, but we will now have a non profit arm for the hospital visits & wish grantings we serve.

[@ashleycampbell3500]

@thefairygodmother.ohio

[@hairbeauty8083]

I want to start a non profit for addictions outside the normal drug addiction; shopping addiction, gambling addiction, stealing addiction (and other adrenaline high risk activities), sex addiction, video games addition, social media addiction, and just family dynamic issues as well. The family and friends are an essential part of ensuring someone is healthy because they can be great in the clinic but walk out the door and find triggers everywhere

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Unique concept!

[@cosmiccoco6889]

Family and friends don’t help much. When you want to relapse, you want to relapse and no one but YOU can change your mind. Addiction requires clinical therapy, group therapy, individual therapy and an entire re-wiring of the brain.

[@MaracasEmbroidery]

Fantastic information. As I was listening to you I considered the fact that there might already be a local non profit in my community who could use my help. Part of me is saying "create your own non-profit" while the other part of me is saying "there's an agency out there that needs you". I'm very specific in where I want to contribute my efforts whether they be in an already established non-profit or my own - either way your information brought a lot to the table. I want to thank you for this. 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:) Helping people is the ultimate outcome!

[@MonicaNolan-w3i]

This has been so helpful. I’m just a little over a year that I started our Financial literacy program for kids and young adults. We are now waiting for our 501c3. I follow your steps. Thank you so much.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Congrats on your progress so far!

[@learnandplaywithjacob1733]

Hey there I would like to connect and see if we can collaborate Thanks

[@TheBizAIaz]

So helpful, every time I think I lose my way. You come up with a video like this to put me back on track. Mucho, Mucho Appreciated!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@louismeadors6283]

Very helpful. I have done something's but need to organize. I have my EIN #,. My name but is inactive in the state

[@ElvisAustin15]

So helpful! Thank you! I'm just in the very very very beginning of the idea of a non-profit, and so glad I found your channel!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome to the channel! ☺

[@skylarlambert1271]

i want to open a homeless community- an old hotel or apartment complex where the homeless people can maintain the premises and work the cafeteria, a computer lab for resources, job and rental applications, schoolwork, taking their ged, a shop where they can purchase gifts and clothing for interviews or important events. Each individual will have their own “apartment” to stay in, with family members or children-a temporary living situation for people to land on their feet. 3-6 months

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I know some great people working in that space and they always say community and connection are critical for escaping the cycle of homelessness!

[@KristinK.-hk2sc]

Fabulous! Please update on this I am rooting for you!!🎉

[@cnssegura]

We may be able to partner up later on in the future since I'm also wanting to help the homeless in my own way, but I want to make it so I can expand beyond my own community. There are homeless everywhere and they all need help. Even though I would start locally, I don't plan to keep it local. Not sure how I'd go about it but will be using her resources to get started as well. Probably we can work together later when I reach that point.

[@KristinK.-hk2sc]

@@cnssegura probably not 🫤 do your own thing boo boo don't piggy back off others 🫡

[@cnssegura]

@@KristinK.-hk2sc had no intention of piggy backing. I meant once established for at least 2 years in. I'm not the kind of person that ever wants to piggyback off someone else. I meant it more as a partnership as well

[@GracesAkwang]

Good job ma,very helpful. I have been volunteering for about eight years and want to start an NGO to support vulnerable children with emergency needs to help provide emergency relief.Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it's helpful! :)

[@OakofLifeMinistries]

Thank you so much for all this info! This is helping me start a non profit for those who need counseling for trauma or marriage issues.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So happy to hear it's helping!! :)

[@mathewskambani9116]

I really loved your presentation 👍❤️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@RobNelson-v5m]

You explain things really well Amber...Thank you! I'm excited to change the world and get my non-profit official.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You can do it!

[@asheryphilipo8155]

Thanks so much ...for your lecture , it gives more knowledge in advance to implement my Idea

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to hear that

[@janprinsloo2506]

Well done Amber, true positive vibes. I was busy with my research and stumbled upon your video then an idea hit me, so i will be throwing it out there. Nonprofits need money right! I will set up a proposal with a link if I'm allowed to use your video as first contact base. Season Greetings

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:) So happy the video was helpful!

[@sheikhismail8155]

Dear Amber, thank you so much for your lecture on formation of Nonprofit organisation. I'm Alsheikh Ismail, I'm currently trying to establish Nonprofit organisation in Sudan, I was almost stuck but thank God ,I got you, I will light my path through you once more again, thank you for your information

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!

[@janatatannachahaanchanwith4579]

1 year later and you continue to help the beginners equally- thanks 🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Happy to help!

[@cosmiccoco6889]

Thank you! I broke this whole thing down into notes in my notebook to start my own non profit IOP for substance abuse treatment ❤️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Love that!

[@CHARITYFAMILYUGANDA]

Thanks so much for this information. It really gonna help me in my new charity family Uganda. New organization aimed towards helpings people in health needs and support before dieing.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so happy to hear it might help you!

[@n.matthews3660]

This was so educational I’m helping my friend do research for her nonprofit. This will be a video I share with her thanks

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DoctorCarrieHall]

This was extremely helpful, I had asked Jaylan a teacher I work with for information on how to set up nonprofit organization but he didn't get back with me. I truly appreciate this information, thank you for sharing. For me, I'll hire an attorney.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome, good luck on your new venture!

[@Berachahmovies]

Well done 👍

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching! :)

[@SUPWA21]

This was very insightful for me. I am at the onset of starting a non profit...this very user friendly step by step system just made things exceptionally clear and doable! I can see the simple plan although there is work to be done this creates a fantastic blue print! Thank you and you have a new follower!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Welcome to the channel!

[@queenluv5024]

Thank you so much! I appreciate you sharing this important information.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@Mrs.Brown88]

I got an idea for a non profit this afternoon and this is just the video I needed

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

⚡❤

[@tsoonklah]

I want to start a non-profit centered on sacred cultural Tlingit art designs and fiber. I have a sole proprietorship (new) and I design and make knit and woven fabrics that have rare Tlingit designs integrated in contemporary items so that they can be worn everyday if the person wants to but I also want to go a step further and make the original traditional regalia and teach people the spiritual meanings because they are equal to wearing prayers. I also want to make warm items for those that need them that have the sacred designs so that they are wearing something that keeps them warm and is equal to wearing a prayer with positive feelings and energy.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for sharing your unique vision!

[@shakurforrest]

wow super informative, thank you! gonna be studying this for sure!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tinahbmalm7609]

I'm happy to have encountered u, I decided to start my own organization.. thank u..

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks so much for watching! Good luck on your organization!

[@justinamwanza2834]

What amount of capital did you start with pls?

[@MaryannHites]

I am new at all this. My small business is for Military Women Veterans & their families. I did all the steps in the wrong order...this video helped a lot. I have a great deal of work to do.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad to hear the video helped Maryann! :)

[@BlueBearOne]

Thank you! You are a Godsend. I appreciate you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful :)

[@thatpakiguy3445]

Hi Amber thanks for the information. I am starting a nonprofit to help new mothers with their babies diapers and formula.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Beautiful mission! Thank you for sharing!

[@gineenspring855]

Great Information! Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brendamnovabrendamarly6549]

Thank you so much! You put my mind at ease. This was very helpful. Loved it!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@girldaddividendinvestor]

These are amazing tips. We are 11 years in, raising funds for Alzheimer's research with zero dollars, these tips would have been great for us. 😂 I was very lucky, I was working at a bar, so we already had the infrastructure. Our guests were familiar with my grandmother, and everything else fell into place. Our first event got MANY in-kind donations. Still here today. Truly blessed. #EndAlz

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for sharing your beautiful story! ☺

[@ladiesavenue2092]

Hi! I appreciate your comment! I have a nonprofit at supporting folks living with dementia/alzheimer’s disease in the nursing homes who are lonely with no families visiting. I’d like any support I can get on the fairly new journey I’m on. Thank you!

[@vana2292]

@@ladiesavenue2092 My mother-in-law has severe dementia and we found that music lifts up her spirit. Best of luck with your organization.

[@Teigan.sims.]

Im trying to start a community garden/ farmers market. Like a take what you need give what you can situation. I also want to host events to give families in need free produce. This definitely helped. If you have any further tips that would be amazing!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's awesome! I've seen that model in action at "pay what you can" restaurants too - check out One World Everybody Eats - they may have some resources for you.

[@Teigan.sims.]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you!!

[@Carey86]

I did new hat fundraisers at my high school 20+ years ago so I could drop them off at the children’s hospital I was treated at when I went for my checkups. The kids were always so appreciative. I want to start doing that again but it’s been a long time & I’m not just a high schooler anymore. I had to stop bc my health issues have been keeping me too “busy” but I’m starting to be somewhat better & want to start doing it again. (I had cancer as a kid & was paralyzed from the waist down bc the tumor was on my spine. I suffer with severe nerve damage pain & CRPS pain. Basically been sleeping for 20 years bc the pain was so severe, I was on fentanyl! Only got off that a year & a half ago. I was told I might never walk again but thankfully I can walk with a cane, when the pain isn’t too severe.) Do I have to start a charity or can the donations be considered fundraiser’s? Anyone who knows, I’d appreciate any advice! Thanks!😘💋🎗️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hello Carey! Thank you for your kind thoughts to help others - you don't have to start a nonprofit to do the donation drives, but you should partner with an existing 501c3 nonprofit - that way if actual cash is raised, it can go directly to them so you can avoid potential personal penalties (like taxes, if the IRS thinks the cash raised is your personal income).

[@Carey86]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you for the advice!

[@coloradobrad6779]

This is a fantastic start up summary!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful! :)

[@lareina3194]

Thank you from Canada ❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@babeena_gt_3645]

I have always seen help and support for single mothers,and I have never seen the same for single fathers. I want to understand how to start a not for profit single fathers home and support group. When I say "single fathers" I mean dads who have custody of their child/children,and no significant other present to help.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for sharing your mission!

[@babeena_gt_3645]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank YOU for your encouraging words and helping me and many on their journey ❤

[@BettyDudley-l7n]

Hi Amber, I just launched my nonprofit last year. I enjoyed listening to your videos in helping start-up nonprofits. How do you go about selling merchandise on your website? Do you purchase the shirts or cups or contract with another company to sell your brand items? My nonprofit in to help single parents with infant to toddler children and provide life skills training to single parents. Thanks. Betty

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

It depends on how much work you want to invest in maintaining the inventory! If you don't have the time to manage that stuff I recommend print on demand options.

[@mattarredondo2629]

I am just starting a nonprofit and your information was a lot of help

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Happy to hear it!

[@justinamwanza2834]

Have you started? I'm ready to start one ... just came across this video

[@bobmcconkey7658]

Solid information. Thank you !

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kamketkevin4259]

Waaw more love from Kenya looking forward to start my organisation❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You got this!

[@justinamwanza2834]

Wow... have you started? I'm in Kenya too and interested

[@DiboraKassa-p7o]

Can i meae you from Ethiopia

[@MP-vf8qz]

Very good. Let's get it done!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

⚡

[@gdodson1961]

This has been a life changer. Thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@courtneycolley160]

Does the board meeting minutes need to be displayed publicly on your website? Or do you just need to have them?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

No, you just need to have them. The IRS may request them during an audit.

[@markmitchell2877]

Wow! So much valuable information in this video. I'm sure I'm going to watch it several more times. In the mean time, I have two questions. 1. You said to be careful about the IRS thinking the money you raise is your own personal income. Would it help to avoid that issue if you opened a checking account in the name of your non-profit, so you can show the IRS that it is money that belongs to it, and not to you? 2. Can your bylaws be changed/edited after you have done all of your steps for the Legal Paperwork Stuff? I could see myself getting past this point and then realizing that I need to add/delete something in the bylaws that needs to be done.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there, I'm sure starting a checking account with your nonprofit's EIN would be beneficial, but unclear on if that would entirely help the IRS understand that it's not personal income - I recommend talking to an accountant on that one! As for the Bylaws - they can be edited, yes, but usually with a Board vote (which is written into the Bylaws!).

[@markmitchell2877]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Cool. Thanks for the help.

[@SlimDiesel]

Amazing just told my mom about this 🎉🤝

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!

[@hannahyisrael4444]

Thank you so much you brought clarity to my mind!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@musiclovetara]

Thank you so much Melanie🙏🏼❣️🐈‍⬛🐈

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are welcome!

[@vitaltalentseastafrica.]

Best content ever.. thanks Amber ❤️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:) Thank you for watching!

[@hyderal-janabi2900]

Greetings Amber, I'm starting up a nonprofit organization in the US but to make impact on international level mainly in Iraq where I’m from originally. Thank for your videos on KZbin they helped a lot but I would like to get connect because I would like hear from your back ground and greedy to learn from you and what do you advise.. Thank you for your time and I hope will talk to you soon Regards

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so happy to hear the videos are helpful!

[@DABA33]

Thank you Amber!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome! :)

[@saulnamango2350]

Thank you Melanie; this is very helpful to me

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hardworkingchamp]

I want to start a non-profit for child sextraffic victims. But I'm only 16, I don't know where to start and I have no money. I can relate to the victims to some degree, and it hurts me beyond compare to know they have to be in that situation. I want to be able to rescue them, provide clothing and shelter, and give them back to their families or even new ones because Somestimes the parents are the ones to sale them or the parents are no longer here. How should I go about stopping or lessoning the amount of child trafficked victims?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Wow! Thank you for sharing your goals and having such passion at such a young age! The first thing I would recommend is to find some connections to start building up - have you engaged any of the nonprofits (either in your city or nationally) helping trafficking victims?

[@skylarlambert1271]

i just found you… going to look at your entire channel. do you know anything about grants for nonprofits?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I have lots of grants videos (and other types of fundraising!) - check out my playlists!

[@joseaparicio2728]

This is awesome.: so helpful .. thank you so much .. I do need some help

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad it was helpful!!

[@josephh7448]

I hope its not too late to ask, and hopefully i didnt miss it, but my biggest question is, how does one (or how would you recommend to) organize and transfer the money raised by the organization, into the hands of those that its intended for, after its been raised from the donations? I know it would probably be an in depth answer, maybe a video going into that could help, because i think that would be the most important step to figure out

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

It depends on the organization's mission -- If the nonprofit's specific mission is to directly give money to the people they are serving, they'd set up systems to do that (like payroll processing or something similar).

[@josephh7448]

Ahh ok that makes sense, sorry for the late response, thank you so much!

[@carebear7827]

Thank you!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@SharathJakkani]

We have been looking for a lawyer to open an NGO to help homeless in Ontario but the lawyers are so expensive so could you please suggest someone who can help us starting an NGO with reasonable fee? Thank you in advance!

[@AllenMaddox]

It looks like I'm on the right track. Experienced Board members are not in the circle of people I travel with. This is something I've been struggling with. Any ideas where to look???

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Definitely check out my videos on where/how to recruit Board members!

[@endgamesbeats]

Great great content thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@CynthiaMJackson-dk7nz]

Amber, ❤🎉🥰 I needed this "Yesterday" but, very helpful "Today"! Thank you so much!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So glad to hear it! :)

[@HelloooThere]

Is phase 2 (step 4) “Outreach to build your donor audience” the same as (or possibly similar to) peer-to-peer fundraising?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! You can build a donor base and then engage them in peer-to-peer fundraising, but they are very different things. :)

[@HelloooThere]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you for the clarification! This was another great and helpful video!

[@13rookie_Monster]

Thank you for such a great video i am going to join your Facebook group!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@AnaThaLight]

Thank you. Helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@PYLMedia7]

im interested in starting a foundation in my sisters name who passed away a year ago for homeless women and women who have a substance abuse problems

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

A lovely way to honor someone ❤

[@chypgunnfunatic3053]

🗣️This Video Was Awesome‼️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Glad it was helpful!

[@abelzoni2138]

Ask for donations before you gain non profit status. Meaning all donations are not tax write offs for the donor? Why not get the board to accept a 0% loan from an individual with the understanding the 2 grand be returned within 6 months of receiving the charity status?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think loans can/do happen, but it's hard to find a person willing to take the risk. Board would have to agree to the loan terms and have a solid plan to raise the money to repay it.

[@kadiyahsjournal]

Hi Amber! Great video! I visited your website for more information on booking you as a speaker. Is that still the best way to contact you about a virtual speaking engagement? Thank you!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Sorry about that, site under construction! Try this: foundertofulltime.thinkific.com/pages/consulting-speaking-and-sponsorships

[@kadiyahsjournal]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you!

[@selahlehmannzulus]

Great message

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you!

[@selahlehmannzulus]

@@AmberMelanieSmith I process biomass fuel it has been difficulty for me to get financial support, email me direct I shall few details

[@johnathonclark334]

Really Helpful!! Thank you!! Really hoping to be able to launch a farm to feed the homeless and provide jobs to those that are unable to work normal employment. Maybe even get some Transitional/Permanent housing program started.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Beautiful mission! Thanks for sharing!

[@draiafitz6935]

I've been trying to figure out how to make homeschooling a non profit. Any advice?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hmm, well there are nonprofits that serve communities who do homeschooling I'm sure! If you mean just for personal homeschooling efforts through, nonprofits are structured to serve the general community (vs a single family/person).

[@brittanyjackson8394]

Hello do you offer one one services I really need some hands on help with getting started

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Heya! Check out my site for info on consulting one on ones! foundertofulltime.com/

[@nyangweso1611]

Thanks Amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it's helpful :)

[@dbrown5443]

Thank you for this! BIG QUESTION!!!: Would you recommend starting a new non-profit using an old EIN number if the new nonprofit has the same name as the name listed on the old EIN. The old EIN number was created for an entity that I started over 14 years ago but never was able to actually operate it. It was not active. So essentially instead of reinstating I am thinking about filing new articles in my state and using the old EIN number. Your input and educated suggestions are welcomed and much appreciated!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hmm... that sounds like a question for an accountant actually. I am not sure what legal/accounting implications that would have!

[@denverfontaine]

Very helpful :)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm glad!

[@sophiakekula9916]

Thank you very much ma'am

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Most welcome 😊

[@bradleycecil6450]

Hey! Love the videos. Do you have to do all your filings in the state that you live in? Are there any states that are better to do it than others?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

The IRS prefers you file where you will operate, but I'd recommend talking to a lawyer for complex structures.

[@MX-CO]

I plan to start a social enterprise, I'm on the fence with wether to make it a non-profit or not.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

A social enterprise can be either!

[@justinamwanza2834]

Bhey! Have you started already? I'm also stranded

[@MX-CO]

@@justinamwanza2834 Stranded how?

[@vennettegloud3128]

Can you start a GoFundMe to start funding for initial expenses? Do the donors get tax exempted for donating through GoFundMe?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You can, but the donations won't be tax exempt until after you at get your federal tax exempt status approved; additionally, money you raise before the entity is official might be considered personal income and you could be personally taxed on it.

[@xtrabigc]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thanks for the reply on this as I had the same question. So how would you recommend going about handling the funds that you raise so that it is not considered personal income and you are not personally taxed on it?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@xtrabigc Get your state incorporation as a nonprofit at least as a start, then the funds can be retroactively tax deductible. Make sure the funds are put in a separate nonprofit bank account.

[@bestymusic4845]

Thank you for the video. I am trying to start a charity which will involve helping people with mental health issues but I am struggling to find trustees. I would be super grateful for some help.

[@katherinebragg9166]

Very helpful, but why do I feel defeated? God has a plan, and put a dream in my heart, but all this business end is too much for me right now, at my age. What do I do now?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey Katherine, listen I totally get it. The administrative stuff can suck when all you want to do is do good! Here's what I'll tell you - somewhere out there, believe it or not, is a person who genuinely enjoys doing the administrative / business side of the nonprofit and would love to give their time to your cause doing those things. I know because I've seen many nonprofits with that special person! You just need to think about your personal strengths then find helpers who can complement with their own superpowers.

[@katherinebragg9166]

I just gotta find them

[@suzanwardeh1583]

I started my non-profit organization and paid all the expenses from my own money. Can I have these costs refunded when I receive the first donation to the organization? - Of course, I have all the documents proving that I paid the costs from my own money.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Depends on if your Bylaws say that you are allowed to, and if your board approves the expenses / reimbursements.

[@suzanwardeh1583]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you, you are great and helpful 👍

[@ReZShot]

Im looking to start a non profit in my community, i live on a reservation so i know the whole filing is different im so lost! Hard to find someone who has done it.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's an interesting topic!

[@MX-CO]

I have no friends, I also am traveling, living in a camper so I have no idea who could be on a founding board of directors

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Can you connect to folks online?

[@VamPirateJohn]

Thank You for this Video... I've Definitely got a Lot More Research I Need to do, but I Know My Organization will Help Many, and Hopefully Save Lives, and Change Others!8! I want to Start a Non Profit Organization to Assist Women Who are being Abused in Any Sense of the Word; Somewhere They can Turn to, when Their Abuser has Either Isolated Them, or Made Them Feel like Nobody is in Their Corner!8! I Also Want to Help in the SA Community!8! If Anyone has Any Tips; Feel Free to Share Them with Me, May You All be Abundant in Your Missions!8!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for watching, and for your mission to help others!

[@Medaya14]

Probably a dumb question, but asking to clarify for myself: for a board of directors, I believe three is the minimum to receive 501(c)(3) status in California. This would include myself and two other people correct? And I see that of course the IRS prefers independent directors for conflict of interest purposes; however would the IRS be concerned if I, my half-cousin and a third unrelated person were on a board? I just wonder how in depth the IRS gets in audits and such; our parents don’t share the same father and she is likely the most qualified and an independent/unwavering individual and I couldn’t imagine doing this without her insight.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Not dumb! This point is confusing for many. Basically: "The IRS requires that public charities have at least 51% of the voting members of the board of directors be unrelated." www.501c3.org/kb/related-board-members-of-a-nonprofit/

[@Johnnys_World859]

​@@AmberMelanieSmithwhat if I can't get people to be on the board. Can I list myself for all 3 board positions?

[@wonder7798]

What would be an incentive for people to want to join board?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Genuine passion for the mission; a desire to make a difference (same reason people want to start nonprofits!). Many people choose to volunteer their time for these reasons, and with a good reputation and board, it's definitely possible to attract qualified candidates.

[@FusionGlobeMarket]

I've got interested in this video, I would like to tackle homelessness especially to immigrants to Canada. I want government to fund. Advice me.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You'll probably need to build up some strong success stories before you could be competitive for government funding, but I'd recommend starting with other funding streams (individuals, sponsors, etc.).

[@Daniela.Mccaffrey]

Thanks dear

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome 😊

[@JanNast-z9t]

Still not sure if I should turn my company into a non-profit. Do you have any type of check list or list of questions that I could go through to help me determine that? Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

If you turn a company into a nonprofit, keep in mind you'll have to recruit a Board and you will not be able to retain a majority vote. Nonprofits are structured to be community-led and are not 'owned' by a single person.

[@mrsjancarter]

Thank you. Your words have just convinced me that this is not the way I want to go. I think doing everything by committee would drive me nuts, hahaha! Great video, great info!

[@Michealtetani]

Hie you just talked to to me just started the NGO.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Congrats on getting started!

[@eveadams8028]

How to start with nothing and need 30 -60 million to get started. a for profit business/ and non profit working in unison. homeless employment short hour shifts and sheltering.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's a pretty big start up budget! Are there activities you can start on to build momentum with a smaller budget?

[@zohegarcia7708]

How can I get a grand? My organization is for youths (social-emotional ) where can I find the grand?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Are you already a tax exempt / officially registered nonprofit? If so, there are plenty of sites out there to search for grants - be sure to check out some of my videos on grants!

[@cetshntini]

Thanks!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

THANK YOU so much for supporting the channel!!!

[@JeffAnthonyfds]

Would you suggest partnering with a fiscal sponsor early on for nonprofits to be able to accept "tax-exempt" donations?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

It depends on your situation and whether or not you actually have a partner organization willing to do that who also aligns with your mission, but that is one option.

[@beautifulkikidsfoundation]

We can combine the effort and do this together

[@angelaadamson-lowe89]

Can you start this without a board of directors?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! Generally, no - you can't become a registered 501c3 charity in the USA in most states without a Board. You'll want to check your region's laws as they each different.

[@lisaagdeppa9496]

Mahalo!!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:)

[@e.m3421]

Are there different requirements to start a national non profit? Or does it have to be state based?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You can start a national nonprofit; there may be additional paperwork to file in different states, especially for soliciting donations.

[@e.m3421]

@AmberMelanieSmith where would I start to find the requirements in my state? And do all the board members have to be from the founding state?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@e.m3421 This resource may be helpful! www.councilofnonprofits.org/running-nonprofit/governance-leadership/state-filing-requirements-nonprofits