Starting a Nonprofit: 6 Must-Have Infrastructure Needs

Start a nonprofit STRONG with solid infrastructure! Here's how. #nonprofits #startinganonprofit #nonprofit
In this video I’ll talk through 6 infrastructure needs you need to build up to start and grow your nonprofit sustainably.
If you are starting a nonprofit, thinking about it, or have just started a nonprofit, or KNOW someone who is trying to start a nonprofit, I hope this helps!
// SPONSOR
Special thanks to Argenta Software for supporting this video and the channel! Check out their software for nonprofits: www.argentasoftware.com/landing
// MERCHANDISE
ambermelaniesmith.myspreadshop.com/
This shop is dedicated to YOU, fellow changemakers! Grab a tee-shirt, mug, bag, or other gear and go do what you do best: CHANGE THE WORLD! Revenue supports this KZbin channel!
// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
7 Pro Bono Resources for Nonprofits | Starting A Nonprofit
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Starting a Nonprofit: Checklist for a Strong First Year
kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ-naZukbKZnbtk
Starting a Nonprofit: Finding the Right Co-Founder(s)
kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6KrqI2rqqyfbLs
// CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome!
01:12 What is infrastructure?
02:14 Legal and Compliance
04:25 Marketing and Fundraising Systems
08:05 Programs and Project Management
10:58 Argenta
13:54 Financial Management
15:18 Growth and Staffing
17:55 Online Presence
// MORE ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Amber, a nonprofit founder, Executive Director, and public speaker on social impact, changemaking, nonprofits, leadership, and more.
Join my newsletter to receive updates and resources for changemakers and nonprofit leaders: tinyurl.com/nonprofitsandchangemakers
FOUNDER TO FULL-TIME ACADEMY: Want some training and guidance on starting a nonprofit (and potentially even working for that nonprofit full-time someday?)? Check out my online training courses at my Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy! foundertofulltime.com/
Want me to come speak at your business, college, school, or event? Check out my site: ambermsmith.com/
On Facebook? Talk to me and other change makers about social change, nonprofits, social enterprise, leadership and more in my Facebook group, Change the World or Bust: groups/changetheworldorbust/
I'm also on Twitter: ambermelsmith

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for the channel support, Argenta! Check out their robust software for nonprofits: www.argentasoftware.com/landing Join my newsletter to receive updates and resources for changemakers and nonprofit leaders: tinyurl.com/nonprofitsandchangemakers

[@darlingdarylann3453]

Finding other board members who share my passion and enthusiasm is what scares me the most. I really don’t want this dream to fail because I can’t find other people with the time and passion to donate so much time and energy to making it start running and working.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I hear you! My advice is - if you need to start with people in your network you know and trust, that's normal -- as for growing your board after that, quality over quantity is key! Create a document outlining the board commitments to share.

[@layasaul28]

You could title this "What I wish I'd known to begin with." This is such a critical video for new non-profits to see. When we started I had no idea there was a need to register state by state for fundraising. Thankfully, I found out in the nick of time while listening to a podcast about capital campaigns. Thinking I was ahead of the game with forward thinking, I learned I missed something critical. We are a "friends of" US 501c3 that fundraises for an organization overseas and so we have to register in multiple states. We did not budget for what we didn't know about! If I were going to add one thing to your fabulous (yet again!) video, it would be to stress the importance in establishing a strong and supportive board of trustees/directors. I know you talk about this in other videos but it's turning out to be much more important than I imagined in terms of influence and reputation. Viewers: you can learn these things the hard way, or just keep watching Amber's smart videos. Thanks Amber!! Always an inspiration!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

"What I'd wish I'd known" -- You're so right! And thanks for your kind words Laya! :) Hope you're well!!

[@Yorubakingdomtv]

I'm new to.her platform.. I love her... !

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@HannahAnderson-pt7ic]

What state did you register with before ?

[@layasaul28]

@@HannahAnderson-pt7ic Our non profit is registered in Nevada, but that's not the point. You have to file with most states (there are exceptions) if you're fundraising nationally. Where ever you're fundraising, you have to be compliant. There are online places that can help you register and it's worth it but it is costly between their fees and the state fees.

[@CynthiaMJackson-dk7nz]

Amber❤❤❤ Thank you much!!! Great timely information!!!🥰

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@kaywilliams8083]

Very informative thank you 😊

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lindiwesibanda13]

Thnk u amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

My pleasure 😊

[@johnaweiss]

It would be great if there was a system or tool that would ensure we stay on top of compliance.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I know there are various checklists out there! Are you envisioning something more robust?

[@johnaweiss]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thx for your reply! Can you share any lists? I'm in CA, i realize there may be state requirements separate from federal.

[@ronlal09]

Thank you for the insights on Argenta. However I’m unable to access the site. Can you please let me know if the site is still running? Btw I’m based in New Zealand(if that has any impact) 12:43

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Should be this link! argentasoftware.com/landing

[@ronlal09]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you but the link still doesn’t work. I believe their firewall setting must be set too high and blocking access to any outside of US.

[@Oefoundation]

Do you do one on one consulting?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I occasionally take on consulting projects when I have capacity - info at foundertofulltime.thinkific.com/pages/consulting-speaking-and-sponsorships

[@maz6931]

Hi Amber, thank you for sharing. Could you please provide a link for Argenta CRM? I am unable to find their website, thanks

[@maz6931]

Link is broken

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I just tested this, it should work? www.argentasoftware.com/landing

[@maz6931]

Thank you for resending. I'm am in the UK 🇬🇧 and I cannot access their website 😞 Awesome videos! Will continue to subscribe and share.

[@JackieNicole35061]

Hi Amber. I’m just starting nonprofit research. Do you have any unique suggestions for small businesses that are switching to become a nonprofit? For instance on grant applications should the new nonprofit talk about how the impacted the community when they were classified as a small business?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think any track record of success you can show is good!

[@HannahAnderson-pt7ic]

What kind of Nonprofit do you want to switch to?

[@brandon_s]

Looks like they axed the free tier...that really stinks as someone looking to start a non profit with little startup finding.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Definitely reach out to them and ask! I know they are very reasonable.

[@samueldean8932]

Well presented, informative and useful. Thank you Amber. The video was forwarded to me via whatsapp by my administrative pastor. We are from Cape Town, South Africa. How can I contact you?🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Have you joined our Facebook group yet? I connect with people there sometimes facebook.com/groups/changetheworldorbust

[@jenniferminor8597]

I have a business that’s been in business (LLC) for 3 years. Can I start a nonprofit with the same business name as a corporation nonprofit?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I think you'd probably want to be very careful about differentiating them, so people don't get confused.

[@terrellhassan5809]

You are a lifesaver sweety❤

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope it was helpful!