Starting a Nonprofit: How to Create a Budget (For Beginners)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

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

[@ousmansonko6908]

Do you have IG

[@minoismith4046]

A church I volunteer at just made me the grant person. I have no idea how to do this for a non-profit that has little to no financial paperwork that allows me to make a real budget.

[@diedraruff65]

Lord..I terrified. I have been asked by my Cities Mayor to start an Arts Council. I've watched a couple of your videos. I feel overwhelmed. I have no help but I'm a business Woman so I can do it. I need all of your videos...lol..Starting from scratch.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

What a wonderful opportunity! You got this!

[@miriamwalker5211]

Thank you so much for your video. I have done my paperwork for my nonprofit and look forward to all the mistakes I hope not to make, however, I pray I can get better with it. I already have a sitting board and they are a great resource of wisdom. I am waiting for my State to make my organization a legal entity.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You've already taken some big steps!! Congrats!

[@melroseking5773]

Thanks so much. This session has helped me with ideas to create my budget as a new nonprofit mission.😊

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cradleentertainment1445]

Best video on budget thanks Amber

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@undrgroundga]

You do an excellent job with your videos. I am developing a not for profit with no previous experience or significant backing and these videos are very helpful.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm glad to hear they are helpful! It can feel scary and isolated starting out, but know there are many amazing changemakers out there who want to see each other succeed!

[@reginaspeaks]

Thank you for this. Starting my non profit organisation and your videos are showing me I'm on track with my goals. Love from London UK

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Good luck with everything!

[@karenr6825]

This was the perfect video to help me start my budget.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad to hear it!

[@zippie3352]

Thanks for sharing, am actually starting and I was stranded, your information is helpful keep motivating. Be blessed

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@cindycanuel6327]

Hi Amber, and thank you again for another great video. This will definitely help me get motivated to start my budget sooner rather than later. As you may recall, I am a big fan and have been following you for a few months now. As I have mentioned before, my current goal is to learn as much as I can / prepare ahead of time, so that I may succeed in the creation/building and growing the NPO that I have been dreaming about for quite some time. My plan is to hopefully really get the NPO going in the next 2 to 3 years. I am currently in college, work part time in a nursing home, and learning each day about Non Profit Organizations. I truly believe that knowledge is key to succeeding and I have learned alot since I have been watching your videos . Thank you. Sorry for being long winded :-)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

No apologies needed! I love finding likeminded people who are passionate about this work. Definitely take all the time you can to learn now, and if I can offer another piece of advice: Network with as many others in the nonprofit community as you can as early as you can. Meet as many people doing this work as possible. It will make things soooo much smoother when you're ready.

[@cindycanuel6327]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Yes, I need to network more, I totally agree with you. This is another small problem that I have , I never really liked social media and online advertising etc. the techy stuff and so on. I am however starting to get into it more and more . I also need to work on my public speaking (which is also one of the coursed that you suggested as a course to take if needed) and I need to work on my written communication. Once I have mastered that I will advance much faster towards my endeavors, I am almost certain of it.

[@2011tramy]

@@cindycanuel6327 , Have you talked to the Career Counselor at your college about your interest in nonprofit organizations? I agree with Amber. Networking will make your job easier and you will meet like-minded people that potentially may become your future colleagues. :)

[@candice-leeclifton3691]

Ambet I just discovered you....bit you are Top Notch. Such a Value added Humanitarian 👌

[@Bigbaldbrologic]

Thank you so much for your insight. I'm a little overwhelmed as this direction in my life is new and unknown. I know what I'm meant to do and your videos are helping me put things into perspective. I look forward to watching all of your videos

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@allisonnorville1966]

I feel the same way

[@everythingmomlife7113]

This was super informative, clear and helpful! I just quit my 9 to 5 to work on my non-profit full-time! Thanks for creating and sharing this information. I may have to look into your classes! Ill have to check my budget since I have no job at the moment! lol

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay, so glad the video was helpful!

[@joannk.4079]

Thank you for the info.given on nonprofits You have made it easier to be more organize.... ; )

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

How's your nonprofit budget coming along?! :D

[@jaytheja1558]

Hello Amber it is pleasure to see your update? I have some questions regards to Non profit,I have recently started a Non profit organization in buffalo ny, for the tax exemption 1023z they have requested the NTTE code , how wouy I choose the right code?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@jaytheja1558 Hey there! This website might help you: nccs.urban.org/project/national-taxonomy-exempt-entities-ntee-codes

[@jaytheja1558]

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you and very much appreciated your prompt response! Have a great day

[@Cassiel75]

ooo /-Thnx

[@brittanyharry3157]

Very stressful right now. We need 2 board members at the least to join on, fundraising to cover outstanding training and vet bills, and a PEOPLE PERSON that loves to talk with donors and potential volunteers. Thank you for asking, I am glad I found this channel. Dog rescues are SO different from average nonprofits due to the nature of the "work" and the congested area I am in (southeast USA)).

[@savehuman1451]

Thank you Amber your video is helpful .

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CrownwithConfidence]

Thank you.. That’s my goal to be full-time in my nonprofit.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope the video was helpful!

[@TomyEdenson-ps1zr]

Hi Melanie, you are truly a gift to me. I'm grateful

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad the videos are helping!

[@candice-leeclifton3691]

You have a very valuable channel 👍🙌 Thank you for sharing 👏 ❤️

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@transcendentparentingproje373]

Melanie, I am studying all of your videos. Thank you for the insights! I will be reaching out to you soon!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@VPOTOPDOWN]

THANK YOU!! I have done none of this and just started at it.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome to the channel, Thomas!

[@omarsaeed531]

this is very helpful. thanks for sharing

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@lukeprejean4681]

I am a one man show with a goal of assisting to find a job (as my mission). With things constantly changing, it is difficult to know what to do when, plus do everything else life requires and hold down a full time job. Your words have been encouraging. You have given me something of a plan/outline which I can critique for my own use. Thanks.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm so glad! Thank you for coming by the channel!

[@chadwhitby1576]

Fantastic video. Thanks for all the work you do. I'm in the process of setting up a non-profit and have learnt so much from watching your videos.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Glad to hear that!!

[@daifallahalotaibi8307]

You are amazing. please countinue 🌷

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you!!

[@CM-fw6hz]

Super helpful

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad to hear!

[@g18lu]

This is the one video I was looking for!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Hope it helps!

[@rufusjones6345]

Very helpful!!!! Thank you!!!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@avengingangel6684]

This is outstanding! Thank you so much!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@romanherrera8698]

Simple, clear and clean. Thank You!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it helped!

[@thandokhumalo5077]

I have been going through such topics and you literally made simple sense to me.. My organisation runs community sport programs in the township of Soweto as we are experiencing drugs and childhood pregnancy .. It is taxing and getting funds is difficult can on your next video maybe analyse ngos that deal in the sport field how to write proper proposals and what co-operates might be looking for to fund leagues and tournaments... Thank you for everything you share

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I'm glad to hear it was helpful!

[@christinawalker267]

This was so helpful! Just Subscribed! Thank you so much for these videos.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Welcome to the community!

[@ENYPolyglot]

Thank you for sharing your wisdom!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@jazzypeaceofmindspace]

Thank you so much for your information. My non-profit should start off perfect would all your great advice. I am on my game.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You got this!

[@Veteran_Nerd]

Great video! Thanks for the info

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rstreetstudio6672]

Wow! This was really helpful!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nathanwood33]

Ok. Im gonna watch this one more time

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

😊

[@kylesmith8430]

Thank U so much

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Most welcome!

[@sunilshrikhande44]

Informative videos! NOGs Budget vary country to country !

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thanks for watching!

[@sunilshrikhande44]

Can i have your official mail ID for further communication ?

[@scotthighberger4642]

Thank you for the video, it was informative!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@lukeprejean4681]

Thank you.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're welcome!

[@TheArtofDoing]

Thank you for the video. This is helpful!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're very welcome!

[@dr.davekallen795]

This was great. Thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You're so welcome!

[@SethTheSpeaker]

This was great!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Glad it was helpful!

[@conscious_competence3703]

Thanks for this Amber👌.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You’re welcome 😊

[@zenityspirit1756]

Saved my life

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🙂

[@ingridmarin3153]

love it thank you

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

You are so welcome!

[@professorb7054]

You are awesome.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

☺

[@aquaculture8028]

Yes!!! Lassie!!! Go get help girl!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:)

[@edward9]

AMAZING we got our NV corp. cert. on 9/8/2023 (and hopefully) very soon get the IRS CERT. Amber do you have a Patreon yet? I just used your videos to outline our first rough budget!!! 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

That's amazing, congrats!!! No Patreon yet, but some other big things coming soon! :)

[@MrSisore]

Can anyone share a sample budget /template for non profits based on what Amber says, please

[@jenniferlosee3189]

This is fantastic! We do not have a budget, and NEED one. This is something that is going to help us stay on track and like you said is going to be needed for other things. SInce it's july, should we just do a budget for the rest of 2022? Then in December we would create a new budget for 2023?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey Jennifer! Your nonprofit's fiscal year can be whatever you say it is (Jan-Dec; Jul-Jun, March-Feb - it's up to you!).

[@mastermindinghabits4230]

Great intro

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:D

[@edward9]

Thanks!🧡

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Wow, Edward!! Thank you so much for the support!! Very generous.

[@historicallydrinking6231]

Thanks so much for this video! Your page was recommended by the CEO of the non-profit I just became treasurer for. I'm glad she did, very useful info!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yay! Welcome!

[@inatoawomi1323]

Thnk u, ur da best 👍

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🙂

[@spirituallylovingme-11]

Hi I have a question how do I find a application for the board to fill out.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hi Angela! Typically you would create and customize your own board application perfect for what you need. BUT I do actually have another video on how to do that! Design a Board of Directors application (Step by Step) kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZpS5YnmqnN6of5Y

[@muzamilmohamud8663]

Thank you #Ambe I m very grateful for your service BUT could you please help us with sample budget. Thanks

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! There are definitely some great resources online!

[@destineechaidez170]

I am a bit confused, do grants fall under the income of this budget? If so which category?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Yes, grants would be part of the income. Most often grants will be restricted funds for a specific purpose (it varies by grant) - programs, operations, etc.

[@christineclyburn9554]

Great information!!! Jusr curious, I noticed after you COUGHED you said ( PANDEMIC... ANY REASON WHY ??????

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Ahh I made this video awhile ago! Not sure. Coincidence? Poorly humored joke?

[@neofelisnebulosa2951]

Hi Amber, i have a question. I googled it but didn't find the answer. I called the SOS, but there were like 96 people ahead of me in the queue. So i understand that a registered agent is needed, i would like to be that agent but for privacy reasons obviously don't want to use my home address. Can i get a virtual business address, use it as my NGO address and then i can become the registered agent. If the answer is yes, then do i get the virtual business address first and foremost. Then use that in all the forms? ( articles of incorporation, 1023 etc)

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey! So I know you have to have some kind of physical address (no PO boxes). I am not sure how a 'virtual business address' works in that case, but it sounds like probably it would not work.

[@nwokpororowland4216]

Thank the Almighty for KZbin.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hope the video was helpful for you! :)

[@edward9]

What's the best fundraising / event tracking software?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Best depends on your goals; some software is better for one time events; some ideal for long-term donor growth, etc.

[@cherylmarriott7109]

I am terrified and overwhelmed.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I know how that feels. I see you. Can you start with one small step at a time? Do you have your mission statement?

[@cherylmarriott7109]

@@AmberMelanieSmith no I am a boy just starting and it's making me feel dizzy . Thankyou xx

[@marzush820]

Assume, all types of community income source including donations doesn’t work or somehow doesn’t happened for a new startup nonprofit organization, can board of directors pay for the first year expenses from their own pocket? It is to be mentioned that new organizations in Canada are not allowed to do fund raising are receiving donations if they don’t have charity number!

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hi there! Yes, there is nothing wrong with board members donating their own money to help fund the nonprofit (in fact, it's encouraged!).

[@KingsHandsBoxing]

I am becoming very discouraged .. I Run a boxing gym right now in a different town , because it is a business I have to charge it is doing well ( to make a long story short I graduate as a recovery coach next week) I want to start doing a Addiction prevention for the youth out of my boxing gym - I want to do a nonprofit in my hometown so kids who can’t afford to pay can also come … everywhere I’m turning people are telling me nonprofits are not worth it ( it’s a lot of work and there’s no way that you can break even and make any money) any advice? Any encouragement? I’ve watched about eight of your videos, and I know you do this full-time and it obviously looks like you’re not struggling ?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I would be lying if I said nonprofits were easy. Working at this full time is definitely possible with continued effort, planning, and fundraising. In your comment you said you already have a gym - there's no reason you couldn't help people through your existing business, right? You could partner with a nonprofit to do those services as your business (vs go through all the paperwork to do a separate nonprofit).

[@reneeriley1953]

I need funds to kick start several diversified projects. Community oriented,low income, homeless,disability and vets.t What can I do to get $ to get info about projects without tapping my own. I’m single live alone & self employed. Need my nest egg but ready to begin. Help?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I would start by assessing your community networks and contacts. Fundraising is a lot easier when you've built up a network of people who know you / your cause!

[@oleratoradise6999]

Hi there. Can you list your labour as an expense if you just starting out or does that seem kinda scammy for a start up and also is it possible to start an NGO and then just right away look for funding or can you do some pro bono work for a while just to show potential fundraisers that you are invested in the cause? Loving your videos all the way from South Africa.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! I am not sure what you mean. If you are asking if you can pay yourself - while nonprofits can have paid staff, a board of directors must hire that staff and decide how to pay them, in the US at least. I am not up to date on rules in South Africa.

[@jenniferelkins]

The pandemic cough was so unexpectedly funny lol.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🙃

[@D.O.N.]

👍

[@cindycanuel6327]

I do have a question as well. Do you have more tips and/or advice with respect to starting a semi NP business - if you know what I mean: For e.g. : a percentage of the sales and.or service proceeds is considered personal income and another percentage of the sales and/or service proceeds goes towards a NPO and some towards the NPO I am trying to create. (60% back into the business for bills, ect., staff pays and /or the person who created the item or serviced the "service ; 20 % towards other charities or fundraisers that are close to my NPO and ; 20% towards my cause / NPO . CAN THIS BE DONE ?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

So, two things: You can either start a nonprofit (tax-exempt organization / public charity recognized by the IRS), or you can start a for-profit business, but a nonprofit is legally owned by the public once it gets its IRS approval. The founder does not 'own' a nonprofit. If you start a business, you can own that. I talk more about the pros and cons of that here: Starting a Nonprofit vs For-Profit Business (Pros and Cons) kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJfCl2B4g9pmepo But the other thing you seem to be asking is - Can a nonprofit have paid staff? The answer is yes, and many do. It is often a good business decision to have paid staff, too (more skill and time invested into the cause means bigger and more effective outcomes, if done correctly!). But YOU as a founder cannot hire yourself. A Board hires you and determines your salary. You cannot vote to hire yourself. This video talks about that extensively: You CAN get paid for Nonprofit work, but there’s a catch kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6ileKOdi7R5hrM

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

PS - Also, what you described sounds more like it is a for-profit business that then gives a percent of proceeds to charity. Which is another model of doing things, but another great one! Businesses can make an impact too. If you want more control and the ability to pay yourself, start a business that you own instead of a nonprofit (which the public owns).

[@cindycanuel6327]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thank you for responding so quickly. I have seen all your videos (I think, so far) and yes, I have been doing most of the things that you suggested. That is actually the one thing I am good at, "building relationships" . I love personal interaction and getting to know people. I also know about the law somewhat as I have been / used to be a legal assistant and Law Clerk - mostly Family law, some civil and a little of other types of law including business . The thing I am not as familiar with is corporate , especially when it comes to Non Profit Organizations .

[@cindycanuel6327]

I did join your facebook group but have yet to say much as I have not yet divulged the purpose and functions of the NPO I want to create. I will in due time. I have, however, read alot of the questions, responses and comments that people have shared, which is another method of learning things that had not entered my mind .

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

@@cindycanuel6327 Building relationships is SOOOO important in this work!!!

[@cindycanuel6327]

One more question: I am a Canadian residing in Hamilton, ON, CA . Do you know if there are laws that can stop me for having some of my board of directors in the states. Is that possible , or do all members of the corporation have to reside and be able to communicate in the same location (Ontario, Canada). ??

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

I am actually not familiar with the rules in Canada on that!

[@cindycanuel6327]

@@AmberMelanieSmith thanks . If I or when I learn more I will keep you informed (if you are interested that is)? I would love to work with you or at least like minded people like yourself and I would like this NPO to hopefully grow internationally with or without me, some day in the future. . There has to be a way to work together whether you are in Canada, the States or possibly another country even.

[@diegomagana5358]

Now imagine how much more good we could do for the world if we didn't have to worry about money.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

:)

[@simonifeanyi8706]

Thank you so much, Amber, your videos have really been very helpful. Please i want to know is there any email that we can use to contact you directly for mentorship?.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there! Best way is to join my Facebook group! facebook.com/groups/changetheworldorbust

[@danjohnson9253]

Looking forward to creating our domestic violence shelters while using your tools. I requested to join your Facebook page.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Awesome! See you there!

[@danjohnson9253]

Definitely. I’m building this in pure passion and need the rest of the tools.

[@LovelifeProject]

I think she may have some good point but I am having difficulty with her sound. The sound does not pop out so comprehension is a challenge for me. And this is the third of her video that I tried to watch. I normally can watch two hours of lectures, if the audio is good.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hey there, thanks for the feedback! This was one of my earlier videos, does it sound the same in a more recent one? At some point along the way I upgraded my equipment. :) Let me know!

[@kimwells3053]

How about for victims and surviors

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Can you clarify your question? :)

[@F.X.Techniq]

the Pandemic cough 😁

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

🤓

[@frankligas2249]

Add legal fees, tax prep fees.

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Good one

[@projectlifemastery1438]

Hello Amber I'm Yasser, I need your help to create a non-profit organization, what is the best way to contact you?

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Hi there! Please feel free to join my group on Facebook! facebook.com/groups/changetheworldorbust

[@FOTMtv9317]

Beautiful video thank you 🥳

[@AmberMelanieSmith]

Thank you!