But in our excitement sometimes we need to step back and assess the situation. On the outside the company may have “THIS reputation” or “THAT amount of revenue” but does an outsider really know what is going on internally that they came to you for assistance. Your great services may not be the reason.

You may go in with your credentials, your references, and your past performance. To you this company may be your breakthrough! And in your excitement you provide more details to your game plan to help them than you should have. Your motivations were pure, to show what you know. But, did you show too much? This is the negotiation battle of service related businesses.

When your strategies and plans of implementation is what makes your company stand out, you have to know what that is worth – not only to you, but to the potential client. Negotiations revolve around several factors, but the ultimate deal breaker is the cost. Does the potential client value what you are offering to bring to the table enough to pay you what you are worth?

Some say this is dependent on your sales closing skills, but what about when the company doesn’t understand enough of what you are saying to put the same value on it? What if the company has you explain so much that they no longer need your full service and use that to lower your value?

Are you willing to take a lower contract amount and potentially still end up doing all the work? Before you answer, remember the relationship factors into the deal over time with a little question here, or a needed new reference over there, or your ability to not say “No.” You have to be willing to walk away from the deal no matter how great the potential. (You can get another potentially great deal). Remember, potential is the same as what you calculated in your business plan – goals not yet accomplished. Unless you have researched and assessed the potential client enough to control most of the variables then you really didn’t work the deal. The deal worked you!

Atlanta, Georgia (2010) – Nonprofit Dreams in partnership with Fulton County Government and Comcast has created a television talk show “Dreams Are Not for Profit” to address capacity building issues within the community and nonprofit organizations to remain effective and sustainable.

The newest episode this season discusses training opportunities available for community organizations with The Foundation Center and individuals seeking a nonprofit career with Troy University – Atlanta. Asia M. Hadley, The Foundation Center, provides details into the types of resources available.

Starting off the second season is the legal issues episode with ProBono Partnership of Atlanta. Guest speakers Executive Director Rachel Epps Spears and Staff Attorney Robyn Miller discuss topics ranging from nonprofits paying sales taxes, human resource requirements, internet fund raising, in addition to other legal requirements for community organizations.

Dreams Are Not for Profit provides a vehicle for organizations from the beginning neighborhood stages to the level of national representation to be highlighted within the series on Fulton Community Channel 25. Once episodes have been aired they will be published on various internet sites including the website www.nonprofitdreams.com to provide opportunity for organizations in all other areas to watch this vital television show.

Scheduled airtimes:

• Sundays at 1:30pm
• Tuesdays at 9pm
• Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursdays at 3:30pm
• Fridays at 12:30pm
• Saturdays at 9pm

All inquiries can be directed to Tamiko Leverette 404-510-5155 or info@nonprofitdreams.com.

Atlanta, Georgia (2009) – Nonprofit Dreams in partnership with Fulton County Government and Comcast has created a television talk show “Dreams Are Not for Profit” to address capacity building issues within the community and nonprofit organizations to remain effective and sustainable.

Starting off the second season is the legal issues episode with ProBono Partnership of Atlanta.  Guest speakers Executive Director Rachel Epps Spears and Staff Attorney Robyn Miller discuss topics ranging from nonprofits paying sales taxes, human resource requirements, internet fund raising, in addition to other legal requirements for community organizations.

Dreams Are Not for Profit provides a vehicle for organizations from the beginning neighborhood stages to the level of national representation to be highlighted within the series on Fulton Community Channel 25.  Once episodes have been aired they will be published on various internet sites including the website www.nonprofitdreams.com to provide opportunity for organizations in all other areas to watch this vital television show.

Scheduled airtimes:

• Sundays at 1:30pm
• Tuesdays at 9pm
• Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursdays at 3:30pm
• Fridays at 12:30pm
• Saturdays at 9pm

All inquiries can be directed to Tamiko Leverette 404-510-5155 or info@nonprofitdreams.com.

Press Release – Atlanta, Georgia (2010) – Nonprofit Dreams in partnership with Fulton County Government and Comcast has created a television talk show “Dreams Are Not for Profit” to address capacity building issues within the community and nonprofit organizations to remain effective and sustainable.

With over 62,500 nonprofit corporations registered with the State of Georgia within the economic depression serving over 9 million residents.  Dreams Are Not for Profit has been created to respond to the increasing need of organizations to serve the community more efficiently.  Donors are seeking more accountability from organizations in providing service; operations are suffering from the weight of little to no media outlets representing their needs.  The talk show provides tips such as forming new partnerships, researching resources, legal requirements, volunteer management, cost effective organization training, and marketing information.

Organizations from the beginning neighborhood stages to the level of national representation will be highlighted within the series on Fulton Community Channel 25.   Once episodes have been aired they will be published on various internet sites including the website www.nonprofitdreams.com to provide opportunity for organizations in all other areas to watch this vital television show.

Scheduled airtimes:

• Sundays at 1:30pm
• Tuesdays at 9pm
• Wednesdays at 6:30pm
• Thursdays at 3:30pm
• Fridays at 12:30pm
• Saturdays at 9pm

All inquiries can be directed to Tamiko Leverette 404-510-5155 or info@nonprofitdreams.com.

A nonprofit corporation is required by law to file an informational report each year upon request by the secretary of state.  The report provides information regarding the corporation’s registered agent and registered office, and the names and addresses of its current officers and directors, and is required regardless of the corporation’s tax status.

Once requested, the report must be completed and filed with the secretary of state to avoid involuntary termination of a domestic corporation or revocation of the registration of a foreign corporation.

Why am I receiving notices about filing a periodic report?  I am no longer affiliated with this corporation.

The secretary of state sends official notices to the corporation through the current registered agent and registered office address.  If a periodic report notice was addressed to you, it is because your name and address appear as the corporation’s registered agent and registered office and the corporation has not designated or appointed a new registered agent.

The report I received contains inaccurate pre-printed information.  How can I change it?

Although you cannot change the entity’s name, file number, or jurisdiction of formation, you can change or update the following pre-printed information on the report by simply crossing it out and filling in the correct information:

• The registered agent name;
• The registered office address; and
• The names, addresses, and titles of persons named as officers and directors of the corporation.

To change its legal name, the corporation must file a certificate of amendment with the secretary of state or an amendment to its registration.

Can I file a periodic report even if the secretary of state has not requested one?

Yes. Although a nonprofit corporation is not required to notify the secretary of state of changes to officer or director information at the time of the change, a nonprofit corporation may file a periodic report even if the secretary of state has not asked for one.  However, filing a voluntary report does not affect your duty to timely file a report when one is requested by the secretary of state.

What happens if I don’t file the periodic report?

A nonprofit corporation that fails to file the periodic report within 30 days from the date that the report is sent by the secretary of state forfeits its right to transact business in the state. A nonprofit corporation that has forfeited its right to transact business cannot maintain any action, suit, or proceeding in any court; however, the corporation may still defend any action or suit. The forfeiture does not impair the validity of any contract. The corporation may relieve itself of the forfeiture by simply filing the periodic report within 120 days of the date of mailing of the notice of forfeiture. If the corporation fails to file the report within this 120-day period, the secretary of state will involuntarily terminate the existence of the nonprofit corporation or revoke the foreign nonprofit corporation’s registration to transact business in the state as applicable.

If a nonprofit corporation has been involuntarily terminated or had its registration revoked for failure to file its periodic report, can it be reinstated?

Yes. So long as the entity would otherwise continue to exist, the entity can reinstate at any time by filing the required report together with the maximum filing fee. Note, however, that the secretary of state must determine whether the corporation’s name is still available before the required periodic report can be filed and the entity reinstated. Consequently, additional filings and fees may need to be submitted together with the periodic report when the name of the corporation is the same as, deceptively similar to, or similar to the name of any existing domestic or foreign filing entity, or any name reservation or registration on file with the secretary of state.

Must an organization whose corporate charter is reinstated after being administratively revoked or suspended by the state submit a new exemption application?

No. If a corporation is reinstated by the state after an administrative suspension or dissolution of its corporate charter, its exempt status may be reinstated without the need for the corporation to reapply. The organization must submit evidence from the state that its charter has been reinstated, indicating the effective date of reinstatement. In addition, the organization should provide evidence that it has complied with any filing requirement for annual returns during the period during which its corporate status was administratively suspended or dissolved.

If, however, an organization’s exempt status has been automatically revoked for failing to file annual returns, exempt status cannot be reinstated unless it submits a new exemption application, even if the state reinstates its corporate status.

An exemption application is subject to public disclosure once it has been finally approved or denied.

Are the books and records of a nonprofit corporation available for inspection?

The government gives a member of a nonprofit corporation, on written demand, the right to examine and copy the corporation’s books and records.  The member, or the member’s agent, accountant, or attorney, may examine and copy these records at any reasonable time and for a proper purpose. The government also requires a nonprofit corporation to maintain financial records in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; the board of directors is required to prepare or approve an annual financial report for the preceding year.

Additionally, the government requires certain nonprofit corporations to make all records, books, and annual reports of financial activity available to the general public for inspection and copying. However, it does not apply to (1) corporations that solicit funds only from their members; (2) corporations that do not intend to solicit and do not actually receive contributions in excess of $10,000 during a fiscal year from sources other than their members; (3) proprietary schools; (4) religious institutions; (5) trade associations or professional associations whose principal income is from dues and member sales and services; (6) insurers; or (7) alumni associations of public or private institutions of higher education.

Under certain circumstances, a nonprofit corporation’s books and records are also available to the public under the Public Information Act. The Public Information Act defines “governmental body” to include the “part, section, or portion of an organization, corporation, commission, committee, institution, or agency that spends or that is supported in whole or in part by public funds.” For more information on the Public Information Act, please contact the Attorney General; the secretary of state cannot provide advice regarding the application of the Public Information Act to a particular nonprofit corporation.

How can I obtain a copy of the bylaws, tax exempt filings or other documents for a nonprofit organization?

If the entity is organized as a  nonprofit corporation, you may obtain a copy of the certificate of formation or other filing documents maintained by the secretary of state by contacting our records team.

The secretary of state does not maintain the bylaws or tax exempt filings of any nonprofit organization. Some organizations that have obtained tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service are required to make certain documents available to the public. Bylaws may be available if included as part of the organization’s application for exemption. For more information, please visit the IRS website. The secretary of state’s office cannot assist you in obtaining these documents.

Can I obtain a copy of a nonprofit corporation’s IRS Form 990 from the secretary of state?

No. Although organizations filing Form 990-PF must submit a copy to certain state attorneys general, nonprofit corporations are generally not required to file Form 990 with the State attorney general or the secretary of state. The IRS provides information about how to obtain copies of Forms 990, exemption applications, and related tax filings on its Form 990 Resources and Tools for Researchers page. For more information about registrations and filings with the Charities and Nonprofits section of the IRS website.

Who has authority to investigate the activities of a nonprofit corporation?

The State has statutory authority to (1) investigate charities that operate as nonprofit corporations, and (2) inspect the books and records of all corporations, including nonprofit corporations. Additionally, the IRS can revoke a nonprofit corporation’s tax exemption for violations of federal tax laws.

What is the “public support” test? How do I calculate it?

The IRS uses the public support test to check if a nonprofit receives substantial support from the general public, as outlined by Section 509(a) of the Internal Revenue Code. This test determines if a nonprofit is a private foundation or a public charity.

According to the IRS, an organization is a publicly supported charity if it meets one of two tests:

1. The organization receives a substantial part of its support in the form of contributions from publicly supported organizations, governmental units, and/or the general public. Example: A human service organization whose revenue is generated through widespread public fundraising campaigns, federated fundraising drives, or government grants is a publicly supported charity.

2. The organization receives no more than one-third of its support from gross investment income and more than one-third of its support from contributions, membership fees, and gross receipts from activities related to its exempt functions. Examples: A membership-fee organization, such as parent-teacher organization, or an arts group with box office revenue is a publicly supported charity.

The IRS further advises:

An organization will lose its public charity status if it cannot pass the public support test for two consecutive years. If the organization cannot meet the public support test for two consecutive years, it will be reclassified as a private foundation as of the start of the second consecutive year. To avoid unexpectedly losing your public charity classification, you should keep careful track of your public support information through out the year.

IRS Pub. 557: Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, details how to calculate public support (see pp. 29-35, “Qualifying as Publicly Supported”). Also, most handbooks on establishing a nonprofit organization have a section on calculating public support.

Can a nonprofit corporation pay a salary to its officers, directors and/or employees?

Yes. Any corporation may pay reasonable compensation for services rendered to the corporation. However, board members are normally voluntary.

Can a nonprofit corporation give political contributions?

There are specific restrictions on political contributions by nonprofit corporations. For information, on this topic, you may wish to contact your private attorney.

A “nonprofit corporation” is a corporation no part of the income of which is distributable to members, directors, or officers. A nonprofit corporation is created by filing a certificate of formation with the secretary of state. A nonprofit corporation may be created for any lawful purpose, which purpose must be stated in its certificate of formation.

Is a nonprofit corporation a tax-exempt entity? If not, how do I become tax-exempt?

A nonprofit organization—whether a corporation or an unincorporated association—is not automatically exempt from federal or state taxes. To become exempt, the organization must meet certain requirements and apply with both the IRS and the primary State of programming.

What is the difference between nonprofit and tax-exempt status?

Nonprofit status is a state law concept. Nonprofit status may make an organization eligible for certain benefits, such as state sales, property and income tax exemptions. Although most federal tax-exempt organizations are nonprofit organizations, organizing as a nonprofit organization at the state level does not automatically grant the organization exemption from federal income tax. To qualify as exempt from federal income tax, an organization must meet requirements set forth in the Internal Revenue Code. See Types of Tax-Exempt Organizations or Publication 557 for more information.

What is the difference between a private foundation and a public charity?

The Foundation Center defines a private foundation as a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization having a principal fund managed by its own trustees or directors. Private foundations maintain or aid charitable, educational, religious, or other activities serving the public good, primarily through the making of grants to other nonprofit organizations. Every U.S. and foreign charity that qualifies under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code as tax-exempt is a “private foundation” unless it demonstrates to the IRS that it falls into another category. Broadly speaking, organizations that are not private foundations are public charities as described in the Internal Revenue Service Code.

Public charities generally derive their funding or support primarily from the general public, receiving grants from individuals, government, and private foundations. Although some public charities engage in grantmaking activities, most conduct direct service or other tax-exempt activities. A private foundation, on the other hand, usually derives its principal fund from a single source, such as an individual, family, or corporation, and more often than not is a grantmaker. A private foundation does not solicit funds from the public.

Not every organization that uses the word “foundation” in its name is a private foundation, and the word “foundation” has no legal meaning in and of itself. Instead you must look at how the IRS designates an organization and inquire as to whether it files a Form 990-PF (the annual information return filed by private foundations) or a Form 990 (the annual information return filed by public charities and other nonprofit organizations.

Can one person be the sole director and officer of a nonprofit corporation?

No. The  Business Organizations Code requires a nonprofit corporation to have at least three directors, one president, and one secretary. The same person cannot be both the president and secretary. Officers and directors must be natural persons, but may be known by other titles.

Is there a fee for applying for exemption?

Yes, user fees apply to all requests for determination letters, including exemption applications. See IRS User Fees for complete information.

Below are essential ingredients in starting a successful nonprofit:

• a vital mission
• high-quality, responsive, and unduplicated programs and services
• reliable and diverse revenue streams
• clear lines of accountability
• adequate facilities

The following generally describes the major steps in starting a nonprofit.

1. File articles of incorporation with the Secretary of State or other appropriate state agency.
2. Apply for exempt status with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Please note that it can take 3-12 months for the IRS to return its decision.
3. Register with the state(s) where you plan to do fundraising activities

Please note that laws and procedures can vary in each state. For more assistance, consult Nonprofit Dreams.

Alternatives to starting your own nonprofit:

• Volunteer or work for an existing nonprofit that shares your mission.
• Find a nonprofit with a similar mission that will act as your fiscal sponsor. This arrangement may help you become eligible for more funding opportunities without obtaining your own exempt status. Q:

What are the advantages/disadvantages of becoming a nonprofit organization?

Advantages

Tax exemption/deduction: Organizations that qualify as public charities under Internal Revenue Code 501(c)(3) are eligible for federal exemption from payment of corporate income tax. Once exempt from this tax, the nonprofit will usually be exempt from similar state and local taxes. If an organization has obtained 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, an individual’s or company’s charitable contributions to this entity are tax-deductible.

Formal structure: A nonprofit organization exists as a legal entity in its own right and separately from its founder(s). Incorporation puts the nonprofit’s mission and structure above the personal interests of individuals associated with it.

Eligibility for public and private grants: Nonprofit organizations are allowed to solicit charitable donations from the public. Many foundations and government agencies limit their grants to public charities.

Limited liability: Under the law, creditors and courts are limited to the assets of the nonprofit organization. The founders, directors, members, and employees are not personally liable for the nonprofit’s debts. There are exceptions. A person cannot use the corporation to shield illegal or irresponsible acts on his/her part. Also, directors have a fiduciary responsibility; if they do not perform their jobs in the nonprofit’s best interests, and the nonprofit is harmed, they can be held liable.

Disadvantages

Cost: Creating a nonprofit organization takes time, effort, and money. Because a nonprofit organization is a legal entity under federal, state, and local laws, the use of an attorney, accountant, or other professional may well prove necessary. Aside from legal or other consultant fees, applying for Federal tax exemption can cost $200-$850 or more, in addition to state fees for incorporation.

Paperwork: As an exempt corporation, a nonprofit must keep detailed records and submit annual filings to the state and IRS by stated deadlines in order to keep its active and exempt status.

Shared control: Although the people who create nonprofits like to shape and control their creations, personal control is limited. A nonprofit organization is subject to laws and regulations, including its own articles of incorporation and bylaws. In some states, anonprofit is required to have several directors, who in turn are the only people allowed to elect or appoint the officers who determine policy.

Scrutiny by the public: A nonprofit is dedicated to the public interest; therefore, its finances are open to public inspection. The public may obtain copies of a nonprofit organization’s state and Federal filings to learn about salaries and other expenditures.

How does an organization become tax-exempt?

To be recognized as exempt from federal income taxation, most organizations are required to apply for recognition of exemption. For section 501(c)(3) organizations, the law provides only limited exceptions to this requirement. Applying for recognition of exemption results in formal IRS recognition of an organization’s status, and may be preferable for that reason.

The IRS will recognize an organization as tax-exempt if it meets the requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. See Types of Tax-Exempt Organizations and Publication 557, Tax-Exempt Status for Your Organization, for more information.

Organizations applying for tax-exempt status must submit two applications: First, if they have not previously received an Employer Identification Number (EIN), they must apply for one, and second, an application for recognition of exemption.

The IRS sometimes recognizes a group of organizations as tax-exempt if they are affiliated with a central organization. This avoids the need for each of the organizations to apply individually. See Publication 4573, Group Exemptions, for more information.

How do I form a “501(c)(3)” corporation?

The designation “501(c)(3)” refers to a specific federal tax provision only. If you need information regarding a federal tax provision or a tax provision impacts your certificate of formation, you should contact your own tax counsel, nonprofit consultant, or the IRS. The secretary of state’s meets minimum state law requirements but does not include any additional statements that the IRS might require for tax-exempt status.

I’m filing a certificate of formation for a nonprofit corporation, and I have to decide whether the corporation will have members. What is a member?

Many nonprofits use the term “member” synonymously with “supporter” or “donor.”  Separate from this fundraising use, however, the Business Organizations Code provides for a nonprofit corporation with a formal membership structure. A “member” of a nonprofit corporation is “a person who has membership rights in the nonprofit corporation under its governing documents.” Members of a nonprofit corporation are similar to shareholders of a for-profit corporation in that both members and shareholders may have significant rights with respect to internal corporate governance. Unlike shareholders, however, members of a nonprofit corporation are typically not owners and are not issued stock. When forming a nonprofit corporation, you must determine whether the corporation will have members, and if so, who will govern the corporation—the members, a board of directors, or both.

A nonprofit corporation is presumed to have members. If you are forming a nonprofit corporation without members, the certificate of formation must include a statement to that effect.

Do I need a tax-exempt number for my organization?

No. Unlike some states that issue numbers to organizations to indicate that these organizations are exempt from state sales taxes, the IRS does not issue numbers specifically for exempt organizations. While the Internal Revenue Service does issue Employer Identification Numbers (EINs), these are merely a unique identifier, similar to a Social Security number for an individual. Applying for and receiving an EIN says nothing about the organization’s tax status; however, your organization needs an EIN to apply for tax exemption.

How do I get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) for my organization?

You can apply for an EIN on-line, over the telephone, via fax or through the mail. See the instructions for Form SS-4, Application for Employer I.D. Number, for further details.

To apply on-line, use the on-line EIN application available on this website.

To get an EIN over the IRS’s toll-free telephone number, call (800) 829-4933. Hours of operation are 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. local time, Monday through Friday. See EIN Toll-Free Telephone Service for more information.

To request an EIN via fax, 24 hours a day / 7 days a week, dial the fax number at the location accepting applications from your state. The instructions on the Form SS-4 indicate which location will accept your faxed request.

To receive an EIN through the mail, complete Form SS-4. The instructions for the form provide the correct address.

Third parties can receive an EIN on a client’s behalf by completing the new “Third Party Designee” section and obtaining the client’s signature on Form SS-4. This avoids having to file a Form 2848 (Power of Attorney) or Form 8821 (Tax Information Authorization) to get an EIN for their client.

How do I obtain an application for tax-exempt status?

Most organizations applying for exemption must use specific application forms. Two forms currently prescribed by the Service are Form 1023, Application for Recognition of Exemption (and instructions) (for charitable organizations); and Package 1024, Application for Recognition of Exemption (for other tax-exempt organizations). The application your organization is required to submit is specified in Publication 557. See Tax-Exempt Organizations Tax Kit for a list of forms and publications of interest to tax-exempt organizations. You may also request these forms by calling 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).

Does a foreign nonprofit corporation have to register to transact business in another state if its only contact with the state is solicitation of funds or donations?

A nonprofit corporation that actively solicits funds in another state may be “transacting business” and should file an Application for Registration; however, if the corporation’s contacts are only through interstate commerce (for example, by mail or by telephone) or independent contractors, then the corporation is probably not “transacting business” in another state.

However, regardless of the manner of solicitation, an out-of-state nonprofit corporation may be required to register with the secretary of state in order to participate in a state employee charitable campaign under the government code.

How long does it take to process an application for exemption?

Applications are processed as soon as possible. The process can be delayed, however, for reasons ranging from simple errors on the application to issues concerning the qualification of the organization for exemption. See the Top Ten Reasons for Delay in Processing Applications. To obtain information about where a particular application may be in the process, see Where Is My Exemption Application?

Answering all questions completely and submitting all required items will help agents reviewing your application do so as quickly as possible. Completing the procedural checklist on the last page(s) of Form 1023 or Form 1024 will help you submit a complete and error-free application.

Is there anything I can do to help ensure that my application is processed as quickly as possible?

Answering all questions completely and submitting all required items will help ensure that agents reviewing your application are able to process as quickly as possible. Completing the procedural checklist on the last two pages of Form 1023 (last page of Form 1024) will help you submit a complete application.

What if purposes or programs change after an application is submitted?

If the organization’s organizing documents, purposes or programs change while the IRS is considering an application, you should report the change in writing to the office processing your application. If you do not know the office that is processing your exemption application, contact Exempt Organizations Customer Account Services.

Because material changes in a charity’s structure or activities may affect its tax-exempt or public charity status, organizations should report such changes to the IRS Exempt Organizations Division. See procedures for reporting changes for a complete discussion.

1. Fundraising donations – make contact with a corporation and your accountant for the last minute contributions businesses need to write-off to count towards last year tax returns. Don’t forget to remind them the donation can be in products, services, financial, building and equipment. Whatever donation given to your organization that is not necessary can in turn be sold at auction, EBay, etc. for general funds to the nonprofit. Even if this option does not work for this year, keep developing the relationship for scheduled donations during the current year.

2. Leadership development – contact someone you would like to be on your board so you can start developing the relationship to seal the deal. Look for someone who has some expertise in an area your organization is lacking and has fundraising experience or strong networking contacts for potential donations.

3. Marketing optimization – review your marketing plan for potential updates of opportunities to promote the organization to the local community or regional or national possibility. Is your organization embracing the electronic marketing world? When was the last time you looked at your website for potential improvements? Agencies that don’t regularly update the information often overlook taking the time to at least review the content quarterly. Second, contact a billboard company to determine their policy for donating space to nonprofit organizations and start preparing to be the selected agency.

4. Training – schedule into your budget and calendar to attend a conference this year to help understand the nonprofit industry changes occurring with the economy changes. If you cannot afford the price, ask how to be a volunteer.

5. Strategic planning – If the organization still does not have its charitable tax-exempt status, hire a consultant to assist in the process. Nonprofit consultants can help relieve the pressure of the process and facilitate understanding in unfamiliar subjects of question. If you have completed this process, make time to review your SWOT analysis or Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats. Make sure your positives are still functioning at a strong level and develop a way to move negatives over to the positive categories.

6. Plant and equipment - Finally, review your technology needs for the organization to work more efficiently. There are grant opportunities for assistance in this specific area that are available to helping make the agency more effective in time management of human resources and providing services to those that need your help.

Tamiko Leverette is a writer for Christian Business Today and a nonprofit consultant for strategic planning and organizational development, and host of the nonprofit television show, Dreams Are Not for Profit. If you would like more detailed information or a topic you would like to have discussed, contact info@nonprofitdreams.com.

At first glance if you are unfamiliar with having a fundraising strategy, this may seem so, but if you look closer you see grantwriting is not the “Golden Egg” it is cracked up to be. According to Giving USA only 18% of giving for 2008 was attributed to grantwriting combined from 13% Foundation and 5% Corporate giving. The largest portion of giving each year comes from individual charitable funds at 75% or ($229 billion for the year 2008).

So what does this mean for all those looking for a goose that will make all there wishes come true? Remember when your mother said don’t put all your eggs into one basket! Start thinking of the answer to ‘would it be better to have a bin of chickens or one to lay eggs?’ and get to writing a fundraising plan.

Basically, a fundraising plan states this is the amount of money you need for the year/project and these are the various ways you will try to get the funding per each choice of options. Allowing yourself to get extra in case some of the fundraisers fall flat, you should be on your way to developing a well-rounded guide to a goal.

If you would like to read the full fundraising report you can go to:

http://givingusa.org/press_releases/gusa/GivingReaches300billion.pdf

If you are seeking assistance with developing a plan:

http://www.nonprofitdreams.com/