After You Form Your Nonprofit

After completing the initial steps to establish your nonprofit, the next phase involves setting up efficient systems, securing funding, and building an online presence...these steps and choices help keep your nonprofit in compliance. Here are some crucial steps and options to consider:

Compliance

1. Insurance - The only insurance company that you need to deal with is the NIA or Nonprofits Insurance Alliance which can be found here: NIA

2. Mitigation and Risk Assessment Plan: This is done though the NIA above once you acquire insurance, this is a 10 hour process and they give you up to 30 days to complete. I suggest putting aside a whole day and knocking it out all at once. See an example of a mitigation policy for the CFF Nonprofit here:

3. Governance Structure: Someone should be appointed to keep track of the following - Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, Indemnification, Conflict of Interest Policy.

4. Board Operations: This departmental head is responsible for creating the board manual, Board orientation, Board Assessment, Board Recruitment and Nomination, Board Meeting Minutes, Insurance/Risk Financing Strategy, and Affiliate/Chartering Arrangements.

5. Human Resources: This department is responsible for - Written Employee Policies, Communicating Policy Changes, Policy Review and Updating, Use of Position/Job Descriptions, Orientation Process for New Employees, and Performance Appraisal

6. Programs and Services: This departmental head will be responsible for Comprehensive Training, Policy and Procedure Adjustments, Support for Staff and Volunteers, Community Collaboration, and Continuous Collaboration.

7. Client Safety: This committee is responsible for creating Client Safety Policies which include - Staff Code of Conduct, Client Code of Conduct.

8. Interpersonal Relationships and Program Boundaries: This needs to be custom created to fit your nonprofits standards.

9. Miscellaneous Items: Applications for volunteers/staff, Interview Guide, Reference Checks, Criminal History Background Checks, Emergency Procedures, Facility Access, Client Discipline, Training and Supervision

10. Creation of policies for  your nonprofit: These include Job Descriptions with salaries, Volunteer Policies for conduct and carrying insurance (if they are driving their own car on your behalf), Board of Directors Questionnaire for becoming a member and/or for self evaluation (If a board member already),  and much more.

11. Facility/Site Safety and Security: The facilitators responsibilities include - Facility Design, Inspections, Preventive Maintenance, Policy Concerning Invitees, Policy Regarding the Use of Others' Homes or Apartments Emergency Planning Policy

12. Technology and Information Management
13. Transportation

14. Crisis Management: - Policies need to be created for Emergency Planning/Response, Emergency Planning, Business Continuity Planning Policy, Internal Distribution Policy for BCP Policies and Procedures Vital Records, Data and Documents Backup Policy, Crisis Communications Policy, General Evacuation Policy, Evacuation of Persons Requiring Special Assistance

15. Volunteer Risks and Risk Management Strategies: The facilitator is responsible for - Priority Volunteer Risks, Volunteer Risks and Risk Management Strategies, Supervision of Volunteers, Volunteer Dismissal, Special Volunteers, 
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Fundraising and Grant Seeking

1. Online Fundraising Platforms
o GoFundMe: Ideal for personal fundraising and smaller nonprofits.
o Kickstarter: Great for project-based funding, particularly creative projects.
o Indiegogo: Supports various types of campaigns with flexible funding options.

2. Grant Seeking and Nonprofit Program Funding Sites
o Foundation Directory Online (by Candid.org): Comprehensive database of foundations and grants.
o GrantWatch: Lists current grant opportunities by category and location.
o Grants.gov: Official source for federal grant opportunities.
o Philanthropy News Digest (by Candid.org): Lists RFPs and deadlines for grant applications.

CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Systems

1. Affordable CRM Options for Nonprofits
o WildApricot: Membership management with integrated website and event tools.
o Bloomerang: Focuses on donor management with a user-friendly interface.
o NeonCRM: Comprehensive solution with fundraising, donor management, and communication tools.
o Salesforce for Nonprofits: Offers customizable CRM solutions with discounts for nonprofits.
o Kindful: Donor management with integrations for various fundraising tools.
o Bitrix24: FREE CRM with integrations for various fundraising tools.

Marketing and Outreach
1. Email Marketing Tools
o Mailchimp: Popular platform with free and affordable plans for email campaigns.
o Constant Contact: User-friendly with customizable templates and extensive resources.
o Brevo: Affordable options for email and SMS marketing.

2. Social Media Management Tools
o Hootsuite: Manage multiple social media accounts and schedule posts.
o Buffer: Simplified social media scheduling and analytics.
o Sprout Social: Comprehensive social media management with engagement and analytics tools.

Nonprofit Resources Similar to Candid.org

1. TechSoup: Provides technology solutions and discounts for nonprofits.
2. Idealist: Offers job listings, volunteer opportunities, and resources for nonprofits.
3. Charity Navigator: Evaluates and rates nonprofits to help donors make informed decisions.
4. Nonprofit Hub: Provides articles, webinars, and resources on nonprofit management and marketing.
5. GuideStar (by Candid.org): Database of nonprofit organizations' financials and operations.

Additional Steps to Consider

1. Developing a Strong Online Presence
o Website Design: Ensure your website is user-friendly, informative, and optimized for SEO.
o Content Creation: Regularly update your website and social media with relevant content.

2. Building Partnerships and Collaborations
o Network Locally and Nationally: Attend nonprofit events and join associations.
o Corporate Sponsorships: Seek partnerships with businesses for mutual benefit.

3. Volunteer Recruitment and Management
o VolunteerMatch: Connect with volunteers looking for opportunities.
o JustServe: Platform for finding and managing volunteers.

4. Impact Measurement and Reporting
o Survey Tools: Use platforms like SurveyMonkey or Google Forms to gather feedback.
o Impact Reports: Regularly publish reports showcasing your nonprofit's achievements and future goals.

By following these steps and utilizing these tools, your nonprofit will be well-equipped to grow, secure funding, and make a significant impact.