Before You Create a Non-Profit

Have you ever thought about starting a non-profit organization in your community? Here are the things Oprah's Angel Network considered before getting started.

• Ask yourself what goal you want to accomplish—who you want to help and how.
• Can you achieve your goal by volunteering with an existing organization, or will it take a larger effort to make a difference?
• Outline a mission: What is the purpose of your organization?
• Research organizations with similar missions.
• Identify a Board of Directors—look for people who care about your goal and who are active. It helps to have members with different skills like accounting, non-profit law, public relations and fundraising.
• Decide how your non-profit will be funded—there are lots of fund-raising options.
• Check with professional non-profit groups like www.NetworkForGood.org or your Regional Association of Grant Makers for non-profit advice.
• Prepare for 501(c)(3) tax status so your organization can accept tax-exempt donations. You'll need a clear and concise mission, a Board of Directors and organizational by-laws.