Flexibility is a Key

Step 6: Being Flexible

Being flexible is a key requirement of any organization, especially when it comes to non-profit groups. A few ideas include:

1. Be flexible in what you want to do. For example, your research might find several groups already doing what you have in mind. Instead of competing against them for money, volunteers and clients, ask what they need. An idea might present itself—they might need a grant writer or a public relations “face”—that dovetails with your interests.

2. Don’t adhere to a rigid, rapid schedule. Thinking you can get a non-profit rolling quickly is absurd. It takes time to do the research, file the paperwork, gather money and recruit volunteers.

3. Understand that forming a non-profit is a huge undertaking. It requires very deep pockets and nearly every waking moment of your time.

4. Be willing to downsize your goals. Instead of “I want to adopt out 1,000 dogs in the first year,” a realistic initial goal might be, “I want to find one dog a new home this year.” Why? Because the infrastructure for getting one dog and 1,000 dogs new homes is essentially the same. Without having the support structure in place, you cannot help any pets.

5. Be flexible in your professional and personal lives. Two-week family vacations will not exist once you start a non-profit. Those dinners with your spouse will be replaced by pizza with your executive staff while figuring out how to pay for critical repairs.

6. Adjust your financial goals upward, way upward. Your start-up costs are going to eat up every cent you can scrape together initially. Once you get going, figure that most (70%-80% or more) of your money will be spent on overhead costs, not those directly related to your task.

Before starting a non-profit, you might also consider volunteering and working with one. Taking this approach allows you to gather experience performing essential tasks—including the mundane ones of cleaning and answering phone calls—while also seeing how they operate from the inside.

Sure, volunteering delays starting your own organization. However, the experience and the “what works and what does not” knowledge you gain is invaluable. You may also find emotional fulfillment in helping an existing organization without going to the expense and work of starting your own.

Hopefully these comments help you help your community. Contact author David B. Reynolds with any comments or questions.