If you’re a creative person, you know just how rewarding artistic hobbies can be. From music to painting, these pursuits allow people to tap into their emotions and find new ways to express themselves. A Spacious Place is a nonprofit that provides underserved communities with the resources they need to get creative. Interested in starting a charitable organization with a similarly creative slant? The below resource guide is here to help.

Select a Business Model and Set Up the Basic Structure

If you want to benefit from the tax breaks awarded to charitable organizations, you must register your company as an official nonprofit business entity.

• Conduct a needs assessment to determine what unmet need your creative nonprofit can serve in your community.
• Figure out what kind of legal entity to register your nonprofit as. Generally, the process is the same as starting a business in Texas.
• Write out a nonprofit business plan to clarify how your nonprofit will be organized.
• Research your nonprofit tax requirements with the IRS.

Figure Out How to Fund Your Nonprofit

Nonprofits need financial resources to maintain operations.

• Determine your nonprofit startup costs.
• Look into charitable grants to help pay for your nonprofit’s foundation.
• Calculate your ongoing overhead expenses to see how much money you’ll have to fundraise to maintain operations moving forward.
• Look into diverse ways to raise money for your nonprofit.

Ensure Transparent and Streamlined Nonprofit Operations

Efficient daily operations will help you make the most of your nonprofit’s resources going forward.

• Map out a management structure for your nonprofit detailing the duties and obligations of managers, staff, and volunteers.
• Simplify your daily operations with cutting-edge tools like email marketing technology and accounting software.
• Broaden your network by connecting with other creatively oriented nonprofits.

Starting a nonprofit can be a deeply rewarding way to give back to your community while also pursuing your passion. By giving other people the tools and resources they need to tap into their inner creativity, you can help them live a more rewarding life.

~Amy Collett acollett@bizwell.org