By Kimberly Swartz, Director of Community Engagement, Taproot Foundation
Have you recently started a nonprofit? Congratulations! So, what’s next?
Starting a nonprofit organization can be both a thrilling and challenging time. Your to-do list is growing by the minute, but support is just a few mouse clicks away. We recognize that once you’ve received your 501(c)(3) status, it can be tough to decide on your next step.
First, create an account on Taproot Plus, our free online volunteer matching platform. Next, request your first Project to kick start your nonprofit! We developed pre-scoped Project templates for you to easily request volunteer support in critical areas.
These 5 Taproot Plus Projects will help set up your new nonprofit for success.
1. Mission and Vision Statement Development
As a new nonprofit leader, you’ll need to sell community members, funders, and volunteers on the importance of your mission. A clear, concise, and inspiring mission and vision will help you tell a consistent story and create advocates who understand your purpose and passion.
2. Brand Style Guide
Your organization needs to build trust and establish credibility. Creating a consistent look and feel with a professional-looking brand will help your stakeholders take you seriously and give you confidence! A brand style guide will also successfully set your nonprofit up for future work on your marketing materials, website, and more.
3. Board Recruitment Strategy
For startups, it can often feel as if there is too little time and too much work to be done. Burnout is a real challenge. Avoid the risk of spreading yourself too thin by recruiting board members whose skill sets supplement the strengths that you bring to the table. If you’re an expert marketer, consider focusing on recruiting people experienced in legal, HR, or fundraising, so you’re free to focus on the activities you’re great at. Work with a skilled recruitment professional to create the strategy for bringing new board members into your organization.
4. Grant Proposal Review
With an engaging mission, brand guidelines, and a Board of Directors at your back, you’re ready to get some funding! Before you click ‘submit’ on that grant proposal, get a fresh set of copywriter eyes on it to increase your chances of impressing the funder and securing financial support.
5. Accounting Systems Set Up
As your organization’s work kicks off, support will be rolling in. Are you ready? If accounting isn’t your area of expertise, make sure your accounting systems are set up right from the start. It’s easier to get it right from the beginning than to go back and fix mistakes. Find an expert to set up your budgeting backbone.
Create a free account for your start-up nonprofit to request one of these Taproot Plus Projects and more!
While you’re there, check out the other templates we have that make getting connected with skilled volunteers easy and accessible!
