Many people write about how to start a non-profit, but it tends to be a laundry list of how to organize corporate paperwork. Few ever consider the question of whether this non-profit is a good idea in the first place.

Most “experts” put the writing of the business plan AFTER the formation of the corporation and the creation of the mission statement. That is totally backward! Also the idea of serving on the Board of a similar nonprofit for a couple of years before ever even considering starting a NEW non-profit is advice that should probably be mandatory before the IRS issues a 501(c)(3) designation.

Nonprofits are an entirely different animal. They often require not only business acumen but also experience with government or foundation grant paperwork. Government grant paperwork is unlike any other — sort of an alternate universe. Unlike normal business processes, the paperwork associated with government grants and contracts makes no sense whatsoever. It’s like falling down the rabbit hole — once you’ve started, there’s no going back. But expect to drink the potion, meet the Cheshire cat, and feel as though you have a constant seat at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Because you do!

These are all qualifications that the inexperienced will find insurmountable. Sometimes people don’t really want to hear the truth. But, Mickey, you have bravely spoken it loud and clear in this article. My hat’s off to you.

Kay Lorraine
Nonprofit Executive (16 years)
Honolulu, Hawaii

P.S. For an article on this similar subject (but not written nearly as concisely), you might want to check out an archived posting from last November on my own blog. The direct link is http://bizbitchblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/why-we-dont-need-another-nonprofit.html