Joe Tumpkin of Mays Landing, NJ is an award-winning football coach with over 20 years’ experience. Mr. Tumpkin also founded the Mary. A. Tumpkin Foundation, a non-profit organization that helps youths empower themselves through education. In the article below, Joe Tumpkin discusses how to get started in the Nonprofit sector.
Nonprofits help make the world go round, doing everything from helping the homeless to funding scientific research and improving public safety. Ideally, the common thread is working toward the common good.
When Joe Tumpkin set out to start The Mary Tumpkin Foundation to continue the incredible work of his late Mother, he knew he had a lot to learn. Fortunately, Joe Tumpkin knew how to network. Surrounding yourself with great people is essential when starting a nonprofit. Today, Joe Tumpkin will discuss some common issues people face when starting a nonprofit and offer some tips on how to overcome them.
You’ll Need a Bit of Cash and Time in the Beginning
It isn’t a shock that you must fork over some money to start your nonprofit. The good news is it will likely be a relatively low number. The fee for filing for 501(c)(3) and the tax-exempt status that comes with nonprofits depend on your operating budget explains Joe Tumpkin.
Most people have small nonprofit budgets to begin with, so the fee is usually a few hundred dollars if your budget is under $10,000.
Next, you get 15 months to file a different form, form 1023, which assesses and reviews the programs and structure of your nonprofit. This is a must; a 1023 is needed to get the 501(c)(3) status, and the fee is usually between $800-$900.
You also need to be incorporated and most states charge a few for incorporation filing. This is a good time to review your paperwork to make sure you know what you need to use to file your taxes yearly explains Joe Tumpkin.
Additionally, there are nonprofits that fall under tax categories other than 501(c)(3). Agriculture and labor nonprofits are under 501(c)(5). Social welfare groups are 501(c)(4).
Check out the Competition
Yes, nonprofits have business competition. Before you begin, it helps to compare your nonprofit’s mission and goals to other nonprofits prominent both in your area and the country says Joe Tumpkin.
Are there any other charities that focus on what you’ll be tackling? How many provide grants or funding? Will you have to fight hard to become a prominent donor or get volunteers to help?
If there are nonprofits around who have a long history of good work that is like what you want to accomplish, the going may be a little tougher.
Understand Your Mission
It’s one thing to know how much money you want to raise and where it will be going, too. It’s quite another to have a thorough understanding of the issue your nonprofit will focus on.
Joe Tumpkin says that if you’re looking to tackle homelessness, be sure you have a full understanding of the intricacies of the issue, particularly if there are issues related to it that are particularly impactful where you are based.
Be direct and clear. The best missions are memorable and answer the complex goal of your nonprofit in a few words. Feeding America’s vision statement is simply, “a hunger-free America.” The Alzheimer’s Association? “A world without Alzheimer’s disease. Know your vision and have a deep understanding of the issue explains Joe Tumpkin.
Outline a Business Plan
As with a for-profit business,
a business plan is vital for a nonprofit. After you’ve solidified your nonprofit idea, craft a business plan that works best for your idea and the time commitment you plan to make.
Joe Tumpkin says that among other aspects, it should include how your nonprofit will be different from others with the same goal and who you’ll be helping, the cost of running your business, how you plan to cover such a cost (fundraising, perhaps?), if you’ll have a board of directors or full-time staff, and how you plan to market your business to get the word out quickly and effectively.
Assemble Your Team
Founders of nonprofits work hard and are passionate about their vision. But no one can do it alone. That’s why most nonprofits have some form of a team. Your business plan should outline whether you need a board of directors, a staff (part-time or full-time), and volunteers.
Board members are also important according to Joe Tumpkin. They provide vital guidance on business strategy, funding initiatives, and operational budgets. If you decide to have board members tied to your nonprofit, find candidates who truly believe in what you’re during and will put in the work to get it done no matter what. Oh, and they also cannot be paid.
An executive director can be paid, however, and many nonprofits have one. Joe Tumpkin explains that this is someone that will work closely with you to make sure your nonprofit is running efficiently and successfully. An executive director can also help you hire staff as needed and refine the structure of your business.
Volunteers are often the lifeblood of a nonprofit. Think clearly about how many volunteers you will need to accomplish your goal, as well as the attributes of a good volunteer for your organization. Remember, they’re representing your nonprofit and the work it does, but also your personal vision.
Make it Easy for People to Join the Cause
The Mary Tumpkin Foundation continues to help unlock opportunities for recent high school graduates in South Florida. As a cause that everyone can believe in, it’s no shock that people want to see how they can help. A great website is a must. By visiting
https://maryatumpkinfoundation.org/ people can always get the latest news and updates regarding the foundation. Leveraging social media platforms is also a great way to ensure your foundation grows, according to Joe Tumpkin.
