Customer Reviews

Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (With CD-ROM)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I wanted to start a small not-for-profit to raise money for cancer research. But where to start? May I suggest this book?

First of all, this isn't a book for the already established, huge foundation. It's for someone (like me) who not only knows nothing about the subject, but doesn't even know where to begin.

The book covers the subject from getting started, incorporating the non-profit, writing a mission statement, applying to the IRS for tax-exempt status (hugely important!), and finding the right people to help you make your dream come true.

The second part of the book is devoted to running the non-profit. This includes setting up a board of directors, hiring staff (or working with volunteers), planning for the future, and managing money.

The third part of the book is perhaps the heart of the matter - raising money.

Understand this is a first step. It isn't the only book you'll buy if you get your non-profit up and running, but it is an excellent place to start.

Read the book and take notes. Every state has different requirements, and you'll need to contact the state agency that regulates non-profits to get the forms, filing requirements, etc. There is a lot to learn, but the book is well organized, and packed with information.

You might also research a few other books to help you with the filing process. And I think it will be important to look for as many fund-raising ideas as you can, anywhere you can find them.

OK this book makes you feel like incorporating is as easy as bying the book ...

But it is way too vague, and omits to tell you what you get yourself into !

After reading this book, I incorporated and for additional info I bought Nolo's How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation in California by Anthony Mancuso (or How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation if you don't live in california) and I got really scared.
This nonprofit kit is really for dummies, it doesn't even talk about applying for state tax exemption which is as important as federal tax exemption, or your responsibilities and duties as a director or officer.

I would really advise you to buy Nolo's book (nolo.com). The author is much more responsible, he clearly tells you that you should prepare your bylaws, your federal and state tax exemption application BEFORE submitting you articles of incorporation ...

Plus, this nonprofit kit for dummies is making some huge mistakes! It tells you that the Board of Directors is composed of the president, vice president, secretary and CFO ... which is totally untrue, they are officers
The board of directors is composed of guess what ... directors.

As an attorney, I read a lot of publications about creating nonprofits -- here's what you need to know about this book:

1) No clear instructions on how to incorporate or how to fill out (very complicated) IRS forms necessary to obtain tax exempt status.

2) Covers a lot of topics only lightly, skipping important details.

3) No detailed info on state laws, which is extremely important to every nonprofit corporation.

If you really don't want to visit an attorney, Nolo's book "How to Form a Nonprofit Corporation" is the best one available, and addresses everything this Dummies book doesn't.

Great book for someone starting at ground zero!

Before I found this book, I was struggling with my fear of overlooking some important aspect while starting a non-profit, the Financial Literacy Infusion Project (FLIP). My intrepidation was actually putting some of FLIP's potential funding in jeopardy. When I looked at the scope of topics in the table of contents, I breathed a sigh of relief. I was on my way to filling in some important "holes" I had overlooked and feeling confident that I was developing a strong foundation for FLIP.

Hutton & Phillips cover the gamut of starting and running a non-profit in a reader-friendly format. NP for Dummies is also loaded with references and resources for more information on any subject covered. The CD is also a definite, easy to use PLUS!

This book puts it all together, with very savvy advice on not just what to do to launch and sustain a non-profit, but how to do it well, with realistic goals. My favorite sections are the ones on writing: how to develop a mission statement and a grant proposal. But all the nuts & bolts information about budgeting and raising money is excellent, too. The advice also is very flexible, so it can apply to nonprofits that are social service-oriented, arts-oriented, etc. A good starting point for all of us who want to turn dreams into realities.

While I wish the book covered more specifics, it does offer a helpful broad-based introduction to the main aspects of fundraising. I would recommend this book especially to small community-based nonprofit volunteers and board members who want to gain "the big picture" and research the particulars (e.g., state-wide tax laws) elsewhere.

For months I was learning how to start a non-profit through alot of second-hand sources and word of mouth. Hours online and months of hairpulling later, someone recommended this book and within 2 weeks all my ducks were in a row and now I'm waiting on them instead of myself.

Clear language, good examples, follows a nice flow. Gives me what I was missing. It is helping me to write a more useful mission statement as well as some very important items to consider when forming my board. I believe I will have a much more successful NonProfit as a result of using the many tips and examples given by the authors. I would recommend this for all involved in nonprofit management (except for perhaps the most seasoned and successful who already run them).

It's exactly what I needed. Not too technical and a broad view of non-profit organizations. Also a step by step list to prepare for and start various types of non-profits. Nonprofit Kit for Dummies (With CD-ROM)

If you are a just a layperson, without the help or advisement of a lawyer or accountant, wanting to start a non-profit organization; this is the place to start. I have used this book like a 'bible' referring to it constantly. Make sure you get the book that includes the disk, as it has all the forms you will need. Step by step instructions for every step of the way. It is very clear, concise, and very easy for the common person to understand. Starting a non profit is bar-none the hardest things I've ever completed. This is a wonderful tool.