A full commitment: is starting a nonprofit right for you?

• Author: Francom, Sarah Ryther
• Position: GIVING GUIDE 2009 - Utah Nonprofits Association

So you've had a successful career and believe now is the time to make a full-time commitment to giving back. Though you may think you've got all the passion, resources and support needed to start a successful nonprofit, the Utah Nonprofits Association suggests considering the following questions before you begin:

What is the nonprofit's mission?

Answer this question by writing a mission statement. The mission statement should clearly define what service the nonprofit aims to provide; it should also define who the nonprofit's potential clients are.

Listing the nonprofit's goals and objectives is also key to determining its overall mission. Start by listing goals to be achieved during the organization's first year. These initial goals should map out a plan to get the nonprofit started. Next, list the nonprofit's ultimate goals--what it plans to accomplish once the initial start-up phase is complete.

Is there a need for the nonprofit?

Once you've determined the nonprofit's service and its potential clients, determine whether there is really a need for that service and whether a solid client base exists. Talk to experts in the field in which you aim to serve. For example, if the nonprofit's service is to provide elementary-age children with winter clothing, talk to school districts, local PTAs, etc. to determine the actual need. Consider revising your mission statement to narrow or expand the nonprofit's scope as needed.

Would it be better to collaborate with an existing organization?

Though starting your own nonprofit organization may be a life-long dream, consider collaborating with similar nonprofits before organizing a new nonprofit. Visit www.utahnonprofits.org for a full list of Utah-based nonprofits to ensure you won't be unnecessarily competing with an already successful organization. Starting a new nonprofit when there's an existing nonprofit with similar goals may potentially do more harm than good by taking needed funds and other resources.

If there's a similar nonprofit out there, contact the nonprofit's director to determine how you...