Starting a Nonprofit: 9 Questions Funders Will Ask You

Рет қаралды 28,347

Күн бұрын

Starting a nonprofit and wondering how to attract funders? Make sure you have good answers to these questions. #Nonprofit #Fundraising #Nonprofits
When I first started a nonprofit organization and pitched my ideas to potential funders, donors, and grant foundations, I often heard them ask the same questions over and over again. I quickly realized I needed to have a solid plan, which included great answers to those questions, if I was going to be taken seriously while fundraising for my nonprofit.
Some of the mistakes I made when I first started prevented my nonprofit organization from growing faster than it could have! In this video I talk through 9 common nonprofit fundraising questions I’ve heard time and time again and share insights into the minds of the funders asking these questions so you can craft your plans and responses - and raise the money you need to make an impact!
Hope this helps!
// CHAPTERS
00:00 Getting Started
02:44 Funder Questions 1-4: Related to your structure and impacts
12:21 Funder Questions 5-9: Related to your values, ethics, and collaboration
// WHAT TO WATCH NEXT
How Successful Nonprofits Fundraise when Starting and Growing
• How Successful Nonprof...
How to Raise Money (based on Psychology!)
• How to Raise a Lot of ...
Nonprofit Fundraising Ideas: How to get Corporate Sponsorships
• Nonprofit Fundraising ...
// MORE ABOUT ME
Hi! I’m Amber, a nonprofit founder, Executive Director, and public speaker on social impact, changemaking, nonprofits, leadership, and more. Want me to come speak at your business, college, school, or event or interested in consulting for your nonprofit? Reach out: ambermsmith.com/
My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit (in the USA) and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/
On Facebook? Talk to me and other change makers about social change, nonprofits, social enterprise, leadership and more in my Facebook group, Change the World or Bust: / changetheworldorbust
Join my newsletter! ambermsmith.com/blog/newsletter/
I'm also on Twitter: / ambermelsmith
Pics of me and my cute dog on Instagram: / ambermelsmith

Пікірлер: 117

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

My Nonprofit Founder to Full-Time Academy -- with online trainings to guide you through the steps to start a nonprofit (in the USA) and more -- is now LIVE! foundertofulltime.com/

@madexwell 3 жыл бұрын

OK! So I've binged several videos and you've been such a great instructor. I filed for my NPO last week and they told me I have a year to gather my board, and this has all been so helpful. Truly a blessing! You've given me actual assignments and how-tos!

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

YAY! That's what I love to hear!

@wellnessislife999 2 жыл бұрын

Me too!

@Zaaim Жыл бұрын

How did you file is there a verified website for California

@paulacsnyder 3 жыл бұрын

Very detailed information. An education every time I tune in.

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@barrybogovich 2 жыл бұрын

Your videos are so helpful! (Subscribed!!) I've been starting a nonprofit this year and we're about to enter fundraising in the fall. Thank you and keep it up!

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Welcome welcome! I'm so glad they are helpful!

@andreamorgan111 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much Amber, that was well presented and easy to listen to

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@ugochionyeonu4115 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much. This very helpful 💕

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@brittanyw7108 2 жыл бұрын

Amber you are very much appreciated 🤗 THANK YOU FOR BEING YOU

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

😊

@cookingwithblu5979 2 жыл бұрын

This was very helpful! Thanks so much!

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@alicenambuya9257 3 жыл бұрын

This is great! Thank you

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

You're very welcome!

@CynthiaMJackson-dk7nz Жыл бұрын

I am literally speechless! And, it's late!!! Thank you Amber again for great information!!!❤😮

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

My pleasure Cynthia :)

@rostanley 3 жыл бұрын

THANKS SO MUCH!🙏🏽❤️

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome!

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Are you just getting started? What are some questions potential funders have asked YOU?

@sameng7003 3 жыл бұрын

You have got good knowledge related to NGOS. I like you very much .

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you! :)

@sameng7003 3 жыл бұрын

@@AmberMelanieSmith : if possible , I would like to talk to you .

@fifilifeskills9875 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks a lot. Its quite enriching

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

You are most welcome!

@hearmeoutwbandz9274 3 жыл бұрын

Great info thank you!

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@hyojinlee Жыл бұрын

Thank you for this video!

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@fideluisasanchez5865 2 жыл бұрын

You are awesome 👌 👏 Thanks for the information, I appreciate your time 🙂

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Happy to help! :)

@mimisungu9479 Жыл бұрын

Thanks Melanie,so helpful

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@OldVetNerdSage 3 жыл бұрын

Great info. Thank you

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Very welcome!

@binngoloma_thepoet7495 8 ай бұрын

Hi Amber, your doing a great job 👍. We are new in this field but you're videos are guiding us. My wife and I started a non governmental organization, " Machozi ya Mwisho Initiative", we aim to see every woman enjoy the journey of reproductive health and maternal care. ( Machozi ya Mwisho is a Swahili word to mean " the last tears😪". We believe that the tears we shed, after waking up only to find our newborn twin son had bled to death, should be the last; no woman should ever go through the pain of losing a newborn.

@frankligas2249 9 ай бұрын

Thanks for the video.

@AmberMelanieSmith 9 ай бұрын

You are welcome!

@chloeorphans8066 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for information, help alot

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Happy to help!

@happytodayou 3 жыл бұрын

Ok Amber, Wow!! 👀 This topic helped me to clarify my vision and how to eliminate doughs now, instead of later. Thanks for the emphasis on knowing more of neighboring services that we could collaborate with...Bright Lights are going off here girlfriend!! "thanks to the University of Amber" Happy Today!💕

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

You are so welcome! 🙂

@msanumedia Жыл бұрын

This makes sense. I have to subscribe.

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Welcome to the channel!

@cameronhaddad5818 2 жыл бұрын

Another excellent video.

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Glad you enjoyed it!

@NelsonRala Жыл бұрын

Very helpful thank you

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@magitambo712 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Melanie this was really helpful am currently working on approaching companies to introduce my NPO and this part was really worrying had no idea what sort of questions they might ask ..thank really

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Glad it was helpful!

@jeffplaygames112 Жыл бұрын

Amber i am from South Africa , Thank you very much for your helpfull videos ... keep it up . May GOD bless you ten times in a million ..

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

So glad they have been helpful!!

@098anne 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for your videos! I’d love a video on the best staffing strategies for new nonprofits as they start and grow through the first 3 years or so!

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Great suggestion! I'll explore that.

@wambuialice957 3 жыл бұрын

Am also interested in this

@OysterNinjaPc 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for this video.

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

I hope you found it helpful!

@OysterNinjaPc 2 жыл бұрын

@@AmberMelanieSmith you have a new subscriber

@freedomandspirituality6643 Жыл бұрын

I really enjoy your presentations. But most importantly, the impact they carry. Nason (Botswana)

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@eeagersalonecharity 4 ай бұрын

Thank you

@AmberMelanieSmith 4 ай бұрын

You're very welcome!

@theophilusturay9798 9 ай бұрын

Thank you for this brilliant video . I believe that if I had watched your video before going to the interview for a grant ,I'd not have failed . I successfully went through the first and second stages of the proposal processes ,but dropped at the interview stage because I failed to adequately respond to two important questions ,which you highlighted . First ,I was asked how much time would I dedicate to my startup if I got the funding ,considering that I currently have a fulltime job. My response was three days in the week for one year and after I'll quit my job and devote all my time to the start. Those three days were not enough to the funders. I wanted me to devote all my time to the project Secondly ,I was asked about where I could secure funding to rollout the venture after the pilot phase . My response was that I'll search for like-minded organizations and apply to them for funding. To them ,my response appeared vague ,because I couldn't name any particular organizations that I had in mind for potential funding .

@AmberMelanieSmith 9 ай бұрын

Don't be discouraged, as entrepreneurs, we hear 'no' a lot but you only need one Yes!

@wildindigomoon2344 2 жыл бұрын

Oh man I’m with you on the paper pushing, number crunching part. I’m a go getter/worker Bee that has to now learn how to run a business just so I can change the world. I suppose it could be worse... but math.... ugh 😑

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Right?!

@AquaGangGang 11 ай бұрын

HI, thank you so much for your videos. They are so helpful. I wonder if you have a video to learn from or if you have more ideas about what policies to have in place other than the above mentioned conflict of interest policy and the non-discrimination policy. I haven't found the list of policies to include. Thanks again for all you do to help us.

@AmberMelanieSmith 10 ай бұрын

That sounds like a good video topic!

@layasaul28 2 жыл бұрын

Another fantastic video that popped up just as I needed it! Someone told me that we might be asked how much money we've already raised. Is this a question I should expect? Also, mentioned that people will ask if the board are also donors--that foundations want to see 100% contribution by board members. What's your experience with this? Thank you again, Amber!!

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Yes on both counts. Funders want to know you have OTHER support elsewhere too, and that the board is participating in giving (though there's some nuanced dialogue emerging on how / if that is equitable / allows people with less means to be on boards).

@layasaul28 2 жыл бұрын

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you! (do you have a Patreon or something? I'm not in your group but get so much value that I'd like to contribute something to you for your efforts.

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Reviewing some older comments today and totally missed this! :) You're so kind. I don't have a Patreon (yet?!) but KZfaq has a function that allows people to support channels if they choose.

@TomyEdenson-ps1zr Жыл бұрын

I love you Mel

@nyakallomaema1181 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Amber, do you think it’s wise to register my NPO and get my social media handles before starting anything else? Great video 😊💕💕

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

I'm glad you liked the video! I would say before even registering the nonprofit or social media / choosing a name, you should draft a business plan and do a lot of research on the issue. It's best if nonprofits know how they will tackle / aim to 'solve' the problem they are setting out to for the community AND know how they will generate enough revenue / raise money in order to do it. Hope this helps!

@oneshowoneservant 2 жыл бұрын

🔥oh hello 👍 i enjoy your light 🔥 you are part of my light 🔥 see you in the future friend ☁️

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks for stopping by!

@toyagarner7700 2 жыл бұрын

Hello I love your channel what Mic are you using and Camera?

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Hey Toya! Sorry it took me so long to respond - totally missed this one! Camera for this video is a Canon EOS Rebel SL2 and mic is Takstar.

@sarahunleashed6973 Жыл бұрын

Realisticly. How long does it take to get a nonprofit up and running and paying yourself and working fulltime? My husband and I have an idea of a nonprofit but we are in the idea phase. What are your suggestions on where to start?

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Hey there! It widely varies, based on what kind of support and network you have at the start. It can take a few years to several years. Your Board will need to agree/vote to hire you (and you won't be able to vote to hire yourself).

@funderburk1 2 жыл бұрын

Hello! You and your videos are amazing! Would you be interested to mentor a non-profit founder to learn how to start-up her non-profit in California?

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for watching and I hope the videos are helpful! I'm all booked up right now but definitely check out my group on Facebook / my other videos, they may be able to help!

@michaelellison8329 2 жыл бұрын

As a new executive director for a non profit what are the top 3 things that will set me up for success thank you Amber

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Hmmm, I'd say - 1) Build as many community relationships as you can, 2) Learn the ins and outs of different revenue models and fundraising, 3) invest in infrastructure as early as possible!

@byheart-org Жыл бұрын

So good! Thank-you, Amber!

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

You're so welcome!

@Cabdulfatah_ Жыл бұрын

How do you provide a financial statement to a funder when your nonprofit have zero income? Basically just getting started and you applied for a grant?

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

In most cases, grants will be easier to get for organizations with some impacts and time under their belts. But for new organizations, providing a budget with estimated costs is what you would do.

@Cabdulfatah_ Жыл бұрын

@@AmberMelanieSmith thanks so much for responding back to me so quickly. Your idea really helps 🙏

@TomyEdenson-ps1zr Жыл бұрын

Ah Mel, you drive me crazy . Wow !

@beckyabrams1645 2 жыл бұрын

I run a non profit hybrid homeschool program. I have such a hard time answering the question…how do you know you’ve accomplished your mission/your mission is successful. Thoughts?

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

I would ask, what do you hope the kids leave your program having learned or accomplished?

@SistaBarlow Жыл бұрын

We pastor a church that is nonprofit, 501c3. The new thing I want to do ties into the purpose of the church. Should it fall under the church OR become its own nonprofit?

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Are you asking what to do if you want to start a program under the church? That depends on if its mission aligns.

@donnadyson8860 Ай бұрын

I need a grant writer and support

@muayadaziz3937 2 жыл бұрын

Hi, My name is Muayad Aziz. I am a founder of the non profit organization in Washington State. My position is the Executive Director. My question could I have both the executive director and of the board director who provide direct vision services?

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 жыл бұрын

Hey there! Executive Directors could and sometimes do also serve on their Board (if that's what you're asking), but they just can't vote on anything that impacts them (like whether they are hired, fired, or what their salary is).

@muayadaziz3937 2 жыл бұрын

@@AmberMelanieSmith Thank you so much!

@MathbyRyan 8 ай бұрын

How is your transcript and CC so far off? This is far from accessible. Please update!

@AmberMelanieSmith 8 ай бұрын

Thanks for letting me know, I'll look into it!

@MathbyRyan 7 ай бұрын

Hmm looks like you are still auto-translating from Vietnamese. here are some funny phrases you supposedly say (according to your CC) 7:04 you'll only because Pokemon want to 7:06 write the words to talk about Company 7:08 and nothing worth of annam purchase in 7:11 the same decorous Center of people talk 7:15 about how are you are welcome and defend 7:18 answer What weather is today is the part

@AmberMelanieSmith 7 ай бұрын

@@MathbyRyan Aaahhh, I was trying to fix these yesterday and KZfaq wasn't giving me the option - I'll keep trying, I swear!

@MYH_foundation Ай бұрын

i love ❤u

@masoodamilad2405 3 жыл бұрын

Dear Amber I want to start a non profit organization with my friend to end homelessness through sponsoring my country refugees. We both don’t have saving and all our income goes to our daily expenses. Can we still do it with empty hand?? Your advice is highly needed.

@AmberMelanieSmith 3 жыл бұрын

Hey there! Anyone can start building up a network of community members and potential supporters, even starting with no money. :) Start by gathering people you know to share what you are doing, and see what kinds of support they may be able to offer.

@williammai7571 3 жыл бұрын

Hi Amber Melanie Smith. I am Bac. My non-profit organization cleared up garbage in June and we plan to teach English to poor children free in December. If you have time, may you be my mentor who guides me through email? Thank you so much!

@billmusk4002 2 ай бұрын

❤

@AmberMelanieSmith 2 ай бұрын

🙂

@joeparkhurst57 7 ай бұрын

Hi, I like your channel. You'll want to have someone review your videos, and update your CC. Your CC as it is now on this video is not accurate and it can negatively impact this specific video and your whole channel.

@AmberMelanieSmith 7 ай бұрын

Thank you! I keep trying to edit them but KZfaq took away my edit button! :( I don't know how to fix!

@geoffreykariuki8814 Жыл бұрын

Hi Melanie, very informative videos! Is it possible to get your email address? I need help with our non-profit. I'll tremendously appreciate your response. Regards

@AmberMelanieSmith Жыл бұрын

Hey there! Feel free to join my Facebook group to talk to people in my changemaker community if you have questions! facebook.com/groups/changetheworldorbust