Difference between revisions of "How to Start an NGO"
From NGO Handbook
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Starting an NGO can be a very time-consuming process. It requires a strong vision and dedication from an individual or group that share a common concern about a community. If initiated correctly in an organized and strategic way, the services implemented to benefit the community can be very helpful and resourceful. | Starting an NGO can be a very time-consuming process. It requires a strong vision and dedication from an individual or group that share a common concern about a community. If initiated correctly in an organized and strategic way, the services implemented to benefit the community can be very helpful and resourceful. | ||
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It is also necessary to envision what the organization will become and what the long term goals and objectives are. This should be done through short-term planning (an annual plan) as well as long-term planning (a strategic plan). | It is also necessary to envision what the organization will become and what the long term goals and objectives are. This should be done through short-term planning (an annual plan) as well as long-term planning (a strategic plan). | ||
| − | ''' | + | == '''2. Establish an Initial Board of Directors''' == |
When setting up an NGO, the founder(s) must recruit the initial board of directors. It is helpful to start with a small group of committed individuals because the first board is the foundation of the NGO. The members must have strong legal, financial, and technological skills and should know that they are expected to serve on the basis of the public’s best interest. | When setting up an NGO, the founder(s) must recruit the initial board of directors. It is helpful to start with a small group of committed individuals because the first board is the foundation of the NGO. The members must have strong legal, financial, and technological skills and should know that they are expected to serve on the basis of the public’s best interest. | ||
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People who clearly understand the mission and goals of the organization and who have new and progressive ideas to contribute are essential. Most importantly, the initial board should be able to work as a team in order to help the organization get started and gain acceptance from the community. The size and structure of the board, as well as the people who make it up, may change based on the size and needs of the organization once the NGO becomes officially established. | People who clearly understand the mission and goals of the organization and who have new and progressive ideas to contribute are essential. Most importantly, the initial board should be able to work as a team in order to help the organization get started and gain acceptance from the community. The size and structure of the board, as well as the people who make it up, may change based on the size and needs of the organization once the NGO becomes officially established. | ||
| − | ''' | + | == '''3. Seek Legal Expertise''' == |
Because there are many legal matters that an NGO must deal with in first starting up, it is sometimes helpful to seek a lawyer. A lawyer can help with | Because there are many legal matters that an NGO must deal with in first starting up, it is sometimes helpful to seek a lawyer. A lawyer can help with | ||
Revision as of 10:42, 23 July 2008
Starting an NGO can be a very time-consuming process. It requires a strong vision and dedication from an individual or group that share a common concern about a community. If initiated correctly in an organized and strategic way, the services implemented to benefit the community can be very helpful and resourceful.
The following presents nine steps, in general chronological order, that are useful in the formation of an NGO. This paper acts as a broad “how to” guideline and these issues may vary depending on each NGO. It is important to realize that these situations also vary from country to country, as each one has its own specific requirements and recommendations.
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