Difference between revisions of "How to Start an NGO"
From NGO Handbook
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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.<ref>Wolf, Thomas. (1999). Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc.</ref> | 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.<ref>Wolf, Thomas. (1999). Managing a Nonprofit Organization in the Twenty-First Century. New York: Simon & Schuster Inc.</ref> | ||
| − | 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.<ref>BoardSource: Building Effective Nonprofit Boards. (2008). </ref> 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.<ref>BoardSource: Building Effective Nonprofit Boards. (2008). </ref> 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.<ref>Hummel, Joan M. (1996). </ref> |
==3. Seek Legal Expertise== | ==3. Seek Legal Expertise== | ||
Revision as of 11:12, 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.[1]
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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