Tips and techniques to help your nonprofit thrive in any economy Due to the recent downturn in the economy, a significant number of nonprofit organizations have experienced a major decrease in funding and contributions. Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, 3rd Edition caters to these organizations and shows you how your nonprofit can thrive and survive even in the current economic climate. With 25% new and revised material, Nonprofit Kit For Dummies, 3rd Edition offers new tips and information on everything you need to navigate the process of setting up and effectively running a nonprofit organization. Covers raising money, applying for grants, and developing the perfect mission statement Details on how state laws vary; conducting program evaluations; and conforming to accounting standards CD includes forms, worksheets, templates, and more Whether you're thinking about starting your own nonprofit or are already working in the sector, Nonprofit Kit For Dummies, 3rd Edition is a valuable source for getting the latest information and practical advice on running a prosperous nonprofit organization.

"A step-by-step guide to forming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in any state"--Cover.

"How to properly document your nonprofit's actions"--Cover.

Starting a nonprofit is one of the most exciting and gratifying adventures that you’ll ever partake in, especially when you seal the deal on your first grant. But like all adventures, running a nonprofit organization is a real challenge. Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, Second Edition shows you the fun-and-easy way to get your nonprofit up-and-running. It contains savvy advice from the experts on everything from incorporating and managing your nonprofit to unbeatable tactics for raising money and managing public relations. This hands-on, no-nonsense guide is packed with tons of useful information that will give you everything you need to: Plan your nonprofit for the community Write a buy-in guaranteed mission statement Incorporate and apply tax exemption Build your board of directors with the right people Design a volunteer program Have a paid staff run your nonprofit Create budgets and financial reports Craft the perfect fundraising plan Write a great grant proposal Raise money from individuals Included in this must-have resource is a bonus CD-ROM that contains sample grant proposals, over a dozen budget and cash flow projections, multiple fundraising plans to choose from, and a list of indispensable Web resources to keep your nonprofit on track. Nonprofit Kit for Dummies, Second Edition is the ultimate nuts-and-bolts guide to getting your nonprofit off the ground and giving back to your community!

James W. Martin is a Florida Bar Board Certified Real Estate Lawyer and Adjunct Professor of Law at Stetson University College of Law who, for over forty years, has practiced Florida real estate, wills, trusts, probate, corporations, nonprofits, and business law. The author has seen too many nonprofit corporations improperly formed and maintained. Some failed to file for tax-exempt status after incorporation; some failed to hold annual meetings and file annual reports; some failed to prepare meeting minutes and maintain records; and some failed to follow statutory procedures. Failure to comply with the basics of nonprofit corporation law can result in real estate title problems, litigation, taxes, penalties, and potential personal liability. This book provides a step-by-step process with forms and checklists for forming and maintaining Florida nonprofit corporations to avoid these problems. It is primarily directed to lawyers because Florida nonprofit corporations are legal entities created under the Florida Not For Profit Corpora­tion Act, so having a law degree really should be a prerequisite to forming and maintaining nonprofit corporations. However, the author realizes that we live in an age where nonlawyers freely access these materials on the Internet, so he has written this book in plain language that does not require a law degree to understand. But his message for nonlawyers reading this book is to be sure to engage a Florida-licensed lawyer on their behalf to review any document before it is signed or filed.