No one said that changing the world is easy but it isn't impossible either. It does get more difficult, however, if you have to play by rules you neither believe in nor consider important. If you want to change the world and - yes, let's just use the lyrics of that Michael Jackson song - make it a better place for you and me to live in, why not establish your own foundation?
6 Myths about Establishing Your Own Non-Profit Foundation
You probably have a lot of misgivings about setting up your own foundation. Before letting them get you down, find out the truth about the mechanics of establishing your own foundation. Your dream may be closer than you think.
It Takes a Lot of Money to Set Up a Foundation
No, it doesn't. The best way to think of a foundation is by considering it as a business as well, but this time, you're aiming for charity fundraising instead of generating profit. Yes, it's true that setting up a foundation - just like it is with any business - will cost you money, but you don't have to personally take out all of those funds from your pockets.
If your foundation has a serviceable and inspirational purpose and you have an excellent strategy to execute your plan, you're sure to find sponsors or donors to help you build your foundation.
You Can't Borrow Money to Set Up a Foundation
Again, this is patently untrue. Sure, it might seem like an odd idea at the start, borrowing money in order to help people. But again, it all comes back to the business plan you've prepared. If you can prove to your prospective lender that you have the means of acquiring the necessary donation to get your foundation running and pay off your debts at the same time, there's no reason why your application should be refused. Indeed, if you can touch the heart of your lender at the same time, you might even get yourself a discount on interest rates!
You Need to Focus on Popular Issues
Popularity should not be anything special social need that, ultimately, you choose to help you with your foundation to do. Choose not to homeless gay and lesbians, for the support, for example, just because homosexuality is now a popular subject of marriage with the State of California, giving them the right.
The best conditions are those based on motives that are based in fact come from the heart. Take time to really understand what causes the move. If you feel strongly about a givenissue, regardless of whether it's popular or not, you'll find it easier to convince sponsors and donors to support your cause.
Setting Up a Foundation Doesn't Need You to Have Talents or Skills in Business
Technically speaking, it's not necessary although it is preferable that you have talents or skills in doing business. If you don't have them, one of your staff should because the donations you receive and the expenses you occur have to be accounted for properly to the IRS.
A foundation can't survive if its donations aren't used wisely. You must be careful with the way you allocate your resources. You won't have as much power to change the world if you have no idea as to how to make efficient use of your donations. If necessary, consider hiring a financial manager to help you manage your foundation's accounts.
You Need Experience
Having experience setting up your own foundation is, of course, always advantageous, but it's not necessary. Even if it's your first time to set up your own foundation, your inexperience doesn't immediately spell disaster.
You can attend fundraising courses and seminars in order to learn the basics of setting up a foundation. There are also lots of books written about the art of fundraising as well as articles you can read online or download for free.
There are also numerous people who'd be willing to help you out in your endeavor. You just need to find the right person to ask.
Setting Up a Foundation is Easy
Now, the most dangerous misconception to have about setting up a foundation is to believe that it's easy. It's not, but it it's definitely doable. Just try, work hard, and don't quit and you're going to take a huge step towards your goals for changing the world.
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