Hillman B2 - Non Profit Support & Development.

Hillman B2 researched the information below to assist non profit organizations that are newly established, or have limited experience & support in the non profit sector. Key topics are explored which includes tips regarding IRS Form 1023; program development; social media integration; website development; public relations; grant writing; grant submission, etc. There are also resource links within and outside of the Hillman B2 website. For the do it yourself type, the provided information should suffice, however, if consultation or support services are preferred, we will be delighted to assist. Contact us at (770) 964-6453 or via email at info@HillmanB2.com for an appointment. Thank You.

Photo Credit: U.S. Treasury Department.

Note: These tips provided as a courtesy, and should not be considered as legal advice. Legal and Accounting related concerns should always be addressed with a licensed practitioner in those respective fields.

Hillman B2 Non Profit Development Tips. Scroll Button on Right.

Incorporate through the Georgia Secretary of State. The filing fee is approx. $100 Note: Remember to include the dissolution clause in your articles of incorporation, or your Form 1023 will be returned by the Treasury Department. Also note that Georgia does not permit non profits to form as an LLC.
Secure a Federal Tax ID Number (EIN) through the IRS website. Note: A State Tax ID number is required if your are retailing products.
Secure a separate bank account for your organization. Also consider legal and professional accounting advice regarding record keeping and reporting obligations.
Download Form 1023. May be completed online by clicking here. Filing fee is either $400 or $800, based upon revenue/projections. Note: This package of documents is quite extensive. Tips are available in the next frame.
Conceptualize your program (s). This is step 1 of a 2 step process & highly important for eventual grant consideration.
Website Development. Highly necessary for organization visibility. If you do not have a web site, see Hillman B2 web development packages, as an option.
Develop marketing materials. At the very least, a tri-fold is needed to communicate information about your organization. The tri-fold may also be converted into a PDF format for download through your About Us page. Brochures samples may be reviewed by clicking here.
Develop your program (s). Earlier, your programs were conceptualized, for preliminary placement in your website & brochure. Prior to developing a grant proposal, this program will need to be fully developed and documented.
Social Networking. Covered in a separate frame. At the very least: Facebook, Twitter, and if appropriate YouTube are standards. A LinkedIn page is also beneficial for the Executive Director/Founder.
Grant Proposal Development. Covered in a separate frame. This is your calling card for financial support, and should be carefully and professionally developed, with realistic expectations.
Grant Submission. Covered in a separate frame. If the Grant Proposal is your calling card for funding, then submitting the grant should lead to picking up the check. Note: Securing funds is not an easy process, but for operations that are well organized with grant worthy programs, the process is well worth the effort.

Narrative. Develop a comprehensive narrative (2-3 pages should suffice) to support your non profit goals, objectives, service areas, etc. The narrative should also include brief bios, or resumes of the key parties to show operational competence in the area of interest. Remember, you are making a case to be recognized as a tax free organization. Sell yourself, team, and purpose.
Financial Data. Financial reporting requirements (Part IX - Pg 9) include four year financial performance (Revenues/Expenses) for established organizations, or three year financial projections for new organizations. For new organizations, ensure that your three year projections are conducive to your objectives and operational scope, as defined in your narrative. There must be a logical connection in operational scope versus financial projections, conflicts can lead to a delay or rejection. For example, if your grand vision is to re-chisel the images on Mount Rushmore, the expense projections for such a massive undertaking will certainly exceed $10K per year, and should be reflected in your projections.
Policies. It is a good ideal to include policies for operational integrity and and quality control. Standard policies include: Compensation Policy; Donor Policy; Conflict of Interest Policy.
Dissolution Clause. This clause must be included in your Articles of Incorporation or Bylaws. The Form 1023 also requires that you indicate specifically where the clause can be found within your organizing documents. The dissolution clause ensures that the organizer understands that assets of the non profit must be donated to another non profit, if and when the organization closes or ceases operating. Google "Dissolution Clause" to get an example.
Articles of Incorporation. Must be included in your Form 1023 document package.
Public or Private. If your non profit will seek donations from the general public, rather than depend upon a select group of individuals, companies, or institutions, you will be better suited for Public Non Profit status. For general information on Private Non Profit status, please visit the Non Profit Legal Center.
Balance Sheet. Only necessary for existing organizations, and should be consistent with your latest tax filing.
Schedules. There are Schedule documents which must be completed for select non profit types including: Churches; Schools; Homes for the Elderly Handicap, or Low Income; Organizations that has not filed within 27 months of incorporating.

Hillman B2 Non Profit Development Tips

Note: Effective programs are a significant factor in grant consideration, in fact, programs are your justification for the pursuit of funding.
Develop a compelling & relevant name for your program.
Determine who your program will target and impact.
Determine the objectives, goals, and aspirations.
Consider the time period for execution i.e., weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually, ongoing/perpetual, etc.
Determine membership or participation requirements. Suggestion: Make admission/participation simple, minimize barriers to entry.
If youth are being targeted, ensure mechanism for parental approval, support, involvement, as well as necessary waivers.
Develop method of volunteer and staff recruitment.
Determine program budget, sustainability, and revenue potential in order to ensure fiscal and operational solvency. No corporation or funding source wants to permanently "adopt" a program. There will be a need to show sustainability beyond the requested donation amount and funding period. In short, a company does not want to fund a program that has a pending "death date" because of the inability to maintain financial standing.
Hold meeting and record meetings with the Executive Board, Staff, Volunteers, etc., to enhance and further develop program.
Create a program or operational binder which will serve as a "living document", to continue the program's development and execution.

Do not overlook this critical component.
Remember, even though an individual, corporation, institution, or foundation receives the tax deductible benefit for donating to your organization, that is not a benefit that you created, nor one that is unique to your organization. The difference between donating to your organization, and the non profit across the street may be a factor of effective Public Relations included in your program.
If a board member, staff, or volunteer is not capable of developing and executing an effective PR campaign for your program, it would be a wise consideration to hire or contract a PR professional. A program that is unlikely to recieve media impressions or coverage is valued significantly less than programs with an effective public relations strategy. If you would like to be referred to an experienced Public Relations Manager that also works with developing non profits, please email your request to Info@HillmanB2.com
Not all press releases are created or considered equally! A compelling press release and or press kit is paramount. After developing the press materials, ensure to include a PDF version for website download.
If your PR is being developed internally, consider a comprehensive campaign that may include direct mail, television, radio, print, social media, etc.
Develop your target list of media prospects. Pitch. Pitch. Pitch.
When you get a "hit" i.e.., the interview, article placement, radio announcement, etc., ensure to document for your records. Publicity is key part of program validation. Media impressions are one of the most important considerations when a donor or funding source considers your program for the next round of funding.

Hillman B2 Non Profit Development Tips

Develop a Facebook Fan Page (not to be confused with a personal page), and link to your website. A properly developed Fan Page is accessible to all visitors and does not require a Facebook Account to see your Fan Page. To see examples of Hillman B2 Custom Facebook Fan Pages, click here.
If applicable, a Twitter account should be linked to keep supporters abreast of your progress, developments, and announcements.
A YouTube account should be considered if your organization has video content that highlights your program, members, staff, activity, etc.
Note: Do not rely on a third party providers (Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, etc.) as your sole source of online presence. Third party social media accounts are great leveraging resources, but creative control and independence is lost if this becomes an exclusive online platform for your organization. Ensure that you have an organizational website.
The Executive Director and Founder should secure a LinkedIn account in order to publicize qualifications, endorsements, and awards. This will assist in validating the organization.

Ensure this task is assigned to a writer or team of writers that contribute creative, technical, statistical, & financial information in a clear, compelling, and cohesive format.
Ensure the presentation components are included in your grant proposal, i.e., Introduction; Overview; Objectives; Team or Partnership Information; Program Description; Program Execution; Marketing/Public Relations; Sponsorship/Participation Benefit & Levels, Summary, etc.
Use creative yet relevant name and tagline for your program.
If you do not have a logo specifically for this program, then consider investing in a logo creation for brand identity purpose. There are a broad range of graphic design services locally, online, as well as through low cost freelancers. Contact us if a referral is needed.
Invest in letterhead, business cards, mailing envelopes, etc., to reflect a professional image.
Create a color copy of the proposal with glossy, heavyweight paper, if a hardcopy needs to be submitted, otherwise, a PDF will suffice.
Include a cover letter specifying your purpose and briefly explaining your program.
To request a copy of an example grant presentation, please email your request to info@HillmanB2.com Note: This request is ONLY accepted via the email option. No calls please.
Need Help? Contact Us via Phone: (770) 964-6453 or Email: info@HillmanB2.com

Hillman B2 Non Profit Development Tips

Set a consistent submission pace & stick with it.
Grant submission is neither an art nor a science, yet it does require consistency and tenacity. Because far more rejections than approvals will be experienced, submitting grants is not for the faint of heart. A great program, great proposal, consistent submissions are the keys to victory.
Develop a target list first (perhaps in an Excel spreadsheet), which includes contact information of corporate donors, foundations, institutions, and government entities that has grant opportunities that are conducive to your program, target audience, etc.
Ensure the target list includes grant submission time lines, consideration dates, follow up process ,etc.
Certain funding sources requires the applicant apply online through a comprehensive questionnaire, others accept proposals in standard form, so be flexible and prepared.
Remember to follow up as appropriate and include notes in your spreadsheet
If the timeline for the current funding period has expired, note the opening day for the next phase of proposal consideration and schedule your submission.
Your spreadsheet should grow in prospect quantity and useful information. This will become your working resource and grant submission playbook.
Remember, pitch consistently and rise above discouragement.

Non Profit incorporation document completion
501(c)3 - Form 1023 Development
Program Development
Grant Writing
Marketing Materials
Public Relations Referral
Complete Website Development, or Website Edits & Enhancements. Get pricing information here
Custom Facebook Fan Page. View Samples & get pricing here.
To discuss any of our services, please contact us at info@HillmanB2.com
To request information for other services listed above, proceed to the Contact Form, which is the last frame in this slide, or submit a Quote Request by clicking here.

Hillman B2 - Experience with various Non Profits!

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