Ready to get started with your nonprofit? You might be tempted to DIY everything to save money. However, remember that your time is valuable, as well; could it be allocated to something more important? If you’re not sure how to do something – or it’s not a skill set at which you excel – you might waste time and resources as you scramble to complete tasks yourself. You could even end up spending unnecessary funds to fix rookie mistakes.

Invest in the items, projects, and duties below, and you’ll save yourself stress in the long run.

Initial Branding:

A Professional Logo: Have a graphic designer create something you truly love. It’ll look more polished and lend clout to your nascent nonprofit.
A Well-Designed Website and Domain Name: Lock in your nonprofit’s name by purchasing the domain name, and utilize a website provider that offers tech support, like Squarespace or Wix, to create an easy to navigate, informative site.
Branded Email: An email that ends in your organization’s name gives legitimacy to your nonprofit. It also just plain makes it easier and clearer for everyone involved. You can set this up via G Suite; nonprofits can use the basic version for free.
Quality Pictures for Your Website: Set up an initial photo shoot for you and your team, and consider adding photos of clients, as well. Polished photos again add legitimacy and professionalism to your organization’s site.

Financial and Accounting:

QuickBooks (or another accounting software): Using specialized software to guide you through the ins and outs of accounting can help alleviate a payroll headache (or an audit).
Assistance Filing for Your Tax-Exempt 501c3 Status: Someone with experience and training can easily help you through the specifics of filing.
A Professional to File Your 990 Forms: These forms are tricky, though if you’re filing a 990N, you can likely do it yourself.
A Grant Writer: If you’re not trained in this area, you’ll want a skilled grant writer to assist. He or she can help you find appropriate grants and knows the language to craft a successful application.

Ongoing Marketing:

Marketing Materials: Yes, you’re going to need good old-fashioned business cards. Brochures, a short 3-5 page report on your work, an infographic with relevant statistics – they’re all tangible ways to show your goals to prospective employees, clients, or donors.
SEO Help: Unless you’re a master at search engine optimization, hire someone to help, and users will find your site more easily. This person can also assist with linking your donation accounts.
Software for Social Media Scheduling: You’ll need to keep track of so much; make your job a little easier with helpful software. We use Hootsuite, but there are many options.
A Social Media Manager: You want to get the word out about your new nonprofit, and you want to do it efficiently and eloquently. A social media manager can help build your presence and reputation right off the bat.
Graphic Design or Presentation Software: The key here is to look professional from the get-go to garner support as soon as possible.

Bonus – Freebies!

G Suite: As mentioned earlier, a basic version of G Suite is free for nonprofits. It includes storage space, professional email addresses, calendars, video conferencing, and more.
Canva: Registered nonprofits can utilize this user-friendly online graphic design platform for free.
Trello: Use this software to organize tasks and to-do lists and improve overall workflow. The basic version is free, and registered nonprofits get a hefty discount on upgraded accounts, as well.
Google Ad Grants: Get the word out on your nonprofit with targeted online advertising. Qualifying nonprofits receive $10,000 in in-kind Google Ads advertising each month.

Whew. We know that’s a lot. We’re here to guide you through the necessary steps to start up your nonprofit, whether you need handholding, some gentle nudging, or a big push in the right direction. Click “Contact Us” to get moving!