You may be interested in starting a new venture something that is quite challenging and motivating. Your motive for launching such a venture might not be to make profits but to allow you to help people learn and grow. Such institutions are referred to as ‘Non-Governmental Agency. But how to start one? Fortunately, with some expert tips and a proper Fundraising Strategy, you can launch a Successful NGO one and operate successfully.
10 steps to launch a NGO
1. Test waters:
You need to be committed towards ‘the cause’. Find out if you really have it in you to help others and not just to earn profits. If you are a newbie, then you are suggested to join an existing one and get first-hand experience. This will allow you to resolve as well as direct your passion in the correct direction.
2. Start the correct way:
For all such agencies, the fundamental goal should be to become obsolete on two levels. This is with respect to your personal involvement to enable the agency to function without your leadership. The other long-term goal to set is solving issues. Doing so will allow you to help people in every possible manner and create Social awareness.
3. Clarify goals:
It is essential to establish realistic goals for both you and the agency to follow. You need to deal with something that is practically possible. Select a niche to work on. Choosing something small, following through and doing it correctly is sure to bring positive change.
4. Develop action plan:
Having a concrete plan is sure to make your agency effective. You will also be able to address potential negative impacts while attracting volunteers and donors. Follow through with something you start. Hard work combined with a good plan will bring the desired results. Also will require experienced Team Management.
5. Gather vital information:
For every NGO, local knowledge will be indispensable. Do thorough research and develop contacts. Get to know the worldview of the locals if you desire to work in a foreign culture. Local knowledge can make your agency effective. Otherwise, it will only do more harm.
6. Design a website:
You do need to create a functional official website to create Social awareness among the masses about your agency. A well-developed site can provide your institution with a professional appearance, secure funding and attract volunteers. Besides this, an interactive site helps reduce the need for micro-managing and meetings.
7. Evaluate financial needs:
You need to develop a strong Fundraising Strategy. Usually, it involves lots of paperwork and might come with strings attached. Funding amount and your institution’s work quality are inversely related. Institutions with less money are found to do much better per dollar/hour spent. Hence, try to reduce official need for money!
8. Find balance:
You need to be realistic on the amount of time you can dedicate towards your new venture. Not much long-term benefits can be derived if you happen to take projects beyond your specified limits. Remember, putting in too much time might cause quick burnout in just two years. Your new venture requires you.
9. Network a lot:
Develop strong relationship with organizations and people alike engaged in similar work. This way, you get to learn a lot from their past mistakes and successes. Moreover, networking allows you to know the right time to team up as well as to divide efforts to ensure optimum effectiveness.
10. Re-evaluate everything:
Don’t just rush with your new venture. Rather, take out time to evaluate achievements made and understand where the institution is headed to. Take pride in what is achieved. Also lay emphasis on Team Management to do much better.
You can start an NGO provided you follow the above tips. A successful venture is sure to make you feel happy and satisfied.
