One of the most common questions we hear is "How do I start my own nonprofit?" By following the steps below, we hope that many of your questions will be answered. These resources are certainly no substitute for legal advice from an attorney familiar with the law of tax-exempt organizations in North Carolina.
While we offer the resources here for informational purposes, we highly recommend also consulting with legal counsel to ensure that you are in compliance with all federal, state, and local regulations governing the establishment and operations of a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization.
Here is a link to more information on starting a North Carolina nonprofit, as well as a guide provided by the NC Center for Non-Profits:
Bi-weekly publication which provides news and information for fund raisers, professional employees of foundation, corporate grant makers, and people who work for nonprofit, tax exempt organizations in health, education, religion, the arts, and social services (from the publisher).
Quarterly journal magazine that provides busy nonprofit leaders with concise and practical articles whose advice can be easily implemented.
Supporting your staff with professional development helps build a better organization and better members of your team.
As the governing body of a nonprofit, the board of directors or board of trustees fulfills a variety of roles and responsibilities. Among its many duties, the board:
In order to carry out these duties effectively, the board will often need to expand as an organization grows and matures. While recruitment is one important step in this process, a broad, systematic approach to board development, including orientation, training, evaluation, and the cultivation of prospective board members, is critical to ensuring the long-term success of any board.
To learn more about developing nonprofit boards, the Foundation Center offers the following:
Where Alamance County non-profits can receive guidance about start-ups and funding:
Small Business Center - Alamance Community College - Provides counseling for both for-profit and non-profit start-ups. Free one-on-one couseling and advice. There are lots of free classes on topics such as start-ups, marketing, and more.
North Carolina Center for Non-Profits - A private, 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that serves as a statewide network for nonprofit board and staff members, an information center on effective organizational practices, and an advocate for the nonprofit sector as a whole.
for qualified nonprofits.
Alamance County Public Libraries provide free and open access to lifelong learning, resources for everyday living, and reading for pleasure in a welcoming environment. Our collections, services and programs enhance the quality of life for individuals, families, and communities. Contact the Library webmaster.
Alamance County Public Libraries operates as a Department of Alamance County Government. Visit the Alamance County Website at www.alamance-nc.com.