Launching a nonprofit organization can be both a thrilling and challenging time. We recognize that once you’ve received your 501(c)(3) status, it can be tough to decide on your next step. Your to-do list may be growing by the minute, but capacity investments now can make a big difference in strengthening your foundation for what’s ahead.
At Taproot, we’ve spent over 25 years working alongside nonprofits to strengthen their organizational foundations that power their missions. Through high-quality pro bono service, we connect nonprofit leaders with skilled professionals who deliver practical, outcome-driven support designed around real nonprofit constraints.
Ready to get started? First, create an account on Taproot Plus, our free online volunteer matching platform. Next, request your first Project to kick start your nonprofit! We developed pre-scoped Project templates for you to easily request volunteer support in critical areas.
These 5 Taproot Plus Projects will help set up your new nonprofit for success.
1. Mission and Vision Statement Development
As a new nonprofit leader, you’ll need to sell community members, funders, and volunteers on the importance of your mission. A clear, concise, and inspiring mission and vision will help you tell a consistent story and create advocates who understand your purpose and passion.
2. Brand Style Guide
Your organization needs to build trust and establish credibility. Creating a consistent look and feel with a professional-looking brand will help your stakeholders take you seriously and give you confidence! A brand style guide will also successfully set your nonprofit up for future work on your marketing materials, website, and more.
3. Board Recruitment Strategy
For startups, it can often feel as if there is too little time and too much work to be done. Burnout is a real challenge. Avoid the risk of spreading yourself too thin by recruiting board members whose skill sets supplement the strengths that you bring to the table. If you’re an expert marketer, consider focusing on recruiting people experienced in legal, HR, or fundraising, so you’re free to focus on the activities you’re great at. Work with a skilled recruitment professional to create the strategy for bringing new board members into your organization.
4. Grant Proposal Review
With an engaging mission, brand guidelines, and a Board of Directors at your back, you’re ready to get some funding! Before you click ‘submit’ on that grant proposal, get a fresh set of copywriter eyes on it to increase your chances of impressing the funder and securing financial support.
5. Accounting Systems Set Up
As your organization’s work kicks off, support will be rolling in. Are you ready? If accounting isn’t your area of expertise, make sure your accounting systems are set up right from the start. It’s easier to get it right from the beginning than to go back and fix mistakes. Find an expert to set up your budgeting backbone.
Our project templates are designed around nonprofit realities, limited time, limited resources, and key priorities, so expertise translates into practical, usable results for nonprofits. Create a free account for your start-up nonprofit now to request support for one of these Taproot Plus projects and more!
