The August/September 2006 Issue of the Gots To Have It, Newsletter contains:

Summer is on its way out and I hope you all had a relaxing and enjoyable one! I just had my first Hurricane scare down here in Florida with Mr. Ernesto, which turned out to be a puff of wind and some rain. The news I tell ya, they love scaring the daylights out of folks!

I will be back in the Big Apple very soon. Sept 13^th is the New Jersey Give ‘N Take and October 4^th is our WE’RE 4 AND FABULOUS Anniversary party! (This one is co-ed fellas, so we hope to see you all there in full force!)  I’ll be at both and looking forward being back home to see some old friends :)

Details are here: www.giventakenetwork.org/events.html

This month, we are talking about Not-For-Profits. It’s been an issue many folks have asked me about and it’s not something I specialize in, so when in doubt…I bring on the experts! In the last few years, I’ve been lucky enough to meet many individuals who run their own Not-For Profits, serve on boards, and have years of experience in this industry. This issue will hopefully shed some light on the topic for those of you who want to learn more about it.

Enjoy!

Simone Kelly-Brown

 P.S. And don't forget to share with me how this issue has helped you in any way!

German DuBois of The Dubois Group

German (pronounced Herr-mon) has been a friend of the Gots To Have It and Give 'N Take Network family for years now, always telling folks about our events, and supporting us in all that we do. It's our turn to brag about him now! We are happy to introduce you to an indivudual who makes it his business to educate our children and empower parents with the knowledge they need to raise them into responsible adults. We know the world needs more people like this!

1. Tell me a little about yourself. I am a 36 year old single dad with a beautiful 12 year old daughter. I was born and raised in New York City, and am a product of public school education. From then, I always recognized that the educational system in New York City lacked resources and unfortunately deprived our youth of the appropriate preparation they need to be successful as students and as adults. As a graduate and as a professional educator, I fully realize that my observation is pure fact.

2. How did you discover your passion?

As an undergraduate student, I had the opportunity to work as a summer camp counselor at Lemoyne College in Syracuse, NY at a college preparatory program for at-risk high school students who had aspirations of going to college, but needed academic assistance and guidance. After that 6 week summer residential experience, I discovered that I had an interest and an ability to impact youth to believe in themselves.

3. What do your find most rewarding about your career?

The most rewarding aspect of my career is when I run into former students of mine, years after they have participated in my programs, and they acknowledge the impact that my programs had in their lives.

4. Non-profit organizations can often be difficult to jumpstart as with any business. What in your opinion, are a few necessary steps to take  to start a non-profit?

First be sure you understand the dynamics of how business is conducted in a non-profit sector. Registering your non-profit as an official 501c3 with the necessary government agencies is necessary to be eligible to receive funding from various sources. Second, know exactly what type of service you want to provide as your product. Lack of clarity, could delay your access to funding.

5. What have been your major obstacles and how did you overcome them?

Like any business, when you start your operation, you need to identify who your target audience will be, or who will be the recipients of the services you will provide. Often, non-profits struggle, because they fail to strategically identify who will benefit from the program services and how will those who you want to serve are made aware of the resources you have available for them. 

Relocating to Florida proved to be challenging, because I lacked local credibility and lacked relationships with the local network of non-profit providers. Despite my extensive experience in other major cities, employers and funders wanted to know what I had done in Florida. In an effort to establish local credibility, I accepted small scale projects, at a below market value price, with various grass roots community based non-profit organizations and developed a professional reputation that could provide referrals and references for me to further my network.

6. What project are you most proud of?

I was responsible for developing and monitoring a Pre-College initiative in the state of Georgia, hosted by the Board of Regents and funded by the University System of Georgia. The program model served and prepared thousands of middle and high school students throughout the state to pursue an undergraduate degree by providing them with counseling and academic guidance.

7. How do you relax, or spend your down time?

I enjoy training at the gym and spending time at the beach. Both are therapeutic and relieve me of stress, anxiety and allow me to clear my mind.

 8. A little fun now...tell us:

• Favorite Food – Acapuria (Puerto Rican appetizer)

• Who inspires you – my daughter Imani is my inspiration to be the best that I can be

• College/Graduate School – BA, Colgate University / M Ed., Columbia University

• Worst Job – Street Cleaner & Laborer at a Recycling Plant

• Books on Nightstand – Their Eyes are Watching

• CDs in heavy rotation – Goapele I & II, Big Brooklyn Red-Unrehearsed Volume I,

• What’s the secret to your success? - Stay Humble, Stay Hungry, Stay Focused

To contact German Dubois email him at: german_dubois@yahoo.com

SOME GREAT RESOURCES FOR NOT-FOR-PROFITS:

Not-For-Profit Resource Center

This site is an amazing resource for anyone in this industry or targeting this industry! From Job placement, Fundraising, to Grant Writing; loads of info!

http://www.not-for-profit.org/

The Advantages and Disadvantages

http://www.mycorporation.com/llcnonprofitadv.htm

Management For Not-For-Profits

This site is dedicated to the exploration of the philosophies and techniques of management in Not-for-Profit organizations.http://www.npmanagement.org

The Perks and Pitfalls of Not-For-Profits: Get some insight from two more experts!

Lisa Sole-Williams, Financial Consultant 1.    What is a non-profit organization? Typically a Not-For-Profit is established with the intent of supporting public or private interests or philanthropic causes.

Not-For-Profits are formed through incorporation in the state which most of the business will be conducted.  This allows the entity to legally enter into contracts, own property and be treated as a corporation under the law. 

Not-For-Profits operate for non-commercial purposes meaning its primary purpose is not generate a profit that is distributed to its stockholders or pay dividends.  Any monies generated by the organization are used to pay its employees and directors, cover its operating expenses and support the causes it was established for.  Since it does not retain earnings, Not-For-Profits do not pay taxes.

2. What, in your opinion, are the guidelines for success?

The basics include:

• Confirming that your organization will qualify as a not for profit for tax purposes.  Each state has a slightly different definition of what qualifies as a not for profit.
• Define the purpose and mission of the entity
• Determine what other services and organizations in the market provide support the for same or similar target market
• Determine how the entity will distinguish itself form other organizations with a similar purpose

Other steps for success:

• Find partners to help support the cause and increase awareness.  For-profit corporations or other not-for-profits can have an interest in supporting your organization
• Establish a strong board of directors with very diverse skills for example understanding of law or finance or fundraising or marketing etc. 
• Establish controls around money – how it is raised, how cash is managed, who has the authority to commit funds?
• Find other not-for-profits that are out there to help Not-For-Profits.  These organizations are set up to support charitable entities with providing access to experts, ideas and other forms of support.

Ultimately success depends upon a person who is passionate about their cause and has a clear vision that can be executed.

3. What are the pitfalls? 

• Not understanding the legal bounds that a not-for-profit can operate under.  For example only a portion of the monies raised by a not-for-profit can used to pay for salaries and overhead. 
• Not understanding the tax reporting that must be filed by each organization
• Competing for the limited amount of money that people and for profits donate each year.  When there is a large disaster, companies may direct the funds allocated for donation to these causes instead of more locally based not-for-profits.  This happened after the Tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.
• Not having a support network that provides access to a diverse set of skills to assist in navigating through the variety of business issues that not-for-profit face.

4. How does someone get involved?

There are many aspects of a not-for-profit one can be involved:

• Active fund raising
• Volunteering to help with the administrative business of a not for profit
• Become a board member

If you want to get involved, there are many ways to find opportunities to help:

• On the internet:  Volunteer.com, Craigslist.org
• Newspapers – classified ads
• Calling the organization directly
• Talk to friends who volunteer

5. Describe the financial aspect of starting a non-profit and maintaining it.

• Write a business plan
• Identify what the fixed expenses will be and how this can be funded.
• Research the available sources of funding:  Fund raising, corporate partnerships, government grants, private grants, other Not-For-Profits
• Search out advice on what the legal tax filings are, what needs to be done and how often
• Always have a budget and track your expenses

6.    What is your background experience or involvement in not-for-profit organizations?

·      Corporate finance consultant focusing on complex acquisitions and deal structuring

·      Board member of Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.

Not for profit experience includes: 

·      Board Member of SAS in Toronto ON, an organization that provided support and activities for frail seniors.

·      Advisor to Vancouver Women’s and Children’s Hospital Board

·      Active volunteer at the Barnicle Historical State Park in FL

 

Angela Darling of Love Your Breasts Inc. http://www.lybi.org and For info on The Give 'N Take Network and Love Your Breasts Initiative, please go here: http://www.giventakenetwork.org/bcawareness.html

1.How does your program/organization help the community?

To date, the organization of Love Your Breasts, Inc. (LYBI) has earned a total of six exemplary community service awards thereby establishing the credibility of its' mission statement. We have been given in recognition for the organization's commitment to the fight against breast cancer. This past March 2006, I received The Harriet Tubman Humanitarian Achievement Award in Albany, NY. In April 2006, was also the recipient of the Northeast Bronx Negro Women Council Community Service Award.

Our emphasis is on providing free cancer education and support services to minorities. We distribute a quarterly educational newsletter which has expanded to all five boroughs, and is now nationally distributed via liaisons located in Florida, Atlanta, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Jamaica West Indies to name a few. LYBI is a leader in the provision of innovative, culturally sensitive, friendly community outreach. Our free support services include a monthly cancer support group, quarterly: Look Good Feel Better program, referrals for uninsured/underinsured low income women age 40 and older for free mammograms.

We partner with the American Cancer Society who refers clients to our cancer support group. We collaborate with The Bronx Healthy Women and St. Barnabas Hospital mobile mammography van services. Yearly, we distribute free gifts to adult oncology patients at a local hospital. The organization is present at church health fairs, street fairs, wellness seminars, community centers and Angela does guest speaker presentations.

2.What in your opinion are the guidelines for success?

To be successful, the organization must be dedicated to the furtherance of the mission/purpose of the organization. Demonstrate your ongoing credibility to the communities you serve. The mission is a definition of "why" the organization exists currently.

3. What are the pitfalls?

IRS deems that a non-profit organization is not allowed to participate in political campaigns for or against political candidates. Non-profits do not have to be cash-poor, but many of them are and that can create a strain. Another pitfall is frequently funding the mission with your own dollars in order to fight the cause. But, you forge ahead anyway because of the passion for the fulfillment of the mission.

4. How does someone get involved?

If applying for non-profit status the IRS makes the decision whether a business qualifies. It is crucial to complete a correct and thorough application. An incorrect form may make you personally liable for taxes if your request is not granted. IRS will require the following information:

a) The organization's Federal Employee Tax Identification Number (FEIT)

b) Detailed description of the organization's activities. This includes what the organization has done in the past, currently doing, and its' future plans. There is a filing fee.

c) Provide the name, address and title of each office and director.

d) A copy of the organization's Articles of Incorporation and by-laws.

e) The organization's financial statements for the current year and each of the prior three years.

f) Provide budget plans for the next two years if organized less than one year.

g) For IRS to handle the paperwork there is a filing fee based on the organization's current and projected revenues.

GIVE YOUR BUSINESS A BOOST OF CREATIVITY! Why not add Jack of All Trades, Master of None? to your personal library? Also SIGN UP for the special one-on-one 8 week course based on the book. THE SUCCESS STORIES KEEP COMING IN! "My experience with Simone Kelly Brown's 8 week course was life altering. Before I started the course, I felt like I was all over the place. I learned that you can get more things done in the course of a day if you plan it out correctly. I accomplished more than I ever thought I could in such a short period of time.  I’ve developed a newsletter, a slogan, a teleclass, just to name a few. I can see the success of my business coming to fruition! I appreciated the challenge and I now feel like I have structure. I highly recommend it." Tamisa M. Covington Apropos "Charmed, I'm sure..." www.apropos-etiquette.com Sign up today affordable personalized coaching from Simone Kelly-Brown to help you streamline your business and get focused! Go here for more: www.gotstohaveit.com/8weekcourse.html

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Interested in making and difference and building up your contacts while you do it? Fill out an application found here for consideration: www.giventakenetwork.org/volunteer.html

ABOUT US: Simone Kelly-Brown is the President and CEO of Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.. For over 10 years, she has been working with small business owners who are just starting out and want to get their businesses off the ground with innovative marketing.

GTHI is a firm that specializes in marketing and empowering entrepreneurs with a series of workshops and networking events.

For further information view: www.gotstohaveit.com
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Until Next Month!

Own Your Power,
Simone Kelly-Brown
CEO/PRESIDENT, Gots To Have It Marketing, Inc.www.gotstohaveit.com
If you want it, you Gots To Have It!


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