Developing a successful professional support institution requires a special mix of energy, determination, leadership qualities, technical abilities and a desire to do something for your community. Some people say that it is more difficult than developing a small business. In any event you cannot do it alone - a team of people who share a common objective will have to come together to work with, and support, each other.
If you hope to start a new professional support institution, here are some questions you should ask yourself before you begin:
a) Is there a need for the new support institution? - Market Research , Business Idea
This is the most important question to answer. Is anyone else providing the same or similar service in your country/region? Do a thorough job of answering this question before you take another step. You might call it market research. Get to know the programs that already exist, whom they serve and how well they serve them. If similar programs are already operating but you believe they could do a better job, be sure you understand where they are falling short and how your new organisation could do it better.
a) Do you have supporters? – Foundation Team, Preparatory team
It's difficult to travel this bumpy road alone. Talk to people about your ideas. Enlist their support as both volunteers and contributors. You can't just depend on family and friends to provide all the support you'll need. If you find this an uphill battle it may be that your idea is poorly formed or just not appealing to those who you will need to turn to for help.
b) Where will you get the money to pay the bills? – Financial Planning, Fundraising
You can start a non-profit organisation with very little money but continuation will take some financing. For example, where will the service be provided? Will you rent space? Work from your home? And if you plan to be the primary provider of services, how will you support yourself while you build the organisation. Foundation grants for start-up organisations are hard to find. If you hope to find grants in the beginning, two important factors will have to be in place: You must be filling a strong and compelling need and you must have the proper experience and background to bring credibility to your idea.
c) What makes you the best person to do this job? - Self Assessment for Association Executives (Source: Amercian Society of Association Executives)
Dedication and desire are important elements but they alone are not enough. Have you been working in this field? Do you have an understanding of your potential clients? Have you had special training? Are there licensing requirements in your city or state that must be met? Are you an acknowledged expert in the proposed field of activity?
d) Do you have a plan? – “Business Plan”, Organisation Structures
It is not enough to have the idea only in your head. You'll need to write a business plan before you do anything else. The answers to the other four questions should be written into this plan. Who will you serve and why, do you have community support, how will you find initial funding and why are you the best person for the job.
Spend time thinking about and answering these questions before you rush in to registering the organisation as a not-for-profit and apply for any applicable tax-exempt status. It will make the path easier and increase your chances of success. Depending on who you will serve and with what you may need to be registered as a for-profit.
f) What are the legal & administrative preparations you have to make? – “Legal & Administrative Preparations", "Financial Management"
Now that you know what, how, where and with whom you are going to offer something to your target group you will have to understand and plan for the legal and administrative requirements. This means: knowing the steps for registration with the local authorities, drawing up your institution's bylaws or statutes, checking where to open bank accounts and understanding the applicable accounting standards and Director's responsibilities.
Source: About.com "Nonprofit Charitable Organisation”