How to Get Seed Money for Start Up Non-Profits

Ask for donations.

Starting a non-profit organization and finding money to fund the venture can take time and many hours of work. Finding the funds to start a non-profit can be difficult. Often, personal resources are a source of initial funding. A non-profit can be started with limited funds through putting in extra work and time.

Things You'll Need

• Computer

Instructions

Get Funding

1. 

   Open a bank account to track funds.

   Nail down a focus for the non-profit organization and focus on who or what the charity seeks to help. Find the community the non-profit will operate in, rather physical, or using social media. Gather support for the non-profit to seek donations down the road. File the articles of incorporation with the state of operation, get a tax ID from the IRS, and open a bank account.

2. Make an impression on the community and ask for donations for start-up funding through social media campaigns or by soliciting members of the local community. Appeal to donors to donate and specify how the organization will make a difference.

3. Sell goods or services to earn start-up funds. Make crafts and sell at a local craft fair. Or, order silicone bracelets and sell online. Raffle off prizes and hold giveaways.

4. Earn a couple hundred dollars and apply for tax-exempt status with the IRS. Once IRS status is granted, more donors will be willing to give. Also, the organization can apply for grants once tax-exempt status is given.

Tips & Warnings

• Meet with local non-profit leaders to get advice.

• Strict guidelines regulate the financial reporting duties of non-profits, research applicable laws and IRS rules.

References

• IRS: Lifecycle of a charity
• Guidestar: fundraising