Turning An Idea Into A Non-Profit Organization - Interview With Mr. Lawrence Fianko
Do you have an idea for a non-profit organization? Are you unsure what practical steps to take in order to make that a reality? Today, Lawrence Fianko joins us to talk about his experience starting a non-profit organization.
Guest Bio
Mr. Lawrence Fianko is the CEO & Co-Founder of EduCom (www.educom.world), a non-profit organization that helps provide education opportunities to underprivileged students in Ghana. He is also a mental health and addiction therapist.
Q: How Do You Turn Your Non-Profit Idea Into A Reality?
“First of all, you need a name. You need to pick a name that is very catchy that actually speaks to your mission.
You need a mission and a vision statement.
And after you do that, you want to create a website for your non-profit.
The next step would be going to the state and signing it up with the state, and also getting an EIN (Employer Identification Number or Tax Identification Number) for the business.”
Board Members
“After that, every non-profit needs a board. You need board members to have a productive non-profit…You need board members that believe in your mission. You don’t want to pick anybody. You need somebody that actually believes in your mission. What makes a non-profit is not just the mission and the goals and the vision, but it’s also the people who are supporting your vision. These people are your board members.”
Q: What Are Some of the Key Lessons You Have Learned?
Consider the long-term goals & impact. “A lot of people talk about short-term goals. They don’t think about the long-term impact. We want to be able to make it now [but] we have to be able to have the mindset where we are thinking about the long-term.”
Work hard to achieve your goal. “Nothing good comes easily. You have to work hard towards it. You’re not just there and things are handed to you. If you have a goal, you have a mission, work. When I say work, I mean get up and go. Look for people, talk to people about it. If you have these ideas and you’re not talking about it, that means you’re not invested in it.”
Summary
It is easier than ever to create non-profit organizations today. We would be wise to take advantage of that, and of the advice of those who have gone before us. With these few tips, you can create your own thriving non-profit organization and make the world a better place.
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