Donate to the, Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund. A massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake has hit Japan, triggering a deadly tsunami. Japanese media report that the death toll is rising and thousands are missing. It is the worst earthquake to hit Japan in at least a century and has sparked dozens of fires, including in more than 30 buildings in Tokyo and an oil refinery near the city.
This major natural disaster has caused large scale damage along Japan’s east coast. We are extremely concerned for the welfare of children and their families who have been affected by the disaster. We stand ready to meet the needs of children who are always the most vulnerable in a disaster.
Donate now to the Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund to support Save the Children’s responses to children’s ongoing and urgent needs.
Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need in the United States and around the world. Recognized for our commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration, our work takes us into the heart of communities, where we help children and families help themselves. We work with other organizations, governments, non-profits and a variety of local partners while maintaining our own independence without political agenda or religious orientation.
When disaster strikes around the world, Save the Children is there to save lives with food, medical care and education and remains to help communities rebuild through long-term recovery programs. As quickly and as effectively as Save the Children responds to tsunamis and civil conflict, it works to resolve the ongoing struggles children face every day — poverty, hunger, illiteracy and disease — and replaces them with hope for the future.
Non-Profits: Founded by Passion, Sustained by Smart Business
By Norm Bour
Everyone should have a passion in life, whether it be a sport, musical instrument, hobby, career or cause. The last item- a cause- is usually what motivates someone to start a charitable organization. As great as this is, there are things to consider when taking the significant step of forming a 501(c)3.
What is the mission of the charity?
We find that many charities are confused and confusing in articulating exactly what they were formed to do. Is it to help a certain cause? Cure or help fund to cure a particular disease or ailment? Whatever it is, you should be able to convey the agenda for your charity in 30 seconds or less with no confusion from whomever you are sharing it with.
Is this something you really should do?
Is there really a need or room for your mission? In the United States there are approximately 1.5 million nonprofit organizations and you can be very sure there is a lot of overlapping as to what one may do versus another. If you really do have a passion for making a difference, see if there are similar organizations already available in your area. Your time and efforts can be more valuable if you don’t have the responsibility of managing and maintaining the Living Organism known as a nonprofit and just providing passion and fuel.
Are you really a nonprofit in name only??
Chartering a 501(c)3 is relatively painless and though it takes a while to get your exemption from the IRS, it’s not an onerous task. So then what? Do you understand the responsibilities you have just taken on? This question is raised because we see too many nonprofits that were started by well intentioned people who watch the organization just sit there, dormant, and never doing a thing. The compliance rules have changed in the past year so that even if you do zero business and raise no money you still must file your 990 forms. Many times the founder makes a half-hearted effort to get a grant, but that is folly if they aren’t walking the walk and talking the talk of a well formed organization.
Does the Board of Directors understand their function and responsibilities?
If there is one thing we find in many Boards of Directors its confusion, and at the extreme; dysfunctionality. Many board members do not understand their roles and even if they make their best effort individually, unless the board can function cohesively it’s an exercise in frustration and failure. All board members should be trained and be made to understand what is required of them: commitment, efforts, and fundraising. Be sure the rules are clear as to the board members and the Executive Director’s level of responsibility.
The wrong reasons to form a charity:
This may shock you, but many people start a nonprofit to generate a job for themselves, their family or friends. Some do it to raise grant money thinking it’s the “easy way”, but yet they have no structure or infrastructure. Many have no Board of Directors, keep no records or even remain compliant. Forming a nonprofit is no different that starting any type of business: understand the rules, the competition and do your research before you spend the time, energy and efforts.
Making money and raising money is not a crime or a sin. The more you bring in, the more you can help, but that will not happen on willpower alone. Run your nonprofit like a business- a smart business. Have a Plan, keep good accounting records, have a fundraising and Grant Strategic Plan and make the difference you want to make in this world.
Article Source: Non-Profits: Founded by Passion, Sustained by Smart Business
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