Starting & Sustaining a NonProfit in DC
June 15, 2012
On June 13th, WDCEP hosted their monthly DoingBusiness2.0 speaker series, which brought together over 50 aspiring non-profit leaders to listen to industry experts on how to start and sustain a non-profit organization in the District of Columbia. The speakers covered issues and questions individuals should consider when starting a non-profit organization in DC, including strategic plan development, grants, available local government resources, and more.
George Constantine, a partner at Venable LLP that counsels tax-exempt charities, trade associations, professional societies, and labor organizations, kicked off the panel by laying the groundwork to starting a non-profit in DC. He advised the crowd to conduct proper due diligence prior to establishing their non-profit, first and foremost, by establishing their mission and goals, surveying the landscape of non-profits, and assessing the likelihood of funding and other resources. He went on to give the crowd an overview of legal requirements and common issues non-profit face throughout their operation. For more information, please view his presentation below.
Lafayette Barnes, Director at the DC Office of Partnerships and Grants (OPGS), gave the crowd an overview of the variety of services DC OPGS provides to both new and existing DC-based non-profits. Some of the services include:
- Grant and resource development support, including weekly Funding Alerts of competitive grant opportunities and an online Grant Search Site;
- Executive leadership and organizational development training and technical assistance;
- Proposal-writing tips; and
- Assistance in creating collaboration and mutually-beneficial partnerships between various organizations.
Glen O’Gilvie, Chief Executive Officer of the Center for Nonprofit Advancement gave an overview of the many resources his organization provides to non-profit organizations based in DC, including education, networking, and advocacy. According to the Center’s recent survey of local non-profit organizations, the recession has challenged many non-profits to manage increased demand for their services while facing revenue reductions of 10%-50%. The Center for Nonprofit Advancement has provided their members with training resources and cost-saving programs to help them cope with today’s economic conditions, including advising them to adhere to “The Three C’s – Conserve, Collaborate, and Consolidate.”
Learn more about how to start a nonprofit organization in the District: view past DoingBusiness2.0 video presentations and download the Doing Business in DC Guide.
Presentations
Doing Business in DC | Starting a Nonprofit | Starting and Operating a Nonprofit in DC
Doing Business in DC | Starting a Nonprofit | DC Office of Partnerships and Grants Services
Doing Business in DC | Starting a Nonprofit | Nonprofit Organizations in the District of Columbia
Photo Gallery | Doing Business 2.0 | Starting & Sustaining a Nonprofit in DC
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