If you’re looking to have a positive impact on the world around you, starting your own nonprofit is a great way to act on your ideals. Helping others is a lot easier when you have organizational clout behind you. Getting your organization off the ground is all about developing a sound plan and putting it into action. Here’s how you can get your nonprofit up and running in no time.

Create a Board of Directors

A diversity of voices in leadership positions is essential if you want your organization to be truly dynamic. Rather than running the nonprofit all by yourself, you’re much better off forming a board of directors with like-minded philanthropists. That way, you can make group decisions that take a variety of viewpoints into account. You should fill your board with people who share your vision but who bring a unique perspective to the table.

Craft a Mission Statement

Once you’ve got your leadership team together, it’s time to spell out your organization’s goals. You need a mission that is wide enough to solve various problems but narrow enough to keep everyone focused. You should choose something you’re passionate about, something that will allow you to have a real effect on the local community or society at large. With the help of the board, devise a concise mission statement that will define the organization’s purpose. This statement will tell future donors what exactly it is they’re contributing to.

Start Your Fundraising Efforts

You won’t be able to do much for the community without sufficient funding. Raising money should be one of your first concerns since it will make all your subsequent work possible. Consider investing in fundraising management consulting to devise a smart, strategic campaign. With the right fundraising techniques and a sound mission, you should have no problem raising the capital you need.

Invest in the Basic Space and Equipment You’ll Need

Before you can actually put the money you’ve raised to its intended use, you need to secure whatever you’ll need to carry out your mission. Most nonprofits require a bit of office space, vehicles for delivering goods or traveling to distant locations, and computers for carrying out digital work.

Once you’ve got your nonprofit up and running, you can start making a difference in the lives of people around you. Follow the steps outlined above to get the whole process started.