Starting a nonprofit can feel overwhelming, but Candid has resources available to help organizations build a strong foundation from the beginning. Keep reading for links to Candid resources that support early-stage nonprofits in developing capacity, connecting with funders, and navigating the path toward long-term sustainability.

Stay tuned for our June newsletters highlighting upcoming webinars and how to write grant proposals.

So You Want to Start a Nonprofit?

First and foremost, please research if similar organizations already exist - and see how you can partner with them to strengthen our community!

Once you've done your homework, start reading through Candid's resources on starting a nonprofit - which includes:

• Assessing your readiness
• Creating a mission statement, writing a business plan, and developing a board
• Incorporating a legal structure
• Filing for 501c3 status
• Maintaining compliance through 990 submission and state filing

Early Stage Resources

Working with a young nonprofit? Candid has even more resources to help you along your journey of strengthening your capacity.

• Finding Board Members for Your Nonprofit . Check out Candid's recorded webinar on how to immediately diversify your board AND your major donor base.
• Getting Noticed By Funders - through leveraging LinkedIn, enhancing your online presence, and attending networking opportunities in and beyond your industry.

Additional Resources

May Live Webinars

Candid Learning offers a variety of live webinars for building nonprofit professional skills. Take a peek at what's coming up this month:

• May 19th - 1pm: Introduction to Individal Giving. Learn the key elements of an individual giving program and walk away with next steps for starting or improving your own.
• May 21st - 2pm: Boost Engagement with Donor-Advised Fund Donors - with Tips from Vanguard Charitable. Hear from Vanguard Charitable on how donor advisors make giving descisions, and why you Candid profile matters.
• May 28th - 1pm: Introduction to Project Budgets. Come learn the basic elements of how to draft a project budget for a grant proposal with confidence.

This summer, we’re excited to re-introduce you to Candid—a powerful resource designed to help nonprofits strengthen their capacity and expand access to funding opportunities. In the coming months, our newsletters will guide you through Candid Learning, highlighting practical tools, trainings, and resources you can start using right away to build skills and confidence.

This is just the beginning: in the fall, we’ll take a deeper dive into Candid Search through an in-person workshop, followed by regular coffee hours at the Cooper House where you can receive hands-on support as you search for new funding opportunities.