Difference between revisions of "How to Start an NGO"
From NGO Handbook
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*Whether or not the NGO has capital stock (usually it will not) | *Whether or not the NGO has capital stock (usually it will not) | ||
*How long the NGO is expected to exist (this may be declared as everlasting). | *How long the NGO is expected to exist (this may be declared as everlasting). | ||
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| + | == 6. Draft Bylaws == | ||
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| + | While the articles of incorporation prove the accountability of the organization to the external world, the bylaws represent the responsibilities of the NGO to itself. The bylaws of an NGO specify how it will run. They act as a rule book determining structure, power, and organization. The bylaws are self-imposed by the NGO and therefore, should conform to the needs of the specific organization. | ||
| + | |||
| + | The bylaws help to resolve and minimize disputes and should be available to all members of an NGO for reference. Though it varies depending on the individual needs of an NGO, some general information included in the bylaws may be: | ||
| + | *Purpose/Mission | ||
| + | *Registered Office of the NGO | ||
| + | *Members and qualifications and length of memberships | ||
| + | *Board size, responsibilities, structure | ||
| + | *Structure of board meetings | ||
| + | *Committee Structure | ||
| + | *Officer Duties. | ||
| + | |||
| + | If the NGO decides to incorporate, some of what would usually be included in the bylaws is outlined in the articles and it is unnecessary to duplicate these rules in the bylaws. Therefore, it is essential to have both the articles of incorporation and the bylaws drafted before the NGO officially registers. The bylaws, like the articles, must also be sent to the board for final approval. | ||
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| + | == 7.Register the Organization == | ||
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| + | After a name is chosen and the bylaws and articles are written, it is necessary to register or incorporate the organization within its local government. In most countries, there are specific people in governmental departments that work in registering an NGO and distributing the compulsory forms in which to do so. The documents to be submitted vary between countries, but in most cases information about the board members, mission statement, and staff members is required and the articles and/or bylaws are essential. | ||
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| + | == 8. Hold an Initial Board of Directors Meeting == | ||
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| + | Once the NGO is legally incorporated (through an issued charter in most cases) an initial board of directors meeting should be held. The board members should officially adopt the bylaws in the first meeting because they should explain how the board functions. (In some countries the bylaws will already be established at this point by the incorporators depending on the governmental requirements.) The first meeting is important in establishing officers, committees, and discussing preliminary projects. | ||
Revision as of 11:47, 23 July 2008
Starting an NGO can be a very time-consuming process. It requires a strong vision and dedication from an individual or group that share a common concern about a community. If initiated correctly in an organized and strategic way, the services implemented to benefit the community can be very helpful and resourceful.
The following presents nine steps, in general chronological order, that are useful in the formation of an NGO. This paper acts as a broad “how to” guideline and these issues may vary depending on each NGO. It is important to realize that these situations also vary from country to country, as each one has its own specific requirements and recommendations.
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